November 2008 California Propositions

Laura's Recommendations

A few years back, I was a regular columnist for The Signal in Santa Clarita.  One of my objectives as a member of the "Damn Democrats" posse was to write about the California Propositions, giving people an idea of what my vote would be on each proposition and why I chose to vote yea or nay.

Then a friend of mine said she was really interested in getting my take on things since she was so busy she rarely had a chance to do in-depth research on the props herself.  When I started blogging, I added it as a feature of my blog.

Disclaimer  It's important for readers to understand my general political beliefs in order to properly use my recommendations.  Here's the scoop:

--I'm a social liberal.  If government is trying to limit rights, snoop into bedrooms, restrict personal choices, then I'm going to vote no.

--I'm a fiscal moderate.  If government has surpluses and wants to invest in infrastructure, I'll tend to vote for funding.  If, on the other hand, there are deficits, it's going to be difficult for me to justify extending debt--even for worthy projects. 

--I follow the funding.  I take a look at who is behind the various propositions and draw conclusions about my vote based on the funding trail.

How to use this page:  As I complete my analysis of each Proposition, I will post my thoughts.  Simply click on each red Proposition number to see my reasoning.  I'll also have links to pro and con sites, as well as any other links I think will be helpful on particular issues.

November 2008 Propositions:

Prop 1A  Safe, Reliable High-Speed Passenger Train Bond Act.  Vote Yes

Prop 2    Standards for Confining Farm Animals.  Initiative Statute.  Vote Yes

Prop 3    Children's Hospital Bond Act.  Grant Program.  Initiative Statute.  Vote No

Prop 4    Waiting Period and Parental Notification Before Termination of Minor's Pregnancy.  Vote No
               Initiative Constitutional Amendment

Prop 5    Nonviolent Drug Offenses.  Sentencing, Parole and Rehabilitiation.  Initiative Statute.  Vote Yes

Prop 6    Police and Law Enforcement Funding.  Criminal Penalties and Laws.  Initiative Statute.  Vote No

Prop 7   Renewable Energy Generation.  Initiative Statute.  Vote No

Prop 8   Eliminates Right of Same-Sex Couples to Marry.  Inititative Constitutional Amendment.  Vote No

Prop 9   Criminal Justice System.  Victim's Rights.  Parole.  Vote No
              Inititative Constitutional Amendment and Statute.

Prop 10 Alternative Fuel Vehicles and Renewable Energy.  Bonds.  Initiative Statute.  Vote No

Prop 11 Redistricting.  Initiative Constitutional Amendment and Statute.  Vote Yes

Prop 12 Veteran's Bond Act of 2008  Vote Yes


Generally Helpful Links:  Here are a few links I recommend for general research--

League of Women Voters
California Secretary of State