The San Diego County Taxpayers Association is a non-profit, non-partisan organization, dedicated to promoting accountable, cost-effective and efficient government and opposing unnecessary taxes and fees.
CLICK HERE to view a printer-friendly list of SDCTA's Ballot Recommendations.
Please click on the underlined propositions below to access SDCTA's analysis of the measure or signed ballot argument.
STATE MEASURES
Proposition 1A: YES
The Transportation Funding Protection Act. Legislative Constitutional Amendment.
Proposition 1B: YES
Highway Safety Traffic Reduction Air Quality Port Security Bond of 2006.
Proposition IC: no position*
Housing and Emergency Shelter Trust Fund Act of 2006.
Proposition 1D: YES
Kindergarten-University Public Education Facilities Bond Act of 2006.
Proposition 1E: YES
Disaster Preparedness and Flood Prevention Bond Act of 2006.
Proposition 83: no position
Sex Offenders. Sexually Violent Predators. Punishment, Residence Restrictions and Monitoring. Initiative Statute.
Proposition 84: YES
Water Quality, Safety and Supply. Flood Control. Natural Resource Protection. Park Improvements. Bonds. Initiative Statute.
Proposition 85: no position
Waiting Period and Parental Notification Before Termination of Minor's Pregnancy. Initiative Constitutional Amendment.
Proposition 86: no position*
Tax on Cigarettes. Initiative Constitutional Amendment and Statute.
Proposition 87: NO
Alternative Energy. Research, Production, Incentives. Tax on California Oil Producers. Initiative Constitutional Amendement and Statute.
Proposition 88: NO
Education Funding. Real Property Parcel Tax. Constitutional Amendment and Statute.
Proposition 89: NO
Political Campaigns. Public Financing. Corporate Tax Increase. Campaign Contribution and Expenditure Limits. Initiative Statute.
Proposition 90: NO
Government Acquisition, Regulation of Private Property. Initiative Constitutional Amendment.
LOCAL MEASURES
Proposition A: NO
San Diego County Regional Airport Authority - Advisory Vote Only
Proposition B: YES
Amends the City Charter to Change the Approval Process for Increases in City Employees' Retirement System Benefits.
Proposition C: YES
Amends the City Charter to Allow for Contracting Out of City Services.
Proposition L: NO
The Vista Vital Public Services Restoration and Protection Measure. Would increase the city general sales tax by one-half cent.
Proposition M: YES
Palomar Community College District. $694 million in bonds for school improvements.
Proposition N: YES
San Diego Community College District Bond. $870 million in bonds for school improvements.
Proposition O: YES
Sweetwater Unified High School District Bond. $644 million in bonds for school improvements.
Proposition P: YES
Carlsbad Unified School District Bond. $198 million in bonds for school improvements.
Proposition R: YES
Santee School District. $60 million in bonds for school improvements.
Proposition T: YES (see Proposition F under June Ballot Recommendations)
Tri-City Healthcare District. Tri-City Medical Center Hospital Construction, Improvement and Emergency Care Facilities Bond.
STATE MEASURES
Proposition 81: no position
California Public Library Construction and Renovation Bond. Proposition 81 allows the state of California to issue $600 million in general obligation bonds to fund construction and renovation of public library facilities in order to expand access to reading and literacy programs in California's public education system and to expand access to public library services for residents of California. The State cost of these bonds is about $1.2 billion over 30 years to pay off both the principal ($600 million) and the interest ($570 million) costs of the bonds. In order for local agencies to receive state grants ranging from $50,000 to $20 million they must provide 35% of the project cost. A supermajority 60% vote of the San Diego County Taxpayers Association Board of Directors is required for a position to be taken. Proposition 81 did not meet this requirement.
Proposition 82: NO
Preschool Education. Tax on incomes over $400,000 for individuals; $800,000 for couples. This measure would amend the California Constitution and state law to create and support a new, publicly funded, preschool program for children to attend in the year prior to kindergarten. Establishes the right for all children to receive one year of voluntary state-funded preschool beginning in 2010. The program would be offered for at least three hours a day for 180 days a year. Currently, 65% of eligible children attend preschool in California. Prop 82 aims to bring enrollment to 70%. $2.4 billion per year for a 5% increase in preschool enrollment is unreasonably costly; there are more critical uses for limited state resources.
