There are nine propositions on the ballot in California this fall ranging from such issues as legalized marijuana and climate change. If you’re not a Californian, or simply one that doesn’t pay any attention to politics here’s the skinny: California is one of 16 states that allows voters to put measures on the ballot that if approved by a majority of voters go directly into law. It is one of the few forms of direct democracy available here in the United States, and like all things it has both positives and negatives. That is a conversation for another day. This post is how I will be voting on the proposition this November 2, if you wish, you can take it as my recommendations if you wish or you can ignore it, you can even leave nasty (or positive, I’d prefer positive) comments below.
Proposition 19 – Legalizes marijuana under California but not Federal law. Permits local governments to regulate and tax commerical production, distribution, and sale of marijuana – YES. I’ve long thought that the ‘war on drugs’ has done little to reduce drug use in this country and has instead rapidly militarized law enforcement. Eliminating prohibition will eliminate the stigma from these drugs as well as allowing for proper oversight and regulation. Funds that have been spent to imprison non-violent drug offenders can instead be used on rehabilitation of addicts.
Proposition 20 – Redistricting of Congressional Districts – NO. I’m not a fan of gerrymandering myself, but I don’t see how giving the power to draw districts to a committee that has no responsibility to the people will help. Voters can, and do, punish their elected representation when they do things they don’t agree with. The redistricting commission is not accountable to the public. I’m not adverse to coming up with new ways to draw districts, I’d even support a commission if its members were electable officials, I don’t think this is the right answer.
Proposition 21 – Establishes $18 annual vehicle license surcharge to help fund state parks and wildlife programs. Grants surcharged vehicles free admission to all state parks – YES. California has 278 state parks many of which are in desperate need of funding for maintenence and rehabilitation/conservation projects. The recent fiscal difficulties has reduced already minimal funding of these parks. California’s wildlife and parks are a state treasure and all Californians should help in paying for their upkeep. This proposition eliminates entry/use fees for visiting State parks and allows all Californians who register their vehicles here to use while at the same time upkeeping them.
Proposition 22 – Prohibits the state from borrowing or taking funds used for transportation, redevelopment, or local government projects and services – No. One of the reasons it is so difficult for state legislators to forge a budget is because of how little control the legislature has over how moneys are spent. Through the iniative system the electorate has increasingly limited the ability of legislators to craft a budget without resorting to such gimmicks as “raiding” transportation or local government project funds. California’s structural organization does need serious reform, especially unhitching municipal, city, and county funding from state funding. Prop. 22 isn’t the answer though. If this measure passes funding that would normally support education and health services will instead be used to balance the budget.
Proposition 23 – Suspends implementation of air pollution control law (AB 32) requiring major sources of emissions to report and reduce greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming, until unemployment drops to 5.5% or less for a full year – No. If you believe thay global climate change is a conspiracy or a lie than nothing I say here is going to change you. The most I can do is recommend that you begin studying the literature on the subject (primary sources please) and decide for yourself. There are lots of arguments back and forth, I’m not going to get into them there. All I’m going to say is that someone has to start somewhere and historically that someone has been California…
Proposition 24 – Repeals recent legislation that would allow businesses to lower their tax liability – YES. Closes tax loopholes and maintains some level of balance in how taxes are paid in state.
Proposition 25 – Changes legislative vote requirements to pass budget and budget-related legislation from two-thirds to a simple majority. Retains two-thirds vote requirement for taxes – YES. Will make the party with the majority in the two legislative houses truly responsible for the budgets the make and will end endless obstructionism by the minority party. It will also force the minority party to actually create some form of platform that will win votes with the Californian people instead of holding the entire state hostage every year.
Proposition 26 – Requires that certain state and local fees be approved by two-thirs vote. Fees include those that address adverse impacts on society or the environment cause by the fee-payer’s business – NO. Why would I want to create more gridlock in Sacramento? Why would I give corporations a free pass to offload the costs of environmental destruction onto the citizens of California? These fees pay for the damage these businesses do. These aren’t hidden taxes this is paying for the costs of the damages created through business.
Proposition 27 – Eliminates state commisiion on redistrictin. Consolidates authority for redistricting with elected representatives – YES. For the same reasons I’m voting NO on Prop. 20.
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