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Archive for the ‘The Libertarian Lass, Gayle Falkenthal’ Category
Second Lawsuit Filed Challenging Proposition D
This just in to Rostra: the “fiscal impact analysis” prepared for Proposition D, the City of San Diego’s half-cent sales tax initiative is being challenged under California Elections Code §9295 in a lawsuit which alleges that the required analysis provided by the City of San Diego is “not impartial, not accurate, and misleads the public.”
“It’s time the voters are told the truth about this measure,” said plaintiff April Boling, former chairperson of the City Pension Reform Committee. “They should not rely on a flawed and misleading fiscal statement to help them cast a vote on this critically important decision.”
Alert the Media: San Diego County Taxpayers Association Opposes Proposition D
In a move that didn’t catch much of anyone by surprise, the San Diego County Taxpayers Association’s Board of Directors overwhelmingly voted to oppose Proposition D, the City of San Diego’s half-cent sales tax increase which will come before San Diego voters on the November 3, 2010 ballot.
Proposition D imposes a half-cent sales tax increase on all eligible purchases within the City of San Diego if city officials meet certain conditions. It is estimated to raise $103 million in funding annually.
Lani Lutar, President & CEO of the Association, said SDCTA’s board cited the following reasons for its opposition to Proposition D:
“Dollar for Dollar” Proposes Match of Cuts and Sales Tax Dollars
Save a dollar, get a dollar. It’s a refreshingly simple approach to solving the City of San Diego’s budget problems proffered this morning by San Diego County Taxpayers Association President & CEO Lani Lutar.
Lutar delivered this memo to Mayor Jerry Sanders and member of the San Diego City Council this morning. So far, Councilmember Carl DeMaio has reacted favorably to the proposal, posting the memo on his Twitter feed (@carldemaio).
When I read something this sensible and fair, my cynical mind thinks, “OK, what’s the catch?” The only catch is that everyone needs to come to their senses, play fair, and try to uphold their end of the deal.
Can it be done? As a taxpayer, would you be willing to reward elected officials for making cuts with the carrot of a few tax dollars? Or should our reps be making these cuts simply because that’s the job we elected them to do in the first place? Your thoughts?
San Diegans AGAINST The Sales Tax Increase Plan Monday News Conference
Concerned business owners and citizens will step forward to voice their opposition to a proposed sales tax increase in the City of San Diego prior to a discussion at the San Diego City Council meeting on Monday afternoon, July 26 at 1 p.m. Speakers will call for the City to address pension reform, managed competition and spending cuts before asking taxpayers for any more of their hard-earned money.
The event will take place at the Concourse next to San Diego City Hall, 202 C Street, San Diego, CA 92101.
Conservative Swag
San Diego Rostra has a friendly working relationship and much mutual respect with our left-leaning pals at San Diego City Beat. I don’t think we share a lot of readers on our respective blogs though which is a shame. City Beat’s blog is lively, entertaining and informative even if only in the “keep your friends close, keep your enemies closer” scheme of things.
City Beat’s crew recently bet Republican Party of San Diego County chairman Tony Krvaric on the outcome of Carl DeMaio’s ill-fated managed competition initiative. Tony went down in flames. He paid the bet off this week with good humor and generosity, winning much respect from his City Beat tormentors. Read what City Beat had to say about it in their (self-proclamed) “Last Blog on Earth.”
Note that sweet swag Tony coughed up.
Don’t Tax Me, Bro
Reaction to the suggestion floated by San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders about putting a half-cent sales tax increase on the November ballot has drawn a stunningly swift reaction from numerous fronts. The San Diego County Taxpayers Association, Republican Party of San Diego County, Lincoln Club of San Diego County, San Diego Tax Fighters, Stop Taxing US, and City Councilmembers Kevin Faulconer and Carl DeMaio all issued news releases quickly denouncing the idea. T.J. Zane, CEO of the Lincoln Club, referred to councilmembers as “deadbeat relatives” asking for a handout, then upped the stakes by calling them “drug addicts” needing a money fix.
Getting to the Bottom of that Tea Cup
Although the Libertarian Lass went down in flames on her Rostra Election Contest Picks (Gore wins outright? Brian Jones wins? Zapf beats Wayne? Ay carumba), post-election observations are always correct, thank God. So let me be among the first to weigh in.
The much ballyhooed “anti-incumbent fervor” may have shown its presence, but primary elections reflect the votes of the insiders and the true believers, NOT the general public. I don’t expect it to manifest in a big way when it really counts in November. Yes, the voters approved term limits for supervisors, but they also approved the strong mayor initiative for the City of San Diego. The message from the tea leaves is still cloudy because we haven’t gotten to the bottom of the cup just yet.
Insights from the Bottom of the Glass
The inaugural “First Friday Happy Hour for Conservatives” brought insiders together at the All American Grill in Hazard Center for an adult beverage (or two), commentary and predictions on Tuesday’s primary election from an entertaining round table of participants: David King, attorney and editor/publisher of San Diego News Room; John Nienstedt, President of Competitive Edge Research; and SD Rostra’s own Barry Jantz. Host Bob Schuman of CALLIDUS Consulting Group played moderator.
