Economic Development Corp to Host Discussion on Prop. 90

Economic Development Corp to Host Discussion on Prop. 90
By Ben Antonius

VACAVILLE - As voters work through the 192-page election guide, there are some things local governments want them to know.

The Solano Economic Development Corp. will host a morning discussion of eight of the 13 initiatives on the November ballot. The event, which costs $20, starts at 8 a.m. at Travis Credit Union in Vacaville.

The focus of the event is Proposition 90, a sweeping initiative that would dramatically limit a government's power to forcibly acquire land and regulate or change land-use designations.

Proponents have promoted the proposition as a ban on the eminent domain power, but government advocates say it would be too expensive and cripple their ability to plan their cities.

"Proposition 90 will not only stifle business development and public works projects, but will impact the quality of life in a community and the creation of good jobs," said Solano EDC President Mike Ammann in a statement.

Speaker Dan Sharp will also discuss several other initiatives, including one that would require that gas tax money be spent on road improvements and other infrastructure projects.

He also criticized Proposition 87, which would tax oil companies to fund the creation of alternative energy sources.

"No matter what you think of the oil companies this is a tax on oil production and if anybody thinks they are not going to pass that along to us at the pump they are fooling themselves," he said. "That will certainly have an impact on our economy."

Reach Ben Antonius at 427-6977 or bantonius@dailyrepublic.net.

At a glance:

Who: Solano Economic Development Corp.

What: Discussion of voter initiatives on the Nov. 7 ballot

When: 8 a.m.

Where: Travis Credit Union, 1 Travis Way, Vacaville

Info: 865-1855