Yet again, writer-about-town Matt Baume has taken on the thankless task of compiling and attempting to organize everyone else’s endorsements for local and state issues and candidates for the November 2, 2010 election. Why? Matt explains on journalism funding site Spot.us:
If you’re like any reasonable Californian, you’re totally baffled by the ballot. (It’s not your imagination: the thing is super-long this year.) To really understand every race, every candidate, and every proposition, you’d need to be an expert with a ton of time on your hands. So let’s turn to those experts and crowd-source their wisdom.
Matt says he looked at over 150 major organizations’ and individuals’ endorsements for next Tuesday’s election (you can see his rather imposing master document of endorsers/endorsements here), admitting that “there are a lot of worthy individuals and organizations that aren’t on this list. I had to make a judgment call in many cases to determine whether I should include a slate. In general, the criteria that I used was, ‘is this endorsement notable and relevant to an average San Franciscan?’ I defined ‘notable’ in terms similar to that of Wikipedia.”
Then, he graphed out how “popular” they are among endorsers (green means “yes,” red means “no”). But it’s not all about popularity, now, is it? That’s why Matt recommends that you “look at who the endorsers are on each side, and decided which ones you trust the most.”
Right now, you’re looking at his endorsement breakdowns for the CA state propositions, you can see his breakdown of SF proposition endorsements here, of state candidate endorsements here, and of local candidates here.
All descriptions of and links to CA state propositions come directly from the official voter information pamphlet, online at smartvoter.org.
Legalizes Marijuana Under California But Not Federal Law. Permits Local Governments to Regulate and Tax Commercial Production, Distribution, and Sale of Marijuana — State of California (Initiative Statute – Majority Approval Required)
Should California legalize the possession and cultivation of marijuana for personal use of adults 21 years and older, and allow state and local governments to regulate and tax related commercial activities? [Learn more]
Yes on 19: ACLU of Northern California, Alice B Toklas Democratic Club, Bay Area Reporter, CA Young Democrats, Calitics, Courage Campaign, Credo Action, Democratic County Central Committee, East Bay Express, Greenlining Institute, Green Party of CA, Harvey Milk Club, League of Young Voters, Libertarian Party (SF & CA), SEIU 1021, SF Bay Guardian, SF League of Young Voters, SF Tenants Union, SF Women’s Political Committee, SF Young Democrats, Tom Ammiano
No on 19: African American Democratic Club, CA Association of CA Code Enforcement Officers, CA Chamber of Commerce, CA Police Chiefs Association, CA Republican Assembly, Contra Costa Times, Jerry Brown, LA Daily News, LA Times, Meg Whitman, Oakland Tribune, Republican Party of CA, Sacramento Bee, San Jose Mercury News, SF Chronicle, SF Republican Party
Redistricting of Congressional Districts — State of California (Initiative Constitutional Amendment – Majority Approval Required)
Should the state Constitution be amended to have the Citizens Redistricting Commission redistrict for the U.S. House of Representatives, to change existing redistricting criteria, and to reduce the redistricting timeline? [Learn more]
Yes on 20: AARP, CA Chamber of Commerce, CA Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, CA Police Chiefs Association, CA Republican Assembly, CA Taxpayers Association, Common Cause CA, Contra Costa Times, Fresno Bee, Governor Schwarzenegger, Howard Jarvis Taxpayers’ Association, LA Daily News, LA Times, Meg Whitman, Oakland Tribune, Republican Party of CA, San Jose Mercury News, SF Chamber of Commerce, SF Chronicle, SF Republican Party
