Date: September 17, 2002	Contact: Darren Pudgil
	tel: (619) 531-5894

SUPERVISORS REJECT "SUPER-SANDAG" BILL

At the urging of Chairman Ron Roberts, the Board of Supervisors today voted to oppose pending
state legislation that would repackage the San Diego Association of Governments and grant it primary
responsibility for building roads and freeways.

“Traffic is the number one problem in San Diego County, and unfortunately, some people want to rest their hopes for a solution with a non-elected body that operates in virtual obscurity,” said Roberts. “What we need is an independent board whose members are directly elected by the public, not appointed by political colleagues.”

Joining Roberts in opposition to the legislation, SB 1703, were Supervisors Dianne Jacob and Bill Horn. Supervisor Pam Slater opposed the motion, while Supervisor Greg Cox declined to take a position.

Under the legislation, the North County Transit District and the Metropolitan Transit Development Board would be folded into the San Diego Association of Governments. This new agency would have the authority to plan and build major roadways.

“I support consolidation,” said Roberts, “but only if the governing authority can be held accountable to the public through the electoral process.”

The bill is now in the hands of Gov. Davis, who can either sign or veto it.