First, the good news!
The Santa Clara Chamber of Commerce has voted to oppose Proposition 14, the controversial “Top Two Primaries Act” measure that will be on the June 8 ballot. As you may recall from previous Free & Equal communication, the Santa Clara Chamber of Commerce heard presentations from representatives from both sides of the measure on March 23. Brian Brennan from the Silicon Valley Leadership Group spoke in support of Proposition 14, and I spoke against the measure.
Now the bad news…
Last night, the San Jose Mercury News published an editorial endorsing Proposition 14. The editorial was short on facts and long on “status quo” establishment doublespeak. The paper stated that Audie Bock was elected to the legislature in 1999. However, the paper fails to note that this was a special election, which used blanket primary rules. She only received 8% of the vote in the first round, placing third. Under top-two rules, Bock could not have participated in the runoff. This editorial demonstrates the newspaper’s lack of knowledge of the issue. It is appalling how a major newspaper can be so inaccurate and biased.
Alas, many newspapers editorialize about ballot measures without inviting both sides to visit their editorial board. In 2004, all the major papers invited individuals from both sides of the issue and heard their arguments before deciding whether to endorse a measure or not. Indeed, times have changed.
The Santa Clara Chamber of Commerce has set an exceptionally fine example here. They invited both sides to voice their arguments, heard the arguments, and then voted whether to support the measure or not. Going through this simple exercise has demonstrated the Santa Clara Chamber of Commerce’s credibility and sensibility, as well as a high level of respect for their local citizens and businesses.
Several California newspapers have failed to integrate this critical exercise into their decision making process. The Desert Sun, LA Daily News, Contra Costa Times, and Oakland Tribune have all published editorials in support of Proposition 14 without hearing from the opponents. And while the LA Times has not yet announced their support of Proposition 14, the paper has covered the pro-side extensively. We have not seen any anti-Proposition 14 coverage despite several op-ed submissions.
With all the big business money pouring in to support Proposition 14, reasons to oppose the measure must be communicated to California voters. But much of California’s mainstream media has disregarded how Proposition 14 will harm voters:
- Proposition 14 prevent voters from choosing alternatives to the status quo on their general election ballots;
- Proposition 14 eliminate the write-in vote;
- Proposition 14 reduce the number of qualified political parties;
- Proposition 14 prevent anyone from entering a race a full eight months before the general election; and,
- Proposition 14 protect incumbents like no other electoral system ever used before.
California media, business associations, and other groups should follow the lead of the Santa Clara Chamber of Commerce. We at Free & Equal and Stop Top Two challenge all California media and business associations to hear both sides before making such an important decision. Perhaps media outlets could regain their lost readers and viewers if they went back to being truly informative.
