California Propositions - Take Three, Toss Ten (10/5/06)
by Dean Hartwell
Californians will be asked to vote on thirteen ballot measures on November 7th. As I always do, I offer my recommendations in a concise manner. If you want a lengthy explanation, read the official ballot book, but be warned - it cures insomnia.
In summary:
YES - 86, 88 and 89
NO - 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 83, 84, 85, 87 and 90
Proposition 1A would stop the state from using the gasoline sales tax to spend money on non-transportation purpose.
This sounds like a good idea, but the state may have a greater need to spend money on other purposes. Our leaders need flexibility to handle the problems we face. Also, transportation is not an entitlement guaranteed to residents.
VOTE NO ON 1A
Propositions 1B, 1C, 1D and 1E are all bond measures for transportation safety, shelters/low-income housing, school overcrowding relief and flood control, respectively.
We should stop wasting our votes on bond measures. The state plays now and makes us pay later. The responsible way to pay for these ideas is to raise taxes now so that the people who benefit from the spending pay for it, not their children or grandchildren.
VOTE NO ON 1B, 1C, 1D AND 1E
Proposition 83 increases penalties for sex offenders and child molesters.
We are all disgusted by the behavior of these criminals, but this proposition takes their punishment too far. Right now, the state can use GPS (Global Positioning System) devices on sex offender parolees and probationers. Proposition 83 would allow GPS on sex criminals who have done their prison time. Don't get swept away by the emotional approach used by victim's rights advocates. If 83 passes, someday GPS will track average citizens like you.
VOTE NO ON 83
Proposition 84 would raise bond money for water quality and flood control.
See the argument against 1B, 1C, 1D and 1E. Bond measures raise taxes on the wrong people.
VOTE NO ON 84
Proposition 85 would require abortion providers to notify parents of minors seeking abortions at least forty-eight hours before performing abortions on minors.
We had a similar ballot measure last year. Proponents presume that minors who get pregnant will play by the rules and go to a licensed abortion provider for an abortion. The provider will then force communications between daughter and parent. Not every girl has a relationship with her parents that allows her to talk to them about this issue. Even though this proposition allows some exceptions, the government should stay clear of rules on abortion because enforcement violates privacy rights.
VOTE NO ON 85
Proposition 86 taxes an extra $2.60 per pack of cigarettes for health programs.
This is the way to tax. We can discourage smoking and raise money at the same time. Smokers will complain of being overtaxed, but since smoking has been proven to cause several health problems, the tax is justifiable. Also, the new tax could deter children from becoming smokers.
VOTE YES ON 86
Proposition 87 would set up a program to research alternative energy at a cost of $4 billion, raised by a tax on oil production.
It sounds great - stick it to the oil companies. But get real - the oil companies will throw the tax back at us when we pay for gasoline. And who is this group that will research alternative energy sources? They are not required to do anything.
VOTE NO ON 87
Proposition 88 will tax each property parcel $50 to pay for public schools.
Schools need our help and this is a fair way to pay for it since homeowners can afford the $50 hike and because they are typically anchored to the community and will send their kids to schools that benefit from this initiative.
VOTE YES ON 88
Proposition 89 would tax corporations and financial institutions by 0.2 percent to fund political campaigns.
We need to stop institutionalized bribery that plagues our privately-funded political campaigns. The wealthy get access to candidates and everyone else gets a newsletter with a phony autograph. When elected, the officials make policies that suit many of those contributors. Let's give public campaign financing a try - it can't be any worse than our current system.
VOTE YES ON 89
Proposition 90 prevents state or local governments from condemning private property to promote private projects.
This would be a good idea except that proponents admit that there would be more restrictions on the government taking of private property for public uses. This power of eminent domain benefits the community and compensates the individual. We would be foolish to change it.
VOTE NO ON 90