S. Of. Cam, (endorsed) Dec 1 3 2022 Rchard Clerk of the Court City of Campbell Superior Court of Ca County of Santa*

R1b

Governing entities within Santa Clara County should voluntarily submit their ballot questions to the County Counsel for review prior to submission to the Registrar of Voters, unless and until

R1c

Governing entities within Santa Clara County should, by March 31, 2023, adopt their own resolution or ordinance to require submission of their ballot questions to the County Counsel for review prior to submission to the Registrar of Voters, unless and until Recommendations 1d and 1e are implemented. Response: The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted The City of Campbell is committed to transparency in governance including conducting meetings open to the public to approve ballot question language. The California Election Code §9200 et seq. sets forth the process for the submittal of ballot measures in municipal elections. The process to develop and approve the submittal of a ballot question includes the review of professional staff and the City Attorney to ensure the language conforms with the law. This process of review allows the City to address problematic language while still recognizing community priorities and values in a manner that it easy to understand. Additionally, the existing statutory deadlines contained in the Election Code make it challenging to accommodate additional reviews, meetings and determinations by County Counsel to enforce existing law. City of Campbell Response to the Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury Report

R1d

is implemented. Response: The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted The trust of voters is a tremendous incentive for local agencies to adopt clear bailot language. The City of Campbell is committed to transparency in governance including conducting meetings open to the public to approve ballot question language. The California Election Code §9200 et seq. sets forth the process for the submittal of ballot measures in municipal elections. The process to develop and approve the submittal of a ballot question includes the review of professional staff and the City Attorney to ensure the language conforms with the law. This process of review allows the City to address problematic language while still recognizing community priorities and values in a manner that it easy to understand.

R1e

Governing entities within Santa Clara County should submit their ballot questions for review by the Good Governance in Ballots Commission pursuant to Recommendation 1d. Response: The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted The formation of a Good Governance in Ballots Commission with advisory powers to recommend ballot language would eliminate the ability of local elected officials to address local priorities and values in a manor that reflects the local community. Existing law specified in Elections Code §9200 et seq. sets forth the process and timing for the submittal of ballot measures in municipal elections. It is not warranted to create additional processes through an independent commission to ensure the existing requirements of the law are met. Campbell's existing process affords a public process to address problematic language in an efficient manner, while still meeting statutory deadlines.