HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020 TUSTIN ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF COUNCIL COMPENSATION DRAFT 1
2020 Tustin Council Compensation—Argument in Favor
In November 2020, Tustin voters will decide whether to limit future City Council compensation
according to a statewide formula based on the city's population. We encourage you to vote
"YES"on this measure.
In 2012, Tustin's residents voted to remove all compensation and benefits from the Tustin City
Council, largely because the benefits had grown in line with full-time employment. With that
vote, Tustin became one of only two cities in Orange County that do not pay their Council
Members. Every current Council Member ran for office understanding they would receive no
pay whatsoever. This measure will only introduce compensation for future council terms after
the 2022 election.
By adopting the State's population-based compensation, you the voters can make the decision to
cap a modest monthly stipend for future Council Members. The City of Tustin deserves
professional Council Members who treat their role like a career. But unfortunately, not everyone
can afford to run for office. Serving on Tustin's City Council often requires more than 20 hours
per week, and often requires Council Members to take time off from their paying"day jobs." A
small stipend, capped consistent with the statewide formula, will allow more people to run for
office by helping offset out-of-pocket expenses which are typically required to serve our
constituents well. Everyone should have the ability to serve their community.
Your"YES"vote will cap future Council Member compensation to a State Government Code
based limit. We encourage you to vote YES on this measure.