Chamber Board considered local, county and state initiatives that face voters on November 8, 2022

The Pasadena Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors considered propositions and ballot measures in advance of the November 8, 2022, election. First vetted by the Chamber Legislative and Government Affairs Committee, the positions were thoroughly discussed and considered by the Board members present at the most recent meeting. In some cases, the Board chose not to take a position on certain propositions.

In assessing measures for positions, the Pasadena Chamber Board looks at impacts on the local business community, our local economy, Pasadena Chamber members and the community at large. The Pasadena Chamber Board often decides to take no position on propositions.

The Pasadena Chamber Board took the following positions on measures and propositions appearing on the November, 2022, ballot:

Here are the reasons for each recommendation:

  1. Measure H: Rent control in Pasadena. The Pasadena Chamber Board voted to OPPOSE the measure because rent control does not have the desired effect. It creates an entitlement for those in rent-controlled units and does nothing to increase the supply of affordable housing and often stifles production of rental housing in all price ranges. Rent control does nothing to enhance affordability of existing units and is likely increase rental costs to above market rates in Pasadena over time. In addition, the measure calls for an independent board that sets its own budget and salaries. Pasadena’s own experience shows this approach can result in those imposing their own salary paying highly inflated amounts for the work they are doing. The lack of oversight is an invitation to corruption.
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    Measure L: Library Tax extension in Pasadena: The Chamber Board chose to SUPPORT passage of the Library Tax measure. The Library Tax extends the existing levy for 15 years. It is not a new tax and will not increase costs for homeowners or commercial property owners. Pasadena’s Public Library system is a tremendous asset to our community and important to our local economy and the quality of life in Pasadena. The Board of Directors of the Pasadena Chamber recognized the importance of maintaining library services to our community in recommending voters support measure L.

 

  1. Measure PPP: $550 Billion Construction Bond for Pasadena City College: The Chamber Board chose to take NO POSITION on the measure. No information was forthcoming on the initiative at the time and the Chamber Board did not have basic figures on expenditures, costs to taxpayers or a list of projects proposed.

 

  1. LA County Measure A: Would allow the LA County Board of Supervisors to fire the elected sheriff. The Chamber Board took NO POSITION because this was seen as a political matter. Pasadena also has its own police department. While law enforcement in Pasadena does work with the sheriffs and the Chamber has members within the jurisdiction of the LA County Sheriffs Department, it was felt this was not something appropriate for the Chamber Board to weigh in on.

 

  1. Proposition 1, California Constitutional Amendment Protecting Reproductive Rights: The Board took NO POSITION for two reasons: the measures being enshrined in the state constitution are already California law and passage or failure of the proposition would have no material impact on the economy of Pasadena or the region or state. The Pasadena Chamber Board and the Chamber Legislative Committee overwhelmingly support a woman’s right to choose, but felt it was best to take no position on Proposition 1.

 

  1. Proposition 26: Legalize Sports Gambling at Indian Casinos and Racetracks. The Pasadena Chamber Board of Directors chose to SUPPORT the measure. It would maintain on-site gambling and add sports betting at Indian casinos. It would expand some forms of gambling to California racetracks. Passage of Proposition 26 would be a reasonable expansion of gambling while enhancing revenue opportunities for racetracks, including Santa Anita Park locally.

 

  1. Proposition 27: Legalize Online Sports Betting: The Chamber Board voted to OPPOSE Prop 27 because it would open California to online and mobile device sports betting with few of the proceeds staying in California to benefit Californians.

 

  1. Proposition 28: Funding for the Arts: The Pasadena Chamber Board SUPPORTS passage of Prop 28. Funding for arts education, including performing arts education, was cut drastically during the recession of 2008. Increasing funding for the arts is good for children’s education. The state is enjoying a massive budget surplus and funding for this measure is easily absorbed by the annual state budget.  support because arts education is crucial to a child’s education, whether they are artistic or not. The funding is easily found within the state budget and the amount is not enough to really impact other state programs.

 

  1. Proposition 29: Doctors at Dialysis Clinics: The Chamber Board recommends voters OPPOSE the measure. There is no clear problem defined that the requirement of having doctors or registered nurses at dialysis clinics would solve. The Board saw Proposition 29 as the third similar measure developed by a labor union trying to force private dialysis clinics to unionize.

 

  1. Proposition 30: Tax Incomes Above $2 million to fund electric vehicle purchases, charging stations, wildfire abatement and more. The Chamber Board OPPOSES passage of Prop 30 because there will be ample funds from the state and federal government to address the issues targeted here, electric vehicle ownership, solar installations and wildfire prevention. The Board also felt that, at some point, taxing high income individuals could chase them out of California.

 

  1. Proposition 31: Upholds Ban on Sale of Flavored Tobacco Products: The Chamber Board SUPPORTS passage of Prop 31. Maintaining the ban on flavored tobacco products will help protect children and teens from smoking and ill effects of the use of tobacco products. Fewer smokers, vapers and tobacco users will mean healthier Californians and lower healthcare costs.

 

The Pasadena Chamber Board of Directors is very careful and deliberate in choosing positions on initiatives that may impact our economy, local businesses and our members. The Board is made up of Chamber members large and small from industries and businesses throughout the greater Pasadena area. They are conscious that they represent business interests and impacts on our local economy are at the forefront when the Board considers matters that are before the voters.