Posted on 06/13/2005 7:06:18 PM PDT by Ernest_at_the_Beach
Some estimates say balloting could cost the state as much as $80 million. Critics call it a power grab by Schwarzenegger.
SACRAMENTO – Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger today called a statewide special election for November – a high-risk gamble that he can leverage his popular appeal to pass proposals that the Legislature has failed to address.
The Nov. 8 election would be just the fifth of its kind in California history.
“With the people’s help, there will be reform,” he announced on live television. “Our broken state government will be modernized and revitalized.”
The measures Schwarzenegger backed that have qualified for the ballot would give the governor power to unilaterally cut spending in times of a budget shortfall, impanel a trio of retired judges to redraw legislative districts in mid-decade and require teachers to work longer to earn tenure.
(Excerpt) Read more at ocregister.com ...
Text of Schwarzenegger's address
The following is the prepared text Governor Schwarzenegger's address to Californians announcing his decision to call a special statewide election in November 8, 2005:
"Good evening.
When you elected me governor, I made a promise. I said I would put California's financial house in order and reform a government that no longer listened to the people.
The most important thing we did last year was to save this state from bankruptcy... and we let the world know that California was once again open for business.
Today, our economy is growing, creating hundreds of thousands of new jobs.
Revenues are up.
We're putting money back into roads and transportation. Most important, we are investing more money in education than ever in our history - three billion dollars more for education this year, fifty billion dollars total. Education spending is up eight percent this year.
But serious problems remain. We cannot continue a budget system that automatically spends a dollar ten for every dollar we take in.
Without reform, we are destined to relive the past all over again- 22 billion dollar deficits, higher car taxes, and the threat of bankruptcy.
Some politicians say the answer is to raise taxes. They say, "Bring back the car tax, Arnold. Raise the income tax. Get rid of Prop 13."
But I say no. I did not come to Sacramento and you did not send me here to repeat the mistakes of the past.
I know some people say, "Arnold, why not wait until next year? Why have a special election now?"
But how can we just stand around while our debt grows each year by billions of dollars? If you break your arm, you don't wait until your next physical. You get it fixed now.
That's why I say don't wait until next year or the year after because every year we're adding billions of dollars in new debt.
Even if we reach a bipartisan agreement in the Legislature to bring about reform, constitutionally the people must still vote. There must still be an election.
People ask about the cost of the election. Well, do the math: for a buck and a quarter per citizen, you can fix a broken system and save the state billions of dollars. Now remember this is your money. That is a fantastic bargain!
In my state of the state speech in January, I said that if the Legislature did not act on reforms this year, the people of California would.
The people are the ones who wield the power. The people are the ones who can cut through the chains of politics and the past. It is from the people that a democracy gets its strength.
And millions of people have signed the petitions to reform the budget, education and redistricting.
Today was decision day, the deadline for a special election this November.
With those millions of people who signed petitions standing behind me, today I signed an executive order calling for a special election.
I still hope the Legislature will join me, and we can go to the ballot together with a bipartisan plan.
Last year we accomplished so much because we worked together, Republicans and Democrats alike.
But one way or another, with the people's help, there will be action this year.
With the people's help there will be reform.
Our broken state government will be modernized and revitalized.
And you the people will be heard."
Just put fresh batteries in all the remotes.. Bring It On!
4 months of %$#@*&^% .. LOL
Hope my remote control Mute button doesn't get worn out.. Them attack ads could get real nasty and real boring quick.
The only reason we have the debt for general fund spending is because Arnold himself pushed Proposition 58, $15 billion in bonds (that were otherwise unconstitutional). He has $3 billion in bonds left, which he can choose not to spend. All he needs to do is use his veto pen, something he apparently doesn't have the backbone to do or fears it will effect his popularity.
Just keep your promise, Arnold: Cut, Cut, Cut. You don't need any new propositions to do that.
Ah, yes. The Stalinist hyperbole as the power-manic, hate-filled liberals cry for help.
Only to a MARXIST is a VOTE considered a POWER GRAB.
.
Yes... thanks to Hiram Johnson and his reform, the citizens of the State of California have the power of Recall, Initiative, and Referendum...
Right now it's the only thing keeping the state out of the hands of the Socialists.
I agree with you!
