Another ballot review
I do not live within the city limits of Los Angeles but because more than one friend asked, I'm taking a look at the items on the ballot this coming Tuesday.
Measure H is a proposal to raise the sales tax rate by 0.25% in Los Angeles County for the next ten years, to raise funds to work to end homelessness. The Los Angeles Times editorial board endorsed a yes vote on Measure H.
I agree with their recommendation for one simple reason. The monies raised by this tax can only be spent on services for the homeless. The problem of homelessness needs more than just housing to be solved for the long term. Throwing money at this problem isn't a complete solution but it is the first step.
Every time I use Sepulveda Boulevard as an alternate route to my usual way to go to and from work, I drive by a homeless encampment in the Santa Monica freeway underpass. I understand that there are some people among the homeless who aren't interested in being helped, but believe them to be in the minority. Measure H is a step in the right direction, in my opinion.
* * *
Measure S is a proposal to institute a moratorium on development. It would preclude any developments that would increase population density for a period of two years. The people behind it claim it is needed because developers can get whatever they want through city government by donating money to the powers that be.
That isn't a bad notion. The problem is that this isn't all it would accomplish. If I had a vote, I'd vote no.
* * *
Measures M and N involve regulating the sale of marijuana in Los Angeles. Given the strong possibility that the U.S. Department of Justice will probably begin enforcing federal laws that "trump" (pun intended) state laws permitting the sale of marijuana, having a strong system of regulation might well aid the efforts of the state in combating this move.
Then there is the issue that like many things, some regulation is required and it best be done by others than those who have a financial stake in said regulation. Measure N is sponsored by those who are involved in "pot shops." I'd vote yes on M and no on N.
* * *
Measure H is a proposal to raise the sales tax rate by 0.25% in Los Angeles County for the next ten years, to raise funds to work to end homelessness. The Los Angeles Times editorial board endorsed a yes vote on Measure H.
I agree with their recommendation for one simple reason. The monies raised by this tax can only be spent on services for the homeless. The problem of homelessness needs more than just housing to be solved for the long term. Throwing money at this problem isn't a complete solution but it is the first step.
Every time I use Sepulveda Boulevard as an alternate route to my usual way to go to and from work, I drive by a homeless encampment in the Santa Monica freeway underpass. I understand that there are some people among the homeless who aren't interested in being helped, but believe them to be in the minority. Measure H is a step in the right direction, in my opinion.
* * *
Measure S is a proposal to institute a moratorium on development. It would preclude any developments that would increase population density for a period of two years. The people behind it claim it is needed because developers can get whatever they want through city government by donating money to the powers that be.
That isn't a bad notion. The problem is that this isn't all it would accomplish. If I had a vote, I'd vote no.
* * *
Measures M and N involve regulating the sale of marijuana in Los Angeles. Given the strong possibility that the U.S. Department of Justice will probably begin enforcing federal laws that "trump" (pun intended) state laws permitting the sale of marijuana, having a strong system of regulation might well aid the efforts of the state in combating this move.
Then there is the issue that like many things, some regulation is required and it best be done by others than those who have a financial stake in said regulation. Measure N is sponsored by those who are involved in "pot shops." I'd vote yes on M and no on N.
* * *
posted by me at 5:46 AM
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