No on 20: ACLU of Northern California, African American Democratic Club, Alice B Toklas Democratic Club, Bay Area Reporter, CA Democratic Party, CA Federation of Teachers, CA Labor Federation, CA League of Conservation Voters, CA Nurses Association, CA State Labor Federation, CA Teachers Association, CA Young Democrats, Calitics, Chinese for Affirmative Action, Chinese Progressive Association, Courage Campaign, Democratic County Central Committee, East Bay Express, Equality California, Greenlining Institute, Harvey Milk Club, League of Women Voters (CA & SF), League of Young Voters, People Organizing to Demand Environmental and Economic Justice (PODER), Sacramento Bee, SEIU 1021, Sierra Club of California & Sierra Club, San Francisco Bay Chapter, SF Bay Guardian, SF League of Young Voters, SF Women’s Political Committee, SF Young Democrats, Tom Ammiano, Transit Workers Union Local 250-A, UNITE HERE! Local 2
Establishes $18 Annual Vehicle License Surcharge to Help Fund State Parks and Wildlife Programs. Grants Surcharged Vehicles Free Admission to All State Parks — State of California (Initiative Statute – Majority Approval Required)
Should the state levy an additional annual $18 vehicle license surcharge to provide funds to operate and maintain California’s state parks and wildlife protection programs? [Learn more]
Yes on 21: African American Democratic Club, Alice B Toklas Democratic Club, CA Democratic Party, CA Federation of Teachers, CA Labor Federation, CA League of Conservation Voters, CA Nurses Association, CA State Labor Federation, CA Teachers Association, CA Young Democrats, Calitics, Courage Campaign, Credo Action, Democratic County Central Committee, East Bay Express, Greenlining Institute, Green Party of CA, Harvey Milk Club, LA Daily News, League of Young Voters, Sacramento Bee, San Jose Mercury News, SEIU 1021, Sierra Club of California & Sierra Club, San Francisco Bay Chapter, SF Bay Guardian, SF League of Young Voters, SF Tenants Union, SF Young Democrats, Tom Ammiano, Transit Workers Union Local 250-A, UNITE HERE! Local 2
No on 21: Bay Area Reporter, CA Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, CA Republican Assembly, CA Taxpayers Association, Contra Costa Times, Howard Jarvis Taxpayers’ Association, LA Times, Libertarian Party (SF & CA), Meg Whitman, Oakland Tribune, Republican Party of CA, SF Chronicle, SF Republican Party, SF Women’s Political Committee
Prohibits the State From Borrowing Or Taking Funds Used for Transportation, Redevelopment, Or Local Government Projects and Services — State of California (Initiative Constitutional Amendment – Majority Approval Required)
Should the California Constitution be amended to prohibit the state, even during a severe fiscal hardship, from redirecting certain tax revenues dedicated to transportation or local governments? [Learn more]
Yes on 22: African American Democratic Club, Building Owners and Managers Association of SF, CA Chamber of Commerce, CA Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, CA Police Chiefs Association, East Bay Express, Harvey Milk Club, Howard Jarvis Taxpayers’ Association, LA Daily News, Libertarian Party (SF & CA), Meg Whitman, San Jose Mercury News, SF Republican Party, SF Young Democrats, Tom Ammiano
No on 22: Alice B Toklas Democratic Club, Bay Area Reporter, CA Democratic Party, CA National Organization for Women, CA Nurses Association, CA Professional Firefighters, CA Teachers Association, Contra Costa Times, Courage Campaign, Democratic County Central Committee, LA Times, League of Young Voters, Oakland Tribune, Sacramento Bee, SF Bay Guardian, SF Chronicle, SF League of Young Voters, SF Women’s Political Committee
Suspends Implementation Of Air Pollution Control Law (AB 32) Requiring Major Sources Of Emissions To Report And Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions That Cause Global Warming, Until Unemployment Drops To 5.5 Percent Or Less For Full Year — State of California (Initiative Statute – Majority Approval Required)
Should the AB 32 air pollution control law be suspended until unemployment drops to 5.5 percent or less for a full year? [Learn more]
Yes on 23: CA Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, CA Republican Assembly, Howard Jarvis Taxpayers’ Association, Libertarian Party (SF & CA), Republican Party of CA, SF Republican Party
