There's a possibility the state will come knocking again to help close a $21 billion budget deficit. That's why Mayor Jerry Sanders announced an effort to qualify a ballot measure to block the state's ability to borrow funds from local municipalities.
By the large turnout of elected officials from all over the county, there may not be a problem collecting the 700,000 signatures needed by April 12 to make it for the June ballot.
Sanders was joined at City Hall by mayors and council members from San Diego, Escondido, Chula Vista, National City, Imperial Beach, Poway, Coronado and Santee, along with local transportation officials and representatives from the San Diego Association of Governments and League of California Cities.
"Just as we're doing in San Diego," said Mayor Jerry Sanders,"the state must solve its budget problems on its own, by making the necessary reforms. The bottom line is balancing the state budget on the backs of cities is unfair."
Last year the state took more than $50 million in local redevelopment funds.
Mayor Sanders says right now the gas tax revenue to improve transportation is particularly vulnerable.
If you'd like to sign the petition, you can find it at local stores and malls or online.
