2012-044 - Opposing Proposition 32

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9/12/12 SRC RESOLUTION NO. 2012-044 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA OPPOSING PROPOSITION 32 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA AS FOLLOWS: WHEREAS, Proposition 32, labeled as the "Stop Special Interest Money Now" initiative, is on California's November, 2012 ballot; and WHEREAS, Proposition 32 does not truly address the influence of special interests in campaigns; and WHEREAS, Proposition 32 all but eliminates the historic means of unions for collecting political funds through payroll deductions - Proposition 32 ostensibly does the same for corporations, but corporations almost never use payroll deductions to collect political funds, instead drawing such funds from their profits, and that source of funding is deliberately left uncovered by Proposition 32; and WHEREAS, Proposition 32, if approved, would dramatically undercut the ability of unions to champion and otherwise support social and political causes of significance to working families and their quality of life; and WHEREAS, Proposition 32 exempts many companies (including LLCs, LPs and LLPs) from the ban on direct candidate contributions, and places no limits on Super PACs and Independent Expenditure Committees and their ability to spend unlimited funds (without directly contributing) for or against statewide candidates and initiatives - consequently, Proposition 32 would upend any realistic opportunity for an electoral even playing field; and WHEREAS, the non-partisan League of Women Voters of California has closely reviewed and strongly criticized Proposition 32, with the League of Women Voters saying, "this initiative is not at all what it seems. Prop 32 promises 'political reform,' but is really designed by its special-interest backers to help themselves and harm their opponents. Despite its proponents' claims, it won't take money out of politics. That's why we urge a "No vote," and WHEREAS, the non-partisan Common Cause of California likewise has closely reviewed and strongly criticized Proposition 32, stating, "We can all agree, Sacramento has too much special interest influence, and the money spent on political campaigns has caused all of us to mistrust the campaign finance system, but Prop 32 is trying to use our anger and mistrust to change the rules for the benefit of already powerful interests - not the benefit of all Californians. Voters should take a close look to avoid being fooled," and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, Resolution No. 2012-044 Page 1 of 2