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San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce Hosts Press Conference in Support of Proposition 11

The Chamber hosted a press conference on Monday, October 20, 2008, with California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, San Diego District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis, San Diego City Councilmember Donna Frye, Pastor Gerald Johnson of the North County Chapter of the NAACP and former Senator Dede Alpert to urge San Diego voters and all Californians to support Proposition 11.

“Proposition 11 is one of the most important reforms there is because it will take the power to draw legislative boundaries away from the Legislature and give it back to the people,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “The last time legislators drew the lines they created safe Democratic districts and safe Republican districts. So they know if they win the primary they are a lock to win the general election. They know they’ll get re-elected even if they don’t perform. I ask every Californian to change this by voting yes on Proposition 11 on Election Day.”

Supporters at the event joined the unprecedented and bipartisan coalition of more than 2,100 groups, individuals, good government organizations, businesses, elected leaders, cities and community associations across California that support Proposition 11.

Proposition 11 was carefully crafted by the League of Women Voters of California, AARP, Common Cause, voting rights attorneys and other groups and associations through a collaborative, non-partisan process.  The proposition will create a 14-person independent citizens commission to draw fair legislative districts – keeping communities, cities and counties intact. The commission will be comprised of five Democrats, five Republicans and four individuals from other parties. Under Proposition 11, the redistricting process will be open and transparent with opportunity for public input.

“The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce strongly supports Proposition 11 because it will end the conflict of interest of legislators drawing their own districts and give power back to voters where it belongs,” San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce President Ruben Barrales said. “When our lawmakers don’t address the big issues in Sacramento, it hurts our economy and the businesses who are the backbone of that economy. We are honored to be joined by Governor Schwarzenegger and this bipartisan group of other leaders supporting Proposition 11.”