HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 065-2008 Resolution No. 65-08
Resolution Opposing Initiated Measure #10
BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Brookings, South Dakota as follows:
WHEREAS, Initiated Measure #10 would prohibit any city from paying dues to any
association that lobbies;
WHEREAS,it is far more efficient and cost effective to join together with our fellow cities
through the SD Municipal League for coordinated communication with the Legislature than to have
each city stand alone;
WHEREAS, the costs to the taxpayers of having each city monitor,report,and travel to
Pierre to participate in the Legislative Session would be much greater than any dues to the SD
Municipal League;
WHEREAS, coordinated communication with Legislators leads to more efficiency in the
Legislative process and has saved millions of dollars in taxpayer funds;
WHEREAS,restricting the ability of South Dakotans to support candidates and
communicate with their elected public officials is a violation of their right to freedom of speech;
WHEREAS, the measure will be challenged in court and will most likely be found to be
unconstitutional, costing millions of dollars in taxpayer money;
WHEREAS, Initiated Measure #10 does not limit State government-paid lobbyists, out-of-
state lobbyists, or corporate lobbyists,but only stifles coordinated voices for local control;
WHEREAS, the City of Brookings finds that municipal officials throughout South Dakota
are dedicated, honest and ethical people with the best interests of their cities in mind and that cities
take great pride in providing open,honest government to our citizens;
WHEREAS, the thousands and thousands of South Dakotans who do business with the
State, Cities, Counties, and other governmental entities should not be penalized for providing such
services;
WHEREAS, civic groups who work to better their community, and often require local
funding to provide their services should not be prohibited from communicating their needs to local
public servants;
WHEREAS, the forces supporting Initiated Measure #10 will not reveal the source of their
funding,leaving the reasonable assumption that out of state special interests are once again
attempting to hijack the South Dakota ballot and abuse our initiative process;
THEREFORE let it be resolved that the City of Brookings strongly opposes Initiated
Measure #10 and urges the citizens of South Dakota to vote "NO" on the measure.
NOW THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of
Brookings, South Dakota, as follows:
Passed and approved on the 12th day of August,2008.
CITY OF BROOKINGS:
Ad le ,
ciivo', Scot •. unsterman,Mayor
N f�Q
i Thornes, City Clerk