Among the insights offered up (cleaned up for this family website):
Howard Wayne wins the Sixth District City Council race, but Lorie Zapf squeaks in to create a runoff in November.
Politics At Ten Paces?
People have told me several times recently how dismayed they are at a growing lack of civility in political discourse. They’ve said to me that it’s never seemed as bad as it is now.
This is my cue to remind them that 206 years ago in 1804, sitting Vice President of the United States Aaron Burr shot and killed former Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton in an honest-to-goodness duel with real guns over political insults which included Hamilton calling Burr “despicable” and too dangerous to be fit for office. Let’s picture for a second Joe Biden shooting Timothy Geithner. Or perhaps more entertaining, Dick Cheney taking out Henry Paulson.
Lincoln Club Issues Ballot Recommendations
The Lincoln Club of San Diego County has posted its complete list of ballot recommendations. If you’re a new reader or need a little refresher, the Lincoln Club is a fiscally conservative organization dedicated to the goal of advancing free market principles and ideas by recruiting, endorsing, and supporting business-friendly candidates, regardless of party affiliation. Lincoln Club members assess whether a candidate is committed to responsible public policy, the expansion of economic opportunity, and promoting an enhanced quality of life.
STATE OF CALIFORNIA ENDORSEMENTS
• Mike Villines, State Insurance Commissioner
• Joel Anderson, State Senate, 36th District
Rick, Robert and Rove: The New Conservative Power Trio?
San Diego based conservative radio talk show host Rick Amato (far left, pardon the expression) with his pals, conservative Hollywood activist and actor Robert Davi, with Republican political consultant, commentator and author Karl Rove. Rick recently had dinner in Los Angeles with Davi and Rove. Reportedly Rove chatted up Rick about the growing influence of his talk show in conservative circles, and had some highly complimentary things to say.
If you hear “Karl on Line Six” calling in any time soon, turn up the volume and stay tuned!
Taxpayers in Wonderland, Government in La-La Land
One of the few lists in town you DON’T want to see your name on was released this morning by the San Diego County Taxpayers Association. It’s the list of “Golden Fleece” award finalists. The infamous Fleeces are “given to government programs/services that exemplify the wasteful, inefficient or downright absurd use of taxpayer dollars.” It’s a shame this creativity couldn’t be channelled into ways of SAVING money. There are always bright new ideas about how to waste our money by your government at all levels.
The full list is posted at the SDCTA website here
“Winners” will be announced at the 15th annual Golden Watchdog & Golden Fleece Awards dinner on May 20. We’ll see if any of the Fleece nominees have the chutzpah to show up and claim their “prize” if they win. If YOU don’t show up, rest assured you will miss some of the best political gossip and networking of the year. Plenty of Rostrafarians will be in the house!
Use Your Freedom of Choice
Hey Rostrafarians, it’s Friday with a vengeance for The Libertarian Lass. Here in the midst of primary election season, many important issues are being discussed on San Diego Rostra.
As for me, I think it’s time for a little social commentary disguised as a rock gem from 1980. This song remains an amazingly modern and relevent commentary on conformity and your role as a citizen in a free society. Use your freedom of choice!
The “poem” the song refers to is actually a classic fable. Know which one it is? Bragging rights if you do!
Double Tax Trouble in the South Bay Tonight
Last night, the San Diego County Taxpayers Association put out the word that the City of Chula Vista would attempt to pass a “crash tax” at its Tuesday afternoon meeting. To recap, these fees are imposed upon the responsible parties in vehicle accidents for a whole bevy of services, under the guise of “cost-recovery.” Umm, isn’t that what our TAXES are paying for?
Thanks to sounding the alarm, the Chula Vista City Council pulled the item off the agenda without discussion at the meeting. No reason was given.
Chula Vista considers crash tax at meeting Tuesday, May 4
First it was the North County Fire Protection District. Then the San Miguel Fire Protection District got a lot of heat, but did it too. Now it’s the City of Chula Vista that wants to hit taxpayers with a double-whammy “crash tax” to cover the costs of responding to vehicular accidents.
The San Diego County Taxpayers Association was made wise to this item on Tuesday afternoon’s docket and quickly issued a statement denouncing the attempt. Others will no doubt add their voices to the opposition, but don’t be too surprised if the measure passes.
Democrat (Gasp!) Tony Young Endorsed by Lincoln Club of San Diego
That collective gasp you heard from certain Republicans mid-afternoon on Thursday, April 29 was due to learning that the Lincoln Club of San Diego County had endorsed a Democrat. In this case, it’s Fourth District City Councilmember Tony Young. You can read the formal announcement here.
I’m all about it. While it’s true that you’d be hard pressed to find anyone that’s not a conservative Republican among the Lincoln Club membership (except perhaps a token Libertarian or two), the club isn’t a Republican organization. President & CEO T.J. Zane tells me he has to correct people (especially news media) on this frequently.
