January 31, 2008

Editorial

Get out and vote

This year marks an election year. And, on Tuesday, Feb. 5, all registered voters are invited to vote to select candidates for president as well as several state issues. Whether you vote on a touch-screen Tuesday or absentee, the important thing to do is to vote.

Too often, we complain about our government. We don’t like the things our elected officials do, or they don’t understand us or they don’t know what citizens need or want.

We are the only ones that can change that. Six parties have lists of candidates for president. Although the likely winner will come from the Democratic or from the Republican Party, as citizens we can choose who seems to best fit what each of us feels this country needs.

And, this year there are choices. The four candidates working for the Democratic nomination represent different ideals and methods of change and so do the eight remaining Republicans. If you’re not affiliated with those parties, the American Independent party offers three choices; the Green Party offers seven; there are 12 candidates vying for the Libertarian Party nomination; and seven are running for the Peace and Freedom nomination (Ralph Nader is on the Green and Peach and Freedom ballot).

All these candidates offer something. Visit smartvoter.org, or other Internet sites, find out who they are and what they stand for—don’t just rely on television pundits, news reports or advertisements; make up your mind yourself. This year these candidates are talking about issues, about the economy, the war and health care. Find out what direction they want to go and vote to make your wishes happen.

But there’s more on the ballot than presidential candidates, and some of the items may affect your pocketbook. Here is a list of the state proposals and what they mean, according to the League of Women Voters.

Proposition 91 Transportation Funds
Prohibits certain motor vehicle fuel taxes from being retained in the General Fund and delays repayment of such taxes previously retained. Changes how and when General Fund borrowing of certain transportation funds is allowed.

Proposition 92 Community Colleges. Funding. Governance. Fees
Establishes independent community college districts and board of governors. Requires minimum funding for schools and community colleges to be calculated separately. Sets fees at $15/unit and limits future increases.

Proposition 93 Limits on Legislators' Terms in Office
Reduces permissible state legislative service to 12 years. Allows 12 years' service in one house. Current legislators can serve 12 years in current house, regardless of prior legislative service.

Proposition 94 Amendment to Indian Gaming Compact
"Yes" vote approves, and "No" vote rejects, a law that ratifies an amendment to existing gaming compact between the state and Pechanga Band of Luiseño Mission Indians.

Proposition 95 Amendment to Indian Gaming Compact
"Yes" vote approves, and "No" vote rejects, a law that ratifies an amendment to existing gaming compact between the state and Morongo Band of Mission Indians.

Proposition 96 Amendment to Indian Gaming Compact
"Yes" vote approves, and "No" vote rejects, a law that ratifies an amendment to existing gaming compact between the state and Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation.

Proposition 97 Amendment to Indian Gaming Compact
"Yes" vote approves, and "No" vote rejects, a law that ratifies an amendment to existing gaming compact between the state and Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.

So, the Times is advocating all people who have registered to get out and vote and make sure that what you want counts. There’s at least two more elections this year, so if you haven’t registered do so, that will let you choose local officials up for election this year as well as choose the next president of our country in November.

—Carol Rosen