VOTE NO ON 4 AND 5

There are two initiatives on the Nov. 7 ballot that appear to be unrelated,
but they have one thing in common. They have "fine print" that make them
unacceptable regardless of your position on the major issues they deal with.

The first is Proposition 4. There are many of us who want to hold the line
on taxes, and reduce them when possible. If Proposition 4 did this
responsibly, I might be inclined to support it. It does not do this,
however. If passed, it would cut too much too quickly with no provision for
alternative revenues. It would create inequities with similar properties
being taxed at much different rates. Most importantly, it would remove
local option.

The second is Proposition 5. Once again, you will find the "Devil is in the
details." Even if you feel that marijuana should be legal (I do not), this
initiative goes way too far. In addition to legalizing marijuana in the
future, this initiative would release from prison those who have been
convicted on drug charges in the past. They may also be eligible to be
compensated, with our tax dollars, for being incarcerated and for property
that may have been forfeited as a result of their conviction. I don't know
about you, but I think if a person breaks the law, he or she should face
the consequences. I certainly don't think we should pay them for doing so.

Before voting, please read the fine print. If you do, I'm sure you will
join me in voting no on Propositions 4 and 5.