Whatever Happened to Measure Q, the Urban Growth Boundary initiative on the November ’04 ballot?
Conflict with Measure S
A “Right-to-Farm” initiative, Measure S included a “poison pill” clause that would nullify Measure Q if both initiatives passed. Measure S was written specifically to conflict with Measure Q.
Election results
Measure Q passed with 50.3% of the vote, despite being outspent more than 10:1 by Save Stockton Jobs. Measure S also passed, with a wider margin.
Possible court action
Some suggested Measure Q supporters challenge Measure S on the basis that Measure S included more than one topic (the right-to-farm ordinance and the poison pill clause). State law allows only a single topic in an initiative.
Decision
Because the single topic law is loosely interpreted by the courts, CCG elected not to pursue a court challenge.
What did Measure Q accomplish?
Credibility. Recognition that advocacy for smart growth, limiting sprawl and preserving prime farmland has considerable support in the community. Recognition that CCG is a force to be reckoned with, not to be so easily dismissed or ignored.
Voters spoke out loud and clear, saying it is important to maintain a strong public voice in civic affairs. Campaign for Common Ground will continue to work to preserve the quality of life for this community — the larger community of San Joaquin County. We would prefer to obtain results through advocacy, through collaboration, and through public discussion of issues in an atmosphere of mutual respect. Our success with the Measure Q campaign has earned us respect. However, we must reserve to ourselves the option to run another initiative if that appears to be the only recourse.
