Official Democratic Party Guide to Candidates and Propositions

Below are the official ballot recommendations of the California Democratic Party and the Ventura County Democratic Party. The upcoming election is a pivotal one for California. Many of the issues this year will have a critical impact on our way of life.

It is very important that all Democrats do their civic duty and vote on Nov. 2. We need to support candidates who uphold our values of excellent public education, good jobs, healthcare for all and a clean environment for future generations.

STATEWIDE OFFICES / U.S. SENATE

Jerry Brown
Governor
www.jerrybrown.org

Barbara Boxer
U.S. Senate
www.barbaraboxer.com

Gavin Newsom
Lt. Governor
www.gavinnewsom.com

Debra Bowen
Secretary of State
www.debrabowen.com

John Chiang
Controller
www.johnchiang2010.com

Bill Lockyer
Treasurer
www.lockyer2010.com

Kamala Harris
Attorney General
www.kamalaharris.org

Dave Jones
Insurance Commissioner
www.davejones2010.com

Tom Torlakson
State Superintendent of Public Instruction
http://www.tomtorlakson.com/

Chris Parker
Board of Equalization District 2
www.timallison.com

CD 23 Lois Capps
www.cappsforcongress.com

ASSEMBLY

AD 35 Das Williams
www.daswilliams.org

AD 37 Ferial Masry
www.ferialmasryforassembly.com

AD 38 Diana Shaw
www.electdianashaw.com

AD 41 Julia Brownley
www.juliabrownley.com

BALLOT PROPOSITIONS

Ventura County Democratic Party (VCDP) recommendations

Proposition 19: VCDP – Yes

Allows people 21 years old or older to possess, cultivate, or transport marijuana for personal use. Permits local governments to regulate and tax commercial production and sale of marijuana to people 21 years old or older. Prohibits people from possessing marijuana on school grounds, using it in public, smoking it while minors are present, or providing it to anyone under 21 years old. Maintains current prohibitions against driving while impaired.

Proposition 20: VCDP – No

Removes elected representatives from process of establishing congressional districts and transfers that authority to recently authorized 14-member redistricting commission comprised of Democrats, Republicans, and respresentatives of neither party. Funded almost entirely by a Republican billionaire.

Proposition 21: VCDP – Yes

Establishes $18 annual vehicle license surcharge to help fund state parks and wildlife programs. Grants surcharged vehicles free admission to all state parks. Will set aside protected fund for State Parks, thus protecting the local economies that depend on them.
Website: www.yesforstateparks.com

Proposition 22: VCDP – Neutral

Prohibits the state from borrowing or taking funds used for transportation, redevelopment, or local government projects and services. Could impact state funding of schools and public safety.

Proposition 23: VCDP – No

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. Funded by Texas oil companies and other oil interests who are known polluters. Will discourage state’s new green economy. Website: www.Factson23.com

Proposition 24: VCDP – Yes

Repeals recent legislation that would allow businesses to lower their tax liability. Ends $1.3 billion tax giveaway to corporations.  Will help stop school and healthcare cuts. Website: www.YESPROP24.org

Proposition 25: VCDP – Yes

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. Makes the state budget a majority vote like 47 other states, which will help end budget gridlock. Penalizes legislators for late budgets by docking pay. Website: www.endbudgetgridlock.com

Proposition 26: VCDP – No

Requires that certain state and local fees be approved by two-thirds vote. These fees include those that address adverse impacts on society or the environment caused by the fee-payer’s business. Would protect polluters from paying for the damage they cause. Website: www.stoppolluterprotection.com

Proposition 27: VCDP – Yes

Eliminates 14-member redistricting commission. Consolidates authority for establishing state Assembly, Senate, and Board of Equalization districts with elected representatives who draw congressional districts. Repeals Schwarzenegger’s flawed redistricting scheme.

Measure H (Ventura): VCDP – Yes
Parcel tax measure that will raise approximately $4.5 million per year to provide funding to maintain academic programs and retain highly qualified teachers throughout the Ventura Unified School District. All funds spent locally without state meddling. Sunsets in four years, senior exemption, strict oversight.