LAWSUIT FILED TO BLOCK BALLOT LANGUAGE FOR MEASURE A

East County News Service

September 7, 2016 (San Diego) – Opponents of Measure A, the countywide transportation initiative, have filed a lawsuit in San Diego Superior Court challenging the accuracy of ballot statements filed by Measure A supporters.

The lawsuit alleges that the pro-A ballot arguments make misleading claims in violation of California state law.

Ricardo Ochoa, legal counsel to the Quality of Life Coalition that filed the suit, states, "The simple truth is Measure A is deceptive and does more harm than good to San Diego County communities."

Specifically, the lawsuit claims that statements related to water quality and transit fare reduction are misleading. The pro-A ballot statement promises to improve water quality by treating polluted runoff and reduce transit fares for seniors, students, the disabled and veterans, when in fact, Measure A includes no dedicated funding to either of those causes, the suit contends.

Gretchen Newsom, petitioner in the lawsuit, accuses Measure A backers of “lying to voters.”

Measure A opponents include Mayor Kevin Faulconer, some environmental, public health and social justice organizations that contend the measure’s 40-year, half-cent sales tax increase gives a blank check to the government with no guarantees to relieve traffic congestion, reduce air pollution or meet state targets to address climate change.

Supporters of Measure A contend it would raise $18 billion over the next several decades to pay for freeway improvements, surface street repairs and mass transit projects including a new South Bay trolley line. The measure is supported by SANDAG, Circulate San Diego, and the San Diego Chamber of Commerce.