(SAN DIEGO — May 11, 2026) Major County leaders endorse Supervisor Anderson's revised Charter reform proposal as support continues to grow!

Today, Supervisor Anderson announces broad support across the spectrum for his revised proposal from County leaders Sheriff Kelly Martinez, San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan, and County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk Jordan Marks. 

Sheriff Kelly Martinez

"Supervisor Anderson’s proposal strikes the right balance: it respects the authority already established in the state constitution for independently elected officials including the Sheriff, District Attorney, and Assessor‑Recorder‑County Clerk, while ensuring that political considerations do not overstep into County operations and good governance. I respect the intention of Chairwoman Lawson-Remer to create meaningful reform. I believe the changes made in Supervisor Anderson’s proposal make sense. He maintains the spirit of the reforms by merely amending the measure to increase integrity, accountability and transparency. Removing the current elected Supervisors from receiving an additional term, erases any appearance of self-benefit."

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan

"Modernizing the County Charter through the initiative process requires honesty and full transparency so voters clearly understand what they are being asked to approve. These changes should benefit the community, not the personal interests of elected officials. Unfortunately, the rushed initiative proposed by Chair Terra Lawson-Remer begins with the creation of an ethics commission while unethically seeking to expand her own paid term in office. Even more concerning, the language describes the measure as setting a three-term limit when voters already set a two-term limit in 2010. The truthful description is that it would expand term limits from two terms to three and benefit the current supervisor advancing the proposal.

Supervisor Joel Anderson’s proposal brings clarity and transparency by removing self-serving term expansions and preventing hidden political power grabs that would give supervisors greater control over independent county staff, purchasing, and contracting. As District Attorney charged with protecting San Diego County consumers, I believe it would be harmful if contracts were influenced by politics rather than the public interest. The proposal also removes unlawful and misleading language regarding term limits for the constitutional offices of Sheriff and District Attorney as the Supreme Court determined this exceeds the County’s authority. These revisions protect the integrity of the initiative process and help ensure reforms serve the people, not special or self-interests.”

San Diego County Assessor Record County Clerk Jordan Marks 

“I appreciate the work that has gone into advancing charter reform and the shared commitment to improving transparency and accountability in County government. Supervisor Anderson’s revisions help refine the proposal in a way that is balanced, thoughtful, and more responsive to the concerns raised by many in the community.”

In response to last month’s rushed and controversial County Charter overhaul proposal, Supervisor Joel Anderson unveiled an improved ballot measure designed to unify stakeholders, restore public trust, and deliver meaningful reform, without the last-minute changes and overreach that drew widespread concern from residents across the county.

This alternative proposal comes after the Board of Supervisors advanced a sweeping reform package on a narrow 3–2 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’s 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 Supervisor Joel Anderson. “This proposal brings people together, fixes what needed fixing, and ensures the public has the time and transparency they deserve to weigh in.”

KEY DIFFERENCES: ANDERSON’S PLAN PUTS 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.

A PROCESS RESIDENTS CAN TRUST

Beyond policy differences, Anderson emphasized process – a major sticking point for his constituents.

Unlike the previous proposal, which was significantly altered just hours before adoption, this revised measure is being introduced without last-minute rewrites, giving residents, stakeholders, and community groups ample time to review, engage, and provide input before it reaches the Board and before it appears on the ballot.

“Good governance isn’t just about what you pass, it’s how you pass it,” Anderson said. “This proposal respects the public’s right to be part of the process.”

REAL REFORM, BROAD SUPPORT

Anderson’s proposal retains widely supported reforms, including transparency improvements, independent oversight, and accountability measures while removing the most controversial elements that fractured public confidence.

The measure also maintains the creation of a Charter Reform Implementation Task Force, ensuring any reforms approved by the voters are implemented thoughtfully and with continued community input.

For interview requests with Supervisor Anderson, please contact his Director of Communications – Matthew G. Phy

Email: Matthew.Phy@sdcounty.ca.gov or text/call 619-957-8834