Oh those ads! Is it about them or you?

Especially perplexing are the radio ads blasting billionaires for trying to ruin or take over our schools. This may be an attack on charter schools but also a warning from the powerful California State PTA about candidates who accept money from these wealthy busy bodies and do not follow the PTA line.

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Opponents of rent control initiatives in Burlingame and San Mateo are spending a lot of money to tell voters these measures will cost taxpayers millions and siphon money away from critical city services like fire, police and schools. It will be costly, but primarily for landlords, and not for you or me. The ads highlight a list of scary outcomes if these measures pass but only pay lip service to the major objection that these measures will not solve our immediate affordable housing crisis and will not help people who are looking for reasonably priced housing. Just like Proposition 13, these measures will help longtime and current occupants from huge rent increases and eviction. This is an emotional and financial issue for both sides — apartment owners and their tenants who are feeling the heat. If these measures are defeated and, with the amount of money spent against them, it’s very possible, let’s hope the cities follow the advice of local landlord Mike Aydelott who wrote in a letter to the Daily Journal: “We would rather see community stakeholders convene and find common ground outside of the draconian initiative process. This conversation should be facilitated by our elected officials to provide a voice to all citizens.” And it should include immediate relief for renters.

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Statewide, it is even more perplexing with so many propositions on the ballot and so many confusing arguments for and against. Make sure you know who is funding these campaigns. Find your magnifying glass and read the small print.

The one cent increase in the soda tax measure is really a tax on all food say the no ads. Unfortunately for the soda industry, the proponents have a great ad which reminds us it is not nice to lie. We don’t vote on this but voters in San Francisco and Oakland do.

Proposition 56: The tobacco industry is spending millions to defeat this measure arguing falsely that it will undermine the state’s school funding guarantee. PTA is supporting so you know it doesn’t mean less money for schools. It would increase cigarette taxes and redirect revenue to health care for low-income Californians.

Proposition 61 is the poster child for why voters should not be asked to decide issues which are technical and complex. This is really a battle between the pharmaceutical and insurance giants. It may depend on whom you hate less.

Proposition 67 is an attempt by the plastic bag industry to remove the ban on plastic bags which was passed by the Legislature and signed by the governor in 2014 and which most of us have all gotten used to. The industry filed Proposition 67 to hold up implementation of the law. Proposition 65, which says if Proposition 67 passes, then grocery stores cannot keep the small change charged for reusable bags and instead these funds would go to a special fund for environmental purposes. Honestly, plastic bag manufacturers, we are not that stupid. But it is confusing. The industry wants you to vote no on 67. Ignore the rhetoric and vote yes so a much-needed law can go into effect.

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Anna Kuhre of San Mateo United Homeowners is on a mission to light up five pine trees, each 75 feet tall, along El Camino Real in Central Park to coincide with holiday ice skating in the park. The trees cost $5,000 each to light. Kuhre is seeking donations to make this happen. Each tree will also include a banner recognizing the tree’s sponsors. Kuhre says, “I am thrilled with the strong community response to light up Central Park this holiday season. The checks have started coming in. I have commitments from two major donors for the giant holiday trees, the San Mateo Chamber of Commerce and the San Mateo Labor Council and its affiliates.” Who can say no to Anna?

Sue Lempert is the former mayor of San Mateo. Her column runs every Monday. She can be reached at sue@smdailyjournal.com.

NOTE TO READERS: This column has been changed to correct an error. The California State PTA is in support of Proposition 56, not the California Teachers Association.