The LWV of Diablo Valley RECOMMENDS...Vote with the League

Wednesday, May 16, 2012, 2 p.m.

The League of Women Voters of California (LWVC) adopted a position on the initiative and referendum (IR) process in 1984 and updated it in 1999. This year, LWVC has decided to conduct another update study, and the LWVDV board has voted to participate in this crucial study.

Last month we started our participation in the LWV of California update of our position on the initiative and referendum process in California. We considered:

• Should we abolish the initiative process in CA?
• How does our process compare with other states and countries?
• What is the difference between referendum and veto referendum?

The I-R process has profoundly impacted our state. How would you like to see it improved? Please join us for an in-depth exploration of this critical issue, and have the opportunity to provide grassroots input into League positions.

2011-2012 LWVDV Priorities

We have chosen the following three issues as priorities for action and advocacy for 2011-2012:

• California water, both in the Delta and throughout central and eastern Contra Costa County.

• Contra Costa County environmental protection: We will be scheduling meeting(s) in a few weeks to learn more about Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. We will then look at environmental safeguards and procedures locally in the light of what we have learned.

• Protecting health care and the social safety net in our county at a time of significant economic downturn. We are planning programs for next year on this important topic.

Please let us know if you would like to participate in these priorities for advocacy and action.