The new Public Policy Institute (PPIC) poll is out and I’m sure there will be extensive analysis of the numbers in the presidential race and the gay marriage measure, Proposition 8. Unlike most other commentators, however, I want to spend one last moment on Prop1A, the high-speed rail bond.
I know what you’re thinking. Get over it. You lost. But, I keep hearing from California political experts and even some tune-in-to-politics-a week-before-the-election types asking the same question: How did a $10-billion bond measure on railroads pass with the state running a massive deficit?
I guess I fall into the same obtuse category of political observation with the legendary film critic Pauline Kael, who supposedly said of Richard Nixon’s landslide victory over George McGovern, “How could that be? I don’t know anybody who voted for him?”
That’s the way I feel with Prop 1A. So a peek at the numbers was important for me. Here’s what the PPIC poll revealed—Like most political battles around the state there was a distinct partisan split on the measure. Democrats voted 65% Yes; Republicans 66% No.
Younger voters, classified by the poll as 18-54 year olds, voted 55%-45% in favor and we know there were many younger voters on the front edge of that scale who showed up to vote. While white voters basically split their votes, non-whites scored a 60-40 margin for the bond.
When asked how important Prop 1A was for California, 70% declared that it was either very important or somewhat important.
Okay, I liked the idea, too. As long as someone other than the California taxpayers had to foot the bill, I said go for it. I then looked for the question about how those polled thought we could handle the costs.
That question wasn’t asked. And, I expect a great many voters who supported Prop 1A didn’t ask that question of themselves before they stepped into the voting booths.
I’d like to think the results would be different if the voters were told that every year for the life of the bond before a penny can be spent on general education needs $650-million must be taken out of the general fund first for the rail. Did the voters know that or am I still channeling Ms Kael?
I suspect many voters fell for the romantic idea of the high-speed rail. And, the rail authority has spent millions over the last few years promoting itself. There was a modest Yes campaign. There was a volunteer No campaign, nothing more.
So the bond passed. Now let’s see if partners from the federal government and private sector step forward to take up their equal share of the costs as promised by proponents. And, let’s see if the bonds can even be floated on the market under the state’s current fiscal condition.
If the rail is built in my lifetime I’ll take a ride on the train. But, I’m sure at a higher price ticket than the advocates projected. If it takes longer, I’ll invite Ms Kael to go along in spirit.