Props E, F, B fix laws and potholes

By Jonathan Bechtol

The Guardsman

Prop E

Prop E would allow the Board of Supervisors and the Mayor power to modify or rescind voter-approved ballot measures after three years.  Currently, anything voters approve on a ballot can be altered in the slightest only if voters approve again.

Supervisor Scott Wiener who placed the propositions on the ballot said, “Once voters pass legislation it’s effectively frozen in time.”  If passed, the board could make changes as they see fit without waiting for voter’s approval, potentially smoothing the process of government.

Opponents argue the proposition gives too much power to city leaders, and that it’s important in a democracy for people to have their say.

 

Prop F

Prop F would make technical changes to the regulations of political consultants and give power to their overseers, the Ethics Commission, to make future changes in regulation technicalities without a ballot approval.  The proposition would require consultants to register themselves if they make over $5,000 annually, a change from the current $1,000, and to file monthly reports.

Arguments of the proposition mirror those of Proposition E.  Opponents argue that it gives to much power to the Ethics Commission to change policies, and supporters argue that the process would be much smoother without having to produce a ballot measure for each technicality change.

 

Prop B

Prop B would deploy $248 million to improving city streets, sidewalks, curbs, lighting, traffic signals, and infrastructure.  A two-thirds vote is required to pass the bond measure.

The City has spent $200 million over the past five years on maintenance projects from various funds, including the federal stimulus.  An argument exists for an annual income dedicated to road maintenance.  Supporters argue the maintenance of the streets are inadequate, and if passed the bond would provide repairs that would last for up to 30 years.

Voters have failed to pass similar propositions in recent years.  In 2009, a $368 million proposal failed to appear on the polls due to little public support.