[courtesy of California Progress Report]

By Vivian Kahn

Much of the recent press coverage on Proposition 98 has focused on the effect this proposed constitutional amendment would have on renters. Homeowners who ignore this ballot measure because they think it has nothing to do with them do so at their own peril because this devious initiative would amend the California Constitution in ways that could, in fact, have sweeping impacts on all Californians.

The proponents of Proposition 98 advertise the measure as an effort to control public agency use of eminent domain because they know that California voters would likely support a measure to protect homeowners from having government take their property to use it for private development. They also acknowledge that passage of Prop 98 would end rent control (although they dismiss concerns about immediate impacts on renters claiming that nothing happens until tenants vacate their units). In fact, the same section of Prop. 98 that could undermine renter protections such as “just cause eviction” regulations would also threaten a wide range of land use and environmental regulations and programs.

[courtesy of California Progress Report]

By Peter L. Stahl
Pete Rates the Propositions

Hey, voters!

The June primary is upon us. This ballot features two statewide propositions, both narrowing the government's ability to use its power of eminent domain to condemn and acquire private property. This is not a trivial issue. A ridiculous recent decision by the U. S. Supreme Court now allows governments to take private property, such as people's homes, for transfer to new, private owners, such as a Fortune 500 corporation, for no purpose other than increasing tax revenue. We must act to prevent this from happening in California.

Both Prop 98 and Prop 99 will curtail this new use of eminent domain. But while Prop 99 stops there, Prop 98 tracks on a sinister and gratuitous abolition of rent control. Obviously I don't think that's a good idea. Why? Read my ratings to find out. Then make up your own mind.

Proposition 98: Elimination of Rent Control – NO

by Brian Leubitz [courtesy of Calitics - Front Page]