www.sdchamber.org

Phil Blair, 2008 Chairman of the

Board

The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors met on April 24, 2008, and took official positions on several issues, including statewide Propositions 98 and 99, and City of San Diego Propositions A, B, and C.

The Board took a position of opposition on Propositions 98 and 99.  Proposition 98 would amend the state constitution to prohibit the government from taking private property and turning it over to another private party for any purpose, and would also prevent rent control laws from being passed.  Proposition 99 would amend the state constitution to prohibit the government from taking the home of an owner who has lived there for at least one year and turning it over to a private person or organization, unless it is for the purpose of protecting public health and safety or for public uses.

The Board voted to support City of San Diego Propositions A, B and C.  Proposition A would amend the City Charter to exempt the public safety services provided by police officers, firefighters and lifeguards who participate in the City's Safety Retirement System from the managed competition process.  Proposition B would require the City Council to submit Charter amendments that would make the Strong Mayor form of government permanent to voters at the June 2010 election.  Proposition C would amend the Charter to establish the positions, roles and responsibilities of Chief Financial Officer, City Auditor and Independent Budget Analyst, modify the City Treasurer appointment process, and create an Audit Committee.

Additionally, the Board voted to support the Sycamore Landfill Master Plan Development and EIR, the Lane Field Project, and the State R&D Tax Credit.   They also supported AB 1919 (Silva) which provides a sales and use tax exemption for property sold by a thrift store located on a military installation; and SB 1150 (Corbett) which provides for new judgeships in California to meet the increased judicial workload.  The Board opposed AB 2610 (Davis) authorizing a county to prohibit a person or entity for placing a collection box, as defined, for solicitation purposes without a permit.

The Board heard from San Diego County Board of Supervisors Chairman Greg Cox, who reported that the county is in excellent financial condition.  He discussed cost saving measures that have been taken by the county, the county's bond rating and the effect of the state budget deficit on the county.