The Senator Reports

October 22nd, 2009

My Fight to Keep the Chargers in San Diego
By Senator Mark Wyland (R-Carlsbad)

Last week, I vehemently opposed developers’ intent to entice the Chargers out of San Diego by suspending required environmental reviews to build a new football stadium in the City of Industry. Never do I agree with granting such a huge benefit to one area of our state at the expense of another.

To keep this from occurring, I authored two amendments. The first would require that only out-of-state football teams could be recruited to relocate to the new stadium. The other amendment would offer the same environmental exemptions to Qualcomm Stadium, so we can also stay competitive and create jobs in our area as well.

Beyond the economic benefits and many jobs brought to our area, the San Diego Chargers are loved and appreciated by a great number of the people who live here. Even though the bill was passed and my amendments weren’t even heard, I will continue fighting to keep the Chargers where they belong.

Senator Mark Wyland represents the people of the 38th Senate District, which includes cities in north San Diego County and the south Orange County cities of San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano.

Senator Mark Wyland
1910 Palomar Point Way, Suite 105
Carlsbad, California 92008
760.931.2455 Office
email: senator.wyland@sen.ca.gov

More Taxes & Fees
By Assemblyman Martin Garrick

Earlier this month, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger wrapped up the legislative session by signing and vetoing hundreds of bills that were sent to him by the Legislature. Unfortunately, several of the bills he signed could spell trouble for taxpayers.

For example, the Governor signed Senate Bill 83 which authorizes a county transportation agency to place a majority vote ballot measure before the voters to impose up to $10 in new fees on registered vehicles. A similar bill, Assembly Bill 286, extends the authority of counties to impose their own vehicle registration fees. Sadly, these examples are just a few of the many bills that will have a negative effect on taxpayers.

Not only do these bills violate the spirit and principle of Propositions 13 and 218, they are also fiscally irresponsible given the current economic downturn. If we are going to get California back on track our first step should be finding ways to alleviate the burden on taxpayers – not making their lives more difficult.

Assemblyman Martin Garrick serves the communities of Carlsbad, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Rancho Santa Fe, San Marcos, Vista, and portions of San Diego, Escondido and Oceanside as the Assemblyman for the 74th District.