Plans to continue research on a possible city revenue ballot measure for additional city funds is on pause over a disagreement on attorney-client privilege during the Dec. 1 San Leandro City Council meeting.
Before discussion on continuing community outreach on a potential November 2026 ballot measure, the council voted not to release attorney-client privilege for another survey taken in June 2024. That survey asked for the public release of survey results about the same topic. Mayor Juan González requested they discuss the topic again during a future council meeting.
A motion was made by Councilmember Victor Aguilar Jr. to continue potential ballot measure research through community outreach such as public discussions and conducting a survey.
Mayor González asked if the survey work could be done without attorney-client privilege. The attorney-client privilege includes closed session discussions between the city council and city attorney about community outreach on a potential ballot measure with elections outreach firm Clifford Moss.
Councilmember Aguilar said he wanted to move to continue ballot measure outreach with attorney-client privilege and that they can remove attorney-client privilege at a later date.
Councilmember Fred Simon seconded the motion asking if the vote standing as is would be enough to continue the outreach work. City manager Janelle Cameron said yes.
Mayor González said, “Especially given today’s vote, I cannot support a survey process where we refuse to be transparent with the public. I do not believe this work is covered by attorney-client privilege. I am very concerned about the potential misuse of attorney-work product privilege to cover survey work.”
The council voted not to continue to explore a city funds ballot measure with attorney-client privilege. González said he plans to request another discussion on this topic during the next city council meeting on Dec. 15.
