The Morgan Hill Times editorial board’s makes its
recommendations
Proposition 19 – Yes
Legalizes Marijuana Under California But Not Federal Law. Permits Local Governments to Regulate and Tax Commercial Production, Distribution, and Sale of Marijuana
Allows people 21 years old or older to possess, cultivate, or transport marijuana for personal use.
Editorial Board: The reasons to support the legalization of the recreational use of marijuana far outnumber the reasons not to.
First, the cost of enforcing the laws are exorbitant. Second, marijuana is not a gateway drug. Third, decriminalization won’t lead to increased marijuana use. Finally, marijuana can be taxed.
Proposition 20 – YES
Proposition 27 – NO
(considered together because both have to do with redistricting)
Proposition 20: Redistricting of Congressional Districts
Should the state Constitution be amended to have the Citizens Redistricting Commission redistrict for the U.S. House of Representatives, to change existing redistricting criteria, and to reduce the redistricting timeline?
Proposition 27: Eliminates State Commission on Redistricting. Consolidates Authority for Redistricting With Elected Representatives
Should the state Constitution and state laws be amended to eliminate the Citizens Redistricting Commission established by the voters in 2008, return all redistricting to the state Legislature, and change the redistricting criteria?
Editorial Board: The state legislature has made an absolute mess of redistricting, turning the process into a guaranteed seat for incumbents and making geographic nightmare districts which have nothing to do with common interest and everything to do with getting incumbent representatives re-elected.
Proposition 21 – NO
Establishes $18 Annual Vehicle License Surcharge to Help Fund State Parks and Wildlife Programs. Grants Surcharged Vehicles Free Admission to All State Parks
Should the state levy an additional annual $18 vehicle license surcharge to provide funds to operate and maintain California’s state parks and wildlife protection programs?
Editorial Board: This is ballot box budgeting at its worst. It takes the responsibility of the budget process out of the hands of those we elected. Yes, the state parks should be supported and funded, but the legislature and governor have to make tough decisions and balance the budget.
Proposition 22 – YES
Prohibits the State From Borrowing Or Taking Funds Used for Transportation, Redevelopment, Or Local Government Projects and Services
Should the California Constitution be amended to prohibit the state, even during a severe fiscal hardship, from redirecting certain tax revenues dedicated to transportation or local governments?
Editorial Board: Interpreted, it means the end of the state raiding local government coffers – the city and the county, for example – in order to deal with its own fiscal emergencies. That fits perfectly under our philosophic umbrella that states the closer to home tax money stays, the better it is used.
Proposition 23 – NO
Suspends Air Pollution Control Laws Requiring Major Polluters to Report and Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions That Cause Global Warming Until Unemployment Drops to 5.5 Percent Or Less for Full Year
Should the AB 32 air pollution control law be suspended until unemployment drops to 5.5 percent or less for a full year?
Editorial Board: Let’s deal with environmental issues head-on. Rather than sticking our collective heads in the sand by going along with another big oil-backed proposition, let’s move forward and look to create new green jobs that lower our dependence on foreign oil.
Proposition 24 – NO
Repeals Recent Legislation That Would Allow Businesses to Lower Their Tax Liability
Should recent tax law changes that allow some businesses to pay lower state income tax be repealed?
Editorial Board: This arcane measure would repeals laws in place that reduced some taxes on business. Let those stand – especially in these tough economic times.
Proposition 25 – YES
Changes Legislative Vote Requirement to Pass Budget and Budget-Related Legislation From Two-Thirds to A Simple Majority. Retains Two-Thirds Vote Requirement for Taxes
Should the state Constitution be amended to allow passage of budget bills by a simple majority in each house of the state Legislature and should legislators be required to forfeit their pay if a budget is not passed on time?
Editorial Board: Elect the legislature, let them pass a budget and if it’s terrible, throw the rascals out. It’s the democratic way, the same way that the vast majority of states do it – pass a budget with a simple majority.
Proposition 26 – NO
Requires That Certain State and Local Fees Be Approved By Two-Thirds Vote. Fees Include Those That Address Adverse Impacts on Society Or the Environment Caused By the Fee-Payer’s Business
Should the California Constitution be amended to require two-thirds vote approval for the imposition of certain state and local fees that now require majority vote approval?
Editorial Board: Absolutely the last thing our community needs is the state getting more involved in fiscal issues regarding local fees. This is a potential nightmare that could negate the will of local voters.
