SACRAMENTO – Region Builders, The Sacramento Metro Chamber, and Sacramento Police Officers Association announced plans to host a public policy panel discussion on the Checks and Balances Act of 2012 Thursday, Jan. 12 from 2-3 p.m. at the Metro Chamber’s office, One Capitol Mall, Suite 300.
Panelists include renowned public policy experts Dr. Barbara O’Connor and Professor Robert Benedetti. Dr. O’Connor is a former professor of Communications at California State University, Sacramento and director emeritus of its Institute for the Study of Politics and Media. Professor Benedetti is executive director of the Jacoby Center for Public Service and Civic Leadership at the University of the Pacific and a professor of political science.
The Checks and Balances Act is a new proposal to amend and modernize the Sacramento City Charter. Key components include transitioning the city to the “mayor-council” form of government, instituting new ethics and transparency policies, and establishing an independent redistricting commission to draw boundaries for council districts based on the decennial census process.
“We are proud to facilitate discussion on this critical public policy issue,” explained John Frisch, Metro Chamber board chair. “Given the state of our economy, our budget and our city, we need to be evaluating the kinds of reforms contemplated in the Checks and Balances Act. We believe strongly in Sacramento citizens’ right to vote on this proposal, and we want to do our part to educate and inform the public as they evaluate this plan.”
Supporters of the Checks and Balances Act are urging the Sacramento City Council to place the measure on the June 5, 2012 ballot. The city council will begin discussions on the plan at their Jan. 17 meeting.
