Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has proposed several initiatives to be voted on by registered voters throughout California on Nov. 8, many of which might affect BC students.
As a result of this forthcoming special election, a number of politicians across the state have spoken out either for or against the proposed constitutional amendments. If approved by California voters, these propositions would take immediate effect.
When speaking of Proposition 77, which would allow for political boundary districts to be drawn and approved by a board of three retired judges, Assemblywoman Nicole Parra (D-Hanford) said in a quote faxed to the Rip, “I don’t like just narrowing it to three federal judges. I would like to see an independent group from academics, law and business … that would help tremendously the institutional problem in Sacramento and why we continue to see partisan politics.”
Additionally, speaking in support of proposition 77, Sen. Chuck Poochigian (R-Fresno) said in a quote faxed to the Rip, “Having these far-flung districts makes no sense to anybody. It’s bad government to have districts that serve the incumbent.”
Assemblyman Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) gave some basic advice to voters when they make their way to the polling booth.
“My advice to the voters, when they go to the polls on Nov. 8, is to vote yes from [proposition] 74 through 78. We must have real reform in this state, and the only way to do so is through this type of process. When you take away the power from politicians and give it back to the people, only then will things begin to take shape in California.”
McCarthy, when referring to Proposition 75, said, “We must empower the individual to decide where their money goes within the union [they hold their membership]. Furthermore, we must reform the budget system throughout the state so that we are not spending more than what we bring in. The key to fixing the problems [of our state] is fiscal reform and accountability.”
One of the proposed measures, Proposition 73, if passed, will require parental notification if their minor child chooses to terminate their pregnancy, as well as a waiting period following the initial doctor visit.
BC students weighed in on the matter.
“I don’t necessarily agree with abortion itself, but it all depends on the situation the girl’s put into. I don’t agree that the parents need to be notified of their daughters’ decision to have an abortion,” said SGA General Counsel Ryan Busby.
BC student Charlie Werner said, “If the kid dies as a result of an abortion, the parent must be informed. I don’t really see the need for an abortion… if a women were to be raped I would see the need for an abortion. After all, it’s not fair to her [the person who was raped] if it the child wasn’t conceived in love. I think that all 13 year olds, my son included, should wear chastity belts to prevent them from having sex… therefore preventing abortion to happen in young people.”
Another of the many propositions that will likely affect BC students is one that alters the funding structure for all public educational facilities in California, including both high schools and community colleges. Proposition 76, as it is referred on the State of California Web site, helps to establish strict and consistent guidelines for spending completed at the state level. The passage of this initiative would help to solve the structural deficits within the state budget and ensure wise spending by the state government officials, according to Schwarzenegger.
“The CSEA is actively involved in defeating all of these propositions,” said Jennifer Marden, president of the California School Employees Association. “In regards to proposition 76, the CSEA only uses a minimal amount of union dues for political activities. The CSEA has a separate fund (called the Victory Club) designed specifically for political contributions. This club is completely voluntary for union members to participate.”
According to the State of California Web site, within an open letter from Schwarzenegger explaining the various propositions to registered voters, it states: “Although steadily improving, California’s budget is still in crisis. To solve the State budget’s continuing structural deficit, we must consider reform of the way the government spends its money. Proposition 76 would help to establish a system which advocates wise state spending while allowing voters to consider a new approach to state spending that overrides automatic formulas.”
To find out where you can cast your vote on these propositions, contact the Kern County Elections Division at 868-3590.