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Committee backs charter amendment ballot question limiting mayor’s tie-breaking vote; one councilor dissents
Summary
The committee approved a resolution to place a charter amendment on the Nov. 4, 2025 ballot that would remove the mayor’s vote in tie situations. The resolution was sponsored by Councilors Alma Castro, Michael Garcia and Pilar Faulkner; Councilor Romero Worth voted no and urged broader Charter Review Commission consideration.
The Public Works and Utilities Committee voted to forward a resolution proposing a city charter amendment to the November 4, 2025 regular local election ballot that would limit the mayor’s authority to vote on tied matters.
The resolution (identified in the packet as Resolution 2025, number to be determined) was sponsored by Councilors Alma Castro, Michael Garcia and Pilar Faulkner. The committee approved the resolution by roll call: Councilor Michael Garcia — yes; Councilor Alma Castro — yes; Councilor Lee Garcia — yes; Councilor Romero Worth — no (explained vote); Mayor Chavez — yes.
Councilor Castro said the change came from the Charter Review Commission and had been discussed previously in 2023 as part of larger review work. Councilor Pilar Faulkner, a co-sponsor participating via Zoom, said the amendment concerns checks and balances.
Councilor Romero Worth explained her no vote. She said she prefers a holistic review by the Charter Review Commission rather than piecemeal amendments. She also said removing the mayor’s tie-breaking vote reduces transparency because the mayor, elected citywide, would no longer be required to record a public position on tie decisions: “We do not know how the mayor ... would [vote], and I would like to know where they stand on certain things. And we won't know that under this proposal,” Romero Worth said.
The committee’s approval sends the resolution to the governing body and, if advanced there, to the November ballot for voters to decide. The committee did not change the text in the meeting; sponsors said the measure originated with the Charter Review Commission and is a standalone item coming forward this year.
