ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF PROPOSITION I

Proposition I is needed to help preserve Santa Monica as a diverse, mixed-income community. Proposition I will permit the city to assist in the development of new housing and the rehabilitation of existing housing for our lower-income residents, including seniors, people with disabilities, and families with children.

PROPOSITION I WILL NOT RAISE TAXES.  It simply allows the city to use funds from a variety of sources to help develop housing for people with limited means.

Santa Monica's diverse population is one of the hallmarks of our city. But today's real estate market is making it harder for residents with fixed or low incomes to find affordable housing and stay in the city. Additionally, Santa Monica businesses need affordable housing for entry-level employees. We must continue to provide a full range of housing opportunities in Santa Monica to meet the needs of all the people who live here.

Proposition I will permit the city to continue its policies of providing financing assistance for affordable housing. The money comes from such sources as federal and state funds as well as locally generated resources restricted by law for this purpose. The money is used for projects which include the construction of new senior housing and family housing, and the rehabilitation of existing substandard buildings in Santa Monica.

State law requires voter approval for a city to assist with the provision of affordable housing. Santa Monica voters approved a similar proposition in 1978, but that authorization will soon expire. Now, it is time to renew our commitment to maintaining our diverse population.

Proposition I was unanimously approved by the Santa Monica City Council.

Please join us and vote to maintain Santa Monica as an inclusive city for all of us.

VOTE YES ON PROPOSITION I.

Robert Holbrook
Mayor, City of Santa Monica

Pam O'Connor
Mayor Pro Tempore, City of Santa Monica

Barbara Inatsugu
President, League of Women Voters of Santa Monica

Rosemary Regalbuto
Chair, Commission on Older Americans

Jean McNeil Wyner
President, Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce
 

Return to Election 1998 Main page

Acrobat Reader must be loaded on your computer in order to view PDFs. Click on the Adobe icon to download the free Acrobat Reader.

This page was last modified on 01/23/2008