- Posted by Piperyell on May 25, 2009
Ballot measures fail.
In this last special election on May 14th, California voters
defeated 4 ballot measures designed to either raise taxes, extend previous tax
raises, or raid existing funds. These measures all failed with a margin of 65%
to 35%. In this dark economic time, the voters of California said, we have no
more to give.
Governor says OK, you asked for it, fewer teachers.
Governor Schwarzenegger braced California for deeper cuts
from schools and services following the election results. Some pundits believe that the election was the
result of a very vocal minority. That these were anti tax zealots showing up in
droves. The turnout was light, but most elections without many elective seats are
usually light. Yet, the anti proposition side was outspent by $20 million in
ads. My question is, why are we always cutting teachers, firemen, and police officers?
Implied expectations.
When we all pay our taxes on April 15th, or at
the gas station, or every time we buy anything, what are we expecting for our
money? We want there to be good schools, Fire fighters, and Police officers in
the streets. This is simplifying the argument, but essentially this is it. So,
when there is a budget crunch, why are these always the things that are being
threatened? Shouldn’t these be the last things on the chopping block? Are there
NO other areas of excess that can be cut? None?
If you don’t keep giving us more money, kids will never
learn to read, and crime will run rampent.
Don’t threaten me! The fact is, if Legislators told you that
they needed bond measures and tax initiatives so we could continue bureaucratic
bloat and general waste, we would not vote for higher taxes. Do we suddenly
trust that our Government has looked in every nook and cranny for cuts? If you trust
any Government that much, shame on you. That being said, Teachers, Fire Fighter,
and Police Unions should be united in the call the call of “Look somewhere else
for cuts”. That is something we would all stand behind. Instead, they all
endorse higher taxes. I think this is a mistake, and the last election may have
proved my point.
Summary
I am confident that there are not many people that
want our school system to get any worse than it already is. And, while I am not
sure that there isn’t plenty of waste in the administration offices of our
dismal school system, until legislators willingly cut some of their travel,
food, per diem, and recreation budgets, leave the teachers, fire fighters, and
police alone.
Interesting facts:
LAUSD has a decline in attendance for the last 4 years (747,009
in 03-04 to 694,288 in 07–08).
Unused prison office space in San Diego going unused for 4 years, costing
$13,800 per month.