Propositions

As a general rule, The Santa Barbara Independent has come to regard any and all statewide ballot measures as guilty until proven innocent: guilty of unintended consequences; guilty of being wolves in sheep’s clothing; guilty of being unnecessary; and guilty of messing things up for no good reason. For the paper to endorse any proposition, we must be convinced that the measure is necessary and will do only what it says it will do. As a result, we are only supporting one of this June’s ballot measures.

Prop. 13: Yes

Property Tax Exemption on Seismic Retrofits

Currently, state law exempts earthquake upgrades from property tax assessments. This eliminates a possible disincentive for property owners wanting to make a necessary safety improvement. Prop. 13 would extend this practice and policy indefinitely. (If voted down, the policy will continue for another 15 years, but then be phased out.) It’s worth noting that this measure was unanimously endorsed by both houses of the State Legislature and that no group or individuals are campaigning against it.