There are only two state ballot propositions on the June ballot. One is beyond horrid, the other just misguided.
Prop 82, which would take tax revenue that would, if imposed, be better spent for nearly anything else, and give it to people who have yet to spend the last money their group raised on the promised programs. What they seem to have spent int on is PR for themselves and for their next initiative (this one). There are more pressing needs than to set up a state monopoly on preschools. Roads, subways, power plants, police, fire, trauma centers and throwing the money in a ditch would be better uses. See my in-depth rant on the Meathead Initiative. Even the LA Times and many Democrats (but I repeat myself) find this thing hard to stomach.
Prop 81 would raise a 600 million dollar bond to expand libraries in an era where the demand for library services is dwindling. This is on top of the $350 million bond approved in 2000. Just went to my 30th college reunion and found that the university is consolidating libraries as most students prefer electronic research. Whole floors are being set aside for other purposes. I'd think that the public libraries should consider similar methods to provide funds for better, but fewer libraries. In any event, there are more pressing needs for any bonds the state might issue (roads, subways, power plants, police, fire...). At least this isn't actively harmful.
By the way, I note that the ballot summary argument against Prop 81 is one of the worst I've ever seen, and can only help it pass. It's also strange that it has nothing to do with the official ballot argument. Isn't a summary supposed to, well, summarize? But no, while the ballot argument (pages 12 & 13 of the mailing) is well-written and to the point (too much money, too many bonds, and why?), the summary (page 8) is a non-sequitur rant about illegal aliens. Unbelievable. Or not.
Posted by Kevin Murphy at April 29, 2006 11:51 PM