Committee recommends against Prop. 16
| Friday, Mar 26 2010 04:34 PM
Last Updated Friday, Mar 26 2010 04:34 PM
An influential Bakersfield business committee voted Friday against an endorsement of Proposition 16, the ballot initiative that would change the state Constitution to require two-thirds voter approval before a local government could form its own electric utility.
The advisory vote by the Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce's Governmental Review Council sets the stage for a decision April 21 by the chamber's board of directors on whether to support Prop. 16.
Council members contacted after the private meeting said all votes opposed the initiative, with one abstention.
The vote followed one week after a debate hosted by the council. Arguments in favor of the proposition were delivered by a representative of the measure's primary backer, Pacific Gas and Electric Co.; arguing in opposition was a public affairs consultant and executive with the Agricultural Energy Consumer Association.
The initiative has particular significance here: Kern voters are expected to be asked in November whether they want to get their power from a source other than PG&E.
The California Chamber of Commerce and the California Taxpayers Association have endorsed Prop. 16. Consumer advocacy organization The Utility Reform Network and some government agencies have opposed it.
