Yes on Props 1 & 2
The old expression that the perfect should not be the enemy of the good is often repeated in political debates when compromise is at hand. An application of that old saw should be applied to Propositions 1 & 2 on next week’s ballot and both measures should be passed by voters. This page has carried […]
Proposition 2: Houdini Economics
Escaping the bounds of financial reality seems to be Sacramento’s favorite magic trick. The official forecast shows Proposition 2: adding just $1 billion a year to the state’s savings fund in each of the next three years; paying off just $1 billion a year of the state’s ($300 billion) debts; putting nothing into the school savings account. During these relatively stable, prosperous times. Yet, had it […]
California Choices Offers Valuable Endorsement List
One of the truisms about American politics is that some voters are uninformed when they go to the polls. This can be especially true when voters face complex ballot measures, such as those going before Californians this year. How do voters fill that information vacuum? One way is to look for cues from outside sources, like business groups, nonprofit organizations, labor […]
If Kashkari Really Cares About Kids, He Should Flip on Prop 2
Let’s do a little negative campaigning here – Neel Kashkari has endorsed Prop 2, the formula on reserve and debt payback, so Gov. Brown’s supporters should know the measure is clearly a payoff to creditors and Neel’s buddies on Wall Street! Oh wait, Gov. Brown is running in support of measure too. The politics (though […]
Secretary Of State 2014: Tight Race, Cautious Candidates
It’s one of the few competitive statewide races in California. And befitting a close contest, Democrat Alex Padilla and Republican Pete Peterson share remarkably close visions for the job of secretary of state. CalWatchdog.com asked the two candidates a half dozen questions about the job. The responses from both candidates, which are posted in their entirety below, show frequent […]
California’s $12.3 Billion in Proposed School Bonds: Borrowing vs. Reform
“As the result of California Courts refusing to uphold the language of the High Speed Rail bonds, the opponents of any bond proposal, at either the state or local level, need only point to High-Speed Rail to remind voters that promises in a voter approved bond proposal are meaningless and unenforceable.” – Jon Coupal, October […]
Bankruptcy Judge Explains Pension Cut Hurdles
A federal judge, who earlier ruled CalPERS pension contracts can be overturned in bankruptcy, yesterday outlined the difficulty of cutting pensions while approving Stockton’s plan to exit bankruptcy with pensions intact. U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Klein issued a ruling on Oct.1 that CalPERS pensions, despite attempted safeguards in state law, can be cut in a […]