Election day is just around the corner. While some of you may have already voted absentee, this guide should help the rest of us make those important ballot decisions come Tuesday, at least throughout the conservative prism. In that regard, I contend most ballot measures need to be vetoed for economic reasons alone. This state does not have the budget or ability to finance our future through bonds, until we get our fiscal house in order.
President – John McCain
John McCain is the only remotely conservative candidate. His economic strategy is not socialistic like Obama’s and he is strong on defense. The one thing I’m most concerned about is his immigration plan; however, with McCain, we know what we are getting. The same cannot be said for Obama.
Proposition 1A – NO
Proposition 1A, known as the Safe, Reliable High-Speed Passenger Train Bond Act would finance a high-speed rail system in California. While this is a great plan on paper, California does not have the fiscal means to add more to our line of credit without major tax increases, which would drive away more business from this state. Even if there were monetary means, I would still say no. There are many other things that $20 billion can be used on.
Proposition 2 – NO
I talked about this in detail last week. If you missed it, the Standards for Confining Farm Animals Initiative Statute would require new standards for veal confinement, pregnant pigs and egg-laying hens. However, this would really only effect egg-laying hens in this state. There is significant evidence to suggest that if this is passed, egg quality and safety will go down, bird health will be harmed, and the risk to consumers will increase. As a conservative, I am opposed to this because it removes choice from consumers and forces business owners to manufacture a product that would be less safe under the new confinement regulations.
Proposition 3 – NO
As much as I would love to be able to have more children’s hospitals available, the Children’s Hospital Bond Act Grant Program Initiative Statute costs nearly $1 trillion. Our state cannot afford this. The budget is hanging by a thread now as it is. I encourage you to not be swayed by flashy adds featuring Jamie Lee Curtis and sick children. While it is important, we don’t have the money.
Proposition 4 – YES
If you are a social conservative you should vote yes on the Waiting Period and Parental Notification Before Termination of Minor’s Pregnancy ?Initiative Constitutional Amendment. This would require minors to receive parental consent prior to an abortion. There are exceptions that would protect the minor in the case of a medical emergency or if the minor would be harmed if the parents were notified.
Proposition 5 – Toss-up
This is one of those tougher ones. If you are a social conservative you would vote yes on the nonviolent drug offenses. Sentencing, parole and rehabilitation. Initiative statute, because it would improve rehabilitation programs. Fiscal conservatives would vote no on the measure because it costs almost $500 million annually. Personally, I’m voting yes on this measure.
Proposition 6 – Toss-up
I like that under the Police and Law Enforcement Funding Criminal Penalties and Laws Initiative Statute, criminals would face more stringent charges for certain crimes, including gang related crimes. However it would cost a “minimum of $965 million each year to be allocated from state General Fund,” according to the voter guide. For this reason I’m voting no.
Proposition 7 – NO
As a free-market conservative, I believe in choice. While I am a fan of renewable energy, this proposition would force choice onto consumers. Most estimates show that this will cost more for the consumer to purchase power under this initiative. Our national economy is bad enough now as it is, without increasing energy costs at home. Vote no.
Proposition 8 – YES
This is the most charged issue of this election season. It would eliminate the right of same-sex couples to marry. Here is my conservative stance on the issue: marriage is a religious institution between a man and a woman. I’m not saying that two people who love each other should not be able to be together, or should not have “rights.” The problem is that marriage has become a government institution. Really, what people should be pushing for is that the government stays out of marriage and also religion. Then whoever wants to get married has that choice. However, until that occurs, I have to say on religious grounds: yes on Proposition 8.
Proposition 9 – YES
Since the Criminal Justice System Victims’ Rights Parole Initiative Constitutional Amendment and Statute is assessed currently as not being an undo fiscal burden on the state, I am supportive of this measure. It would improve the parole process and “establishes victim safety as consideration in determining bail or release on parole,” according to the voter guide.
Proposition 10 – NO
As with Proposition 7, the Alternative Fuel Vehicles and Renewable Energy Bonds Initiative Statute is a costly measure that forces a behavior change on consumers. I have no problem with having the choice between a alternative fuel vehicle and a conventional fuel vehicle. But let me decide as a consumer and stop telling me what to do from the government pulpit.
Proposition 11 – Yes
Redistricting has been an issue that keeps emerging in recent years. I am in favor of just about any redistricting measure that is available to voters because it creates a fair system for determining legislative districts. Also, rather than have the people who have a vested interest in the process, the legislators who represent those districts, this measure would increase impartiality.
Proposition 12 – No
I would love to vote yes on the Veterans’ Bond Act. However, this is one of the many issues that would increase an already tight state budget. When we have the money lets come back to it and vote yes. For now though, a no vote is the only one I can give as a conservative.
Ian Nachreiner is an agricultural science senior and Mustang Daily political columnist.