California CountiesCalifornia State Association of Counties
In the News

CSAC Board of Directors votes to suspend initiative

Jan. 6 -- At a special meeting yesterday, the CSAC Board of Directors voted to suspend pursuit of the initiative CSAC, the sheriffs association, and the probation officers association filed in November. The initiative would provide constitutionally protected revenues for 2011 realignment and protections for future costs associated with realigned programs.
 
Governor Brown spent the better part of an hour addressing the Board and answering questions, attempting to convince them to support his own initiative, which is awaiting its official title and summary and fiscal analysis. The Governor's initiative contains substantially the same realignment protection language as CSAC's sponsored measure, but would also temporarily hike the state sales tax rate and high-income earners' personal income tax rate. The initiative earmarks money from the taxes for schools, but much of it would indirectly benefit the state's General Fund. The Governor's budget plan, unveiled yesterday, relies heavily on the initiative's success.
 
After the Governor's presentation, the Board engaged in a lengthy and frank discussion of the two measures' relative merits and costs, as well as the political landscape. In the end, board members did not vote to approve the Governo's initiative, but did choose to suspend all activities related to passing CSAC's initiative, including beginning to gather signatures. CSAC will continue discussions with the Governor regarding his measure and the Board will determine a position on that measure at a future date when more information is available.
CSAC elects 2012 officers; McGowan to lead Association 

Dec 7 -- Yolo County Supervisor Mike McGowan was elected 2012 President of the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) at the organization's Annual Conference held in San Francisco the week of November 28-Dec. 2. First Vice President is David Finigan of Del Norte and our new Second Vice President is John Gioia from Contra Costa County. John Tavaglione of Riverside County will be serving as Immediate Past President.

You can read the full press release on the election of our new officers here.
You can also view a new video where President McGowan discusses the challenges and opportunities of the year ahead concluding that "this is the BEST time to be a county supervisor."