
In the May 19 California Statewide Special Election voters overwhelmingly rejected five of the six budget reform measures put on the ballot by the Legislature following negotiations between the majority Democrats, the minority Republicans, and Governor Schwarzenegger to end last year's budget impasse.
Various reasons have been forwarded for the results: aversion to extending tax increases; flaws in the measures themselves; the complexity of the measures; and the belief that the Legislature and Governor should "do their jobs" and not rely on voters to work out budget problems. Of course, voters have often made themselves heard on budget matters, via the initiative process. In fact, two of the amend-ments, Props 1D and 1E, sought to reallocate funding that had been mandated by voters in previous ballot initiatives.
While the message was clear, it wasn't exactly loud. Voter turnout was extraordinarily low — just 23% of registered voters.
(Click to play, right-click or control-click to download)
Future Water Supply for Marin (March 17)
The LWVMC Action meeting, on the first Monday of each month, provides a concise overview of what's going on in Marin and how the League is involved with the issues. In addition, experts and interested parties often attend as guest speakers.
Democracy depends on the active participation of informed citizens;
the League of Women Voters of Marin County can show you how to engage! Gain skills, share your expertise, socialize, analyze, and make a difference.
Everything members need to know! The League calendar, committee reports, studies, actions taken, and a few social items.
Jul 06 |
Action Meeting League water experts Don McEnhill and Anne Layzer talk about Marin water issues. |