City Propositions

SAN DIEGO -- The question of who has the authority to appoint an internal auditor to oversee the city's finances will be answered Tuesday by San Diego voters when they weigh in on Proposition C.

If it is approved, Proposition C would grant the mayor the power to hire the internal auditor, whose job it is to scrutinize the city's books and ensure the accuracy of what is reported to Wall Street.

The auditor wouldn't answer to the mayor, but instead would be governed by a three-member audit committee made up of City Council members. The committee would have the ability to fire the auditor.

Opponents argue that Proposition C gives the mayor too much influence over a position they maintain should be independent from management, likening it to a "fox guarding the hen house."

"The mayor is management, and as management should not have a role in selecting the city's independent auditor," Councilman Tony Young said at a recent rally against Proposition C.

The "No on Prop C" effort is also being spearheaded by Councilwoman Donna Frye, who has said the city needs an auditor who will be "independent and will represent the people."

Supporters maintain that Proposition C creates an appropriate check and balance between the mayor and the City Council.

Mayor Jerry Sanders said it brings "balance between the executive and legislative branches in the functioning of financial matters."

The auditor selection method is backed by Stanley Keller, an attorney hired by San Diego to act as its monitor in financial matters following a Securities and Exchange Commission investigation.

The SEC sanctioned the city in 2006 for failing to fully disclose to potential investors the scope of its more than $1 billion pension shortfall, and equally large retiree health care obligations.

Proposition C would also make permanent the City Council's independent budget analyst position and define the roles of the chief financial officer and city treasurer.

San Diego voters will also be asked to consider today two other ballot measures that have not been challenged.

Proposition A would exempt police, firefighters and lifeguards from being outsourced under the city's managed competition program, which was authorized by more than 60 percent of San Diego voters in 2006.

The other, Proposition B, would require the City Council to place on the ballot in 2010 a series of charter amendments to make permanent San Diego's switch to a strong-mayor form of government.

Ultimately, in 2010 voters will be asked to consider adding a ninth City Council seat and increase the number of votes it takes to override a mayoral veto, which can now be done with a simple majority.

The strong-mayor form of government was approved in 2002. It gave the mayor duties previously held by the city manager, like the ability to hire and fire department heads and prepare the annual budget.