No On Proposition 75 In The Special Election
Unless there is some overriding good reason, special elections are not often in the public interest. For one thing, the turnout is usually abnormally low, and the result may be a distortion of the will of the electorate.
Usually, in California, more Republicans turn out for a special election than Democrats. This is one reason why Republicans have traditionally favored a special election. as Ronald Reagan did and as Arnold Schwarzenegger does.
In this blog, I've endorsed Antonio Villaraigosa for Los Angeles mayor, and one City council candidate, Bill Rosendahl. both of whom won, and in the special election called for Nov. 8 statewide, I'm prepared now to come out against Proposition 75, and may have other endorsements later.
Proposition 75 is a trick by the governor to disarm his opposition in the public employee unions, while giving greater influence to business interests which support the Republicans most of the time.
I do not always agree with the public employee unions, including the teacher and police unions. But very clearly I do not think it's a good idea in a democracy to disarm one side while empowering the other. Therefore, there is no way I would support this proposition.
The governor has tried to fool people by arguing it is democratic to require that union members give their specific consent before their dues and other contributions can be used to influence the electorate. But no one goes to the employees of big business to see whether they agree with the positions the businesses are taking. The business lobbies traditionally fight any move to require health coverage for their workers, to pass environmental legislation of any kind, and the list goes on. It is unfair to restrict the unions' from speaking out, while not putting similar restrictions on business.
SChwarzenegger often tries to cloak himself in the garb of a reformer and a man who is not beholden to the special interests. But he has been raising a lot of money on the right and he supports business most of the time. This makes him a phony, and the polls indicate many people have come to realize that.
Yet, as L.A. Times political columnist George Skelton writes this morning, there is a real danger the governor may prevail in the special election, because many opposed to him are so disgusted at the idea of even having the special that they might not vote in it.
Skelton quotes political observers who believe the outcome is liable to be close.
But quite a bit is at stake here, and it would be a shame if a minority of California voters, simply by showing up at the polls, was able to disarm, let's say, the teachers unions. This could lead to less state money for an already inadequate public education system in the primary and second schools, and it would hurt the University of California, the state universities and the community colleges.
As I say, this is a trick, and the governor must not be allowed to prevail. For now, I say , vote no on 75, and be skeptical of the others.
Usually, in California, more Republicans turn out for a special election than Democrats. This is one reason why Republicans have traditionally favored a special election. as Ronald Reagan did and as Arnold Schwarzenegger does.
In this blog, I've endorsed Antonio Villaraigosa for Los Angeles mayor, and one City council candidate, Bill Rosendahl. both of whom won, and in the special election called for Nov. 8 statewide, I'm prepared now to come out against Proposition 75, and may have other endorsements later.
Proposition 75 is a trick by the governor to disarm his opposition in the public employee unions, while giving greater influence to business interests which support the Republicans most of the time.
I do not always agree with the public employee unions, including the teacher and police unions. But very clearly I do not think it's a good idea in a democracy to disarm one side while empowering the other. Therefore, there is no way I would support this proposition.
The governor has tried to fool people by arguing it is democratic to require that union members give their specific consent before their dues and other contributions can be used to influence the electorate. But no one goes to the employees of big business to see whether they agree with the positions the businesses are taking. The business lobbies traditionally fight any move to require health coverage for their workers, to pass environmental legislation of any kind, and the list goes on. It is unfair to restrict the unions' from speaking out, while not putting similar restrictions on business.
SChwarzenegger often tries to cloak himself in the garb of a reformer and a man who is not beholden to the special interests. But he has been raising a lot of money on the right and he supports business most of the time. This makes him a phony, and the polls indicate many people have come to realize that.
Yet, as L.A. Times political columnist George Skelton writes this morning, there is a real danger the governor may prevail in the special election, because many opposed to him are so disgusted at the idea of even having the special that they might not vote in it.
Skelton quotes political observers who believe the outcome is liable to be close.
But quite a bit is at stake here, and it would be a shame if a minority of California voters, simply by showing up at the polls, was able to disarm, let's say, the teachers unions. This could lead to less state money for an already inadequate public education system in the primary and second schools, and it would hurt the University of California, the state universities and the community colleges.
As I say, this is a trick, and the governor must not be allowed to prevail. For now, I say , vote no on 75, and be skeptical of the others.
posted by Ken Reich at 1:39 PM
5 Comments:
Don't worry Ken, you've been telling us how the Governor is all but dead for quite a while now. I've asked you about the polling data but the nickel and dime operation you used to work for doesn't have anything for you look at.
Now Skelton has you worried that maybe Arnold still has some sway with the voters.
I for one will be voting Yes on Proposition 75. We have seen for far too long that Union political activity is only interested in its own "special interest". Teachers unions want more teachers and more pay. Police - firefighters want more jobs at more pay. Good for them. If they can "trick" the public into believing that they aren't a special interest, that they are really just good hard working folks wanting what is best for the people of California, then the proposition will fail.
But to suggest that one side is going to be disarmed is wrong. If the union members support their union leadership there will be no problem, the money will continue to be available for their political activity. The fear on the part of union bosses is that their extreme positions will not be supported by a large number of their membership.
Well, we will see if the Governor will be able to "fool" us dummys or if you really smart people will win the day.
Yup, me, too. I am voting "Yes" on Prop. 75, as well as 73, 74, 76 and 77.
The Demoncrats have been telling us that the Special Election is a waste of time and money, and is unimportant. Now, their line is backfiring as they try to rev up their base to come vote in it.
The California Teachers Union is deep in debt. They have spent over $50 Million trying to beat up the Governor to avoid this election, and now they are assessing their members $60 each and they are still going to be in debt. They deserve to take a beating.
How many of their members will vote against 75? All of them?
Not on your life.
Our Legislature cannot get anything done becuase they are too partisan and captive to the unions. It is time for a change, and the Governor senses that in the electorate. The voters will validate him.
We are fed up with the shenanigans, and not going to take it anymore. The numbers grow each day, and if the Governor has it timed right, they will all pass (73 to 77, inclusive).
California is in for a change because the members of the Legislature have abused their offices.
Ain't it cool?
Disarm the union?
More like an end to forced conscription. Then we'll how many people really support the union's goals.
Take a look to the south for an example of the looming fiscal crises of California. No, not Mexico - San Diego. Bloated pensions, thanks in no small part to the unions, have the city $1.1B in debt. Ousting Gray Davis only slowed this imminent statewide destruction.
Congratulations. Your comments so far are 100% pro 75!
Ken, the unions are getting beat up and so are you.
They run this state; they paralyze government and no Democrat dares to cross them.
Even the union members, whose dues are taken by the leaders to wage campaigns are against them.
Prop 75 (and 73, 74, 76 and 77) will pass without your vote. Arnold will be reelected and this state will change for the better.
I am also voting yes on 73, 74, 75, 76, and 77. The folks in Sacramento have bankrupted this great state. We need change.
Jim M
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