As you most likely know if you are from California, the election has come and gone. The state has rejected all of the initiatives. It is possible that the voters of California made up their mind that rather than consider the merits of any single measure, it was safer to just say no. Rejecting all initiatives was a way that the electorate could force the politicians to do their job—to negotiate amongst themselves to bring progress to the state. Negotiation is not possible through the ballot box. Arnold Schwarzenegger authorized this election solely because he has been unsuccessful negotiating with state representatives his agenda. Voters told him he must try harder. The governor has stated he looks forward to working with the congress, and hopefully the interchange of ideas will occur between state politicians.

Some of the most important issues in the Central Valley in this election happen to be local issues. Among them are:

• Galt finally approved bonds to be sold to build a new high school. After years of trying to win voter approval (and years of growth), Galt will alleviate overcrowding in its one high school.
• El Dorado Hills residents rejected a proposal to incorporate and become the largest city in El Dorado County.
• Placer County voted to advise county supervisors to continue to seek a private four-year college near Roseville.
• Davis residents rejected a large growth measure, in part because it did not address the needs for low income housing of current city residents.
• Stockton voters approved a large school bonds measure for expansion and to reorganize schools into a K-8 system.

Change rarely comes only through elections. Hopefully state officials can find common ground as they represent the needs of this fantastically varied state.

# posted by Dan @ 1:11 AM