The Problem with Ballot Measures

Let me just get this out there. I am a firm - some might say strident - believer in representational democracy. I believe that "voter driven" ballot measures give elected officials an easy out when it comes time to make a stand that may not be popular. A good case in point this week was Arnold Schwarzenegger. He vetoed a gay marriage bill, citing Prop. 22, the 2000 ballot measure that "defined" marriage as between a man and a woman, rather than any personal beliefs.

Here's a ballot scenario:
Let's call it Prop 1863.
Proponents promoted "Cheap Labor" and "Strong Economy" and "Diversity in the Workforce" and voters (all white men) said, "YES!"
Then Abe Lincoln says, "Actually, I can't sign the emancipation proclamation because the voters have said they want slavery to continue."

Ballot measures are marketed to voters and funded by businesses. Voters can be lazy and they don't look at what these marketing slogans really mean and who benefits from these measures. It's big money.

So this morning, as I waited for my train, a very earnest guy was handing out fliers for Prop A - a measure that he promised would, "Improve Muni and make it more reliable." The flier says, "Clean Air, Better Muni." Well who wouldn't want that, right? The Yes on Prop A site promises, "$26 million per year -- $300 million over 10 years – without fare hikes or tax increases."

I like clean air, faster commutes and investment in infrastructure. I like that idea that more people will ride public transport if it gets better. What I don't like is that the bill's sponsors are taking the easy way out. Why not raise fares and taxes to pay for stuff? When things are free, they are valued less. This measure is to be funded by parking fees. Not your typical regressive tax for sure, but it will still come with higher costs and higher administrative fees.

Muni is spectacularly cheap. My monthly pass - after my tax break - costs about $41.00. I suspect that a majority of monthly pass holders would be willing to bear a slightly higher cost (say $50) for better service. But no elected officials are willing to say, "Hey riders, downtown parkers, and tax payers, all of you need to help bear the costs for infrastructure investments in our public transport."

That's what a true progressive would do, but instead they're busy printing up fliers and paying earnest campaigners to get convince citizens that they're voting for "Clean Air" and "Better Muni."


Today's Stats:
Wait time: 5 minutes
Ride time: 18 minutes
Muni Reading: The San Francisco voters guide.
Irritation level: The ride was fine, but these ballot measures really piss me off.