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| Sensible opinions on the California ballot propositions since 1980 by Pete Stahl | |
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Home Read the ratings: Prop. 28 - YES Prop. 29 - YES "Top Two" Primary Election resources About the author Best of Pete Rates Past results Contact Pete Previous elections: November 2010 June 2010 May 2009 November 2008 June 2008 February 2008 November 2006 June 2006 November 2005 November 2004 March 2004 more... |
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Two Simple Props in June 5 Primary
There's a primary election on June 5th. Even though the presidential nominees are already inevitable, you should still vote so you can select top-two finalists for Assembly, Senate and Congress. Also so you can weigh in on your local races. And, of course, so you can vote on this site's subject, the California ballot propositions. This election has just two statewide props, neither very sexy. Prop 28 is a retry of earlier attempts to refine term limits for members of the state legislature. I support Prop 28 because it corrects the current scheme, which has turned the Assembly into a collection of inexperienced newbies dependent on entrenched interests for information and guidance. Prop 29 imposes a new, dollar-a-pack tax on tobacco to fund research into cancer and other tobacco-related diseases. I initially opposed Prop 29 because I want this revenue to be spent wherever the need is most pressing: closing our gargantuan state budget gap. However, I have decided that the public health benefits of making cigarettes more expensive outweigh my qualms about how the revenue is spent, so I'm now recommending a vote in favor of Prop 29. New for this election is "top two" primary voting. I do not rate candidates, but I do have some advice on how to use your vote under this new system. See if you agree. Please read my detailed ratings to understand the propositions in more depth, and then make up your own mind and vote. You may not influence the presidential nominations, but you'll certainly make a difference in your community. Happy voting,
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Greetings, voters!