EDITORIAL, THE NORTH COUNTY TIMES (San Diego, CA)
OUR VIEW: Encourage Earthquake Retrofits; Reject Rest
Voters in Tuesday’s election will have choices to make on a set of statewide propositions. Here are our views on three of the five proposals and a recap of our stance on the other two:
On Proposition 13, we recommend a yes vote. Prop 13 would stop tax assessors from reassessing new construction when that work is done to retrofit existing buildings to meet local earthquake standards, regardless of the buildings’ type or use.
The measure, which was put on the ballot by the Legislature without opposition, would shield property owners from a forced property tax hike, and if defeated, would discourage compliance with earthquake standards.
On Proposition 15, we recommend a no vote. This measure repeals the ban on public funding of election campaigns and creates a mechanism for public funding of qualifying campaigns for the office of secretary of state by imposing higher fees on registered lobbyists.
We strongly disapprove of lifting the ban on public funding of political campaigns and the attendant mischief that would ensue. The measure is also an unnecessary, although minor, burden on lobbyists, and an unneeded injection of the government into a political race —- an easy no.
On Proposition 17, we recommend a no vote. The initiative would allow insured drivers to take their “continuous coverage” discount with them if they change insurers. We agree with Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi and former state Attorney General John Van De Kamp that this is bad business that may result in big rate hikes for anyone who stops and then restarts insurance.
We have previously urged no votes on the other two propositions on the ballot: Proposition 14, which would change the primary system to a “top two” vote-winner runoff system, and Proposition 16, which would impose a new two-thirds vote requirement before any local public electricity provider went into business.
These are our recommendations —- support Prop. 13 and encourage earthquake retrofits, but reject the rest.
Whether you agree or not, please remember to vote Tuesday.
opinion@nctimes.com
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