November 5, 2024 - Proposition 5

 

Requiring 2/3 of the voters to approve a ballot proposition is onerous. Contrary to popular rumor, the passage of proposition 13 back in the late 1970s did not create the requirement for a supermajority in order to pass a local tax or ballot measure. The fact is that the supermajority requirement in such votes has been part of the California constitution since the year 1879.

 

Proposition 5 would reduce the required supermajority to pass a local tax or bond measure from 66.7% to only 55%. It is a move in the right direction. It is unconscionable that 1/3 of the electorate can unite and prevent the passage of a local tax or ballot measure.

 

Naturally, the Howard Jarvis taxpayers association opposes proposition 5. Just like they oppose any measure that will make it easier for state and local governments to borrow money to fund projects. I prefer to remember Mr. Jarvis as the unfortunate man who spends the entire length of the movie Airplane! sitting in a cab outside the terminal.

 

Vote yes on proposition 5.