Recently in Po-Law-Tics
Commentary:
Prop 32 says it will limit the money from unions and corporations to political campaigns, but only one is really affected.
Po-Law-Tics:
Californians may soon be able to obtain more information about those giving
and spending money in political campaigns. Assembly Bill (AB) 481 recently
passed through the Legislature with support from both sides of the aisle.
That bill would increase disclosure for independent expenditures.
Commentary:
It is distressingly easy to amend our state constitution through a disturbingly broken process, the ballot initiative process. The ballot initiative process simply makes it far too easy to propose, qualify and pass citizen-initiated laws.
Po-Law-Tics:
There were more than 70 fundraisers this month as legislators were finalizing the session, voting on numerous bills.
Commentary:
This strikes me as a terrific way to use technology to enhance civic engagement.
Po-Law-Tics:
Challenging election law could be costly, thanks to a recent case ruling. Let's hope this decision gets appealed.
Po-Law-Tics:
One of my least favorite things about the ballot initiatives process is the huge sums that those in favor and against these measures typically shell out during the election cycle. This prop is no exception.
Po-Law-Tics:
The historically scandal-plagued county of San Bernardino has taken a step in the right direction.
Commentary:
If Democrats in the next election gain two-thirds in both state houses, increasing taxes and fees will be easy.
Commentary:
Our government is too big and too complex to make decisions on a piecemeal basis.
Commentary:
28 races on the November ticket are between members of the same party. Those candidates now must appeal to all voters, regardless of party.
Commentary:
A recent change in the law shuffles the order of propositions on the ballot. That means the Governor's tax proposal will be placed higher than a rival proposition. Can this really be the best way to make laws?
Commentary:
Political campaigns may see an uptick in contributions from younger voters because of new laws.
Commentary:
While not one Republican voted for the budget plan, no Republican votes are needed under our current system.
Commentary:
Even with "good government" reforms, we don't vote. And negative advertising seems effective.
Commentary:
Regardless of your party affiliation, or lack of affiliation, I encourage each of you to go to the mailbox or the ballot box and exercise a right too many of us take for granted. Money may be treated as speech, but votes can send a pretty loud message as well.
Commentary:
Just because good government reforms (such as term limits, redistricting, and open primaries) will make elections more expensive does not mean they are bad reforms -- Far from it. But it does mean we need to consider all of the consequences of reforms when voting at the ballot box.
Commentary:
We now live in a state where winning an election and obtaining a position that allows an individual to represent their fellow citizens are things to hide (or at least not highlight) from the voters.
Commentary:
Back in January the estimate was that California was in debt, to the tune of $9.2 billion. Now it's close to $16 billion.
Commentary:
Here are two fairly uncontroversial things that I believe: First, fewer people should smoke since smoking can cause serious health risks; second, more money should go to cancer research. But here is a third, more controversial belief: The initiative process is deeply flawed.
SoCal Focus is a daily blog about the people, places and issues in and around Southern California.
I Am Los Angeles: Strings of Success
Sasha is content just to be living his life on his own terms, doing something he thoroughly enjoys: building and playing guitars.
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