Opponents of Props 105, 106 educate Arizona voters outside libraries
Aug 1, 2019, 4:00 PM | Updated: Aug 2, 2019, 11:31 am
(KTAR News/Ali Vetnar)
PHOENIX — Opponents of Propositions 105 and 106 call the possible passage of these initiatives devastating for the city of Phoenix’s future.
It’s why community leaders gathered outside of Burton Barr Library in downtown Phoenix to educate voters on the effects of these propositions.
“Voters are already getting their ballots in the mail,” Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Thursday. “If Prop 106 passes, it will lead to funding cuts to important community services such as libraries and after-school programs.”
Proposition 106 concerns annual assessments of pension liabilities and proposes a cap on budget growth for certain city services if pensions aren’t sufficiently funded. It could heavily cut funds from Phoenix’s libraries, parks and other programs.
“First off, it’s bad pension reform,” Tim Kanobbe with United Phoenix Firefighters said. “It’s poorly written and would likely be tied up in the courts spending lots of taxpayer money.
“It really hamstrings the city as far what they can do in the future and handcuffs the council being able to responsibly manage our finances, which they have done.”
There are plenty of signs around the city displaying firefighters’ disapproval of Prop 106.
Supporters of Prop 106 include Councilman Sal DiCiccio and and the Arizona Free Enterprise Club.
“We’re standing with the rest of our city’s brothers and sisters that run the city and provide services for the city,” Kanobbe said.
Proposition 105 asks voters to end all light rail construction, including the hotly contested South Central extension, and to redirect funds to other infrastructure projects.
Former Phoenix Mayor and U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton doubled down on his opposition of Prop 105.
Supporters of Prop 105 include DiCiccio and the Phoenix Citizens Transportation Commission.
“It’s changed the face of Phoenix with all the new development which is great for the environment, great for job creation,” Stanton said. “ASU Downtown wouldn’t be there if we hadn’t invested in light rail.”