It’s that time again! The California Primary Elections are being held on Tuesday, June 5, 2018. Primaries as very important as they determine who we get to vote for in the general election in November. California has what’s called an “Open Primary,” meaning that Republicans and Democrats don’t have separate ballots (except in Presidential primaries). In our system, the two candidates who get the most votes go on to the general election where they will face off against each other. The general election is what actually determines who will occupy the office.
These are going to be my choices for the state-wide elections and offices:
Propositions
Prop 68: NO!
Essentially this bill is borrowing $4 billion to spend it on “parks, natural resources protection, climate adaptation, water quality and supply, and flood protection.” It actually costs us $8 billion over the long term once the debt has been repaid with interest. While some of these things are worth spending money on, we do not need to borrow money to do it. California has plenty of income. We have a problem with stewarding our income and spending it wisely.
Prop 69: Leaning No
Last year, Californians voted to increase taxes on gas, diesel, registration and a new transportation improvement fee. This prop would amend the constitution to designate that extra revenue to be used for transportation purposes only. While at first glance this sounds good, there are a number of loopholes that allow some of the money to be spent on things like high speed rail, bike lanes, protecting habitat, etc. rather than fixing highways, filling potholes etc.
Additionally, it seems strange that we need a constitutional amendment to spend money which was raised for transportation on transportation. While it may not be the end of the world if it passes, many fiscal conservatives oppose this bill, so I lean on trusting their judgement.
Prop 70: Leaning Yes
This bill is complicated and hard to understand. Conservatives and Liberals are on both sides of this bill. Essentially, it designates revenue to be collected through the cap-and-trade program in California to be put into a reserve fund starting in 2024. That money can only be spent with a 2/3 majority of the legislature. Generally, I am in favor of making it more difficult for California to spend money since they are already irresponsible with it.
Prop 71: Yes
This bill passed unanimously from the legislature. It essentially makes sure that for ballot measures passed by California voters, all the votes are counted correctly before the law goes into effect. It puts a start date for all ballot measures about 6 weeks after the election.
Prop 72: Yes
This bill also passed unanimously from the legislature. There isn’t even a rebuttal in the voter’s guide. Normally, if you make improvements to your property, your property’s value goes up along with the property taxes you pay. This bill exempts rainwater capture systems from your property’s taxable value. This good for the homeowner as well as good for conserving water.
Federal Offices
Senator: Tom Palzer
There are 32 candidates for Senate right now, but don’t let that scare you off. Right now, the Democratic party is trying to oust incumbent Senator Dianne Feinstein and replace her with Kevin De Leon because Feinstein isn’t liberal enough for them anymore. In all likelihood, we will see Feinstein and De Leon in the general election. Of the Republican candidates, Tom Palzer is a good conservative with the best chance of making it to the top 2.
Whatever you do, don’t vote for Patrick Little! He is a Republican who was recently shown to have good poll numbers, but he is openly anti-semitic and white supremacist.
Congressman (38th Congressional District): Ryan Downing
This office will vary depending on which district you live in. Go to this website to see which congressional district you are in. Then check out Election Forums for their recommendations.
State Offices
Governor: John Cox
The 4 main candidates for governor are Gavin Newsom (D), Antonio Villaraigosa (D), John Cox (R), and Travis Allan (R). Both Republicans would be good candidates, but John Cox has consistently polled higher than Travis Allan. Republicans should rally behind him so he can make it to the general election. I’ve also heard both Travis and John speak in person, and John left a better overall impression on me.
Lieutenant Governor: David Hernandez (not to be confused with Ed Hernandez)
Secretary of State: Mark Meuser
Controller: Konstantinos Roditis
State Treasurer: Jack Guerrero
Attorney General: Steven Bailey
Insurance Commissioner: Steve Poizner
Superintendent of Public Instruction: Marshall Tuck
Board of Equalization District #3: G. Rick Marshall
State Senator (32 District): Rita Topalian
State Assembly (57th District): Jessica Martinez
To find your state representatives, go to this website. Then check with Election Forums to see their recommendation.
Local/County Offices:
Assessor: John “Lower Taxes” Loew
Sheriff: Robert “Bob” Lindsey
Judges:
No.4: Alfred A. Coletta
No.16: Hubert S. Yun
No. 20: Mary Ann Escalante
No. 60: Tony J. Cho
No. 63: Malcolm Mackey
No. 67: Dennis P. Vincent
No. 71: David A. Berger
No. 113: Steven Schreiner
No. 118: Troy Davis
No. 126: Ken Fuller
No. 146: Emily Theresa Spear
For your local/county offices, I would recommend checking out these websites:
Election Forums (this has the most complete election guide and is easiest to navigate)
Nancy’s Picks
Robyn Nordell’s Recommendations