In his 1911 Inaugural speech, progressive Governor Hiram Johnson presented his recall reform as a “precautionary measure by which a recalcitrant official can be removed from office.” But he warned it was not a “panacea for all our political ills”.
One such panacea is the misguided attempt to recall Anaheim council member Natalie Rubalcava on June 4. Voters put her in power just 17 months ago with 58% of the vote. We certainly don’t agree with everything she said or did as a council member, but the case for recalling her is remarkably thin.
Pushing the reminder is Unite here, Local 11, a union that represents hospitality workers in Southern California. Thanks to Disneyland and nearby hotels and restaurants, it’s a major force in Anaheim.
We spoke to two representatives from Unite Here Local 11, genuinely interested in hearing compelling and thoughtful arguments in favor of its recall, but were instead greeted with telephone recitations of the complaints contained in the notice of official intention and not much beyond that. After half-heartedly trying to imply that Rubalcava was connected to Anaheim’s corruption, we asked repeatedly if they actually thought she was corrupt. They couldn’t say “Yes.”
We believe the recall is actually motivated by his strong opposition to Unite Here Local 11’s failed ballot measure. Measure A, which voters rejected last October, 66% to 34%. It would have increased the minimum wage for hotel and event center workers to $25 an hour from the current $16 and would have required certain safety measures at hotels. Before the measure went to voters, Rubalcava proposed and the council approved a hotel safety ordinance that effectively reduced Measure A to a minimum wage increase.
When we raised this issue, union officials said they were not trying to recall other board members who had opposed the measure and were standing by the official reasons for their recall. But, ultimately, the recall appears to be nothing more than sour grapes from a union that is using the recall process as a weapon in retaliation.
Apparently every other relevant union in the city, including the Orange County Federation of Labor, the Anaheim Police Association and the Anaheim Firefighters Association, are among those opposing at the reminder. Mayor Ashleigh Aitken, a champion of good government in Anaheim, expressed opposition to the recall. Lawmakers who have exposed misconduct in Anaheim, like Rep. Lou Correa and Sen. Tom Umberg, have spoken out against the recall.
In this context, Unite Here Local 11’s recall efforts reveal themselves to be the hollow work of a single, vindictive special interest. That’s it.
It is also unacceptable that this special election costs $700,000. This money could have been used to fill potholes, beautify parks or help the homeless. This reminder could have waited a few months, until the presidential election on November 5. Making it a special election with low turnout means it will be easier for Unite 11 to rally forces against Rubalcava.
Anaheim has seen enough turmoil and needs a period of normalcy and reform to resolve all of its problems. Anaheim voters must reject this costly special interest operation. Vote no on this recall.
California Daily Newspapers