After more than an hour of public testimony the Fountain Valley City Council on Oct. 7 declined to adopt a resolution opposing Proposition 50, a statewide measure that would temporarily replace California’s citizen redistricting commission with legislatively drawn congressional maps.

City Attorney Colin Byrne summarized the measure for the council using text from the Legislative Analyst’s Office, noting Prop. 50 would have the Legislature draw congressional districts until the commission draws new maps after the 2030 census and that the measure also asks Congress to consider a national constitutional amendment on commissions (City Attorney Colin Byrne).

Ten residents addressed the council during public comment, most urging the council to remain nonpartisan and leave the decision to voters. “Why is the City of Fountain Valley involved in this state issue?” asked Jay Towne, who said the item risked alienating half the community and looked “a lot like election tampering” if officials tried to influence voters (Jay Towne).

Council debate split along two views. Councilmember Patrick Harper argued the proposed maps would shift the city’s congressional composition, citing an analysis showing the draft map would increase the district’s Democratic share and change the balance of about 15,000 votes in the region; he warned that could affect who represents Fountain Valley in Washington and the city’s ability to secure federal funding (Councilmember Harper). Vice Mayor Kuneen said the item provided a needed public forum to discuss a major change to how congressional lines are drawn and that residents had a right to be heard.

Opponents of a formal city stance—led by Councilmember Grandes and echoed by numerous residents—argued the council should not use municipal time or resources to take positions on state ballot measures. “This is not a city issue,” Grandes said, urging the council to stay “in our lane” and preserve Fountain Valley’s nonpartisan tradition.

After discussion, councilmembers moved to take no action on the resolution. The mayor confirmed there would be no vote adopting either a pro or con position; the matter was closed without a formal council position. The council’s choice leaves decisions about Prop. 50 to individual voters across California and Fountain Valley.

What comes next: The vote means Fountain Valley will not send an official city position on Prop. 50 to state leaders; the measure remained on the Nov. 4 statewide ballot for voters to decide.