Suggestions Regarding the _____________________________________________________________ 1. The commissioners
would be appointed by the Governor for a four-year term. 2. It would be a
volunteer position for all Commissioners. There would be no cost involved
for the state or the taxpayer. Commissioners would have to travel at their
own expense to meetings and would communicate via e-mail and other means
between meetings. 3. Meetings would be
four times per year on the 2nd Saturday of the month. The
meeting locations would rotate between San Diego, Los Angeles and the Bay
Area. There would be Commissioner representation from these three sections
of the state. 4. The Commission would
maintain a minimal website at the Commissioners' own expense, which would
provide information to the public about upcoming meetings, pending issues
and proposals. Website domain names and hosting should not cost more than
$200 per year, a cost to be born by the Commissioners. 5. The goal of the
Commission would be to create proposals and advise localities so that a)
fewer (eventually no) animals are killed at public shelters, b) the
taxpayer burden is decreased or eliminated with respect to shelter dogs
and cats, c) California can become a leader when it comes to humane
treatment, spay/neuter programs, pet adoptions and other shelter-related
issues. 6. The Commission would
help with acquiring Maddie's Fund money or other not-for-profit funds
whenever possible. Maddie's Fund, which is located in Alameda County, has
almost $300 million dollars available for assisting cities and counties to become
"no kill." 7. Commissioners would
have the authority and backing of the Governor in an advisory capacity
only. Commissioners would not enforce local laws or require cities or
counties to enact particular policies. However, if the Governor decides at
some point that the Commissioners' authority should be increased, it would
be at his discretion to boost their authority. 8. Commissioners would
be representing the state of California and would do so with integrity,
intelligence and professionalism. _____________________________________________________________ Supplemental
Information About the California Animal Commission The
Commission WILL NOT COST ANY MONEY FOR THE STATE: 1.
A volunteer will act as the secretary to take minutes at meetings 2.
Commissioners will serve for free and pay their own travel expenses 3. If any funds are needed for "government purposes," such as having governmental employees review Commission Information, then funds can easily be raised for this purpose. Californians for a "No Kill" Commission can help with fundraising. 4.
Californians for a "No Kill" Commission can pay for and maintain the website.
5.
One of the explicit goals of the Commission is to work towards reducing
taxpayer costs for public shelters. As fewer animals are brought into the
shelters, costs for housing and enthanizing will decrease. The public will
embrace this goal. Potential
names for this commission: 1.
California Animal Commission 2.
California Animal Advisory Council 3.
California Animal Advisory Board The
Commission needs the moral backing of the Governor's office and will act
in an advisory capacity only... unless otherwise directed by the Governor
at some point: 1.
By establishing the commission, the Governor is taking the lead in
"reducing and eventually ending the killing" in the state.
Localities need the leadership of the Governor on this issue; then they
will look enthusiastically towards solutions to the pet overpopulation
problem. 2.
The Commission will offer advice to cities and counties; each locality may
decide to follow or reject the advice of the commission. The autonomy of a
city or county will be respected. 3.
Cities and counties will applaud the Governor's assistance on this matter.
The Commission is offering a valuable service: "no kill"
consultants can charge thousands of dollars for proposals/evaluations. 4.
The Commission can help gather volunteers for grassroots shelter
assistance (foster homes, DAWs, rescue groups, Humane Officers, etc.)
Meetings provide an avenue for public participation and discourse. I
hope you see the value of this important project! By:
Charlotte Laws, Californians for a No Kill Commission |