LOCAL MEASURES
Proposition A: YES
County of San Diego. Proposed "Clean-Up” Amendments to the San Diego County Charter. If passed, the proposed "clean-up” changes to the San Diego County Charter seek to amend approximately twenty-nine separate sections of the Charter that have been identified as outdated, unnecessary, unclear or inconsistent with state law. It has been 20 years since the county last updated the charter. Proposition A is a good government measure that has earned SDCTA"s endorsement.
Proposition B: YES
County of San Diego. “Write-In” Candidates Amendments to the San Diego County Charter. If passed, this measure would prohibit “write-in” candidates in general elections for County offices. This measure would require all candidates (whether on the ballot or by “write-in”) for a County office to participate in the primary election in order to be eligible to run in the general election. SDCTA has endorsed Proposition B.
Proposition C: NO
City of Chula Vista. Charter Amendment to Limit Eminent Domain. If passed, this measure would amend two sections of the charter to prohibit use of eminent domain for acquisition of private property for redevelopment unless approved by a majority of voters in the City at a general municipal election and require the City to hold or use land acquired by eminent domain for a minimum period of ten years. This measure is an overreaction to the Supreme Court ruling in a Connecticut case. There are already state laws in place that limit use of eminent domain and this measure would negatively impact economic development.
Proposition D: NO
City of National City. One-Cent Sales Tax. If this measure is approved, National City will impose a one percent sales tax for up to 10 years. The tax would go into the City's general fund and could be used for any legal municipal purpose. The current city sales tax rate is 7.75%. If this proposition passes, the rate would increase to 8.75%, and would be the highest in San Diego County. National City has allowed expenditures to surpass revenues since 2004. Before raising taxes, the City should make efforts to bring expenses more in line with revenues.
Proposition E: YES
City of Solana Beach. Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT).If this measure passes, the City of Solana Beach will increase the room tax paid by hotel and motel visitors from 10% to 13%, over a three-year period. Two-thirds of the increased TOT revenue will be allocated to Sand Replenishment/Retention and Coastal Access Capital Projects, and one-third of the increased TOT revenue would be allocated to Coastal Area Business/Visitor Assistance and Enhancements. SDCTA supports Proposition E because the revenue from tourists will be used to enhance recreational areas enjoyed by visitors of Solana Beach and promote tourism.
Proposition F: YES
Tri-City Healthcare District. Bond. If Proposition F passes, Tri-City Healthcare District will issue $596 million in general obligation bonds, to construct, repair and improve Tri-City Medical Center and additional medical facilities, including neighborhood healthcare centers. The purpose of this measure is to accommodate the growing population; reduce emergency room overcrowding; meet stricter earthquake standards, upgrade aging hospital rooms, fix leaky roofs, upgrade electrical wiring, provide more patient bed space and acquire land. The annual cost to property homeowners is approximately $24 per $100,000 of assessed value. There is a clear need for the funds and there will be proper controls and accountabilities, including an Independent Citizens Oversight Committee.
Proposition G: YES
Grossmont Healthcare District. Bond. If approved by two-thirds of voters, Grossmont Healthcare District will issue $247 million in general obligation bonds, to complete Grossmont Hospital"s Emergency and Critical Care Center, expand cardiac care, acquire construct, repair and improve medical facilities, add patient beds, modernize medical technology, and improve seismic safety. The annual cost to property owners is approximately $20 per $100,000 of assessed value. There is a clear need for the funds and there will be proper controls and accountabilities, including an Independent Citizens Oversight Committee.
Proposition H: NO
Rancho Santa Fe School District. Education Bond. This measure would authorize the Rancho Santa Fe School District to issue $44.5 million in bonds to acquire approximately 7 acres of property at Aliso Canyon and Via Del Charro, to construct and equip a new K-6 elementary school. The annual cost to property owners is approximately $30 per $100,000 of assessed value. Proposition H does not meet SDCTA’s school bond support criteria, which was adopted by the SDCTA Board of Directors in November 2005. For example, the District has been unable to demonstrate that the anticipated bond revenues will address the project needs identified in the bond.