Religion, Politics, Culture: Defined & Explained

Special Election Picks

Since today is the last day to register to vote in the upcoming special election on November 8th, I thought I would contribute my opinion about the measures that voters will be considering.

First, a word to the wise; anything that you read about the wonders and perils of any ballot measure should be viewed skeptically. The opinions expressed are not legally binding to either side. If the claim is not found in the text of the initiative or can be reasonable inferred by the implementation of the initiative then it is likely to be false.

If you like an idea and it passes, then chances are that the ACLU or some other group of self appointed guardians of the constitution will have it blocked in court before the vote is certified.

If something does become law, it still must get past the Legislature�whose failure to act responsibly is why it went to the voters in the first place�and the bureaucrats that write the regulations that give the measure the force of law. 

You can worry about all this legal “sausage” and how it gets made after the election.

My recommendations are as follows with reasons listed below:

YES  -  Proposition 73  Waiting Period And Parental Notification Before Termination Of Minor’s Pregnancy

As a parent, you must give your daughter permission to take an aspirin at school, get her ears or body pierced or go on a field trip to the zoo but under current law she can get an abortion without your knowledge or permission. Not only that, if �the procedure� goes wrong mom and dad are responsible for all ensuing medical bills. This measure tries to correct an obvious inequity of state law. Look for it to be overwhelmingly approved and go just as swiftly to court.

YES -  Proposition 74  Public School Teachers. Waiting Period For Permanent Status.

This measure is a modest attempt to try for some teacher accountability before the union can fully shield a teacher from job performance.

YES  -  Proposition 75  Public Employee Union Dues. Restrictions On Political Contributions. Employee Consent Requirement.

This is a measure that allows union members to keep their money and not have it go to political actions that are contrary to the beliefs or members. Currently, union members must forfeit other benefits such as disability insurance and legal representation to opt out of dues for political purposes.

YES  -  Proposition 76  State Spending And School Funding Limits.

Allows Governor to take state spending off of autopilot. This would not be necessary if legislature would do their job.

YES  -  Proposition 77  Redistricting

Allows for possibility of more competitive legislative districts instead of safe seats for every elected legislator in the state. New district would be in effect for 2006 primary. This measure is main reason why the special election is being held now instead of waiting for June 2006.

NO  -  Proposition 78  Discounts On Prescription Drugs
NO  -  Proposition 79  Prescription Drug Discounts. State-Negotiated Rebates

These measures are intended to cancel each other out. Worse case would be both passing and letting a judge �cherry pick� which parts of each that voters will have imposed on them. There is no legitimate reason why government should be buying and selling drugs. They screw-up medical decisions and healthcare enough without these programs.

NO  -  Proposition 80  Electric Service Providers. Regulation

Having an interest group make such a unilateral proposal will not benefit consumers and enhance competition. This is the worst idea floated since Gray Davis threatened to seize all privately owned power generating facilities in the State and wondered why no one wanted to invest in our utility infrastructure.