Here is a brief overview of some propositions.
Prop A: San Fran-cisco Transportation and Road Improvement Bond. If passed, this proposition would issue general obligation bonds to borrow up to $500 million for infrastructure work, including bike lanes, upgraded Muni/BART stops, traffic and pedestrian signals, improved Muni maintenance facilities, and changes to curb bulbouts, crosswalks, bike parking, and median islands.
Prop B: Adjusting Trans-portation Funding for Population Growth. As reported in last month’s Marina Times, this prop created significant controversy between its supporters on the Board of Supervisors (six supported it; four — including District 2’s Mark Farrell — opposed it) and Mayor Ed Lee. Prop B would tie increases to Muni’s budget to increases in San Francisco’s population, which is projected to top 1 million in the next couple decades. Opponents have expressed concern it would restrict the flexibility of city department heads in budgeting.
Proposition E: The City of San Francisco Sugary Drink Tax. Proposed by District 8 Supervisor Scott Wiener, Prop E would impose a tax of two cents per ounce on sugary drinks, defined as beverages with added sugar and 25 or more calories per 12 ounces. That would cover many soft drinks (hence the term “soda tax”), but it would exclude beverages such as natural fruit and vegetable juices, diet sodas, infant formulas, and more.
Proposition J: The City of San Francisco Minimum Wage Act of 2014 Initiative. Backed by Mayor Ed Lee, the Board of Supervisors, and an unlikely coalition of business and labor organizations, Prop J would raise the hourly minimum wage on a schedule: $12.25 by May 1, 2015; $13 by July 2016; $14 by July 2017; $15 by July 2018. The Golden Gate Restaurant Association has criticized the plan, arguing that tipped employees should be exempted and the group had sought a longer implementation calendar.
Prop L: The “Restore Trans-portation Balance” parking meter and traffic laws initiative. Prop L would prohibit the city from charging parking meter fees on Sundays and holidays, and other days beyond the hours of 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; prohibit the installation of new parking meters without the consent of affected neighborhood residents and businesses; and prevent the city for at least five years from increasing rates for parking garages, meters and tickets, and tying increases after five years to the Consumer Price Index.
