Special Election Slated for Nov. 8th

Filed Under Election 2005

Yesterday, Monday, June 13th, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger called for a Special Election to be held on Tuesday, November 8, 2005.
According to the Los Angeles Times’ “Governor Puts Agenda on the Ballot” article, the Governor is pursuing the passage of the following three measures to “alter the way Sacramento operates.”

The three measures are:

Spending cap measure that “would limit amount that government spending could increase each year. Would force automatic cuts if the state budget was not in place by the July 1 deadline. Would give the governor the power to cut programs midyear if the budget fell out of balance. Would remove some school spending obligations from state law.”

Teacher tenure measure that “would increase to five years from the current two the period of service required before public school teachers could receive tenure. Would allow teachers to be fired after two consecutive unsatisfactory performance evaluations.”

Redistricting measure that “would require a panel of retired judges to draw election districts for state legislative, Board of Equalization and congressional offices. Takes away power of state legislators to draw their own districts. Voters would approve or disapprove the judges’ redistricting plan.”

I believe the public is polarized because not enough emphasis is being placed on compromise, a cornerstone of all democracies. Regardless of political affiliation, members of the public should expect, demand and require results from their government.

Visit the California Secretary of State – November 8, 2005 Statewide Special Election Information website for more information about the election and ballot measures.