Kern supervisors ask staff to return with proposal to oppose Gov. Newsom’s Prop 50

The Kern County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday directed county staff to return at a later meeting with an item to consider formally opposing Proposition 50, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposed redistricting initiative.

Supervisor Buddy Peters made the referral after members of the public raised legal and policy concerns about Proposition 50, including allegations the measure would circumvent the California Citizens Redistricting Commission and impose significant costs. Peters said the ballot measure “would directly circumvent the will of the voters” and asked staff to prepare a draft resolution for board consideration.

Why it matters: Several public speakers during the meeting’s public‑comment period urged the board to oppose the proposition, arguing the measure was an unlawful power play and that it would be costly and politically partisan. Speakers referenced state election law and the independent redistricting commission established by voters in prior propositions.

What the board did: The board voted unanimously to ask county counsel and staff to bring back the matter for a future vote. The motion was made by Supervisor Peters and seconded; the board recorded an unanimous vote to refer the item for future consideration.

Public comment: Multiple members of the public spoke on Prop 50 during the meeting’s public presentations. Dennis McLean told the board the special election for Prop 50 would be “completely illegal” under California Election Code §9040 as he described it; another speaker, identified as Jess Sanders, urged the board to follow Lodi’s lead and adopt an opposing resolution. The board did not take a final position on Prop 50 on Tuesday — it only authorized returning the item for a future vote.

Next steps: County staff will prepare an item for a future meeting with staff analysis and a proposed resolution or recommendation. No final county position was adopted on Sept. 9.