Just about every time I open my voters information pamphlet the schools are asking for more money. This time it’s propositions 51 and 55. Fifty-one is for construction and modernization of schools. I seem to recall we passed one for that purpose not too long ago. What do they want it for, chandeliers in the restrooms? As for 55, a “temporary” measure (we know how that goes) for a smorgasbord of needs, again which includes money for schools.
But no doubt they will pass because, as we know, it’s … “for the children.” And if for some unexplained reason they both fail, don’t worry: They’ll be back next time.
Richard C. Brown, Eureka
This article appears in An American Genocide.
I recall a bond issue some years ago where they told us the schools were falling apart. The bond measure passed. Not long after its passage I noticed one change at the elementary school next to the National Guard Armory. A facade had been buit on the entrance to the school. Looked real nice and probably sheltered some from the rain but that was about it. That probably wasn’t built cheaply either.
Don’t throw good money after bad. Vote No on all school bonds.
I read a long time ago and my observations have been that it is usually true: Propositions which might otherwise get more critical attention (i.e., people asking more questions) get lost in the all the attention the Presidential elections garner. True again this year. How many new taxes (or renewed) taxes are on the ballot this year? And how many of the arguments in favor of those taxes really stand up to a close examination.
Here are two comments on the Props mentioned here which say it better than I could:
“Prop. 51, School facilities bond This 9-billion-dollar bond would add to what Gov. Brown has described as Californias Wall of Debt. We cant afford more debt, the repayment of which diverts money from other important programs.”
So, a big NO
“Prop. 55, Extension of Income taxes: When voters approved an income tax increase in 2012, the politicians promised the increase would be temporary. Now, with Prop. 55, they want to extend the highest marginal income tax rates in all 50 states, for another 13 years.”
So: Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. An equally big NO
I came across this website when looking for information on another prop. It’s a listing of what public groups support or oppose on the 2016 ballot. Makes for interesting reading as
you can see where some of the suppose behind the scenes comes from…sort of like the Wizard of Oz behind the curtain….no, don’t look behind the curtain…. except we really do need to look behind the curtain.
And if you click on the name of an organization, you can see their page and read more about how and why they say Yes or No:
https://www.californiachoices.org/ballot-e…