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Susana Barrios
From:Ali Maabreh <info@email.actionnetwork.org>
Sent:Monday, June 12, 2023 12:16 PM
To:Public Comment
Subject:\[EXTERNAL\] Anaheim: Don’t Dodge Democracy, Let the Voters Speak!
Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open
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For Public Comment,
Dear Mayor and Honorable City Council,
I write as a concerned citizen of Anaheim to ask that you refuse to put the Hotel & Event
Center Worker Protection Initiative on a costly special election this year. Anaheim is a city
that has struggled with transparency in government for too long. The voters of this city have
the right to know what is happening with our laws and the right to have our voices heard. This
Initiative is an important step for our city to take, and we need as many voters as possible in
this city to cast their ballots on this vital issue.
According to the Council staff report from last month’s May 16 meeting, a special election
would cost the city $1,477,297 - $1,632,776. That’s compared to the $198,891 - $233,265
that it would cost to put the Initiative on the ballot in the general election in 2024, for a
difference of over a million dollars. Let’s be clear: The City of Anaheim should NOT drain its
coffers to hold a special election at the behest of big business interests.
There is no reason to intentionally limit the amount of voices Anaheim is willing to hear on this
issue, and scheduling a special election would very likely mean fewer voters would weigh in
on this important issue, not to mention the enormous cost the special election would have to
hardworking taxpayers in Anaheim. Please place this Initiative on the general election ballot
in November of 2024.
Ali Maabreh
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