Many Measures Afoot in Voters’ Own Backyards

In Orange County, voters in seven cities and a school district face a variety of measures.

Measure A, Orange Unified School District:

Should a $196-million school bond measure be passed?

Proponents say the money is desperately needed for science and computer labs, classrooms, restrooms, athletic fields and to build a high school.

Opponents say there are cheaper ways to raise money and that funds for repairs should come from the state, not local taxpayers.

The estimated cost to repay the bond is about $36 for every $100,000 of assessed value over 30 years.

A $200-million bond proposal to fund the same projects was defeated in March after it received 49% approval. County Auditor-Controller David E. Sundstrom, Sheriff Michael S. Carona, Supervisor Bill Campbell and Orange Mayor Mark A. Murphy support Measure A. Opponents attempted to file a statement but failed to meet the deadline, city officials said.

Measure B, Aliso Viejo:

Shall the city be subject to an appropriations limit of $10,493,809, with an increase of $6,500,000 over the next four years?

Supporters note the appropriations limit is required of new cities and that the measure will assure that the city receives all of the money it should from the state, and that it would not increase taxes. All five council members signed the ballot argument in support of Measure B. No opposing argument was filed.

Measure C, Brea:

Should the city raise license fees for small businesses from $30 to $70?

Supporters say fees have remained the same since 1976, while the costs of government and providing the licenses have gone up. The city’s current budget was based on voter approval of the higher fee, so failure to pass it would require budget cutbacks. Measure C is supported by Councilwoman Bev Perry. No opposing argument was filed.

Measures D-H, Cypress:

Should the city manager, instead of the City Council, appoint and direct the city clerk and city treasurer?

Should the city be allowed to award design-build contracts for capital improvements?

Should capital improvement maintenance projects be awarded to the most qualified bidder regardless of price?

Should the planning director’s title and duties be changed to Director of Community Development?

Supporters of all five measures say they are ministerial “cleanup” chores to make the 30-year-old city charter compliant with current business practices and state law. Measures D-H are supported by Mayor Tim Keenan and council members Anna Piercy, Frank McCoy and Mike McGill. No opposing argument was filed.

Measure I, Fountain Valley:

Should there be a limit of three four-year City Council terms?

Supporters say term limits will allow more residents to run and serve on the council, making it more responsive.

Opponents say experienced incumbents are better able to tackle tough issues and accomplish more.

A council member would have to take a two-year break before running again for office.

Measure I is supported by Dan Hoppy, past chairman of FV Citizens for Good Government. Opponents are former city mayors Guy Carrozzo, Laurann Cook and John J. Collins.

Measure J, Fountain Valley:

Should the city’s business license fee be increased from $50 to $75?

Proponents say the increase is needed to pay for police and fire protection, and street maintenance, the costs of which have risen dramatically since the fees were last increased in 1992. All five council members support Measure J. No opposing argument was filed.

Measure K, Mission Viejo:

Should the hotel and motel room tax be raised from 8% to 10%?

Supporters, including council members Patricia Kelley and Lance MacLean, say the measure represents a modest increase that would bring in $143,000 a year for police and fire protection, as well as road and traffic upgrades. Opponents, led by Councilman John Paul Ledesma, say the city should live within its means.

Measure L, Newport Beach:

Should a waterfront area be rezoned from recreation and open space to allow construction of a 110-unit luxury resort?

Proponents say the proposed Marinapark development would generate revenue and improve a rundown area now used by a mobile-home park whose leases have expired.

The city approved the resort in July, but residents urged the council to put the land’s fate before voters.

Opponents say the lease revenue wouldn’t compensate for the loss of public land for at least 50 years. They propose building aquatic facilities and a boat and kayak launching ramp that could be enjoyed by more people.

Supporting Measure L are Newport Beach Mayor Tod W. Ridgeway and Councilman Gary Adams. Opposed are Councilmen John Heffernan, Richard Nichols and Don Webb.

Measure M, Santa Ana:

Should the hotel and motel room tax be raised from 9% to 11%?

Supporters say the additional fees will bring in money needed for such essential city services as police and fire protection. Supporters include Mayor Miguel Pulido, school board president Rob Richardson and John White of the Santa Ana Merchants Assn. There was no ballot argument filed against Measure M.