Election 2010
Prop 19: Legalizes marijuana under California but not federal law
The Olympian supports Prop. 19, which would legalize marijuana under California law, but not under federal law. People who oppose this proposition worry about teenagers getting drugs, but this proposition was carefully written to get marijuana under control. Only adults 21 and over would be allowed possess up to one ounce of marijuana. By passing this proposition, California will be able to balance the budget more easily and generate $1.4 billion in annual tax revenue. It will lead to more jobs, better health care, public safety, parks, roads, transportation and more. We at The Olympian think it’s more important to have tax revenue with potential profit for our own state government. Our generation already has the common sense to control more marijuana, make it harder for kids to get, focus police resources on violent crime, and generate billions in revenue and savings. YES on 19.
Prop 21: Establishes $18 annual vehicle license fee to help fund state parks.
The Olympian supports Prop. 21 to collect an annual $18 fee per vehicle to support state parks. We approve of the annual fee because it creates more jobs and it’s worth paying. Our payments will make state parks better and safer for visitors and tourists every year. This dedicated funding source will provide California vehicles with free day-use admission to state parks. It will create tens of thousands of jobs we need and generate tax revenues for communities. California will also enjoy improved air and water quality by reserving natural areas and wildlife habitats. YES on 21.
Prop 23: Suspends air pollution control law
We oppose Prop. 23, which would suspend a previous law requiring major sources of emissions to report and reduce greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming. Prop. 23 would remain in effect until unemployment rate in California falls to 5.5% or less for four consecutive quarters. We are strongly against this job-killing proposition. The Wind and Solar Power Facilities Company would be out of business and it would eventually damage our overall economy; 500,000 existing California clean energy jobs and 12,000 businesses with $10 billion in private investment in California would be lost. The Olympian believes Prop. 23 will make more air pollution and increase health risks. We also would not be happy with high gas and electricity costs. NO on 23.
Prop 25: Changes legislative vote requirement to pass from two-thirds to a simple majority.
We agree that we should change the required legislative vote to be a simple majority. It will reform California’s state budget process. Currently, California is having a hard time passing the budget at the right time because it is hard to get a two-thirds vote in the Legislature. Proposition 25 is a simple way to vote by a majority of legislators to approve the budget just like in 47 other states. We would not like to pay $8 million in interest payments alone for taxpayers, just like last year’s late budget. California needs a better system, responsible budgeting, and fiscal accountability. YES on 25!
The Olympian staff members discussed their thoughts about our state’s candidates for governor, Jerry Brown and Meg Whitman. After the night of their debate held on Sept. 28, we thought that Brown had stronger reasons and confidence as he talked about his plans.
Brown supports his policies with fair reasons without any extremes. For example, he focuses on energy efficiency, maximizing job creation using existing state funds, and having a path to citizenship for immigrants. He has shown his leadership skills by working for the government for a long time period.
On the other side, Whitman supports new businesses with eliminating their taxes, strengthening border security and investing in higher education. Whitman does not have a background in politics, but she was a successful CEO of eBay. Whitman has also gotten herself in trouble with her illegal immigrant maid and strict immigration policy before the election.
We at The Olympian found more reasons to support Brown as governor of California. Now it’s the voters’ turn to decide which candidate will turn California into a better place for everyone.