Misleading Characterization, Saving Signs and League Spells Out VERITAS

August 7, 2001

Dear Editor,

Your article about the financial support for the referendum ("Follow the Money," Aug. 6) missed an extremely important point. The campaign has received contributions from almost 100 contributors, most of whom are individual residents of Santa Monica.

You gave the impression that this effort was almost entirely supported by big hotels when, in fact, there is very broad support from around the community. There are also a large number of volunteers circulating throughout the City getting signatures on a grass-roots basis that equate to substantial additional financial support.

I am very proud of the level of participation in the community for the referendum and object to your misleading characterization.

Tom Larmore
Fighting Against Irresponsible Regulation (F.A.I.R.)

August 5 2001,

Dear Editor,

I read a past article regarding businesses racing to save signs (Jan. 31, 2000). I found it very refreshing. I do not live in Santa Monica, I am from Texas, but I feel very strongly about the preservation of history and culture.

It disturbs me to think that character doesn't count for much when being compared to the cookie-cutter standards of conformity. It unsettles me.

I also noticed a quote in the article by Penelope Sudrow. I would like to send her a "thank you" for her comment and also to encourage her to continue pursuance of her acting career. I would like to see her in more roles. Where did she go?

Thanks for your time!!

Fondly,
Heatherly Kates

August 3, 2001

Dear Editor,

(From: The League of Women Voters of Santa Monica)

A petition for submission to voters of proposed amendments to the charter and municipal code of the City of Santa Monica is currently being circulated for signatures. This petition is known as "Voters Election Reform Initiative for a True Accountability System", or "VERITAS".

The League of Women Voters of Santa Monica, in its capacity as a provider of impartial information to the community, would like to inform the voters of the contents and potential impact of this Petition.

"VERITAS" calls for charter amendments and a proposed ordinance, which
can be summarized as follows:

• a. Direct election of the Mayor of Santa Monica by the electorate, not by the City Council;
• b. The Mayor will no longer be a voting member of the City Council except in order to break a tie and in matters concerning the removal of the City Manager or the City Attorney;
• c. The Mayor will have veto power over ordinances passed by the Council;
• d. The Mayor's veto will be able to be overridden by a sufficient number of votes, which varies according to circumstances but is defined in the Petition, by the Council;
• e. No member of the City Council, or the Mayor, will be able to serve more than two consecutive four year terms for the same office;
• f. Neighborhood district elections for City Council members will be held, replacing current "at-large" elections;
• g. The Petition defines seven neighborhood districts for said City Council elections, designated by the Petition as CITY CENTER-NORTH OF WILSHIRE, NORTH OF MONTANA, WILSHIRE CORRIDOR, MID-CITY AREA, OCEAN PARK, PICO NEIGHBORHOOD, and SUNSET PARK;
• h. The requirement of a majority vote (more than 50%) for City Council members and for the Mayor. These elections are to take place during even-year California State Primary Elections. In the event no candidate for a particular district, or the Mayor, receives more than 50 percent of the vote, a run-off election for that district, or for the Mayor, will be held during the November General Election in that same year;
• i. The residency requirement for candidates for Mayor will be reduced to 30 days from 2 years;
• j. The residency requirement for candidates for City Council in their districts will be reduced to 30 days from 2 years, within the districts they wish to represent.

The League of Women Voters always advises every voter to read the full text of any petition for which your signature is requested. Your name is of value. You have the right to ask anyone who requests your signature for the full text of the Petition and for adequate time to read it until you are sure you understand it. This is your right as a citizen.

Sincerely,