Jan 22 2009
Confusion Over New Ballot Measures
Ballot measures are too easy to get on the ballot.
Nothing proves this more than the fact that there are three separate groups who are getting a title and summary of their ballot measures from the Secretary of State - and these three ballot measures are all in reaction to the same thing: the passage of Prop. 8
One ballot measure would overturn Prop 8. Another would remove the word marriage from state law and replace it with domestic partnerships - and leave the word marriage to religions. Yet another would repeal Prop. 8.
If these all sound similar - they are. There is nothing that prevents groups form placing similar measures on the same ballot. There are no requirements, save the 700,000 signatures required, to place something on the ballot.
This is too easy. And it causes too many problems.
It is voter approved initiatives and bonds that are causing funding problems to schools, restriction on funding to just about everywhere, and tying up of the General Fund dollars to various programs and agencies.
It is voter approved bonds that cause the state to have to repay billions in debt. For every bond that passes, double that amount and that is the true cost of the bond.
The California Performance Review has identified ways to save money. I belive they identified about $200 million in savings that could be achieved in California. The savings are through some restructuring and cutting waste in government. But yet only $40 million of their proposals are being suggested to be followed.
We paid good money for that study - let’s follow the recommendations.
Then, maybe, things like clean parks and beaches, and infrastructure can be worked on.
