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Voter Guide for Upcoming Ballot Measures

NO on Proposition 100

Proposition 100 was placed on the ballot by the Arizona Association of Realtors and, if passed, would amend the Arizona Constitution to prohibit the imposition of a real estate transfer fee by any state entity, including cities, towns, and counties. The Sierra Club is opposed to this measure for several reasons. It is inappropriate to include this type of prohibition in the constitution. If such a prohibition was appropriate, and we do not believe it is, it would be better placed in the statutes, not the constitution. Furthermore, passage of this measure would close the door on a funding source that could be used for conservation in the future. Thirty-seven states and the District of Columbia have real estate transfer fees in place, and many of them use these fees to fund important programs, including conservation. From 1990–2000 Florida funded some of its preservation efforts via this fee, protecting over one million acres. Illinois provides matching grants for conservation projects from funding generated by its real estate transfer fee. Maryland’s fee provides funding for wildlife programs and for buying park land and forests, plus to protect natural, scenic, and cultural resources. Prohibiting these fees in Arizona would mean we could not develop programs such as those in other states. We need more opportunities to conserve, not fewer. Please vote no on Proposition 100.

NO on Proposition 105, so-called Majority Rules Proposition

The “Majority Rules” proposition refers to the ballot a constitutional amendment that, if approved, would significantly restrict the ability of Arizona voters to enact laws via the initiative process, which is the only way we have been able to enact many important protections and programs. For example, the Arizona Heritage Fund, which provides funding for parks and wildlife as well as for trails and playground equipment, was enacted via a citizen initiative and was approved by nearly a two-thirds vote. If this proposition passes, even measures such as the Heritage Fund that receive overwhelming support would not pass as they would need a majority of everyone registered rather than of everyone who voted.

This proposition gives more power to people who sit home and don’t vote and dilutes the power of voters who take time to learn about the measures and vote based on thoughtful consideration. We require no such hurdles for our elected officials; why should we require it of ballot measures?

The initiative and referendum process is older than our country itself – it dates back to the 1600s when communities voted on ordinances and other issues. The authors of the Arizona Constitution thought that the initiative and referendum process provided citizens with both a check on the legislative branch and on the then widespread corruption of big business and monopolies. They thought it was critical for citizens to have an equal opportunity to create laws directly via the initiative process. We agree. Please vote no on this proposition.

Note: Proposition 103 on state trust lands and Proposition 203 regarding transportation did not have adequate signatures to make the ballot.

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Sierra Club, Grand Canyon Chapter, 202 E. McDowell Rd, Suite 277, Phoenix, AZ 85004, (602) 253-8633