CLEARLAKE>> At the Judges Breakfast in Clearlake on Thursday, retired county counsel Anita Grant presented an overview of the current ballot measures in the upcoming November 5 General Election.
Anita Grant worked for the county of Lake for over 30 years, retiring just this past year in March. Many times Grant has accepted the invitation to present at the Judges Breakfast, especially regarding ballot initiatives and measures. On Thursday, Grant advised the group on the legal side of these measures while also providing her own opinions of the chances for success of each individual measure. She said, “Look who supports it and who opposes it. If a group you always hate (is in support) you better read the measure more carefully you might not like it either.”
This year Grant began at the bottom, with Proposition 2, which is a legislative statute authorizing bonds for public schools and community college facilities. According to Grant this is a “modernization” initiative that would allow for schools to utilize a 10 billion bond and upgrade their outdated grounds, buildings, and infrastructure. Grant explained that the importance of this initiative is that it changes the California Constitution, but also elaborated on how this $10 billion dollar bond will actually cost in excess of $25 billion dollars. She added, “You know most of this is going to L.A.”
Clearlake Chamber member Joan Mingori shared “Right now I just feel like this would not help Konocti at all”.
Next on the list was Proposition 3, the Constitutional Right to Marriage which is a legislative constitutional amendment, clarifying language in the state constitution to remove the phrase “between a man and woman” from marriage legislation.
Proposition 4 would authorize bonds for safe drinking water, wildfire prevention, and protecting communities and natural lands from climate risks, a legislative statute. Grant noted that the $10 billion dollar bond will cost the tax payers $2 million. Grant said, “This is a ‘who am I?’ what am I?’ kind of legislation because it’s changed its focus and has many iterations as to what it is going to do.” The argument here is that mismanagement led to this crisis and that “fire and water mitigation are necessities not luxuries.”
Proposition 5 allows local bonds for affordable housing and public infrastructure with 55% voter approval, a legislative constitutional amendment. Grant summarized that this measure would make it easier for local governments to borrow money for public housing projects, though part of this measure would make passing increases in taxes much easier. District 2 Supervisor Bruno Sabatier said that he would not be supporting this measure as he believes “It should be harder to raise taxes.”
Proposition 6 eliminates constitutional provision allowing involuntary servitude for incarcerated persons, a legislative constitutional amendment. Grant mentioned that this has been on the ballot before but failed due to poor language. She feels this measure is still vague and may not get support because of it.
Proposition 32, an initiative statute which raises minimum wage, may not have the effects it seems it should, according to Grant. According to the website voterguide.sos.ca.gov this measure “Raises minimum wage as follows: For employers with 26 or more employees, to $17 immediately, $18 on January 1, 2025. For employers with 25 or fewer employees, to $17 on January 1, 2025, $18 on January 1, 2026.” This wage would also be tied to inflation and continue to increase beyond 2026. Grant mentioned that the measure was written by one multi-millionaire and is totally flawed calling it “a poor piece of legislation.”
Remaining initiatives include Proposition 33, expanding local governments’ authority to enact rent control on residential property, an initiative statute.
Proposition 34 restricting spending of prescription drug revenues by certain health care providers, another initiative statute.
Proposition 35 would provide permanent funding for Medi-Cal Health Care Services, also an initiative statute.
Proposition 36 allows felony charges and increases sentences for certain drug and theft crimes, an initiative statute. Grant mentioned that this measure may be “the most controversial one.”
Next week the Judges Breakfast is hosting the candidates for Clearlake City Council.
Editor’s Note: The Record-Bee has not officially endorsed or taken a position on any of these propositions on the ballot, although we present pros and cons in our opinion section from various sources at regular intervals.
