Protection of Local Government Revenues. Ensures that the state government cannot short-change local tax revenue, except in times of "fiscal emergency", as declared by the Governor.

My vote: YES. Prop 1A and 65 were both placed on the ballot to fulfill one of Arnold Schwarzenegger's main campaign pledges- that the state would never again raid the coffers of local governments in order to increase it's discretionary spending (1A was created to patch some holes in 65, making 65 obsolete before even coming to a vote). I'm sure we all realize that the most effective form of government is at the local level. This proposition should ensure that services provided at the local level- such as health and public safety- always have the funding they need.

My only reservation about 1A is the "fiscal emergency" clause, by which the Governor can suspend this practice at his discretion (a 2/3 vote of the Legislature is also required) to fill a state budget shortfall. What constitutes a "fiscal emergency" has not been adequately defined in my view (for instance, are we in a state of emergency now? It seems to me that we are.), but I trust the Governor's discretion enough to go along with it.

Access to Government Information. Ensures "the right of access to information concerning the conduct of the people's business."

My vote: YES. Transparency in government can only be a good thing, but let's not kid ourselves here. This is purely symbolic- in reality it will do little to free the sort of information the state is keeping from us now. It's provision intended to force judges to interpret privacy laws "narowly... if it limits the right of access" is a joke. Judges are going to keep on doing whatever the hell they want, and that's the major barrier standing between the people and their right to know. Still, it's worth a shot.

Election Right of Political Parties. Ensures that the general election ballot includes the winners of closed party primaries.

My vote: YES. Keeps current state election laws as-is. Would preserve the practice of "closed primaries", which give political parties the right to select their own candidates for elected office.

In direct competition with Prop. 62, which would create an open primary/run-off system like that of Louisiana. It's hard to describe Louisiana's switch to this system as anything short of a disaster. The system is easily manipulated to weed-out real competition by allowing Democrats to vote for Republican primary candidates and vice-versa. 62 is a bad, bad idea.

Surplus State Property. Forces the proceeds raised from the sale of surplus state property to go toward paying down specified bonds.

My vote: YES. Another proposition that doesn't do a whole lot, but its heart is in the right place. Won't force the sale of surplus state property, but would ensure that if such a sale were to take place the proceeds would be used to pay down bonds floated in previous elections, thus lowering the overall cost of those bonds.

Children's Hospital Projects. Floats a $750 million bond to be used to expand and renovate state children's hospitals.

My vote: YES. Very reluctant yes. With the state's current fiscal crisis I would usually reject any new bond measures. But this one is fairly cheap (will cost the state 1.5 billion over 30 years) and is for a good cause. Plus, I don't want to live with the image of crying little kids in my nightmares.

Elections. Primaries. Creates an open primary system in which voters may select any candidate- regardless of party affiliation- for any state or federal office. The top two candidates would then be placed on the general election ballot. Excludes presidential primaries.

My vote: NO. See Prop 60. Would create a system vulnerable to mass corruption and would destroy the public's right to a clear and open debate between candidates.