Measure for Measure: Propositions B and C
Voting is an essential part of civic engagement, but it can be confusing, especially in local elections. There are some hyper-local issues that we’re deciding on in the upcoming election in SF on November 5th. That’s why we’re doing this round-up of the measures, to provide some insight into the 2019 ballot.
We’ve covered the local statewide measures related to our issue areas in the preceding articles. We’re left with Props B and C, which we’ll cover in this wrap-up Measure for Measure article. As we don’t make recommendations on propositions that aren’t related to our issue areas, these will just be informative summaries on each measure.
Check out our round-up page for more articles on the other measures.
What is Proposition B?
Proposition B would change the name of:
- The Department of Aging and Adult Services to the Department of Disability and Aging Services
- The Aging and Adult Services Community Living Fund to the Disability and Aging Services Community Living Fund
- The Aging and Adult Services Commission to the Disability and Aging Services Commission
It would also require that the commission have at least one member who is age 60 or older, at least one member with a disability, and at least one member who is a veteran.
What are the arguments for and against Proposition B?
Supporters of Proposition B argue that the name changes will help people better understand that the agencies also provide services to people with disabilities. They also argue that the representation requirements on the commission will help make sure the voices of elderly people, disabled people, and veterans are heard. This no serious opposition to Proposition B.
What is Proposition C?
In June, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved legislation banning the sale of e-cigarettes until they are reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Juul had sponsored Proposition C to overturn that ban, and instead limit the quantity of e-cigarettes that can be purchased in one transaction, and require a permit for companies shipping e-cigarettes to consumers in San Francisco. On October 1st, Juul announced that they would stop supporting the measure.
What are the arguments for and against Proposition C?
Supporters of Proposition C argue that it will allow adults to choose whether they want to purchase e-cigarettes or vaping products while still guarding against youth use, which is how cigarettes are treated. They add that Proposition C also contains measures to protect against black-market diversion of legally purchased e-cigarettes.
Opponents argue that it is dangerous to allow e-cigarette sales before they have been approved by the FDA. They add that it sets a bad precedent to allow a ballot measure written and funded by a company to overturn legislation impacting said company.
Check our round-up page for more measure articles as we publish them!
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