Morris, Brinker want ballot measures to pass

Mayor Pat Morris and Third Ward Councilman Tobin Brinker both said during Monday's City Council meeting that they believe the passage of budget-related ballot measures is vital for San Bernardino's financial stability.

"The defeat of these initiatives will no doubt have a substantial negative impact on our city," Morris said.

The Special Election is today. The six propositions include 1A, which extends taxes while also increasing the governor's ability to cut spending and setting new rules for California's "rainy day" fund. Another proposition, 1C, would allow Sacramento to borrow against future Lottery revenues.

Schwarzenegger has said the propositions are worth about $6 billion to the state, which is in bad shape whether they pass or fail. California faces a deficit of about $15 billion even if the ballot measures pass.

Recent polling suggests that voters will reject the propositions, save for a measure that would prohibit legislators from increasing their own pay during deficit years.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has threatened to borrow money from local governments if the initiatives do not pass.

Acting City Manager Lori Sassoon has said San Bernardino could stand to lose about $3 million if state government borrows property tax dollars. The council adopted a resolution Monday declaring the city will suffer fiscal hardship if Sacramento takes local money to balance the state's budget.