Bay Area Council Takes Positions on June Ballot Measures

By Matt Regan

With campaign spending records falling every day it seems, June 2010 will be a primary unlike any other in recent times. Alongside the high profile primaries for Senate and Governor there will be a number of initiatives that are equally important to the future of California. The Bay Area Council Executive Committee recently took positions on the following key June ballot measures as well as one November measure:

Prop 14: Open Primary Initiative – Support
This measure would provide for a “voter-nominated primary election” for each state elective office and congressional office in California, in which a voter may vote at the primary election for any candidate without regard to the political party preference disclosed by the candidate or the voter. The 2 candidates receiving the 2 highest vote totals would then compete for the office at the ensuing general election.

Prop 15: California Fair Elections Initiative – Oppose
This initiative would authorize eligible candidates for Secretary of State to obtain public campaign funds. This would be financed by a fee administered to registered lobbyists and those who employ registered lobbyists.

Prop 16: Vote Requirement for Local Electricity Providers – Support
Requires local governments to obtain the approval of two-thirds of the voters before providing electricity to new customers or expanding such service to new territories if any public funds or bonds are involved. Requires same two-thirds vote to provide electricity through a community choice program if any public funds or bonds are involved.

Prop 17: Auto Insurance Reform Initiative – Support
Changes current law to permit insurance companies to offer a discount to drivers who have continuously maintained their auto insurance coverage. Establishes that lapses in coverage due to nonpayment of premiums may prevent a driver from qualifying for the discount.

November Ballot Measure: Safe Clean Reliable Drinking Water Supply Bond – Support
$11.14 Billion general obligation bond to fund a range of statewide water infrastructure projects. Funds will be divided among Sacramento River Delta and various watershed preservation projects, water quality monitoring, water storage and conveyance, and water conservation/recycling projects.