‘Yes’ on Propositions D, E

If the current park, library and arts program cuts proposed by San Diego City Manager John Lockwood seem severe, try to imagine how much worse things will be unless voters approve Proposition D, the Gann spending limit waiver, on June 5.

Without the authority to spend the additional money that the city will receive during fiscal years 1992 through 1995, all park and recreation programs could be eliminated, social service spending could be halted and all libraries could be closed--and Lockwood still would not be able to balance his budget.

Police and fire department coverage, and other basic services such as trash pickup, would certainly have to be reduced.

The gap between revenue and the city’s spending limit would escalate from $36 million in 1992 to $70 million in 1995. (If voters approve statewide Proposition 111, which would adjust the Gann limit formula, the spending cap would be raised by about 30%.)

Approved in 1979, the Gann limit was envisioned as a way to hold down the size of government by limiting its right to spend.

In San Diego, where the city bureaucracy is relatively lean and well-managed, approval of the waiver is justified not only by its absolute necessity, but by the performance of the government.

Proposition D deserves a “Yes” vote.

The measure imposes no new taxes; it simply authorizes the city to spend the increased revenue it will receive from sales and property tax growth.

If Proposition D is rejected, the city will have to refund the unspent tax money to its citizens beginning in fiscal 1994.

History shows that the waiver faces a difficult route to passage. In 1987, the last time it was up for voter approval, the waiver squeaked by on a margin of just 510 votes out of more than 164,000 cast.

Given that track record, the city’s campaign for the waiver is pitiful. A coordinator was chosen just five weeks before the election, and he has no staff and precious little funding. Perhaps city officials believe that the current budget crisis will make their case to voters.

Or perhaps they are resigned to trying for voter approval again in November.

There is one tax proposal before San Diego voters June 5, a request by the city for the right to borrow $25.5 million to upgrade its police, fire and ambulance communication system. Proposition E would add just $6 in property taxes per $100,000 of assessed valuation to ensure that its already overburdened call-in and dispatch systems keep pace with the city’s population growth.

The communication system is a critical need that should be supported by voters at the polls.

Proposition E deserves a “Yes” vote.