…which sounds like something Wonkette should be writing about.<\/p>\n
OK, I’m seriously depressed about the Presidential election (as U. Utah Phillips would say, “It’s good, though!<\/i>” – explanation here<\/a>, listen here<\/a>). Nothing changes my view below, but right now I’d like a do-over on the nominating conventions, if one could be offered. I’ll get some sleep and be better in the morning, honest…<\/p>\n So let me turn to the fun-filled California ballot. We’ve got government by initiative here in California, which was the reformer’s tool against the Here’s a list of the propositions, with links out the League of Women Voter’s great ‘Smart Voter<\/a>‘ site.Over the next few weeks, I’ll try and dig into each of them and comment.<\/p>\n Proposition 1A<\/a>. Should local property tax and sales tax revenues remain with local government thereby safeguarding funding for public safety, health, libraries, parks, and other local services? Provisions can only be suspended if the Governor declares a fiscal necessity and two-thirds of the Legislature concur. <\/font><\/p>\n \nProposition 59<\/a>. Shall the Constitution be amended to include public’s right of access to meetings of government bodies and writings of government officials while preserving specified constitutional rights and retaining existing exclusions \nProposition 60<\/a>. Shall the general election ballot be required to include candidate receiving most votes among candidates of same party for partisan office in primary election?<\/font><\/p>\n \nProposition 60A<\/a>. Shall the sale proceeds of most surplus state property pay off specified bonds?<\/font><\/p>\n \nProposition 61<\/a>. Shall $750 million general obligation bonds be authorized for grants to eligible children’s hospitals for construction, expansion, remodeling, renovation, furnishing and equipping children’s hospitals?<\/font><\/p>\n \nProposition 62<\/a>. Should primary elections be structured so that voters may vote for any state or federal candidate regardless of party registration of voter or candidate? The two primary-election candidates receiving most votes for an office, whether they are candidates with “no party” or members of same or different party, would be listed on general election ballot. Exempts presidential nominations. <\/font><\/p>\n \nProposition 63<\/a>. Should a 1% tax on taxable personal income above $1 million \nProposition 64<\/a>. Should individual or class action “unfair business” lawsuits be allowed only if actual loss suffered? Only government officials may enforce these laws on public’s behalf.<\/font><\/p>\n \nProposition 65<\/a>. Should reduction of local fee\/tax revenues require voter approval? Permits suspension of state mandate if no state reimbursement to local government within 180 days after obligation determined.<\/font><\/p>\n \nProposition 66<\/a>. Should the “Three Strikes” law be limited to violent and\/or serious felonies? Permits limited re-sentencing under new definitions. Increases punishment for specified sex crimes against children.<\/font><\/p>\n \nProposition 67<\/a>. Should the telephone surcharge be increased and other funds for emergency room physicians, hospital emergency rooms, community clinics, emergency personnel training\/equipment, and 911 telephone system be allocated?<\/font><\/p>\n \nProposition 68<\/a>. Should tribal compact amendments be authorized? Unless tribes accept, should casino gaming be authorized for sixteen non-tribal establishments? Percentage of gaming revenues fund government services. \nProposition 69<\/a>. Should collection of DNA samples from all felons, and from \nProposition 70<\/a>. Upon tribe’s request, should the Governor be required to execute a 99-year compact? Tribes contribute percentage of net gaming income to state funds, in exchange for expanded, exclusive tribal casino gaming.<\/font><\/p>\nUnion<\/s> Southern<\/u> Pacific back in the day, and is now sadly the tool most often used by large corporations to mount Astroturf campaigns when getting things though the Legislature proves to be too expensive. What’s even sadder is that sometimes it’s the best way we have to make laws. <\/p>\n
\nProtection of Local Government Revenues — State of California<\/b><\/p>\n
\nPublic Records, Open Meetings — State of California<\/b>
\n(Legislative Constitutional Amendment)<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n
\nfor certain meetings and records? <\/font><\/p>\n
\nElection Rights of Political Parties — State of California<\/b>
\n(Legislative Constitutional Amendment)<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n
\nSurplus Property — State of California<\/b>
\n(Legislative Constitutional Amendment)<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n
\nChildren’s Hospital Projects. Grant Program — State of California<\/b>
\n(Bond Act. Initiative Statute)<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n
\nElections. Primaries — State of California<\/b>
\n(Initiative Constitutional Amendment and Statute)<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n
\nMental Health Services Expansion, Funding. Tax on Personal Incomes above $1 Million — State of California<\/b>
\n(Initiative Statute)<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n
\nto fund expanded health services for mentally ill children, adults, seniors be established? <\/font><\/p>\n
\nLimit on Private Enforcement of Unfair Business Competition Laws — State of California<\/b>
\n(Initiative Statute)<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n
\nLocal Government Funds, Revenues. State Mandates — State of California<\/b>
\n(Initiative Constitutional Amendment)<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n
\nLimitations on “Three Strikes” Law. Sex Crimes. Punishment — State of California<\/b>
\n(Initiative Statute)<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n
\nEmergency Medical Services. Funding. Telephone Surcharge — State of California<\/b>
\n(Initiative Constitutional Amendment and Statute)<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n
\nNon-Tribal Commercial Gambling Expansion. Tribal Gaming Compact Amendments. Revenues, Tax Exemptions — State of California<\/b>
\n(Initiative Constitutional Amendment and Statute)<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n
\n<\/font><\/p>\n
\nDNA Samples. Collection. Database. Funding — State of California<\/b>
\n(Initiative Statute)<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n
\nothers arrested for or charged with specified crimes be required with submission to state DNA database? Provides for funding. <\/font><\/p>\n
\nTribal Gaming Compacts. Exclusive Gaming Rights. Contributions to State — State of California<\/b>
\n(Initiative Constitutional Amendment and Statute)<\/i><\/font><\/p>\n