Cannabis, term limits also on Oceanside's ballot - The San Diego Union-Tribune

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While Measure L, the North River Farms referendum, may be getting most of the attention, two other Nov. 3 ballot measures could have long-term effects on Oceanside.

One is Measure M, a proposed tax on the city’s recently legalized medical cannabis businesses. If approved, the measure would establish a tax of up to 6 percent of gross revenues for cannabis retailers, manufacturers and distributors and up to 3.5 percent of gross revenues for cannabis cultivators.

The other is Measure K, which, if approved, would set a limit of three four-year terms, whether consecutive or not, for the offices of mayor and City Council. Term limits encourage greater citizen participation in local government and allow new people to serve, states the argument in favor of the measure, signed by Mayor Peter Weiss. No one filed an argument opposing the measure.

No campaign finance disclosures for Measure M or K had been filed with the city clerk’s office as of Wednesday, indicating low-key campaigns and little, if any, spending on the issues.

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However, Measure M has been opposed by some medical cannabis business owners and advocates who say the tax is unnecessary and that it would be passed on unfairly to cannabis patients, many of whom are handicapped, unemployed or seniors on fixed incomes.

City officials say the tax will generate $1.9 million annually for the general fund, which can be used for everyday expenses such as police and fire protection, parks and recreation services, and street and building maintenance.

Tony Krvaric, chairman of the Republican Party of San Diego, filed the argument against Measure M, in which he calls it a “money grab with no guarantees of how it will be spent.”

“The measure is just a way to take more from heavily taxed citizens of Oceanside with a tax that has no sunset provisions,” Krvaric said, and voting no will send “a clear message that we expect our government to live within its means.”

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The ballot argument for Measure M states that the revenue produced, in addition to funding vital community services, would help the city shut down illegal marijuana activities and educate young people about the effects of marijuana use.

“Help our city prosper by making sure that the city has the resources to properly regulate the cannabis industry without hurting our investment in core city services, such as neighborhood infrastructure and first responders,” states the argument in favor of Measure M.

Police Chief Frank McCoy, past Oceanside Chamber of Commerce president Colleen O’Harra, city Economic Development Commission Chairman Tyrone Matthews, Demantina (Tina) Ortiz, and Weiss all signed the argument in favor of the measure.

In addition to the three ballot measures, Oceanside voters will choose a new mayor, two City Council members and a city clerk on Nov. 3.

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Cannabis, term limits also on Oceanside's ballot - The San Diego Union-Tribune
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