No on 23: AARP, African American Democratic Club, Alice B Toklas Democratic Club, Bay Area Reporter, CA Democratic Party, CA Federation of Teachers, CA Labor Federation, CA League of Conservation Voters, CA National Organization for Women, CA Nurses Association, CA Police Chiefs Association, CA Professional Firefighters, CA State Labor Federation, CA Teachers Association, CA Young Democrats, Calitics, Causa Justa: Just Cause, Chinese for Affirmative Action, Chinese Progressive Association, Consumer Federation of CA, Contra Costa Times, Courage Campaign, Credo Action, Democratic County Central Committee, East Bay Express, Greenlining Institute, Green Party of CA, Harvey Milk Club, Jerry Brown, LA Daily News, LA Times, League of Women Voters (CA & SF), League of Young Voters, Meg Whitman, Oakland Tribune, People Organizing to Demand Environmental and Economic Justice (PODER), Sacramento Bee, San Jose Mercury News, SEIU 1021, Sierra Club of California & Sierra Club, San Francisco Bay Chapter, Silicon Valley Leadership Group, SF Bay Guardian, SF Chamber of Commerce, SF Chronicle, SF League of Young Voters, SF Tenants Union, SF Tomorrow, SF Women’s Political Committee, SF Young Democrats, Tom Ammiano, Transit Workers Union Local 250-A, UNITE HERE! Local 2, Walk SF
Repeals Recent Legislation That Would Allow Businesses to Lower Their Tax Liability — State of California (Initiative Statute – Majority Approval Required)
Should recent tax law changes that allow some businesses to pay lower state income tax be repealed? [Learn more]
Yes on 24: Alice B Toklas Democratic Club, CA Democratic Party, CA Federation of Teachers, CA Labor Federation, CA National Organization for Women, CA Nurses Association, CA Professional Firefighters, CA State Labor Federation, CA Teachers Association, CA Young Democrats, Calitics, Causa Justa: Just Cause, Consumer Federation of CA, Courage Campaign, Credo Action, Democratic County Central Committee, East Bay Express, Greenlining Institute, Green Party of CA, Harvey Milk Club, League of Women Voters (CA & SF), League of Young Voters, SEIU 1021, SF Bay Guardian, SF League of Young Voters, SF Tenants Union, SF Women’s Political Committee, SF Young Democrats, Tom Ammiano, Transit Workers Union Local 250-A, UNITE HERE! Local 2, United Educators of San Francisco
No on 24: Bay Area Reporter, Building Owners and Managers Association of SF, CA Chamber of Commerce, CA Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, CA Republican Assembly, CA Taxpayers Association, Contra Costa Times, Fresno Bee, Golden Gate Restaurant Association, LA Daily News, LA Times, Meg Whitman, Oakland Tribune, Republican Party of CA, Sacramento Bee, San Jose Mercury News, Silicon Valley Leadership Group, SF Chamber of Commerce, SF Chronicle, SF Republican Party
Changes Legislative Vote Requirement to Pass Budget and Budget-Related Legislation From Two-Thirds to A Simple Majority. Retains Two-Thirds Vote Requirement for Taxes — State of California (Initiative Constitutional Amendment – Majority Approval Required)
Should the state Constitution be amended to allow passage of budget bills by a simple majority in each house of the state Legislature and should legislators be required to forfeit their pay if a budget is not passed on time? [Learn more]
Yes on 25: ACLU of Northern California, African American Democratic Club, Alice B Toklas Democratic Club, Bay Area Reporter, CA Democratic Party, CA Federation of Teachers, CA Labor Federation, CA League of Conservation Voters, CA Nurses Association, CA Professional Firefighters, CA State Labor Federation, CA Teachers Association, CA Young Democrats, Calitics, Causa Justa: Just Cause, Consumer Federation of CA, Contra Costa Times, Courage Campaign, Credo Action, Democratic County Central Committee, East Bay Express, Equality California, Green Party of CA, Harvey Milk Club, LA Times, League of Women Voters (CA & SF), League of Young Voters, Oakland Tribune, San Jose Mercury News, SEIU 1021, Sierra Club of California & Sierra Club, San Francisco Bay Chapter, SF Bay Guardian, SF Chronicle, SF League of Young Voters, SF Tenants Union, SF Women’s Political Committee, SF Young Democrats, Tom Ammiano, Transit Workers Union Local 250-A, UNITE HERE! Local 2, United Educators of San Francisco
