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September 17, 2008
SBACC Positions on
the November 2008 Statewide Propositions
The South Bay Association of Chambers of Commerce (SBACC)
released its positions on the November 4, 2008 General
Election ballot propositions. The SBACC’s positions conclude
a very busy legislative year in which voters were asked to
consider twenty state measures between February and November
of this year.
Proposition 1A - Safe, Reliable High-Speed Passenger
Train Bond Act
SBACC
Position: OPPOSE
Proposition 1A would authorize the state to sell $9.95
billion in bonds in conjunction with available federal funds
to create a high-speed train system from San Francisco to
Los Angeles and Anaheim. The 800-mile system would be
constructed and in revenue service by 2030 with an estimated
time of 2 hours and 40 minutes between San Francisco and Los
Angeles. Other money will be set aside to make capital
improvements to existing rail lines to connect to the
high-speed rail system.
At a time when California faces a budget deficit of over $15
billion, SBACC cannot reasonably support a bond proposal
that would continue to place our state in debt. It is
estimated it will cost over $30 billion to complete the
entire high-speed rail system.
Proposition 7 - Renewable Energy Generation
SBACC
Position: OPPOSE
Proposition 7 would require all utilities, both private and
public, to generate 20% of their power from renewable energy
by 2010 and setting benchmarks for all utilities to generate
their power from renewable energy at 40% by 2020 and 50% by
2025.
SBACC believes in renewable energy and enacting practical
applications in order to make the region and state less
dependent on nonrenewable energy. Unfortunately, Proposition
7 is unreasonable as it sets unobtainable benchmarks for
private and public utilities to reach. This will ultimately
lead to higher rate costs passed onto consumers.
Proposition 10 - Alternative Fuel Vehicles and Renewable
Energy
SBACC Position: OPPOSE
This measure allows the state to sell $5 billion in general
obligation bonds for various renewable energy and
alternative fuels. Creates a incentive voucher program for
companies who own large fleets to purchase alternative fuel
vehicles.
Proposition 10 would create a financial incentive program
for only one type of alternative fuel which would not allow
for fair competition of tax payer dollars for other
alternative fuels that may lead to greener practices.
Proposition 11 – Redistricting
SBACC
Position: SUPPORT
The measure aims to eliminate conflict of interest in the
redistricting process by creating a 14-person citizen
redistricting commission. It would create a politically
balanced Commission - five democrats, five republicans, and
four individuals that are not registered with one of the two
major parties. Commissioners would be chosen for their
impartiality, skills, and to reflect our State’s demographic
and geographic diversity.
SBACC has been an early supporter of Proposition 11 and
believes this is the best way to eliminate the conflict of
interest when redrawing the district boundaries.
SBACC has “NO POSITION” on the following Propositions:
Proposition 2 - Standards for Confining Farm Animals
Proposition 3 - Children’s Hospital Bond Act. Grant Program
Proposition 4 - Waiting Period and Parental Notification
Before Termination of Minor’s Pregnancy
Proposition 5 - Nonviolent Drug Offenses
Proposition 6 - Police and Law Enforcement Funding
Proposition 8 - Eliminates Right of Same-Sex Couples to
Marry
Proposition 9 - Criminal Justice System. Victims’ Rights.
Parole
Proposition 12 - Veterans’ Bond Act of 2008 |
