Voter Guide: March ballot offers important choices Voter Guide: March ballot offers important choices (February 18, 2004)

By Marion Softky
Almanac Staff Writer

Local voters may face a short ballot next March 2, but they will make some important choices, particularly on state, regional and local ballot measures.

If passed, State Propositions 55, 56, 57 and 58 will affect the future of California in major ways:

** Proposition 55 would add $12.3 billion in debt to improve state school facilities, from kindergarten through the university.

** Proposition 56 could change the way state budgets are -- or are not -- hammered out by allowing budget, tax, and appropriation bills to be passed with a 55 percent margin instead of the present two-thirds. A provision would dock the pay of legislators and the governor for each day the budget is late.

** Propositions 57 and 58 represent Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's first step to solve the state budget problems by authorizing up to $15 billion in bonds (Proposition 57) and requiring a balanced budget and reserves (Proposition 58). The two propositions are linked: Both must pass for either to pass.

The propositions require a simple majority -- at least one vote over 50 percent -- for passage.

For Bay Area residents bothered by traffic, Regional Measure 2 would increase the tolls that drivers pay to cross seven Bay Area bridges (not the Golden Gate) from $2 to $3. The money would pump another $125 million a year into regional transportation projects, including improvements to Caltrain, a railroad to the East Bay across the old Dumbarton railroad bridge, and ferries.

More locally, voters in the Portola Valley and Ravenswood school districts decide on parcel taxes. In Portola Valley, Measure C would raise the parcel tax from $195 to $290 and extend it for 10 years. In the Ravenswood District, Measure B would impose a new parcel tax of $98 to improve the quality of teachers. Both measures require a two-thirds vote to pass.

The candidates

At the top of the ballot, Democrats will have a choice of all 10 presidential candidates, even though several have already dropped out. Republicans have just one candidate for president, but can pick among 10 candidates who want to take on U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer.

The liveliest local races, for the 11th state Senate district and 21st Assembly district, were triggered by the retirement of veteran state Sen. Byron Sher.

As former Assemblyman Ted Lempert and present Assemblyman Joe Simitian grapple for the Democratic nomination to the state Senate seat, four more Democrats are competing for the right to run for Mr. Simitian's now-open seat. They are: Redwood City Councilman Ira Ruskin, West Bay Sanitary District Board President John Carcione, Palo Alto School Board member John Barton, and Monte Sereno Councilwoman Barbara Nesbet.

Waiting in the wings to take on the Democrats in November are two Republicans and a Libertarian. Technology executive Steve Poizner is building his campaign for the Assembly; and Republican businessman Jon Zellhoefer and Libertarian engineer Allen Rice will take on the winner in the Lempert-Simitian contest.

By contrast, there are no primary contests for the 14th Congressional District. Incumbent Congresswoman Anna Eshoo is unopposed, as are her November challengers Republican teacher Chris Haugen, and Libertarian engineer Brian Holtz of San Carlos.

In the non-partisan election for three members of the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, two incumbents face challengers, while Daly City Councilwoman Adrienne Tissier is running unopposed to replace retiring Supervisor Mike Nevin.

Freshman Supervisor Mark Church faces businessman Taso Zagrafos of Millbrae, while Supervisor Rose Jacobs Gibson is being challenged by North Fair Oaks activist Stan Buetens.

For more information on candidates and ballot measures, check www.smartvoter.org (the League of Women Voter's site) and www.shapethefuture.org (the San Mateo County elections office site).

INFORMATION

** Polling places are listed on the sample ballot and voter information pamphlet that each voter receives from the county. The polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on election day, Tuesday, March 2.

** Voting absentee. Applications for absentee ballots must reach the San Mateo County Elections Office by 5 p.m. Tuesday, February 24. Application forms are on the back of the sample ballot, or may be obtained by calling 312-5222, or checking www.shapethefuture.org. The applications may be faxed to 312-5348, or mailed to San Mateo County Elections Office, 40 Tower Road, San Mateo, CA 94402. Absentee ballots may be turned in at any polling place on election day.

** Web sites. For information on candidates and issues, check the San Mateo County Elections Office Web site, www.shapethefuture.org, or the League of Women Voters election site, www.smartvoter.org.

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