Los Angeles Times: Endorsement: Yes on Prop. 5. It’s too hard to raise local taxes and bonds

In California, most elections are decided by a simple majority, including governor, mayor and statewide ballot measures. But the state Constitution requires a supermajority — two-thirds of the vote — to pass a local tax or bond to fund a specific program, such as building a water treatment plant or homeless housing, if that tax was put on the ballot by a city council or other elected body.

Proposition 5 on the Nov. 5 ballot would get California closer to majority rule by lowering the threshold to pass local bond measures to 55% instead of 66.7%. We think it’s a fairer way to make spending and taxing decisions. The Times’ editorial board recommends a yes on this constitutional amendment. Thankfully, it doesn’t require a supermajority to pass.

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