It was a lesson in Local Politics this morning at 7th and Montana as Our Favorite City Councilman, "Mr. B," briefed me on some of the key local initiatives on the ballot next month in Santa Monica. The first -- and perhaps most complicated -- is Proposition T, a measure designed to establish an annual limit on commercial development within the City until 2023. Proponents of this measure have wisely tried to position it as a solution to the City's growing traffic problems. The theory is that less construction means less local jobs which, in turn, means less traffic. Opponents -- which include Teachers, Police Officers and Firefighters -- are quick to point out that the measure would put millions of dollars of school funding at risk while slashing funds required for Emergency Services. "It's a tough one," said Mr. B, "There's no easy answer but opponents are acting like the Sky is Falling. I'm voting for it." Personally, I'm much more worried about another initiative, the so-called Proposition SM. "You're going to hate SM," said Mr. B, "It will charge you a tax every time you use your cell phone." Indeed, the City cooked-up this initiative to generate revenue by imposing a tax on cell phones and texting to start, with the possible addition of Internet Access and Satellite TV in the future. A tax on my Camera Phone?!? Forget "SM" ... I'd have to be a masochist to vote for it!
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