Resident urges council to oppose 'Prop 434' citing concerns about limiting candidate support

During the council’s Call to the Public, James Allen Jr., a resident of San Luis, addressed council members about a ballot measure he identified as “4 34,” saying passage would limit citizens’ ability to assist candidates and discourage people without means from running for office.

“4 34, it's not a wise step,” Allen said. “This country was founded on God. It was found on equal liberties. And the thing about it, in order for people to do a fair share of their job, they need assistance from the citizens in order to do so.” He said removing that assistance would “isolate to people that have the means and have the power to obtain seats of office,” and warned it could “open the door to certain people of power placing their own people.”

Allen framed his comments as a concern that restrictions would discourage candidates who lack personal resources from running and would concentrate political power. He spoke during the designated public-comment period; the council did not take action on his remarks at the meeting.

The citizen’s remarks are part of the public record; the transcript identifies the segment as occurring during Call to the Public under the statutory notice provided at the meeting.