Yesterday’s split City Council vote (6-4 opposing the 2/3-voter requirement for new local taxes in Prop 43) shows that more and more SJ city councilmembers are uncomfortable coercing their over-taxed constituents to sign up for even more new levies.

CM George Casey: City should back off making so many endorsements “There is an important difference between saying here is how this measure will affect the city of San Jose, and saying the city of San Jose supports or opposes this measure.

“The first informs our constituents. The second can create the impression that we’re speaking for them. And in November, San Jose voters may reach a different conclusion than this council does. If they do, what exactly will today’s vote have accomplished? We may simply have created another data point showing that the institutional position of City Hall did not reflect the position of the people we represent.”
–District 10 CM George Casey

View CM Casey’s comment here.

CM Doan: Retroactive concerns addressed
“Governor Newsom created a compromise on Prop 43 to address the issue…of retroactively decertifying past election[s] and removing revenue like Measure E. This will not happen with this new Proposition 43. All taxes are locked in their original terms. This only impacts future taxes.

“Tell me, when’s the last time a citizens’ initiative didn’t involve some type of politician or special interest? Please, we’re all in the same political arena, and we know there are always special interests.”
—District 7 CM Bien Doan