Recommendation to request City Attorney to draft a resolution in opposition to the Recall Election of the Governor of California.
So we'll go through these seven items, hopefully expeditiously. Item 27, please. Communication from Vice Mayor Richardson. Councilwoman Zendejas, Councilwoman Allen. Councilwoman Sara. Recommendation to request City Attorney to draft a resolution in opposition to the recall election of the governor of California. Of Vice Mayor Richardson. And on the motion, please. Thank you, Mr.. A second. Proceed. Please. Thank you. Between now and September 14th, Californians are voting in an election that will determine the direction that we take in California and impact our community here in Long Beach and even in our country at large. In this election, voters ask the question on your ballot, shall Gavin Newsom be recalled removed from office of governor? Yes or no? That is a ballot measure question that has tremendous impacts on our city. Like any other ballot question, we have the legal authority and I believe the responsibility to demonstrate leadership and take a position that best aligns with Long Beach's goals and values. Many residents might ask, what is what does this vote actually mean for the future of Long Beach? I want everyone to know that the stakes are indeed high for quality of life, for the initiatives that we've pursued to create a more just, a more equitable city, a more inclusive Long Beach , where every resident is accepted and has an opportunity to thrive. And let's talk about what's at stake. All we need to do is look at the recall supporters statement of reasons. Those advocating for a yes vote say that the governor's support for immigrant rights, conservation and investing in housing and services have to stave off a homelessness emergency . Are the wrong things to do. Here in Long Beach. We've done the opposite. We welcome immigrants. We've shown this throughout our history as a city. Most recently, by passing our laws that protect our immigrants and helping reunite migrant families. We believe that climate change is real. As a city, we need to prepare for its effects. It's why Long Beach has led the way by creating a climate action adaptation plan and passing measure us to help fund these efforts. And we know that the K-Shaped recovery from COVID 19 is also real. While the wealthiest among us continue to do well, we've helped our residents, our residents on the lower leg of that case. We're struggling to recover. We've helped them by providing rental assistance and have so have helped support struggling small businesses who need more support, particularly through this COVID 19 pandemic. The progress that we've made as a city as a result, it's a result of us working together with our state and federal government to bring resources back to our communities. That's the progress that is on the line. The recall process is intended for youth. When a governor cannot fulfill their duty, fulfill their duty due to personal corruption or unfaithfulness for office. And these are not the reasons that are that the recall supporters have put forward in their petition. That's not the reasons. In fact, it's important to recognize that this recall petition started circulating months before COVID 19 even reached our shores. And make no mistake, supporters of this recall seek to unravel the progress that we've made as a city in our fight against COVID 19. The Long Beach can't afford to sit this one out. The progress we've made in the city is is too important, and it's on the line. So now is the time for us to take a position, our city's future, and make sure that we understand that this recall election is happening. This isn't whether or not we want this recall election, how this is happening. And so we need to respond to this with urgency and take a position of no on question one for the seventh, the September 14th recall election. And so I'm happy to move our position of no for the city of Long Beach, a position in opposition of the recall election for the governor of California. Thank you. Councilman Allen. Thank you, Mayor. This election, this recall election is a power grab by special interest who hope to delegitimize the votes that were cast in 2018. It delegitimizes my vote for the governor. This recall election will cost over a quarter of $1,000,000,000. And that's a, quote, equivalent to more than half of our general fund. Just for reference. This is a waste of time, energy and money by bet, by special interest. And this is dangerous for our democracy. Councilwoman. Councilmember Superman. Thank you. Independent of the comments made by my colleagues. I have to make this statement. The recall process is clearly outlined in the California Constitution, Article three, Sections 13 through 19, and in the California elections code. It provides a mechanism for the public to attempt to remove elected public officials from office before the end of their terms . I have taken the oath of office on three occasions to serve on the Long Beach City Council. Each time I raise my right hand and I swore to support and defend the Constitution of the State of California, I believe that supporting this agenda item would be a clear violation of my oath of office. Therefore, I will be voting in opposition. Thank you. They can count. Remember, there's a motion in a second. There is no public comment. Members of his court and Castro notes. Motion carries.