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Orange council adopts 4–3 resolution opposing Proposition 50 after heated public comment
Summary
The City of Orange Council voted 4–3 on Sept. 9 to adopt a resolution opposing California Proposition 50, prompting dozens of public speakers on both sides and a split among council members over whether the city should weigh in on a statewide ballot measure.
Mayor Pro Tem Bilodeau moved and Council Member Gillinghammer seconded a resolution opposing Proposition 50, a statewide measure proposing temporary changes to congressional redistricting. After more than an hour of public comment both for and against the measure, council members debated whether the city should take a position in a state election and whether placing the resolution on the agenda used city staff time.
In defending the resolution, Mayor Pro Tem Bilodeau said the map changes would “break up communities of interest” and make it harder for the city to compete for federal resources. He told the council that the maps under Prop 50 were submitted without public input and that voters would not see the proposed maps on the ballot materials.
Opponents — including numerous public speakers and Council Members Barrios and Gutierrez — argued the item was partisan and outside the council’s core responsibilities. Council members and members of the public repeatedly said the city should focus on local service delivery and safety rather than taking positions in state election campaigns. One public commenter said, “City Council members should be focused on city business, the health and safety of residents and those who work in Orange, not partisan politics.”
The substitute motion to table the item failed. The original motion to adopt the resolution passed 4–3. Council members Barrios, Gutierrez and Mayor Slater voted no; four other council members voted yes. City Attorney and staff advised the council that minimal staff formatting was provided but that use of city funds for electioneering is prohibited.
The resolution was assigned number 11,634 and will be part of public record; council members asked staff to confirm the limits on staff time and to document whether any city resources will be used in election-related communications or mailings.
Next steps: the resolution will remain in the record as the official council position, and council members directed staff to advise on legal limits about staff time and resources for elected officials’ ballot positions.
