November 2010 Propositions

People are getting their sample ballots and vote by mail ballots this week, so now is a good time to shed some light on the California propositions for this fall. Here's how I'm voting.

Proposition 19 Marijuana: No
I'm voting no on the marijuana initiative. Call me old fashioned. I just don't think more intoxicants is a good thing.

Proposition 20 Congressional Redistricting: Yes
This extends the mandate of the redistricting commission to draw the lines for Congressional Districts in addition to State Legislature seats as already enacted by Proposition 11. The panel of 5 Democrats, 5 Republicans and 4 of neither party and acceptable to both is a good idea. We have a much better chance of getting more moderate and competitive districts than under the current system in which the legislature draws the lines to protect incumbents. At least three of each group has to vote yes on a plan.

Proposition 21 State Parks Funding: Yes
Adds a surcharge of $18 to vehicle licensing to raise $500 million a year to fund state parks. I love and support our state parks but would rather they were simply properly supported than set up a new revenue-expenditure link. Yet the vehicle registration fee's cut by Schwarzenegger takes $6 billion out of the budget. This would restore half a billion. A little is better than nothing, so I'm voting yes.

Proposition 22 Transportation or Local Government Funds: No
This would prohibit the state from "taking" transportation or local funds for state uses. Unfortunately, when the budget is out of whack and needs balancing it is not wise to restrict the ways it might have to be done. I'm therefore against this requirement.

Proposition 23 Suspends Air Pollution Laws Based on Unemployment Figures: No
This Texas oil-industry bankrolled initiative is as self-serving as the insurance and electric company special interest propositions that voters rejected in June. It is specious to suggest that meeting clean air standards causes unemployment. To the contrary, this could hold back the state's burgeoning solar and wind industry.

Proposition 24 Repeals Special Tax Breaks for Big Business: Yes
Would provide about $1.7 billion by closing loopholes enacted to get Republican votes to pass previously stalemated budgets.

Proposition 25 Simple Majority Budget: YES, YES, YES!
This allows the legislature to pass a budget by a simple majority vote instead of two-thirds. By passing this the era of budget gridlock and late budgets will end. This is the most important proposition on the ballot.

Proposition 26 Mandates 2/3 Vote to pass fees: No
This ties the legislature's hands more than already.

Proposition 27 Eliminates State Commission on Redistricting: No
This is a last-ditch proposal by the politicians to let them keep drawing their own district lines. It is transparently self-serving.

If you are voting by mail be sure to mail it in time to be received by Tuesday, November 2. If you miss that, take the ballot to any polling place on election day. There is a list of local polling place addresses in your voting materials.

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