During a recent government meeting, significant discussions emerged regarding election processes and public safety concerns in Contra Costa County.

Liz Ritchie presented a proposal advocating for a shift to hand-counted paper ballots for elections, emphasizing the potential for substantial cost savings. Ritchie highlighted that the current cost per ballot is approximately $19.50, while hand counting could reduce this to $1.83, potentially saving the county around $14 million. She noted that the county typically sees a voter turnout of 30-40% of registered voters, which would still yield significant savings if all registered voters participated. Ritchie also pointed out inefficiencies in the current election processing timeline, suggesting that a one-day voting and results reporting system could streamline operations.

The meeting also featured poignant testimonies from community members advocating for the separation of the sheriff and coroner's offices. Cassandra Quinta Collins, whose son died in custody, called for an independent coroner to ensure transparency and objectivity in death investigations. She criticized the current consolidation of roles, arguing that it creates conflicts of interest and undermines public trust. Bella Quinta Collins echoed these sentiments, expressing concerns over the qualifications of the current coroner and the need for a system that inspires confidence in the community.

Public safety issues were also raised, particularly regarding the rise of sideshows in various cities within the county. A resident, Anthony Walsprink, questioned the county supervisors about potential measures to address this growing concern, suggesting that a county ordinance might be necessary to effectively manage the situation. He also inquired about updates on the new animal services shelter director's presentation.

These discussions reflect ongoing efforts to enhance electoral integrity and public safety in Contra Costa County, highlighting the community's demand for accountability and effective governance.