Here’s a big post to finish up the props! I’ll probably make a final post on Monday to cover a couple other things and give some final thoughts before we vote on Tuesday.

Prop 11 – REDISTRICTING

My Summary: Right now the legislature gets to draw district lines. This would give the power to a 14 person panel, consisting of five democrats, five republicans, and four others.

My Opinion: One of the major opponents is the California Democratic Party, and the opponents argue that this is a “Republican power grab.” Hahaha! So when the Democrat controlled congress gets to draw the lines for the districts electing them it’s OK, but when that power is given to a much more objective board of non-elected people, it’s a power grab? That’s hilarious.

Bottom Line: I’m strongly supporting this one. People that are being elected shouldn’t be allowed to draw the districts for the voters electing them. That’s a huge conflict of interest.

I am voting YES on Prop 11.

Prop 12 – VETERANS’ BOND ACT OF 2008

My Summary: Provides low interest rate loans to veterans so they can buy houses.

My Opinion: This one is also a no-brainer. If you read the arguments against the prop, it’s basically an endorsement! Their biggest complaint is that the money should only go to people who were in battle basically, as if those veterans are more valuable than the ones who served and didn’t go into battle.

Bottom Line: Tom McClintock co-authored this one, and they’ve done an act like this 26 times in the last 85 years.

I am voting YES on Prop 12.

Measure R – Half-cent sales tax hike for transportation in L.A. County

My Summary: Would raise the sales tax in LA County to 8.75%. The increased tax revenue would go to a number of projects, including expanding a subway.

My Opinion: Tax increases! You know how the state is broke and there isn’t enough money for anything? Instead of cutting back on stupid programs we’ll just raise taxes! Yay!

I don’t like this measure because a ton of money is going towards a subway…

The MTA says that could be enough to extend the line from its terminus at Wilshire Boulevard and Western Avenue to Westwood. The route hasn’t been decided, but a recent MTA study recommended that the subway follow Wilshire to Beverly Hills, swing south to Century City and then north to Westwood.

Meh, that’s something I’ll never use, but I’m supposed to spend more in taxes to make it happen.

Bottom Line: Raising taxes for mass transit during an economic downturn doesn’t sound like a good idea to me.

I am voting NO on Measure R.

Make sure you visit Geeky Weekly for his take on Prop 11, 12, and Measure R.