CSLEA POSITIONS ON THE NOVEMBER BALLOT INITIATIVES

Source: Coby Pizzotti
Date: 9/18/2008

November 4, 2008 Ballot Initiatives:
Recommended Positions

Proposition 1A: Neutral
Proposition 2: Neutral
Proposition 3: Neutral
Proposition 4: Neutral
Proposition 5: Oppose
Proposition 6: Neutral
Proposition 7: Neutral
Proposition 8: Neutral
Proposition 9: Neutral
Proposition 10: Neutral
Proposition 11: Neutral
Proposition 12: Support

Neutral Positions Prop 1A-4,6-11:
Propositions 1A, 3 and 10 are all bonds that would require repayment from the general fund. Effectively, any additional obligation to the general fund limits the pool of money we have to draw on for increased wages and benefits. The remaining initiatives either represent social issues that we have no business in or take additional money away from the general fund. Therefore, we believe taking a neutral position, with the exception of Propositions 5 and 12, is in the best interest of CSLEA.

Oppose Prop 5:
Proposition 5 is a well intended initiative; however, unfortunately it does some things that as a law enforcement association we cannot in good conscience support. The premise behind this initiative is to keep non-violent drug-offenders out of the overcrowded prison system; however, no first time offender arrested solely for possession would ever be sent to prison. Proposition 5 also shifts the burden of proof to the prosecution to prove that the defendant should be held responsible for his or her crimes if the defendant uses “the drugs made me do it” defense in the commission of a violent offense. Therefore, we have taken an oppose position to proposition 5.

Support Prop 12:
Proposition 12 is the Veterans’ Bond Act of 2008, which would issue $900 million in bonds to provide financial assistance to veterans who are purchasing farms, homes and mobile home properties. These bonds are “self liquidating” (no general fund impact) to be repaid by the mortgage payments of the veterans requesting the loans. Many of our members are veterans and deserve our support for their service to our country; therefore, we recommend a support position to proposition 12.