No on 25: Building Owners and Managers Association of SF, CA Chamber of Commerce, CA National Organization for Women, CA Republican Assembly, CA Taxpayers Association, Fresno Bee, Howard Jarvis Taxpayers’ Association, LA Daily News, Libertarian Party (SF & CA), Meg Whitman, Republican Party of CA, Sacramento Bee, SF Republican Party
Requires That Certain State and Local Fees Be Approved By Two-Thirds Vote. Fees Include Those That Address Adverse Impacts on Society Or the Environment Caused By the Fee-Payer’s Business — State of California (Initiative Constitutional Amendment – Majority Approval Required)
Should the California Constitution be amended to require two-thirds vote approval for the imposition of certain state and local fees that now require majority vote approval? [Learn more]
Yes on 26: Building Owners and Managers Association of SF, CA Chamber of Commerce, CA Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, CA Republican Assembly, CA Taxpayers Association, Howard Jarvis Taxpayers’ Association, Libertarian Party (SF & CA), Meg Whitman, Republican Party of CA, SF Republican Party, United Educators of San Francisco
No on 26: ACLU of Northern California, African American Democratic Club, Alice B Toklas Democratic Club, Bay Area Reporter, CA Democratic Party, CA Federation of Teachers, CA Labor Federation, CA League of Conservation Voters, CA Nurses Association, CA Police Chiefs Association, CA Professional Firefighters, CA State Labor Federation, CA Teachers Association, CA Young Democrats, Calitics, Causa Justa: Just Cause, Consumer Federation of CA, Contra Costa Times, Courage Campaign, Credo Action, Democratic County Central Committee, East Bay Express, Equality California, Fresno Bee, Greenlining Institute, Green Party of CA, Harvey Milk Club, LA Daily News, LA Times, League of Women Voters (CA & SF), League of Young Voters, Oakland Tribune, Sacramento Bee, San Jose Mercury News, SEIU 1021, Sierra Club of California & Sierra Club, San Francisco Bay Chapter, SF Bay Guardian, SF Chronicle, SF League of Young Voters, SF Tenants Union, SF Tomorrow, SF Women’s Political Committee, SF Young Democrats, Tom Ammiano, Transit Workers Union Local 250-A, UNITE HERE! Local 2, Walk SF
Eliminates State Commission on Redistricting. Consolidates Authority for Redistricting With Elected Representatives — State of California (Initiative Constitutional Amendment and Statute – Majority Approval Required)
Should the state Constitution and state laws be amended to eliminate the Citizens Redistricting Commission established by the voters in 2008, return all redistricting to the state Legislature, and change the redistricting criteria? [Learn more]
Yes on 27: Alice B Toklas Democratic Club, CA Democratic Party, CA Federation of Teachers, CA Labor Federation, CA League of Conservation Voters, CA Nurses Association, CA State Labor Federation, CA Teachers Association, CA Young Democrats, Calitics, Chinese for Affirmative Action, Chinese Progressive Association, Democratic County Central Committee, Equality California, Harvey Milk Club, League of Young Voters, People Organizing to Demand Environmental and Economic Justice (PODER), SEIU 1021, SF Bay Guardian, SF League of Young Voters, Tom Ammiano, Transit Workers Union Local 250-A, UNITE HERE! Local 2
No on 27: AARP, African American Democratic Club, Bay Area Reporter, Building Owners and Managers Association of SF, CA Chamber of Commerce, CA Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, CA Police Chiefs Association, CA Republican Assembly, CA Taxpayers Association, Common Cause CA, Contra Costa Times, East Bay Express, Fresno Bee, Greenlining Institute, Governor Schwarzenegger, Howard Jarvis Taxpayers’ Association, LA Daily News, LA Times, League of Women Voters (CA & SF), Meg Whitman, Oakland Tribune, Republican Party of CA, Sacramento Bee, San Jose Mercury News, SF Chamber of Commerce, SF Chronicle, SF Republican Party, SF Women’s Political Committee
