Years ago, my husband Bill started sharing his ballot recommendations with friends and family. They started sharing it with others. I did the same. At some point, people who know me started wanting the reccos whether they know (California clean air leader) Bill Magavern or not. So here they are. Full disclosure, unlike pretty much everything else posted in this space, I don’t write these; Bill does. I stand by these recommendations, though. We talk over most of the candidates and the issues and influence each other in the process (in the fall general election, there will be a lot more ballot measures to consider). The local Sacramento choices for mayor and our state assembly seat, plus thinking through the race for (formerly Dianne Feinstein’s) open U.S. Senate seat, were particularly challenging this year with multiple strong candidates who match our values. The difficulty of these choices made me want to drop everything and work for “ranked choice/instant runoff voting” in Sacramento, if not statewide. If I could rank my choices, I would be able to indicate that if my first-choice candidate (Rep. Katie Porter) for the U.S. Senate didn’t win, my vote would then go to my second-choice candidate (Rep. Barbara Lee). Same with the Sacramento mayor race (where my top choice is Assemblymember Kevin McCarty and my second choice is Dr. Flo Cofer).
So, without further ado, here are Bill’s and my recommendations for the Sacramento, California, March 5, 2024 ballot:
BILL’S BALLOT RECOMMENDATIONS, MARCH PRIMARY, 2024
STATEWIDE
Proposition 1, Mental Health Treatment, Housing — Yes
This measure placed on the ballot by the Governor and Legislature has 2 parts. It amends the Mental Health Services Act (funded by the existing tax on very high incomes) to send more of it to the state, rather than counties, for treatment and prevention of mental illness and drug and alcohol addiction. It also authorizes $6.38 billion in bonds to build mental health and substance abuse treatment facilities and to build housing for people experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless, with over half of that funding set aside for veterans.
I think it’s clear that this measure addresses pressing problems in the state. I am concerned that existing county-level programs would lose some funding, but on balance, Prop 1 would give a major infusion of resources to treat mental illness and substance abuse and to provide homes to those in need.
US Senate — U.S. Rep. Katie Porter
Congress, District 7 — David Mandel
The House of Representatives needs more issue-based progressive agitators. That’s why I’m supporting David Mandel, a long-time activist for human rights, peace, and other just causes (and my neighbor for 27 years). When he sees a problem, Mandel digs in and figures out a solution. No doubt the odds are stacked against him, but his underfunded grassroots campaign is shooting for a spot in the top 2 to keep the debate going until November on vital issues like Middle East peace, Green New Deal, and Medicare for All.
Assembly, District 6 — Evan Minton
This open-seat race is blessed with an abundance of strong candidates. After moderating a candidate forum, I decided to back Evan Minton. Minton (who would be the first openly transgender legislator in state history) has been working hard for progressive legislation for many years. His Capitol experience and collaborative style would allow him to be effective from day one.
CITY OF SACRAMENTO
McCarty has a proven record both on the City Council and in the State Assembly on issues like education, affordable housing, environmental protection, and gun safety (I’ve worked with him on state legislation to speed up the deployment of electric vehicle charging). He has stood up to corporate interests and police unions, and that’s why they’re opposing him. He pointed out that the risky financing scheme for the Golden One arena could leave taxpayers subsidizing the wealthy Kings owners, and he has been proven right. His knowledge of the issues and his experience in office make him ready to lead the City.
City Council District 4 — Katie Valenzuela
Councilmember Valenzuela has done a fine job representing the Central City and Land Park for 4 years. Now the district shifts to incorporate East Sac, in addition to Midtown and Downtown, instead of Land Park. She works hard to serve constituents and speaks forcefully for progressive values like affordable housing and shelter, equity, police accountability, and environmental justice. For that reason, she is under attack by big development interests, who are pouring money into attack ads.
Measure C, Business Operations Tax — No
I wish I could support this because the City of Sacramento needs new revenues, and the major thrust of the proposal is very sound: raise taxes on larger businesses and reduce them for small and medium-sized operations.
Unfortunately, in its rush to put this on the ballot, the Council made 2 major mistakes:
1. The flat tax for all professionals would rise to $684 per year. This makes perfect sense for large firms and medical practices but would be a huge burden for part-time independent professionals like accountants, architects, and lawyers who only bring in less than $20,000 annually.
2. The Council violated the public notice requirement of the City Charter, https://www.sacbee.com/opinion/election-endorsements/article285396037.html. Council voted for this on Nov. 14 and gave opponents only until Nov. 27 (the Monday after Thanksgiving) to submit an argument for the ballot guide, not publishing the required notice until much later. Consequently, no opposition appears in our ballot guide, but opponents could sue and possibly have the measure overturned if it passes. Even apart from the legalities, giving the public so little time to have access to the ballot pamphlet is unfair.
The Council needs to fix these flaws and put a measure on the November ballot.
