In part two of ValleyVue's special coverage of the California Primary Election, statewide issues and those of special interest to the Central Valley are discussed. Today, June 6, 2006, is the day set for the election. Fully participate in your rights by voting in today's primary.

There are several issues up for vote in today's Gubernatorial Primary Election. Today's Blog Entry will first talk about the statewide propositions. Following that will be a variety of Valley measures on the ballot.

Proposition 81: California Reading and Literacy Improvement and Public library Construction and Renovation Bond Act of 2006

Vote Yes on 81. This proposition allows the State of California to borrow $600 Million to help support local library districts in renovating and building new library branches. Interestingly, both the supporters of the proposition and the opponents recognize the pressing need for library funding.

California has seen huge rates of population growth within the past few decades. Libraries have not grown to keep up with the population. The Valley has seen new cities spring up, where previously there were fields. For example, Elk Grove, south of Sacramento, became incorporated and soon after claimed a population of over 100,000. Elk Grove's main library branch is in a small building with parking for no more than 20, almost comically trying to serve such a large community.

Furthermore, technology has changed many of the functions of libraries, as the increasingly mandatory internet is accessed by the unconnected masses. New libraries, larger and more useful facilities are a necessity.

The opponents of this proposition do not dispute the need for libraries, but wish to force politicians to hurt the state's poor in order to gain funds. They want to see welfare reformed to obtain the funds. Lady Bird Johnson once said, "Perhaps no place in any community is so totally democratic as the town library. The only entrance requirement is interest." Libraries have historically been one of the highest priorities of public funds. In conjunction with modern public schools, it allows for all people, regardless of background, to gain knowledge. It is sickening that some would like to see the fair and necessary expansion of libraries halted in order to further an incongruent political position.

Proposition 82: Preschool Education. Tax on Incomes over $400,000 for Individuals, $800,000 for Couples. Initiative Constitutional Amendment and Statute.

If you read the ValleyVue analysis of Proposition 81, you probably know what's coming with Prop 82. It is hard not to think that people who make huge sums of money in California, often by benefiting from the hard work or support of much poorer people, should not have to participate in some "profit-sharing". An individual that makes $400,000 in California is making as much as 25 full-time workers making minimum wage. It is virtually guaranteed that the individual is not working 25 times as much as those earning minimum wage. This is not to say we should all be earning the same amount, but Californians considered super-rich should be required to do more than others in financially contributing to solve societal ills.

Right now, preschool is available almost exclusively as a private service. Public preschool programs do exist, but are not prevalent. Right now, 65% of four year olds are enrolled in preschools, daycare, or babysitting programs. There is definitely a need for preschool age kids to be at the very least taken care of outside the home. It is hard to argue that 4 year olds would not be better served by being enrolled in an educational setting with credentialled staff. Vote Yes on 82.

Other Valley Measures on the Ballot:

• Butte County and Yuba County Measure H: The Marysville Joint Union School District is seeking a bond issue of $37 Million. There are many school renovations needed in this district, and the bond issue would also fund the construction of a new small high school.
• Sacramento, El Dorado, and Placer County Measure B: Much needed funds to repair and improve the Sierra College campus in Rocklin.
• Sacramento County and Placer County Measure H: SMUD expansion. This is a public opinion poll-type question (advisory vote) to see if there should be more advisory votes in the future if the local utilities district attempts to expand boundaries. Opponent advertising is receiving significant financial support by rival PG&E.
• City of Woodland Measure A: This measure would set up an Urban Limit Line around Woodland to protect agricultural land. ValleyVue will always support efforts to plan growth ahead of time.
• San Joaquin County: Stockton has very complicated, politically procedural issues. Other county issues are bond issues for Tracy and Oakdale High Schools.
• Madera County has two school district bonds.
• Fresno and Madera County Measure B: West Hills Community County District is seeking a bond issue for $49 million.
• Kern County is deciding on whether to disallow the application of biosolids to unincorporated land.

Get out and vote!

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Source: Official Voter Information Guide, California Secretary of State website, Official Websites for Butte, Yuba, Placer, Yolo, San Joaquin, Madera, Fresno, and Kern Counties.