Effort to Remove Binding Arbitration Falls Short

 by 201 Signatures

10/17/08

By Marc Garman

In a document released Wednesday by the Registrar of Voters in Fairfield, the number of signatures needed to put binding arbitration on the ballot in November 2009 fell short.  Of the 9601 signatures submitted to the registrar 2732 were found "insufficient" and could not be used.  This leaves 6869 valid signatures.  The required number to place the measure on the ballot is 7070.  Jim Libien, Chairman of the group indicated "We have received a letter from the registrar.  We do not accept his findings 'out of the box'"

As we well know from the "Circus at the Registrar" during the last election...anything can happen.  Members of the group pushing to remove binding arbitration from  the city charter have indicated that they intend to review the challenged signatures. "I am in no way convinced that the registrar is correct." , says Libien.  Barring enough contested ballots being overturned, the group is left with the option of beginning the signature drive again or pushing for a vote by city council. A majority vote by Vallejo's City Council could place the initiative on the next ballot. Considering the makeup of City Council, a majority vote for such an action seems unlikely.  There is time before the next election.  Anything can still happen.