Our endorsements on state propositions and county measures
Oct 2, 2008
Santa Clara County voters will be faced with a dozen statewide propositions and four local measures when they set about marking their general election ballots. Following are our recommendations on each:
Proposition 1A is a $9.95 billion bond measure to pay for part of the cost of building a high-speed rail line through California. We recommend a yes vote on this measure, because high-speed rail promises to be cheaper and greener than the road and air improvements necessary to keep up with California's travel needs. Yes on 1A.
Proposition 2 would enact rules regarding the treatment of farm animals, mandating that they have space to turn around and stretch their limbs. Yes on Proposition 2.
Proposition 3 would authorize nearly $1 billion in bonds to fund construction and remodeling of children's hospitals. In the current economic climate, we cannot afford this expenditure. No on Proposition 3.
Proposition 4 is yet another attempt to institute notification of parents in the case of a minor seeking an abortion. Californians have repeatedly rejected this measure because they recognize that not all girls can safely tell their parents about a pregnancy or safely request their permission to end it. That's still the case, so Californians should continue to reject measures like this one. No on Proposition 4.
Proposition 5 would require that the state spend at least $460 million a year on drug rehab programs for nonviolent offenders. This is the sort of ballot-box budgeting that contributes the state's fiscal crisis and ties legislators' hands when they need fiscal flexibility. No on Proposition 5.
Proposition 6 would require that the state spend nearly $1 billion a year on police and local law enforcement. Yes on Proposition 6.
Proposition 7 would impose renewable energy requirements on government-owned utilities. No on Proposition 7.
Proposition 8 would eliminate the right of same-sex couples to marry by amending the state's constitution. Same-sex marriage does not harm opposite-sex marriage, churches or families. It ensures that same-sex couples have the same rights and benefits as opposite sex couples and makes California a better place. No on Proposition 8.
Proposition 9 would increase victims' rights in the criminal justice system. Making victim safety a consideration in parole and bail decisions is a good move. Yes on Proposition 9.
Proposition 10 would authorize $5 billion in bonds to promote alternative energy and renewable fuel vehicles. Given the challenge we face from global warming and foreign oil, we can't afford not to pursue alternative and renewable energy sources. Yes on Proposition 10.
Proposition 11 would take responsibility for drawing state office boundaries away from legislators and give it to a commission of Democrats, Republicans and independents. Gerrymandered safe districts are a key cause of our state's chronic budget woes. The current system is filled with conflict of interest. It's long past time to reform how districts are drawn. Yes on Proposition 11.
Proposition 12 would approve $900 million in bonds to provide housing and farm aid for veterans. These bonds are repaid by the loans' holders and should represent no cost to taxpayers. Yes on Proposition 12.
Measure A would approve $840 million bonds to pay for seismic upgrades needed at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. This county needs a seismically sound hospital in case of an earthquake or other natural disaster. Yes on Measure A.
Measure B would enact a 1/8th-cent sales tax to pay for operation of the proposed extension of BART to San Jose. If you support building BART, you need to support paying for operation of it. Yes on Measure B.
Measure C would advise the VTA to continue work on its 2035 transportation plan, but is a referendum on the direction the VTA has taken in recent years. Yes on Measure C.
Measure D would establish an ordinance to require the VTA to submit a comprehensive transit program to the 2000 Measure A Citizen's Watchdog Committee every six years for review and comment rather than to voters for an advisory vote. Advisory votes are expensive and non-binding. Yes on Measure D.
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