CLEARLAKE >> The Clearlake City Council discussed the potential of opposing Proposition 47 last Thursday, but ultimately decided to remain neutral in the matter.
The issue was brought to the council by Clearlake Police Department Chief Craig Clausen.
According to Clausen, state law enforcement agencies are generally united against the measure. The California Police Chiefs Association, the California District Attorneys Association, the California State Sheriffs Association, the California Peace Officers Association, the California Narcotics Officers Association and the California Fraternal Order of Police oppose the proposition.
“In addition to law enforcement opposition, Proposition 47 is also being actively opposed by victim”s rights groups,” Clausen said.
Victim rights groups against the initiative include Crime Victim Alliance Action, Crime Victims United of California and the California Coalition Against Sexual Assault.
If approved, Proposition 47 would mandate misdemeanors instead of felonies for “non-serious, nonviolent crimes,” unless the defendant has prior convictions for murder, rape or certain sex offenses and gun crimes.
Crimes such as shoplifting, grand theft, receiving stolen property, forgery, fraud and writing a bad check would be sentenced as misdemeanors instead of felonies if the initiative is signed into law, as long as the value of the infraction is not more than $950.
Personal use of most illegal drugs would also be sentenced as a misdemeanor instead of as felonies.
“We shouldn”t tell people how to vote,” Councilman Joey Luiz said in supporting neutrality.
“Unless it has to do directly with city funding, I am not here to tell anyone how to vote,” Councilwoman Joyce Overton said. “It doesn”t directly attack our finances, it doesn”t directly affect us.”
Councilwoman Jeri Spittler said the report presented to the council was one-sided and only had one recommended action.
“I think that is walking with one leg,” Spittler said.
The council reached unanimous consensus to remain neutral.
Clausen said that if the proposition is passed, “it will cost us a lot of money.”
Contact J. W. Burch, IV at 900-2022.
