Are you planning on voting? What issues concern you most?

I'm voting in this election as I do every election since I've been eligible.. but the candidates here seem kinda blah.. I am voting for Fransen for Turlock City Mayor, but other than that, I am pretty much gonna vote Green and third party this time around..

Governor Aanuld has pretty much won this election, and I'm predicting in a landslide.. The Democrats just seem to be out of ideas, but NATIONWIDE the Democrats are poised to prevail in Congress this year..

There are many issues affecting California that won't get resolved if either candidate wins.. 1) SPRAWL which has become a national issue with developers buying out farm land, and creating mini mansions and homogonous shopping centers.. 2) Health Care.. There are 47 million Americans without Health Insurance.. Is there a solution in site? 3) Comprehensive Immigration Reform.. A Sensible solution to illegal immigration and a way make legal immigration easier.. 4) Crime.. 5) Education..

Many of these are national issues and the question is whether or not the Democrats will actually do much to find solutions to these issues when the next session of Congress convenes? AND What About Iraq? I was opposed to the War from the VERY second that Bush wanted to invade (I participated and organized protests in early 2003), but now what is the sensible way to pull the troops out and bring them home safely? There are so many issues and so many questions.. I just hope that solutions are found..

I am not sure if this will allow time for you to vote in the upcoming election but it will make your life a bit easier.

Register to vote here:

http://www.myspace.com/declareyourself

Mojo
Editor

About a week or so ago I listened to the debate between Arnold and Phil. I have to say that Arnold doesn't sound all that capable. He can't answer a simple question with a straight answer. When asked what his greatest accomplishment has been, he began his answer with stuff about being a body building champion and an action movie hero. Sounds like he has all of the credentials to be running our state. Irregardless, I'm voting for Phil. I guess I'll be getting buried in the landslide victory that is predicted for the republicans. What are people thinking?

Has anyone noticed all of the bond props on the ballot? This scares me. If even half of these pass our state will be borrowed into oblivion. I think we need to say no to all of the bond measures to send a message to Sacramento that our representatives need to figure out a budget that works with existing funds. Robbing Peter to pay Paul is no way for a state to run.

Not sure how I feel about Measure K. I'm torn. I don't want my taxes raised, but know that we have to do something about our roads and highways now or we're really going to be screwed. I'm leaning toward yes. What does anyone feel, think, about this Measure?

I've always thought the proposition system is way over used. These issues should be decided by our legislators. That's why we elect them.

Thanks Greg for opening up some really great discussion opportunities! Here is the link so people can make a fully informed decision on Measure K:

http://www.smartvoter.org/2006/11/07/ca/stn/meas/K/

Mojo
Editor

Phil seems down to Earth and more focused but the celebrity factor could certainly come into play here and destroy his chances. I hope people vote anyway and do not just give up. There is always a chance Phil fans!

I read through all of this at work this week in the sample ballot booklet the county sent out. Everything sounds great, the list of proposed projects, the citizen's oversight committee that will audit the funds generated by the sales tax increase and how those funds are being distributed and used. I like how the government will match whatever capital is created by this new tax. The "self help" idea is cool. However, why are we as a county having to propose a tax increase to pay to fix state highways in our county when the gas tax and license fees are supposed to be paying for things like that. The state legislation needs to be held accountable for how they are spending our money. Instead of working within a budget their solution is to increase taxes and put bond measures on the ballot. Bullshit.

Also, why aren't developers who are building all of these homes in the valley, which are contributing to the need for expanded highways and things like that, being taxed more and having more fees heaped on their costs that would go for expanding infrastructure. I'm tired of the rich getting away with financial equivalent of rape. How can we fix this? Is this fixable?

Vote no on ALL bond measures and the proposed $2.60 cigarette tax increase unless you want to give our elected officials the permission to bend the state over. Send the message that they need to do their jobs instead of thinking they can just keep getting props on the ballot that get people to say it's okay to keep borrowing. It wouldn't be so bad if the money they proposal is for actually went to that cause, but more times than not that is just not the case. I'm tired of being broke and can't afford to break my pocket further. Feel me?

I am embarrassed as a Californian to have an actor as our governor. He is ruining our beautiful state and needs to go. I saw him speaking once about conserving gas yet he drives a huge SUV. The guy is a snake.

So much for the secret ballot.. Just thought I would drop some opinions for you all here... Who knows. I just may surprise you!

Governor: I am going for Arnie here. I like what he has done. He has made good decisions and a whole lot of compromising with the legislature to get things done like the budget. When people talk about money they get irritated about cuts, but this state can only spend what it has. Some people just don't seem to understand that.

I also dig the fact that the auto registrations haven't been raised at all since we've had the governator.

In terms of measures I am in support of Measure K. You want to spend less time in the car and more time doing what you want? Somebody's gotta pay for it. That would be all of us. Its time people. Vote for it and lets get some more lanes around here.

I am also in support of the cigarette tax. We need less people smoking and raising the price is a great way to do it. The money goes back into the health care system as well which I think is a great idea.

Wow. I normally am not a big support tax guy, but hey everybody has to evolve!

Chris