Developer-Backed Growth Issues Defeated

The two developer-supported growth initiatives in the county and the city of San Diego were defeated Tuesday night by wide margins.

Proposition D in the county and Proposition M in the city were characterized by low-profile campaigns, in contrast to previous growth-control ballot measures that touched off heated debate and attracted wide attention.

The defeat of the two propositions means that efforts at growth management will remain in the hands of the City Council and the Board of Supervisors.

Another controversial issue, Proposition C, which sought the endorsement of voters to continue the practice of using animals from the county pound as research lab animals at UC San Diego Medical Center, was overwhelmingly approved by a 3-to-1 margin.

Meanwhile, Proposition E, the city of San Diego measure calling for a $100-million bond sale to purchase parkland and open space, was defeated.

Proposition L, which would require voter approval of the sale of city-owned land of more than 80 acres, and Proposition N, an advisory measure on upgrading the city’s public library system, were both victorious.

For several years now, measures concerning growth have been a staple on both the city of San Diego and county ballots. The politics of growth--where it goes and when, and who pays to support it--have often dominated discussion at City Hall and the County Administration Center.

This year, though, things were different. The propositions were still there, Proposition D in the county and Proposition M in the city. But the coalition of business and development interests that paid several hundred thousand dollars to put them on the ballot quickly backed away from openly supporting them.

This odd and confusing circumstance led those against the measures, including some members of the City Council and Board of Supervisors, as well as poorly funded environmentalists, to label them the “stealth campaign.”

The two propositions were envisioned by developers as safeguards against potentially tougher growth restrictions emanating from the city and county. But those restrictions never materialized, and the developers were left with their two measures. They were chagrined to find that the propositions they created to protect their interests could actually raise development expenses.

Propositions D and M, however, would also make other changes, though not the kind usually associated with “growth control.”

For example, the initiatives would exempt much future development from their provisions and would cap fees for road construction at what some say are inadequate levels. In addition, some provisions, such as those dealing with child care and recycling, are less strict than programs already in place.

What the two main growth measures may have lacked in passionate debate was made up for in the debate over Proposition C, which sought to endorse the current system of selling a limited number of animals from county shelters for research by UC San Diego School of Medicine.

Although it is only advisory, the measure touched many emotions, putting the medical community at odds with animal rights groups and the San Diego Humane Society.

“It does seem to come down to emotion; it’s like the abortion issue,” Dr. Laurence Favrot, president of the American Heart Assn. San Diego County chapter and a leader of the “yes” on Proposition C campaign, said last month.

Opponents of the measure said they didn’t necessarily oppose the use of all animals for medical research. But they claim that unwanted pound animals, even though they would be put to death anyway, have been exposed to human contact. As such, the opponents said, the animals would be inhumanely treated as lab animals used for scientific experiments.

Those against Proposition C also pointed out that 54 of the state’s 58 counties prohibit selling pound animals for research.

Those in the medical community maintained that using animals for research is an indispensable way for seeking cures for both human and animal ailments.

“These dogs will die anyway. Utilizing them in this way helps mankind,” Favrot said.

Other major measures on the ballot in San Diego included two additional growth-related propositions. Proposition E asked voters to authorize a $100-million bond for the acquisition or improvement of parks and open space, while Proposition L would amend the city’s charter to require public approval of the sale of 80 acres or more of city-owned land.

In addition, there was Proposition N, an advisory measure seeking to have the city create a comprehensive plan to upgrade its library system, including replacement of San Diego’s aging and decrepit central library downtown.