GOT A PROPOSITION FOR YA

Whipping our state government into shape
By Kelvin Wade October 21, 2010

This year offers us the opportunity to change how our government functions with nine propositions on the November ballot. While I have reservations about the initiative process, if we must use it we should use it to change how Sacramento works. For those who haven't given it much thought, allow me to show you what I think of the initiatives.

Proposition 19 legalizes marijuana and allows local cities to tax it. There have been some groups who say the projected revenues are off base. But even if that's true, it's time California led the way on legalization. Passing this will spark a much-needed national conversation.

In 2007, 74,000 Californians were arrested on marijuana charges. Let's give police something else to do.

Proposition 20 takes redistricting for the House of Representatives out of the hands of the Legislature and gives it to a citizens' commission. No more bizarre-shaped districts designed to thwart the will of the voters. There should be no safe seats drawn up by a political party. That's not democracy.

Proposition 21 establishes an $18 vehicle license fee to fund state parks. Vehicles subject to the surcharge would be allowed free admission and parking to state parks. While I can see the value in having such a fee, it's just not the right time. Plus it'll set a precedent and you can guarantee more 'worthy causes' will appear on the ballot tacking more dollars onto the vehicle license fees.

Proposition 22 is a solid yes. It prohibits the state from raiding local governments' redevelopment funds, transportation funds and other local projects. We're not Sacramento's ATM.

Proposition 23 is backed by oil companies and opposed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. Hearing that something is supported by oil companies is enough for me to be skeptical. They want to roll back environmental protections. If they're successful in California they will seek to roll back more protections in other states. We can't let that happen.

Proposition 24 would roll back tax breaks for big corporations. Opponents say it will result in job losses. The measure would result in increased state revenues of

$1.3 billion each year by 2012-13. Show me the money. I have to vote yes.

Proposition 25 would change the budget vote requirement from a two-thirds vote to a simple majority like most states have. Either we believe in democracy or we don't. Tax increases would still require a two-thirds vote. We must pass this proposition. We just passed a state budget three months late. This is unacceptable.

Proposition 26 is an insidious measure that should be rejected. It would require state and local fees to have to be passed with a two-thirds vote. We see how well that's worked in budget matters. If this passes, it will make it harder to regulate oil companies, alcohol and other industries. And the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst says that if 26 passes, it would add $1 billion to the deficit. If this passes, it's time to leave California.

Passing Proposition 27 would abolish the citizens commission on redistricting and give that power back to our corrupt Legislature. This needs to be squashed. Since Proposition 20 is the opposite of 27, if they both pass then the one receiving the most votes will be enforced. Yes on 20. No on 27.

I think these choices are the best way to get California moving forward again. You may disagree. But remember that your disagreement means nothing if you don't take the time to vote.

It's not enough to pick a new governor. We've got to take steps to make California governable again. These propositions will go a long way toward that goal. Peace.

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ADDITIONAL NOTES: Yeah, I was on drugs. Percocet and Vicodin and antibiotics. When I fell ill earlier this week, my temptation was to go to my emergency column. Yes, I have an emergency column to run just in case something happens. It's a column that would require minimal updating and voila, I'm good to go. I really didn't feel capable of writing anything.

But the reason I didn't go with the emergency column is that we only have two weeks before the election and I wanted to do an election oriented column. I think it's important. So for most of the day I stared at a blank screen with a blanket wrapped around me, feeling like crap.

But I managed to get this done. I believe they're the right choices to help get the state in the direction of being back on track.. I amazed myself because it was pretty dense material to go into feeling the way I did. I'm getting better. One pill at a time. And plenty of bedrest.