Special Election Briefing


RIDLEY-THOMAS, EMPOWERMENT CONGRESS TO HOST BRIEFING TUESDAY ON SPECIAL ELECTION

“The May 19th Special Election and the California Budget Crisis: Why Vote?”


LOS ANGELES – A week before the May 19 statewide special election, Mark Ridley-Thomas and the Empowerment Congress will host a briefing Tuesday evening to provide constituents with an impartial, non-partisan overview of the six measures/propositions on the ballot.

The measures are part of the agreement negotiated between Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and legislature to close the state’s $42 billion FY 2009-10
budget gap.

The Empowerment Congress is a project of the California Community is a project of the California Community Empowerment Foundation. Its mission is to empower residents to ensure their voices are head by policy makers.

WHO: L.A. County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas; Marco Flores, Empowerment Congress; Sharon Harper, Chief Deputy of the County’s Chief Executive Office; Angela Reddock, member, Los Angeles Community College District Board of Trustees; Thea Brodkin, Voter Services Director for the League of Women Voters of California; Meropi Yiasemis, Outreach Coordinator of Next 10.

WHY: To provide constituents with an impartial, non-partisan overview of the six measures/propositions (1A-1F) that will be on the May 19 ballot. The briefing is intended to encourage informed decision-making among County constituents on the importance of making an informed choice.

WHEN: Tuesday, May 12, 2009 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

LOCATION: Muses Room of the Wallis Annenberg Building at the California Center, 700 Exposition Park Drive, LA CA 90037

Among the topics to be addressed include:

  • A brief historical perspective of the California budget crisis from ballot box budgeting to imprudent pledges;
  • An extensive overview of each ballot measure, what they mean in a broader context, and what people will be deciding on May 19.
  • Impact of the state’s budget and fiscal crises on County-administered programs, particularly how the election will impact Los Angeles County.
  • Next 10 will lead an interactive budget challenge that will allow the audience to decide how to balance the state’s budget.
  • Angela Reddock will moderate a question and answer session for audience members

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