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LWV League of Women Voters of California
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San Joaquin County, CA November 7, 2000 Election
Measure E
Term Limits
Lincoln Unified School District

Put on ballot by grass-roots petition

9,175 / 61.2% Yes votes ...... 5,810 / 38.8% No votes

See Also: Index of all Measures

Information shown below: Summary | Yes/No Meaning | Arguments |

Shall the members of the Lincoln School District Board of Trustees be limited to two (2) terms of office?

Summary:
This measure, if approved by a majority of the votes cast by the registered voters residing within the boundaries of the respective district and voting thereon, will limit the number of terms a member of the Board of Trustees of the LINCOLN Unified School District may serve to two (2) terms of office. The term limits proposal shall apply prospectively only.

Meaning of Voting Yes/No
A YES vote of this measure means:
A "yes" vote would limit to two (2) terms of office of Lincoln School District Board of Trustees.

A NO vote of this measure means:
A "no" vote would not limit the number of terms of office of Lincoln School District Board of Trustees.

 
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Arguments For Measure E Arguments Against Measure E
Vote for Measure E. Measure E will establish term limits for the Board of Trustees of Lincoln Unified School District. These public servants would be eligible to serve two, four-year terms. Measure E increases accountability to the citizenry, ensures competition for your vote, limits potential corruption, and attracts our community's best leaders to run for the school board. Better Trustees will improve the quality of our schools. Measure E was placed on the ballot by a grass-roots petition effort that collected approximately 2000 signatures from registered voters in Lincoln Unified School District.

Term limits make an enormous difference on the behavior of elected officials. They must worker harder and faster to achieve public policy goals. Building long-term relationships with special interest dim as a priority. Achieving the consent of the bureaucrats they oversee and the press that covers them becomes meaningless. Far less distraction and more focus on the purpose of the school board - educating our kids. Your elected officials will work for you, not narrow groups.

Voters today are frequently offered a mindless choice. Incumbents have more name identification and campaign funds. This incumbent advantage discourages potential challengers. With no real choice to make, voters are disheartened. Measure E will provide an open field with no incumbent on a regular basis. A competitive campaign attracts more voters. More voter participation will increase faith in school board decisions.

Measure E offers the promise of competitive elections, more parent participation, and better schools. Fresh ideas advocated by energetic public servants will improve the public discourse. A more vigorous debate will surely improve our local schools. Vote for Measure E.

/s/ Dean Andal, Chairman, Board of Equalization

/s/ Douglas A. Biggs, Grocer

/s/ William J. Travaille, Business Owner

/s/ Anne Steiner, Teacher

The proponents of Measure E allege four arguments. First, it will increase accountability. False. Trustees who can only be re-elected once are less accountable than those who serve as long as you are pleased with their performance.

Second, they claim it will ensure competitive elections. False. This election has four candidates for two seats. In 1996, there were seven candidates for two seats. How much more competition is needed?

Third, they claim it limit the potential for corruption. False. When was the last, or first, time a Lincoln Trustee was accused of corruption?

Fourth, they claim it will attract our community's best leaders. False. The present system has attracted as trustees: Claudia Landeen, Dick Maslow, Phil Dunn, Dick Haines, John Reece, Fran Abbott, Pearl West, Lee Dempsey, Wil Smith and other community leaders.

Measure E plays on your fears and dislike of professional politicians. While you may generally favor term limits, it is inappropriate for Lincoln Unified, because trustees are unpaid volunteers.

One of the strengths of Lincoln Unified has been the stability of its trustees. Superintendents and staff are willing to professionally commit to Lincoln because of the consistent, long range goals pursued by a stable board. A constant infusion of inexperienced trustees leads to native blunders, inconsistent goals, flight of quality staff and a devastating effect on your children's education.

Lincoln Unified is an outstanding school district providing an excellent education for your children. Its traditional system of trustee service is working fine. Please leave it alone.

/s/ Donald M. Riggio

/s/ Douglass Wilhoit

/s/ Cory K. Hull

/s/ Robert V. Kavanaugh


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Created: January 25, 2001 02:34
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