2010 General Election

As everyone is fully aware from the yard signs, attack ads, and sound-bite debates, Election Season is almost over.  In fact, with only one week left to go before the General Election, now is the time to figure out how you're going to vote (if you haven't already).  I live in Orange County, in southern California--once a bastion of Conservatism in a largely Left-leaning state.  Now, it seems, I'm one of the few traditional conservatives left.  In case you're interested, here's how I'm going to vote, along with some of my rationale.

First, I'll start with the CA State Propositions and local Measures.  This first post outlines the Ground Rules for how I vote.

Propositions 

Ground Rules:  I largely follow my good friend Brant's groundrules for voting on Propositions. (His explanations are great! Read them.) These lay a groundwork for my vote and help to break ties. In summary, the rules are as follows:

1. Default position is NO.  New laws generally restrict liberty.  Therefore, the burden of proof for the necessity of a law lies with the proponents of the measure.
2. Bond measures are held with even greater suspicion.  Bonds are a way for the government to take out a loan on the backs of the tax-payers. California already over-spends and over-taxes. If our legislators haven't already budgeted for it, then we probably don't need it.  The burden of proof is especially high for the proponents. I have never voted in favor of a bond measure.
3. Measures similar to other measures already passed are held with greater suspicion.  How many times have we had new measures to "fix the schools" or "clean up the enviornment?"  If the previous measures didn't work, what's so special about this one?
4. NO on anything that attempts to raise money for vital services.  Politicians can't be allowed to pay for their pet projects with budgeted revenue and then cry to the taxpayers that there's no money left to cover vital services like fire and police. Voting yes gives in and lets the politicians have their way with the taxpayers.

The next post will provide my brief analysis of each proposition and measure. Stay tuned...