San Clemente’s city clerk and treasurer could become appointed positions — rather than selected by the electorate — if voters approve two ballot measures this fall.

Measure U asks voters if the city clerk should be appointed, and Measure V asks the same of the treasurer position. Both positions have always been elected, a city spokeswoman said.

Both positions should be appointed by the City Council rather than elected because they “should be based on qualification, skill and experience, not the results of a political campaign,” said council members Chris Duncan and Kathy Ward about both ballot measures.

“San Clemente residents deserve impartial, exemplary service by a full-time, qualified city clerk who is neutral on all issues,” the pair said in their argument for Measure U.

The city clerk, whose responsibilities include record and agenda management; elections oversight; and compliance with various federal, state, and local laws (among other things), would be selected following a screening process if Measure U is approved by a majority of voters in November.

“San Clemente residents deserve a qualified, full-time city treasurer with the experience in government finance necessary to seamlessly execute and comply with city policies and procedures,” Duncan and Ward said of Measure V.

The city treasurer handles financial duties, performs duties related to taxes and license fees, and follows laws related to the depositing and securing of funds, among other things.

No officials arguments against the measure were submitted to appear with ballot information.

The elected city clerk and treasurer have to live in the city as well as be registered to vote. If appointed, neither would need to live in or be registered to vote within the city, according to an impartial analysis of the ballot measures conducted by the city.

The City Council would begin to appoint the positions once the current terms are up in 2024, should voters give the OK.

Measure U and Measure V are not presented in tandem, meaning voters could choose to have one position become appointed while keeping the other an elected spot.

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