A few weeks ago, I blogged about Proposition 98 and Proposition 99. I came out against Prop 98, and for Prop 99. And now, today, here’s the scoop:
[From Prop. 99 passes; Prop. 98 defeated – Los Angeles Times]
Californians on Tuesday rejected a state ballot measure that would have phased out rent control and barred government agencies from taking homes, businesses and farms for private development.
At the time, I really didn’t know who was endorsing Prop 98 or Prop 99. I mean, I assumed it was evil money-grubbing corporations and whatnot behind Prop 98 – but over the course of the “campaign” I learned that the Howard Jarvis Tax Payer’s Association was backing this one. I can’t recall a single initiative or candidate that those guys have supported which I have thought, “Right on!”. I don’t know exactly who these guys are, but I suspect it’s a bunch of rich Republicans in Orange County.
Not only did the Howard Jarvis Taxpayer’s Association support it – so did the California Association of Realtors. Sigh. More often than not, I think that C.A.R.’s PAC (Political Action Committee) gets it right. Looks like this time the suits in Orange County held too much sway over them this time.
But we can all relax now – the good people of California saw through the sham that was Prop 98 and voted YES for Prop 99. We can keep the rent control in our mobile home parks – which is good if you are a mobile home owner, because had Prop 99 passed, your mobile home would have instantly been much more difficult to sell, since a good chunk of what you’re selling is really a rent controlled lease.
Rock on, California. I love ya baby!