IMHO, if we are going to pass a proposition, there needs to be a specific purpose for it. The propositions this year, for the most part, are horrid. Here’s a listing and what I have to say about each:
Prop 100: Protect Our HomesA yes vote on this proposition would prevent state government from passing a sales or transfer tax on real estate. To my knowledge (limited as it is), there is no push to create such a tax. Do I want to pay sales tax if I buy or sell real estate? No. Do we need to create another law to prevent this from happening? No.
Prop 101: Medical Choice for ArizonaThis could be the most confusing proposition here. It is supposed to protect our right to choose our own healthcare. But after reading the AZ Secretary of State’s website…I have no idea how this proposition will do so.
Prop 102: Marriage AmendmentI am probably going to stick my foot in my mouth on this one. As a Christian, I already have a definition of marriage: one man, one woman. Arizona law already bans homosexual marriage: two people of the same gender wanting to be together and call it marriage.
I have two problems with this proposition. First: what does it really accomplish? Supporters say this will stop judges from redefining marriage, as it did in California. This is where my most controversial argument exists: why do Christians feel such a need to tell others how to live their lives? We say that we need to protect the sanctity of marriage. Until the divorce rate in our community gets considerably below the divorce rate for non-Christians, I do not feel we have the right to talk to anyone about the sanctity of marriage. I have enough to do in my backyard before telling anyone else what to do.
The second issue I have is one of scripture. Jesus says that we need to love our neighbours as ourselves. We know that 5-10% of our population considers themselves as part of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender) community. What have we done to love these neighbours? There are several reasons why the LGBT community wants to expand the definition of marriage, including legal and financial rights. Civil unions could solve this, but there are more than a few that see this as a lesser class of marriage.
I am still considering the base purpose of propositions: what purpose does this serve? To me, it does not serve a solid purpose.
Prop 105: Majority RulesSorry, I have to disclose what I think about this one in advance.
Bonehead.
The proposition says that any ballot item raising tax rates or increasing spending needs a simple majority to pass.
Anyone with a television set knows that voter turnout often struggles to reach 50%. If this passes, it will be almost impossible to raise funds needed for government. It means that the people sitting at home, ill, or (God forbid) deceased, will be voting “no” whether they like it or not.
Prop 200: Payday Loan Reform ActSome background is needed for this one. Payday loans seem to be available everywhere. The current Arizona statute that allows these ultra-high interest lenders operate expires on July 1, 2010.
This proposition will repeal that statute, and replace it with a law that is somewhat more restrictive than current regulations.
If this does not pass, the current regulations will expire in less than 2 years, and payday lenders will not be able to operate.
IMHO, I have to ask myself one basic question. Should we allow businesses in this state to charge 391% APR for loans? If you think this is acceptable, yes would be your vote. I’m a no guy on this prop, too.
Prop 201: Homeowners’ Bill of RightsIt is getting late, and all of this is starting to make my head woozy. Nevertheless, I still need to talk through this.
Here’s the highlights I am able to glean from the website: a perspective buyer may file a lawsuit over defects or problems with the home in question. If a suit is filed, and the seller wins against the perspective buyer, the seller cannot collect for legal fees. Sellers must guarantee materials and workmanship for 10 years.
There is more, but I stopped at the last point. 10 years? Really? I think that a home built should be built to last…but if I build a deck behind the house, I have to get a warranty that guarantees it will be good 9 years from now?
Sorry, but this doesn’t seem right to me.
Prop 202: Stop Illegal HiringYes, it is already illegal to hire unauthorized aliens. This proposition would allow Arizona to revoke business licenses of those employers caught hiring illegals, with penalties for not accurately reporting cash wages. Increases penalties for identity theft related to employment. Removes current state requirement to use E-Verify for applicants prior to hiring.
Here is a thought: if I run a business now, and this prop is passed, is it going to make me say “oh my goodness! They’re serious! I better stop hiring illegal aliens!!!”
Probably not.
Prop 300: Legislative Salary IncreaseA yes vote would raise a state legislator’s salary from $24,000 to $30,000.
You are kidding, right? That is all we pay our lawmakers? Who do we expect to get for $24k a year? And is $30k going to make anyone rich?
Pay ‘em.
All information comes directly from the
Arizona Secretary of State website. Compiling this helped educate me on the proposals. Yeah, it is biased…but at least I tell you why.
Now…GO VOTE!