CA: Governor announces special election for Nov. 8
Posted by Ernest_at_the_Beach
On News/Activism 06/13/2005 7:06:18 PM PDT · 7 replies · 144+ views
The Orange County Register ^ | Monday, June 13, 2005 | JOHN GITTELSOHN and HANH KIM QUACH The Orange County Register
Schwarzenegger Calls a Special Election to Reform California
Posted by calcowgirl
On News/Activism 06/13/2005 6:48:18 PM PDT · 5 replies · 115+ views
Governor's Office ^ | June 13, 2005
Schwarzenegger asks for voter help to push measures in special election
Posted by RonDog
On News/Activism 06/13/2005 6:45:15 PM PDT · 12 replies · 119+ views
www.centredaily.com ^ | jUNE 13, 2005 | Kate Folmar, KNIGHT RIDDER SACRAMENTO BUREAU
Schwarzenegger ready to do battle in special election
["summer from hell" officially begins Monday]
Posted by RonDog
On News/Activism 06/11/2005 3:34:57 PM PDT · 67 replies · 694+ views
www.sacbee.com ^ | June 11, 2005 | Gary Delsohn -- Bee Capitol Bureau
The full text of the special election proclamation is below.
SPECIAL ELECTION PROCLAMATION
BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
I, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor of the State of California, pursuant to Article II, Section 8(c) of the California Constitution, and Section 12000 of the Elections Code, do hereby proclaim and order that a statewide special election shall be held on the 8th day of November, 2005, to submit to the voters the following qualified initiative measures:
1067. Termination of Minor's Pregnancy. Waiting Period and Parental Notification. Initiative Constitutional Amendment.
1084. Public Employee Union Dues. Required Employee Consent for Political Contributions. Initiative Statute.
1088. Public School Teachers. Waiting Period for Permanent Status. Dismissal. Initiative Statute.
1072. Reapportionment. Initiative Constitutional Amendment.
1131. School Funding. State Spending. Initiative Constitutional Amendment.
The following initiative measures are currently before the Secretary of State pending the verification of petition signatures. A number of these measures may qualify for the special election to be held November 8, 2005:
1106. Prescription Drug Discounts. State-Negotiated Rebates. Initiative Statute.
1114. Electric Service Providers. Regulation. Initiative Statute.
1129. Prescription Drugs. Discounts. Initiative Statute.
I believe the prompt consideration of Measure 1131. State Spending, by the voters is vital to the ability of the people to control their destiny and decide matters of immediate importance to California’s future.
Although steadily improving, California’s budget is still in crisis. To solve the State budget's continuing structural deficit, we must consider reform of the way the government spends its money. Measure 1131. State Spending, will allow voters to consider a new approach to state spending that overrides automatic formulas.
The funds necessary to pay the claims of local agencies arising from their costs incurred to conduct the special statewide election shall be included in the State Budget for the 2006-2007 fiscal year, or in an earlier enacted claims bill.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 13th day of June, 2005.
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Governor of California
Uncle Teddy told Arnold there is $250 million in the opposition coffers. This is going to get ugly in a big way.
I don't understand how folks let him get away with such blatant lies. The only way we can add debt is if the voters agree to it. Arnold said he would cut up the credit cards, but instead masks new debt in spending reform initiative. If Gray Davis had tried to pull this cr@p, we would have him lynched!
I just put new batteries in my wireless mouse , all set
It seems he does:
The measures Schwarzenegger backed that have qualified for the ballot would give the governor power to unilaterally cut spending in times of a budget shortfall,
Bumperoonie!
That is for mid-year reductions only, if revenues fall substantially from those projected at the time the budget is enacted.
He already has a veto pen, so him talking about the budget growing by billions and requiring new debt is totally disingenuous, IMO.
A - That's chump change in the big picture
B - Since when do libs give a hoot about the government spending 80 mil? Uh, when the money's not buying DIM voters.
Well said!
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And we have a special just for orange county:
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O.C.-ONLY INITIATIVE
Public Safety: Reallocates up to 10 percent of a sales tax from 1994’s Proposition 172 or about $30 million a year to Orange County firefighters, most of which now goes to the sheriff and district attorney.
• WHO’S AFFECTED: Orange County sheriffs and prosecutors lose funding that the local initiative would pay to firefighters.
• GETTING INVOLVED: Proponents: Orange County Professional Firefighters Association, www.ocpfa3631.org. Opponents: Orange Sheriff’s deputies www.aocds.org.
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