Santa Ana : SAMSON Petition Drive Nears Goal for Fall Vote

The city’s election reform drive, which narrowly failed as Measure C on the June ballot, may again be put before voters, according to organizers who said they have collected about 72% of the signatures needed to qualify the measure for the November ballot.

About 40 volunteers collected at least 4,500 signatures over the hot weekend, said Jim Lowman, petition organizer for the citizens’ group known as SAMSON, Santa Ana Merged Society of Neighbors.

Lowman said the group’s goal is to get about 8,000 signatures, although only 6,288 are needed to qualify for the November election. Lowman said the higher figure “was insurance” and would help offset any signatures invalidated by the city clerk’s office.

Measure C, which would have authorized ward elections of council members and electtion of a mayor, was defeated by only 257 votes of 22,707 cast in the June 3 election.

Under the existing system, the seven council members represent districts but are elected citywide. The council then selects one of its members for a two-year term as mayor.

SAMSON must meet its 8,000-signature goal by Thursday. Lowman said the petitions will then be given to the city clerk for verification.