In his 1911 Inaugural Address, progressive Gov. Hiram Johnson touted his recall reform as a “precautionary measure by which a recalcitrant official can be removed.” But he cautioned it was not a “panacea for all our political ills.”
Such a panacea is the ill-advised attempt to recall Anaheim Council Member Natalie Rubalcava on June 4. Voters put her in office just 17 months ago with 58% of the vote. We certainly don’t agree with everything she’s said or done as a member of the council, but the case for recalling her is remarkably thin.
Pushing the recall is Unite Here Local 11, a labor union which represents hospitality workers across southern California. Because of Disneyland and nearby hotels and restaurants, it is a major force in Anaheim.
We talked to two representatives from Unite Here Local 11, genuinely interested in hearing a persuasive and thoughtful case for her recall, but were instead met with phoned-in recitations of the complaints in the official notice of intention and not much beyond that. After half-hearted attempts to imply Rubalcava is tied to Anaheim’s corruption, we repeatedly asked if they actually thought she was corrupt. They couldn’t say “Yes.”
We believe the recall really is motivated by her strong opposition to Unite Here Local 11’s failed ballot measure Measure A, which voters rejected last October, 66% to 34%. It would have raised hotel and event center workers’ minimum wage to $25 an hour from the current $16 and required certain safety measures in hotels. Before the measure went to voters, Rubalcava proposed and the council approved a hotel safety ordinance which effectively reduced Measure A to a minimum wage increase.
When we brought that up, the union officials said they were not trying to recall other council members who opposed the measure and that they stand by their official reasons for the recall. But, at the end of the day, the recall just seems like sour grapes from a union weaponizing the recall process in a retaliatory manner.
Related Articles
Newsom remains critical of California’s local response to homelessness. He should look in the mirror
The true cost of vaccine misinformation: A vulnerable nation
Take it from a trucker: autonomous trucks will be good for drivers
Ron Paul: Final nail in America’s coffin?
How a deal could bring fast reform to Proposition 47
Seemingly every other relevant union in the city, including the Orange County Labor Federation, the Anaheim Police Association and the Anaheim Firefighters Association are among those against the recall. Mayor Ashleigh Aitken, a champion of good government in Anaheim, has voiced opposition to the recall. Legislators who have spoken up about misconduct in Anaheim like Rep. Lou Correa and state Sen. Tom Umberg have come out in opposition to the recall.
In this context, Unite Here Local 11’s recall effort is revealed to be the hollow work of just one special interest with a grudge. That’s it.
It’s also objectionable that this special election will cost $700,000. That money could have gone to fill potholes, spruce up parks or help the homeless. This recall could have waited a few months until the presidential election on Nov. 5. Making it a special election with low turnout means it will be easier for Unite 11 to rally its forces against Rubalcava.
Anaheim has had enough turmoil and needs a period of normalcy and reform to fix all its problems. Anaheim voters need to reject this expensive special interest stunt. Vote No on this recall.
Leave a Reply