Young is an incumbent who doesn’t face much of a serious challenger, but it’s still smart thinking of the Lincoln Club and savvy positioning emphasizing its “pro-business” credentials.
Taxpayers Association Issues Ballot Recommendations
One of the most important functions of groups like the San Diego County Taxpayers Association (SDCTA) is educating the rest of us. Providing voters with ballot recommendations that satisfy its criteria for accountable, cost-effective and efficient government has got to top the list.
SDCTA has just completed its review of the June 2010 Primary Election state and local ballot measures and issued its ballot recommendations. A supermajority (60%) vote of the SDCTA Board of Directors is required for a position to be taken on any ballot measure. The recommendations are:
STATE PROPOSITIONS
Is the Lincoln Club of San Diego County Spinning Its Wheels?
T.J. Zane, President & CEO of the Lincoln Club of San Diego County, takes a spin on the California Center for Sustainable Energy's electricity generating bike at the April Albondigas Club meeting. Rumor has it Lance Armstrong is trying to lure T.J. away from San Diego politics to join Team Radio Shack for the 2010 Tour de France. Don't do it, T.J.! We need you here to lead those pro-business candidates and initiatives across the finish line to victory in June and November.
Call it Son of Prop C
Four years ago, voters in the City of San Diego passed Proposition C, which required the City to pursue managed competition to save tax dollars. Since then, the City has outsourced all of ONE lousy contract, primarily due to stalling by public labor unions coupled with lily-livered elected officials.
A signature gathering effort kicked off with a fundraiser at Vin de Syrah on April 15 for the “Competition & Transparency in City Contracting Initiative.” Hey, on Tax Day many of us are drinking, so we might as well tip it for a good cause.
San Diego County Taxpayers Association Opposes Three June Ballot Measures
The San Diego County Taxpayers Association announced its opposition to three ballot measures in the upcoming June primary election.
The Association opposes Proposition B, the countywide measure calling for term limits on the Board of Supervisors. Association President & CEO Lani Lutar says the board of directors believes the measure is a poor public policy approach, and could potentially create the same sort of chaos in San Diego seen in the state legislature in Sacramento.
If You See a Man Dressed Like A Sheep, It Must Be Time For the Golden Fleece Awards!
Just like the swallows returning to Capistrano, when a man in a sheep suit is spotted running around San Diego you know it’s time for the annual San Diego County Taxpayers Association Golden Fleece & Golden Watchdog Awards.
Sure enough, the first sighting was made last week. We’ve captured it for you here on San Diego Rostra. This year’s theme: “Alice in Wonderland.” I can’t wait to see who’s going to play the Mad Hatter. The Association has an embarrassment of riches to choose from.
Sometimes the jokes just write themselves… but that’s far too easy so I’m going to allow you the pleasure. So be our guest and have at it!
Lincoln Club Endorses Bill Gore in SD Sheriff’s Race
San Diego County Sheriff Bill Gore received the endorsement of The Lincoln Club of San Diego County for his candidacy in the race for San Diego County Sheriff.
In a news release issued today, Tom Sudberry, Chairman of the Lincoln Club’s Board of Directors, said Gore’s proven record of leadership and managerial skills qualify him as the best candidate for the job.
“Bill Gore has demonstrated his good judgment and considerable skills on the job every day for over 30 years in increasing positions of responsibility,” said Sudberry. “He has delivered on strategic objectives throughout his career, first with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and now with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.”
San Diego County Taxpayers Association Supports Oceanside Charter Ballot Measure
The San Diego County Taxpayers Association Board of Directors voted to support a City of Oceanside ballot measure adopting a City Charter, changing the City of Oceanside’s status from a General Law municipality to Charter status. The measure will come before voters on the June 8, 2010 primary ballot.
Lani Lutar, President & CEO of the Association, said SDCTA’s board supported the measure for the following reasons:
- The City’s Charter prevents mandatory labor agreements from being imposed on private developers for publicly funded projects, ensuring the most cost-effective use of taxpayer dollars.
U.S. Senate Candidate Carly Fiorina Appears LIVE Tonight on The Rick Amato Show
U.S. Senate candidate Carly Fiorina talks about her candidacy live tonight on “The Rick Amato Show’ on KCBQ AM 1170. The interview is set for 9 p.m. You can also listen online at www.kcbq.com. As an added bonus, Rick will be joined by Ralph Hallow, senior political reporter for The Washington Times. You can join the conversation and ask a question of Fiorina during the show by calling 888-344-1170.
T.J. Zane Promoted to President & CEO of The Lincoln Club of San Diego County
Congratulations to T.J. Zane, whose strong leadership of The Lincoln Club of San Diego County has earned him a promotion! Read more about it here. T.J., I hope you got more than just a hearty handshake and new business cards out of this!
Learn more about The Lincoln Club of San Diego County at www.sdlincolnclub.org
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