There’s a lot at stake this November.
Could the County Board of Supervisors switch from a Democrat-led government to Republican? Are San Diegans willing to pay higher taxes at the cash register in exchange for more city services? Is one North County city going to go back to being the bad boy of housing rules?
Our reporters will spend the next few weeks unpacking everything voters need to know about some of the most contested races, measures and propositions on this year’s ballot. We will be writing about many other races beyond those listed below, but here’s a taste of what you can expect.
Follow our elections coverage here.
The Hottest Race: A Seat on the County Board of Supervisors
Terra Lawson-Remer vs. Kevin Faulconer
A Democratic majority on the county Board of Supervisors has for the past few years sought to move the county in a more progressive direction on issues like climate change and social services. District 3 Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer, a Democrat who represents the county’s coastal communities, wants to continue pushing progressive policies with what she describes as a data-driven approach. Former San Diego mayor Kevin Faulconer, a Republican, wants to take back the majority and return to what he calls “common sense” solutions. If he wins, that switch alone could significantly shift county politics and policies.
Follow our coverage here.
A Penny for Progress?
Measure E: City of San Diego One-Cent Sales Tax
In the city of San Diego, voters will decide whether to tax themselves an extra one cent on sales. That extra one cent would be huge for the city’s budget. City officials are currently facing a budget deficit of $200 million. The tax (expected to generate roughly $400 million per year) would bail them out of the hole, plus some. If residents pass the tax, city leaders have said they would use the additional money for a backlog of infrastructure needs, as well as parks and libraries. If the tax doesn’t pass, city officials may have to make tough cuts to the city’s budget.
We hosted a debate on Measure E at Politifest. Watch it below.
Encinitas’ Housing Future
Tony Kranz vs. Bruce Ehlers
In Encinitas, incumbent Mayor Tony Kranz is facing City Councilmember Bruce Ehlers for the mayoral seat. The two disagree on a few issues, but perhaps their most important difference is their approach to state housing laws.
Encinitas has previously been the subject of multiple warnings and lawsuits from state officials for not complying with state housing laws. City leaders have been warned about rejecting housing projects, failing to complete their state-mandated housing plan, trying to exempt themselves from the state density bonus law and more. Kranz sees resistance to state housing laws as costly, time-consuming and useless. Ehlers is calling for more local control, and he believes state housing laws are threatening the city’s “community character.” Whoever wins could determine Encinitas’ direction when it comes to complying with state housing laws.
San Diego Unified School Board: A District Amid a Reckoning
Sabrina Bazzo vs. Crystal Trull
San Diego Unified is facing a pair of crises. Last month, the board fired Superintendent Lamont Jackson after an investigation found he’d sexually harassed two female employees who’d since left the district. It will be up to the board to decide who will lead the district next. Officials also have to figure out how to plug a massive budget deficit that’s projected to keep growing in years to come.
Those crises color this year’s board election. Crystal Trull, an educator and nonprofit leader, is challenging incumbent Sabrina Bazzo for the district’s Area A seat. If Trull is elected, it would buck the longstanding trend of union-backed candidates prevailing. It would also bring a new voice to a board that’s long voted unanimously on nearly every issue before it.
We hosted a debate between the candidates at Politifest. Watch it below.
75th Assembly District: Two Visions, One Seat
California Assembly District 75: Carl DeMaio vs. Andrew Hayes
In the 75th Assembly District race, two Republican candidates, Carl DeMaio and Andrew Hayes are vying for a spot on the California legislature. Both are staunch conservatives who want to see change in Sacramento. And, on paper, they seem to align on most issues. But the two are starkly different. Hayes’ campaign emphasizes his years of public service to his district and dedication to serving his constituents. DeMaio, on the other hand, is looking beyond the 75th Assembly seat. If elected, he says he wants to revolutionize Sacramento and completely change the political landscape of the California State Legislature.
Follow our coverage here.
How Governments Raise Taxes
Proposition 5
Proposition 5 would make it easier for local governments to issue bonds to pay for affordable housing and public infrastructure. That could include water projects, police and fire facilities, utilities and parks. Under current rules cities and counties need two-thirds of voters to approve bonds for public works projects. This measure would lower that threshold to 55 percent; still a supermajority, but a more attainable mark for local governments. Supporters say it gives local voters more control over funds for housing, safe streets, fire stations and other community projects. Opponents say it will pile onto California’s existing debt and burden taxpayers with bond repayments for decades to come.
Watch a Proposition 5 debate below.
Are Felonies the Answer?
Proposition 36
Proposition 36 seeks to crack down on retail theft and robbery and the sale of hard drugs, including fentanyl. This one’s a redo; it would reverse parts of the 2014 ballot measure, Prop. 47, which downgraded some drug and theft crimes to misdemeanors to reduce prison crowding. The new ballot measure proposes changes including adding fentanyl to laws against trafficking hard drugs, authorizing tougher penalties for dealers whose drugs kill someone and introducing court-ordered treatment programs for people convicted of drug offenses. It would also allow prosecutors to file felony charges for multiple smaller thefts that total more than $950 or are committed by several people. Proponents say it offers tools to help control smash-and-grab robberies and fentanyl trafficking. Opponents say it would cause prison populations to spike again and argue that there aren’t enough rehabilitation resources to impose mandatory drug treatment.
We hosted a debate on Proposition 36. Watch it below.
Andrea Lopez-Villafaña, Lisa Halverstadt, Tigist Layne, Jakob McWhinney, Will Huntsberry and Deborah Brennan contributed to this post.
No to E, No to G, No to 5. Hold the failed politicians accountable and stop the over taxation. More money is not the solution for bad choices.
Absolutely NO to Prop 4, 5, 32, 33 and Meas D and G. I am tired of taxes and price hikes from Democrats.
Also absolute YES for Prop 36. We need safe environment for our families. Let the criminals pay the price
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