Prop 50 (Opinion) Brandi Bannister, President South Tahoe Chamber of Commerce:
City Council and members of the public,
The South Tahoe Chamber has reviewed the wording and effect of the hastily prepared California special election Prop 50. The Board urges you to oppose Prop 50 and encourages all citizens to vote no.
Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to address such a critical issue facing our community. As we consider the impact of Proposition 50, it is crucial to reflect on how these proposed changes would affect not only our representation but also our voice in the decisions that shape our future.
Even though our congressional district is large, it at least constitutes mostly mountain towns that share common issues with each other. In our case, the district resulting from Prop 50 would have people as far away as Sacramento voting for who would represent us in congress. They would have no first-hand knowledge of our issues and could/would elect someone who represents their issues and values.
Prop 50 is a hastily prepared political power grab meant to increase one party numbers in Washington. It defies all senses of fairness without any evidence of benefit to common sense representation. There is, in our view, no benefit or practical reason to vote for Prop 50. Currently, a non-partisan commission designs the districts. We voted for that a few years ago. If Prop 50 passes politicians will design our districts. Who do we think will do that for the right reasons? The Chamber states that maintaining the outcomes of previous votes supports fairness. Some might say that other states are using politics to design their districts. Do two wrongs make a right? We ask you, the voters, and our City Council, to send a strong message to Governor Newsome that we want our votes to matter.
There is a saying, “power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely.” We believe the only purpose for Prop 50 is the quest for absolute power by the Governor and State legislature. We the people must stand against this power grab by politicians and VOTE NO ON PROP 50.
Respectfully submitted,
Brandi Bannister, President
South Tahoe Chamber of Commerce
