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CHAIRMAN SAKATA: One more question. On these <br /> staggered terms are you proposing here that we go strictly <br /> according to the number of votes that they receive? <br /> MS. ISBELL: Yes, just like the senate was <br /> done so that the top two--the top one does not have to run <br /> again ; the second two if there are that many who run not to run <br /> again. <br /> MR. ISHIDA: Ms. Isbell, on this item 4, what <br /> would be the standard onaJwhich you would determine when the <br /> councilman would be unable to carry out his duties? <br /> MS. ISBELL: The doctor' s statement. A doctor <br /> can tell you if a person has had a stroke or has been in an <br /> accident where his brain is not functioning like a stroke <br /> victim might not be. He would verify it by a certificate which <br /> I have personally seen done many times if a person is unable to <br /> function in his position. <br /> For instance, if a persontw•antsto`get out _of <br /> being on jury duty he comes to the doctor and asks for a <br /> certificate stating that he is unable to sit for long periods <br /> of time or he wants out of it for other reasons that are <br /> medical. The doctor, then, would make that decision and sign <br /> a certificate. The same would hold true if a councilman had <br /> a stroke and were unable to even sign or say anything. The <br /> doctor would say he is at this time unable to make his own <br /> decision on an interim basis he cannot function. And so, <br /> therefore, the recommendation is that there be an interim <br /> appointment until such time that he is able to say I can think <br /> now, I can talk, I want my brother to represent me or my wife, <br /> or that person, in this district of the same party. That is <br /> when it would happen. The doctor would be the one to make that <br /> decision. He is the only one in a position to do so. <br /> MR. SENSANO: Ms. Isbell , supposing this <br /> individual should become ill and not have a stroke but have, <br /> let ' s say, mental illness. A person who is mentally ill some- <br /> timeswould imagine that he is capable but actually he is <br /> incapable. Then supposing your district were represented by <br /> such a councilman? Who would make the determination? <br /> MS. ISBELL: If he were that bad, I would <br /> say the people would certainly see that he was taken out by <br /> an impeachment process. However, if he were ill to the point <br /> where he was ready to be committed to an asylum._ the doctor, <br /> again, would be the one to make that decision. It is either <br /> the people or the doctor that are going to do it. If it is <br /> near an election time, I can tell you he probably won ' t get <br /> reelected. <br /> MR. SENSANO: You are talking about a clear-cut <br /> case but sometimes there may be a borderline case where the <br /> person may be ill but yet doesn ' t believe that he is ill. <br /> - 23 - <br />