Confused about how to vote on Prop 43? Here is our endorsement

Proposition 43 is billed as a taxpayer protection measure that would “save” Proposition 13. In reality, it would make it much harder for citizen groups in California to pass tax increases to help pay for critical services such as fire and police protection, flood control, health care facilities and road maintenance. It would also make it harder to fund libraries, parks and affordable housing programs that local governments simply can’t afford.

Prop. 43 seeks to raise the threshold necessary to pass citizen tax initiatives from a simple majority to a supermajority of 66.7%, which would mean 33.3% of voters would be calling the shots. This is why the combined editorial boards of The Sacramento Bee, Modesto Bee, Merced Sun-Star, Fresno Bee and San Luis Obispo Tribune oppose Prop. 43. We strongly urge a “no” vote.

Prop. 43 would give the minority too much power. It would make it much harder for citizens to take matters into their own hands when governments can’t — or won’t — finance special projects that serve the public interest. The ability to pass special taxes is especially important now, when wildfires, droughts and extreme weather leave so many communities vulnerable. Rather than waiting for disaster to strike — or depending on Washington or Sacramento for financial help that may never come — local tax measures can provide revenue to prepare for emergencies, whether it means hiring more firefighters, upgrading equipment or clearing flood channels.

Prop. 43 would give the minority too much power. It would make it much harder for citizens to take matters into their own hands when governments can’t — or won’t — finance special projects that serve the public interest. The ability to pass special taxes is especially important now, when wildfires, droughts and extreme weather leave so many communities vulnerable. Rather than waiting for disaster to strike — or depending on Washington or Sacramento for financial help that may never come — local tax measures can provide revenue to prepare for emergencies, whether it means hiring more firefighters, upgrading equipment or clearing flood channels.

Never mind that federal and state budget cuts have taken a huge financial toll on local government. Sacramento County, for example, faced a $101 million budget shortfall this year. At least half the deficit was attributed to cuts in the federal budget.

Communities rely on special taxes for basic services Local governments have made foolish and, in some cases, corrupt spending decisions, and they should be held accountable.

Communities rely on special taxes for basic services Local governments have made foolish and, in some cases, corrupt spending decisions, and they should be held accountable.

A more reasonable threshold — say 55%, which is the margin required to pass school facility bonds — would be a fair compromise to consider in the future. For now, voters must decide whether to allow a small minority of voters to dictate whether tax measures should pass. We don’t believe they should.

Read more at: https://www.sacbee.com/opinion/election-endorsements/article316956235.html#storylink=cpy