Should San Ramon Extend Council Members Terms to Save Money?

Of all cities in Contra Costa County, only one has their city elections on odd number years.

That city is San Ramon.

The reasoning was that having the council elections on odd-years would give voters the opportunity to focus on the local candidates, as opposed to even-years when voters also have to vote for state and national office.

But with city facing budget challenges, is contemplating switching to even-years to save money, the San Ramon Express reports.

It is projected that going to even-years would save the city about $210,000 a year.

But if City Council and Mayoral elections are pushed back, council members Dave Hudson and Jim Livingstone and  Mayor Bill Clarkson will have their term extended a year longer than voters had originally voted them in for.

As opposed to having the City Council make the decision themselves, some prefer, including councilman Phil O'Loane, to have the voters decide if election should go to even-years with a ballot measure this November.

Currently, it appears, Hudson and Livingstone are in favor of having the City Council extend the terms to save money, while O'Loane and Clarkson are opposed, with Scott Perkins possibly being the swing vote, accoding to the Express.

The City Council in Benicia recently took up the same issue and decided to extend their terms to save money.

Let us know what you think? Do you think the city should go to even-year elections? Tell us in the comments section.