The most significant County of San Diego Charter reforms in decades are on the table — and the discussion was just elevated a huge notch.
In response to the proposal pushed forward last month by a majority of the Board of Supervisors to extend their own term limits, on Friday Supervisor Joel Anderson unveiled an alternative County reform measure that he says will not only fix his colleagues’ flawed initiative, but also restore public trust in the process.
In a press release, Anderson criticized the prior proposal — supported on a 3-2 vote by Supervisors Paloma Aguirre, Terra Lawson-Remer, and Monica Montgomery-Steppe on April 21 — as a rushed, overreaching measure that drew widespread concern from residents across the county.
Anderson’s alternative proposal, per his release, comes after his colleagues “advanced a sweeping reform package on a narrow vote, following eleventh-hour edits that left little time for public review and input. That proposal sought to significantly expand government authority in several areas, including extending term limits for current members of the Board of Supervisors and granting Supervisors new powers over senior staff appointments.”
Anderson says his revised measure “takes a more collegial approach — focused, transparent, and grounded in what the public actually asked for.”
“My constituents deserve real reform, not a rushed power grab,” said Anderson. “This proposal brings people together, fixes what needed fixing, and ensures the public has the time and transparency they deserve to weigh in.”
The board majority-supported measure was opposed by Anderson and Supervisor Jim Desmond, the latter taking issue with it here on SD Rostra:
“This is the Board writing a ballot question about the Board, for the Board,” wrote Desmond. “Extending the time they personally can hold the seat they personally occupy. That isn’t a process quirk. That is a conflict of interest in plain daylight, dressed up in the language of reform.”
Lisa Halverstadt covered the new Anderson proposal in detail Friday at Voice of San Diego, with the Morning Report noting:
“Anderson’s pitch will face a tough crowd later this month. Lawson-Remer had the votes last month to advance her measure … but her proposal to extend term limits for sitting supervisors has also gotten bipartisan criticism, including from Democratic state Sen. Catherine Blakespear. We’ll be watching to see if that criticism has changed any perspectives.”
Here’s some of Anderson’s own detailed breakdown of his proposal, which he says will “put guardrails back in place”:
Restores Fair Term Limits — No Self-Serving Extensions for Current County Supervisors
While the original proposal will expand Supervisors’ term limits to 12 years across the board, Anderson’s measure preserves the current two, four-year term limits for sitting Supervisors and ensures any changes apply only to future officeholders.
Stops Politicization of County Staffing
The prior proposal would have enabled Supervisors to confirm and remove senior staff hired by the County’s Chief Executive, injecting politics into professional administration. Anderson’s proposal eliminates this provision entirely, preserving the independence of the County’s executive leadership.
Strengthens Independent Oversight—Without Creating Conflicts
Rather than placing new oversight roles under the Board itself, Anderson’s measure establishes a truly independent program auditor operating without interference from the Board or Chief Administrative Officer, ensuring true independence from both political and executive pressure.
Protects Against Government Interference in Contracts
Responding to concerns about weakened safeguards, Anderson’s proposal restores strict and clear prohibitions on Supervisors interfering in purchasing decisions, reinforcing long-standing protections against political influence in contracting.
Removes Legally Questionable Provisions
The original measure attempted to impose term limits on other elected officials without required state authorization. Anderson’s version removes these provisions entirely, avoiding legal uncertainty and potential voter confusion.
On Saturday, Anderson urged residents to sign a petition in support of his proposal.
On May 19, County Supervisors will consider a second reading of the previously voted-on measure, while also discussing Anderson’s proposal.