Originally published on June 2, 2017
SAN DIEGO, CA -- The truth is out.
For the SoccerCity investors, it's all about holding a special election for special interests when the least amount of people vote. That much was clear when SoccerCity representative Nick Stone said during a Thursday afternoon press conference that the special election in 2017 should not be a debate about Measure L because "there is no need to enfranchise more people."
Wrong.
When it comes to local ballot measures, the voters have spoken clearly and loudly. They want local measures to be decided in the November general elections when the most people vote. That's why they voted overwhelmingly to pass Measure L.
Stone's dismissive comments about the will of the voters come as a new San Diego Union-Tribune/10News poll of registered voters shows that 59 percent say they would rather wait until 2018 to decide on the SoccerCity project and a hotel tax proposal. That's almost the same percentage of voters who passed Measure L, and reinforces what voters stated clearly in 2016: democracy functions best when the most voters participate.
In response, Andrea Guerrero, executive director of Alliance San Diego Mobilization Fund, the author and proponent of Measure L, said the following:
"The decision facing the City Council about whether to call a special election this year is absolutely about Measure L. This is about honoring the will of the voters who overwhelmingly passed the measure to involve more people in the decision-making in this city and stop special interests from manipulating outcomes in off-cycle elections.
Mr. Stone's statement that there is no need to enfranchise more people is an affront to the people of San Diego. Democracy is our core shared value, and we should always seek to nurture it, not undermine it."
About Alliance San Diego Mobilization Fund
Alliance San Diego Mobilization Fund is a 501(c)(4) organization that seeks to expand the opportunity for all San Diego residents, especially marginalized residents, to reach their full potential by increasing their participation in our democracy, our economy, and our society.
###
