League of Women Voters Forum on City of Tucson Ballot Propositions

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

The League of Women Voters is sponsoring a public forum on Monday, October 19, 2009 on the City of Tucson ballot propositions. Speakers for and against the propositions will present their cases.

Here are my brief descriptions of the propositions:

Prop. 400 "Home Rule Option" – seeks to allow the City of Tucson to continue funding services, government operations and programs at current levels by renewing the “home rule” proclamation set to expire. This is a process the City must go through every four (4) years since the Arizona Legislature passed a measure stating cities and towns must only spend at the levels set in 1980, when this was approved. It was last renewed by city voters in 2005.

Prop. 401 "TUSD 7%  Maintenance and Operations Budget Override"– seeks to exceed the revenue control limit specified by by statute by 7% for fiscal year 2010-2011 and for six (6) subsequent years. The override will be used to guarantee full day kindergarten, increase internet access and speed, and provide additional resources directly to TUSD schools on a per student basis. It is paid for through a property tax increase for TUSD residents.

Prop. 402 "TUSD Technology Capital Override"– seeks to exceed the capital revenue limit specified by statute in the amount of $9 million dollars per fiscal year for fiscal year 2010-2011 and for six (6) subsequent years. It is paid for through a property tax increase for TUSD residents.

Prop. 200 "Public Safety First Initiative" – seeks to amend the City of Tucson Charter to mandate that the city hire at least 2.4 police officers per 1,000 residents (right now, the city has somewhere around 1.9). It would also require that firefighters and emergency medical technicians be on the scene within four minutes, a standard found in the National Fire Protection Association's guidelines. The initiative does not provide for any funding mechanism by which to pay for the mandatory staffing levels (or the related capital expenditures it will require).

What: Public forum on ballot initiatives sponsored by the League of Women Voters

Where:Joel D. Valdez Main Library (downtown: Stone Ave. at Alameda)

When: Monday October 19, 2009 at 5:30 p.m.

Parking: Free parking in the garage under the library after 5:00 p.m.

Seating is limited in the library conference room, so come early if you want a seat.

And how about having a civil discussion of the issues rather than the boorish rude behavior of shouting down speakers with whom you disagree? (That goes for both sides).