Election Endorsements

Candidate and Proposition Endorsements for November 8, 2005 Election

CAPA is nonpartisan. Our Board's candidate recommendations are based on, whenever feasible, candidate interviews, qualification analyses, and various debate forums. Our Board Members also studied, analyzed, and debated the merits of each Proposition. We make our recommendations in the interests of CAPA and its members. A 2/3 majority vote of the Board is required for each endorsement. These results are published as guidelines for your use.

Statewide Propositions

Proposition 73. Waiting Period and Parental Notification before Termination of Minor's Pregnancy - State of California: NO

Parents rightfully want to be involved in their teenagers' lives and all parents want what is best for their children.  But good family communication cannot be inposed by the government.  Mandatory notification laws may sound good, but in the real world, vulnerable teenagers who cannot talk to their parents may resort to unsafe, illegal abortions.

Proposition 74. Public School Teachers.  Waiting Period for Permanent Status. Dismissal: NO

We support fair, rigorous, and effective teacher evaluation and tenure procedures.  However, this measure raises questions of due process rights and may limit the use of dismissal for cause.  It does nothing to encourage teachers to enter and remain in the profession.

Proposition 75. Public Employee Union Dues.  Restrictions on Political Contributions.  Employee Consent Requirement: NO

We support fair, even-handed campaign finance reform, but this measure is bad policy.  It restricts public employee unions' use of member dues for political activity but has no similar constraint on corporations.

Proposition 76. State Spending and School Funding Limits: NO

The Pechanga tribe would still be able to continue operating its existing casino, but would not be able to significantly expand its casino operations. The tribe's current payments to the state would not be affected.

Proposition 77. Redistricting: NO

California needs to reform the way legislative and congressional district lines are drawn, but this flawed measure doesn't measure up.  The makeup of its redistricting panel and its neglect of communities of interest in drawing plans are bad policy.  This proposal calls for an immediate redistricting that would ignore three million new Californians, and it requires cumbersome, wasteful ratification of every set of plans by the people.

Proposition 78. Discounts on Prescription Drugs: NO

These are two prescription drug initiatives on this ballot.  Drug companies have contributed over $50 million to support Proposition 78, an inferior program that depends on their voluntary participation.

Proposition 79. Prescription Drug Discounts.  State-Negotiated Rebates: YES

Proposition 79 offers deeper drug discounts to nearly twice as many Californians as Proposition 78.  It has an enforcement mechanism to hold drug companies accountable for providing discounts.

Proposition 80. Electric Service Providers.  Regulation: NO

Proposition 80 is the wrong way to make energy policy.  This is a complicated issue that deserves careful analyses by experts in the subject matter.  The legislature should not shrug off responsibility by asking the public to make an uninformed decision.

Local Measures

Measure R. City of Walnut Creek (2/3 Approval Required): YES

Funds raised by this bond will replace the outdated, undersized, worn out downtown library.  The new library will have adequate space for books and materials, children's reading programs, a computer, homework and tutoring center for local students, and the space and equipment to offer computer and Internet programs adults and seniors.