Rural Arizona Action Launches Campaign Opposing San Luis Prop 434, Warning Threats to City Council Accountability and Limited Access to Future Working-Class Candidates

By removing pay and support for public service, Prop 434 threatens to cut off access for everyday San Luis residents to serve in local government.

SAN LUIS, AZ -  Rural Arizona Action is launching a campaign to oppose San Luis Proposition 434, a local city measure on the November 4 ballot that would eliminate a $10,800  compensation for the city’s mayor and council members. With support from Instituto Power, an organization dedicated to train and empower future candidates, we are urging San Luis voters to vote NO on Proposition 434.

If approved, Prop 434 would require that the Mayor and Council members serve without compensation, pushing the current City Council and future representatives to pay for their own travel, meals, lodging and any other expenses associated with their public role. This measure would also impact any existing ordinances in the city. 

Rural Arizona Action and partners warn that passing Proposition 434 would not only limit who can run for office but also weaken accountability in city government. “Approving this measure would make it more difficult for the working-class and everyday residents to serve their community by removing financial support for local public service roles,” shares Jhanitzel Bogarin, a local Yuma County Organizer with Rural Arizona Action. 

“Prop 434 will shut the doors of local government to the everyday, working-class residents who keep San Luis running,” added Bogarin. “We cannot hold our mayor and city council accountable if no one can afford to run against them.”

The proposition has been pitched by city leaders as a way to redirect funds toward youth programs, but Rural Arizona Action argues that it’s a misguided solution. “Our community shouldn’t have to choose between youth programs and fair representation,” expressed Bogarin. “We can and we must invest in both.” 

Rural Arizona Action emphasizes that a healthy democracy depends on an accessible pathway for new leaders to run for office. If seats on the city council are unpaid, only those who are financially secure and more, will be able to serve. Prop 434 leaves out working-class residents, young leaders, and parents who already juggle multiple jobs.

Without fair compensation and opportunity, fewer community members will step up to run for office, stalling local democracy for generations to come. 

Voters can learn more about Prop 434 and Rural Arizona Action’s campaign by visiting ruralazaction.org/no-on-prop-434-san-luis.