2012 Propositions - How I Am Voting

There are 11 propositions on the ballot for November (2012). Here is how I will be voting along with a short comment as to why.

• Proposition 30 -- No
  Temporary Taxes to Fund Education. Guaranteed Local Public Safety Funding. Initiative Constitutional Amendment.

  We do not need to be taxed any more!!! As one of the arguments against this proposition states, "We already have the 2nd highest state income tax rate, as well as THE highest state sales tax rate." Businesses are already failing or moving out of state. We don't need to push them even harder.

• Proposition 31 -- No
  State Budget. State and Local Government. Initiative Constitutional Amendment and Statute.

  There are a lot of things that sound good in this proposition. However, I am very concerned about the reach of this proposition. It not only changes the rules at the state level, but also at the local level as well.

• Proposition 32 -- Yes
  Political Contributions by Payroll Deduction. Contributions to Candidates. Initiative Statute.

  I am supporting this for one reason. No one should have the right to take money out of my paycheck for political purposes unless I say it is okay. It is that simple!

• Proposition 33 -- Yes
  Auto Insurance Companies. Prices based on Driver's History of Insurance Coverage. Initiative Statute.

  Competition in business is always a good thing for the consumer.

• Proposition 34 -- No
  Death Penalty. Initiative Statute

  I support the death penalty. However, in California, those who oppose the death penalty have already ensured that it will rarely, if ever, happen. The fact that there has only been 13 executions in the last 46 years is proof of that.

• Proposition 35 -- Yes
  Human Trafficking. Penalties. Initiative Statute.

  We need to get tougher on those who commit these types of crimes.

• Proposition 36 -- No
  Three Strikes Law. Repeat Felony Offenders. Penalties. Initiative Statute.

  We do not need to weaken the Three Strikes Law. It is serving us well!!!

• Proposition 37 -- No
  Genetically Engineered Foods. Labeling. Initiative Statute.

  I am opposing this primarily due to Section 110809.4. Enforcement which opens the door to numerous lawsuits because of incorrect labeling especially when the benefit from that labeling requirement is minimal.

• Proposition 38 -- No
  Tax to Fund Education and Early Childhood Programs. Initiative Statute.

  We do not need to be taxed any more!!!

• Proposition 39 -- No
  Tax Treatment for Multistate Businesses. Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency Funding. Initiative Statute.

  This is a transfer of wealth from successful businesses to fund clean energy. The loss to the successful businesses will result in people losing their jobs. We need to focus on creating jobs, not becoming number 1 in the nation in terms of unemployment!

• Proposition 40 -- Yes
  Redistricting. State Senate Districts. Referendum.

  As Julie Vandermost, the official sponsor of the proposition, states, "This measure is not needed and we are no longer asking for a NO vote." I'm curious to see how many still vote No.