Controversy Over Measure A

October 12, 2026

In San Diego County, voters will decide on Measure A, which would significantly restructure county governance by extending supervisor term limits from 8 to 12 years and requiring board confirmation for key appointments made by the Chief Administrative Officer. The measure emerged partly from controversy surrounding the 2024 hiring of Ebony Shelton as the county's first Black female CAO, following a contentious selection process that saw the initial front-runner unexpectedly bypassed. While proponents argue the measure would increase transparency through new independent oversight positions and an ethics commission, critics view it as self-serving and unnecessarily limiting the CAO's authority that the board itself granted to Shelton.

Who is affected

Ebony Shelton, the current Chief Administrative Officer
The five county supervisors (Terra Lawson-Remer, Jim Desmond, Joel Anderson, Monica Montgomery Steppe, and Nora Vargas)
3.3 million San Diego County residents
County workers and staff
Labor unions (SEIU Local 221 and United Domestic Workers Local 3930)
Cindy Chavez (former candidate for CAO position)
Black American Political Association of California (BAPAC)
Center on Policy Initiatives

What action is being taken

Voters are deciding on Measure A on November 3. The Board of Supervisors appointed members to an ethics commission that would have subpoena power. The CAO, county departments, and groups are currently responsible for preparing and presenting the proposed budget each May, and the Chief Financial Officer's office monitors the budget and provides quarterly reports to the Board of Supervisors.

Why it matters

This measure would fundamentally reshape governance of an $8 billion organization serving 3.3 million residents, potentially setting precedent for how large county governments balance executive authority with legislative oversight. The proposal would override a 2010 voter decision on term limits (approved by 68% of voters) and could diminish the authority of the county's first Black female CAO shortly after her historic appointment. The measure addresses concerns about transparency and accountability in county operations while also raising questions about whether it represents an appropriate response to a controversial hiring process or an overreach that could hamper effective executive management.

What's next

If Measure A passes, the county would establish an independent budget analyst position to make revenue projections and evaluate budget documents, and an independent auditor position to assess county programs and publish findings for public evaluation. The board of supervisors would need to confirm the CAO's appointments of some senior county leaders going forward. Supervisors would also have their term limits extended, allowing them to serve up to 12 years instead of 8 years.

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint