Will the “Dueling Ballot Measure” Strategy Work?

by Paul Hogarth via Beyond Chron

Thu, Mar 13, 2008 7:27AM

Thursday, March 13, 2008 : In June, voters will decide on two sets of dueling ballot measures that each involve housing. At the state level, Proposition 98 would abolish rent control – while Proposition 99 would reform eminent domain. Locally, Proposition G would give Bayview-Hunters Point to the Lennar Corporation – while Proposition F would require a minimum of affordable housing development in that neighborhood.

For years, moneyed interests have used the “dueling ballot measure” strategy to sink progressive initiatives. Now progressives are finally doing the same thing, but will this strategy work? Giving voters a choice on how to fix eminent domain is good, but the press coverage so far has ignored the more odious parts of Prop 98. And with Lennar saying they will not develop Bayview if Prop F passes, it opens up progressives to the “poison-pill” label. Still, proposing alternatives to a bad proposition is pro-active – rather than just being reactive.

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