To download the Word version of the Local Ballot Measure Review Form, click here.
To download the pdf version of the Local Ballot Measure Review Form, click here.
LOCAL BALLOT MEASURE REVIEW FORM
Instructions:
A Sierra Club endorsement regarding a city, county or special district ballot measure requires decisions both at the chapter and State level. The Local Ballot Measure Review Committee (LBMRC) is authorized by the Sierra Club California Standing Rules to approve requests for endorsements. To obtain such approval, fill out this form and submit it by e-mail, together with a copy or link for the ballot measure, to all of the individuals listed on the last page of this form.
Members of the Review Committee will check to see that your proposed action is consistent with Sierra Club policies and procedures. It is very important to carefully research statements regarding the Club’s past and current activity, and complete this part of the form!
You should begin to receive responses from the committee regarding the review process within a few working days. However, it is wise to allow several weeks for the approval process in case there is controversy over a proposed position, or if the form is incomplete. The request must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the date when ballots are first mailed to voters.
Please note that any fund-raising or expenditures by the Sierra Club in connection with a proposition, initiative, or referendum must be separately approved in advance, as described at the end of this form.
For more information regarding the local ballot measure review process, see Sierra Club California Standing Rules, pp. 37-38. https://www.sierraclub.org/california/bylaws
Thank you for your work to give the Sierra Club an effective voice.
Eric Parfrey, Chair, LBMRC parfrey@sbcglobal.net or (209) 641-3380
Description of Ballot Measure
Today’s Date: ___/___/___ Chapter submitting: _________________
Descriptive Title of ballot measure: ________________________________________
City, County, or Special District involved: _________________________
Election date for vote on measure: ___/___/___
Proposed Position (Check All that Apply):
Support __ Oppose__ Signature Gathering___
Attach, or provide a link for, the full text of the ballot measure.
What vote of the electorate is required to pass?
Majority___ Two-Thirds___ Other (specify)___
If this measure is for renewal of a tax or fee, what position, if any, did the Sierra Club take previously? When?
Support___ Oppose___ Neutral/None___ Unknown ____
Provide other informational materials such as news articles, the official summary or ballot arguments. Also provide the “Pros & Cons” that were considered in your Chapter’s consideration.
Approvals of the recommended position by Local Chapters and Groups
Date of Chapter ExCom vote: ___/___/___
Chapter Vote on recommendation: Yes: __ No: __ Abstain: __ Absent: __ Recuse: ___
# of Vacant or Absent Positions _______
# of members eligible to vote, excluding recusals _______
Were any voting members recused from participation? ______ If so, please provide their names and the reason(s) for recusal.
Were any recusals considered, but waived? _______ Explain.
Group or section involved, if any: ______________ Date of vote: ___/___/___
Group or Section Vote: Yes: __ No: __ Abstain: __ Absent: __ Recuse: ___
# of Vacant or Absent Positions _______
# of members eligible to vote, excluding recusals _______
Were any voting members recused from participation? ______ If so, please provide their names and the reason(s) for recusal.
Were any recusals considered, but waived? _______ Explain.
If two or more people voted “No” at any level, describe the basis for dissent - use an attachment if necessary, and include names and contact information for dissenting members.
Does this measure affect any other Chapter (e.g., issues related to air quality, regional transportation plan, etc.)? If so, what consultation has taken place, even if the other Chapter does not have a vote?
Which Sierra Club Policies were reviewed in considering whether to recommend a position?
(Quote relevant parts of the relevant policies below, and use a separate sheet if necessary.)
Support or opposition of local ballot measures must be consistent with State and National Club policies, including the following:
If your measure is related to growth, read the California Growth Management Policy Guidelines, especially the guidance included in the appendix on which types of growth measures the Club supports and which types it usually opposes. The Growth Management Policy Guidelines is posted online at https://www.sierraclub.org/mother-lode/environmentalissues/PlanningandTransportation.
Other adopted California Conservation Committee policies should be consulted (you can search these policies by subject at https://www.sierraclub.org/california/cnrcc/cnrcc-passed-resolutions).
National Sierra Club Policies are posted at https://www.sierraclub.org/policy. If your measure is related to growth, especially read the Urban Infill Policy, posted at https://www.sierraclub.org/policy/urban-land-use-policies.
Also helpful is the Urban Infill Guidance document adopted in 2021. It is posted at https://www.sierraclub.org/smart-growth-urban-infill. This guidance is advisory only.
Note: If a proposed measure predominantly conforms with State and National Policies but conflicts in some details, it becomes a matter of discretion whether the Sierra Club can support it. For example, we may decide to endorse a transportation ballot measure that predominantly funds transit that we seek but also includes some highway funding that we oppose that is necessary for political support.
Chapter Campaign Plans and Main Contact
Describe chapter campaign plans and attach samples of proposed publicity regarding the measure (press releases, op-ed articles, ballot arguments, etc.)
Name and contact information for your chapter spokesperson on this measure:
Name(s): _____________________ E-mail: _______________
Phone: ____________________
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Important Notes About Campaign Contributions and Fundraising
The following requirements must be observed if your chapter, group, or section plans to raise or spend money on any local ballot measures!
Election campaign contributions and fundraising (including staff activity) are governed by State and federal regulations. Sierra Club California and all chapters are collectively restricted by tight spending limits and reporting requirements. No Club funding for any local ballot measure may be undertaken without advance authorization by Sierra Club California. Contact Acting Executive Director Bobbi Jo Chavarria at (916) 557-1102 or bobbijo.chavarria@sierraclub.org, or Compliance Officer Ruth Muzzin at (505) 440-2656 for advice and e-mail all plans for Sierra Club election fundraising or contributions (including staff activity) to them, and to the National Compliance Team.
The chapters and Sierra Club California are limited to $50,000 in total Club funding of state/local ballot measures in California each year, and $100,000 in any 4-year period. This includes in-kind contributions such as staff time that exceeds 10% of monthly work hours. This rule does not apply to the cost of communications sent to Club members only regarding CA state/local ballot measures.
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Please e-mail this form with the attached ballot measure and all other supporting materials in Word and/or PDF format to the following individuals of the LBMRC, associated volunteers, and staff Any questions or concerns may be addressed to the Chair.
Eric Parfrey, Chair parfrey@sbcglobal.net or (209) 641-3380
Steve Birdlebough scbaffirm@gmail.com
Nick Pilch nicky@mindspring.com
Pat Piras liarslose13@gmail.com
John Rizzo jrizzo@sprintmail.com
Chris Gilbert chris@gilbertbiz.com
Darrel Clarke darrclarke@gmail.com
Felicia Gomez Verdin felicia4oneunitedlacounty@gmail.com
Nathan Chan chan.nathan.th@gmail.com
Bobbi Joe Chavarria bobbijo.chavarria@sierraclub.org
Ruth Muzzin rmuzzin@friedmanspring.com
Sierra Club National Compliance Team compliance.review@sierraclub.org
Form last revised July 2024