California voters face a bevy of state propositions
– 12 to be exact – on the November ballot. A number authorize
huge bond sales, led by the wildly expensive bullet train,
others
”
promote
”
alternative fuels and one, Prop 8, eliminates the right of
same-sex couples to marry.
California voters face a bevy of state propositions – 12 to be exact – on the November ballot. A number authorize huge bond sales, led by the wildly expensive bullet train, others “promote” alternative fuels and one, Prop 8, eliminates the right of same-sex couples to marry.
It’s a smorgasbord that brings to mind two guiding lights when it comes to initiative measures: 1. If it’s unclear what the consequences of passage will be, vote no; 2. Don’t spend taxpayer money when we can’t afford it.
The second rule – more than ever – applies now. Votes should be very stingy when it comes to authorizing bond sales, and our recommendation is simple: local, local, local. Thus, we support only one state bond – the Cal-Vet loan program.
Here’s a rundown on the props:
Prop 1A – Bullet train bond: No
A thousand times no. At this economic time in the state of California, authorizing $9.95 billion – that’s right, billion – makes absolutely no sense.
Prop 2 – Farm animal confinement: No
A UC Davis affiliated study says it will drive up the cost of eggs 25 percent and farmers say it will kill the industry in our state. Enough doubt has been established, vote no.
Prop 3 – Children’s hospital bonds: No
Despite a worthy cause, our state simply cannot afford $980 million in bonds at this time that will cost the state $1.9 billion over 30 years out of the general fund.
Prop 4 – Abortion waiting period: Yes
Minors could not receive abortions until 48 hours after parents or legal guardians were notified. Exceptions allowed for medical and abuse reasons. We concur.
Prop 5 – Nonviolent drug offenses: No
This is a doozy that could further muck up the criminal justice system, cost the taxpayers $1 billion annually for drug treatment programs and create a whole new state bureaucracy. Court authority to incarcerate offenders who commit certain drug crimes, break drug treatment rules or violate parole would be limited, too.
Prop 6 – Safe Neighborhoods Act: No
Another ballot-box budgeting boondoggle that would force a minimum of $965,000,000 each year to be spent on various criminal justice programs like police, sheriffs, district attorneys, adult probation, jails and juvenile probation facilities – that’s an increase of $365 million, an increase we simply can’t afford. Some funding would increase in following years according to California Consumer Price Index.
Prop 7 – Renewable energy: No
An unbelievably complicated law that would mandate percentage power requirements from alternative energy sources to be delivered by California utilities. It all sounds great, but what ratepayers could end up shouldering is absolutely unclear and the initiative is a tangled web. Unclear consequences dictate a no vote.
Prop 8 – Protect Marriage Act: No
A no votes allows same-sex couples to marry in California. The editorial board believes that same sex couples should have the right to marry.
Prop 9 – Victims rights: No
Though it tugs at emotional heartstrings for victim’s rights, what’s necessary to aid victims is already in place. California has a victims bill of rights. This initiative is no more than a siren song that could end up costing taxpayers a bundle.
Prop 10 – Alternative fuels: No
Another ill-conceived energy measure. The state’s fiscal analyst says it will cost $9.8 billion over 30 years to pay the principal and interest. Votes must curb runaway spending. No!
Prop 11 – Voters First Act: Yes
At last redistricting reform. This would take the drawing of state legislative districts out of the hands of legislators who only want to preserve their jobs. It establishes a commission that would outline Assembly and California State Senate districts that make sense from a common interest standpoint.
Prop 12 – Veterans Bond Act: Yes
The $900 million bond would help American service veterans achieve home ownership in California through a special loan program. Since 1922, Californians have voted for the Cal-Vet loan program all 26 times it has been on the ballot. Support our veterans again, vote yes.
