We, the people of the City of Santee, intend to preserve in our community the fundamental principles of local self-governance inherent in the doctrine of home-rule. We firmly believe that local government best represents the needs of our community, and that an independent local government will best serve and promote the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Santee. Therefore, we wish to exercise the express right granted by the Constitution of the State of California and ordain and establish this Charter for the City of Santee.