ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF
 THE SANTA MONICA TAXPAYER PROTECTION AMENDMENT OF 2000

 
Measure LL is a simple and sensible proposal to prevent corruption in Santa Monica politics.  Measure LL prevents a public official from receiving money, gifts or a job from anyone benefiting from the official's actions (for example, a city contract, franchise or land zoning change).  Measure LL forces a public official to represent the interests of the public and not the special interests of a potential contributor.

Measure LL is sponsored by the Oaks Project.  The signatures needed to qualify Measure LL were collected by a 100% volunteer force, something unheard of in this age of bought-and-paid-for signature gathering.  These same volunteers are taking on the special interests with a groundbreaking initiative that, if enacted in Santa Monica, will spread across the nation.

This sensible proposal is endorsed by the good-government watchdog group California Common Cause.  Politicians should not be allowed to approve multi-million-dollar sweetheart deals from contractors and then take a job, gift or large campaign contribution from that same contractor.

Measure LL is a pioneering initiative that will stave off corruption in city hall.  We urge Santa Monica voters to vote YES on Measure LL to continue Santa Monica's proud tradition of forward thinking civics.

Sadly, some current members of the city council have misguidedly chosen to take Measure LL as a personal attack on their integrity.  This strong reaction to a straight-forward proposal suggests that Measure LL is exactly the medicine Santa Monica needs.

Measure LL prevents politicians from taking a bribe.  Why would any conscientious official oppose Measure LL?

The Christian Science Monitor calls the Oaks Project a "boot camp" for democracy, "helping people take a lead role in American politics."  The local Daily Breeze says that Oaks are working on the "roots of reform."

Measure LL deserves your Yes vote on November 7th.

Ralph Nader, Consumer Advocate
Harvey Rosenfield, Consumer Advocate and President of Santa Monica Based Foundation for  Tax Payer & Consumer Rights

Rebuttal

Impartial Analysis

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This page was last modified on 01/23/2008