When's the paper due?

Fabian Nunez has written to Secretary of State Bruce McPherson asking when the last possible minute to strike a bond deal is. The highlights are my own: There are a number of rumors circulating in the Capitol regarding the final date by which an infrastructure bond would have to be enacted in order to make the June 6, 2006, ballot. Our initial indications from your office were that last Friday, March 10, was the last permissible date. Then we heard that yesterday, March 13, was also acceptable to you. Today there are rumors that the deadline may actually be later this week. As you know, legislative leaders and Governor Schwarzenegger are engaged in on-going discussions on the terms of an historic infrastructure bond. This measure will address issues of critical importance to all Californians: traffic safety and congestion, flood protection, clean water, schools and parks. It really is a plan for California’s future. Our negotiations are distracted in part by the lack of clarity on the final date issue. Can our talks lead to a vote on the June ballot or must they be directed toward the November ballot? We, as negotiators, and more importantly, the public, need to know your official position on this issue. I attempted to contact you by phone to discuss this issue, but was unable to reach you. In view of the urgent nature of my question, I have taken the liberty of hand-delivering this inquiry to you. Please provide an answer today. Thank you in advance for your assistance with this important issue.