Comments on: Howard Jarvis group bemoans CalTax fat cats

By: Lois

Lois — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 04:06:39 +0000

We need the 2/3 majority rule. Without it, I can’t imagine what would happen. The bloated government and government employees would have a real field day with the fruits of labor of the private sector. We need to outlaw government employee unions.

Government has grown too large, needs to be stopped. We’ve become a welfare state….actually we’re a welfare country.

By: Edi Birsan

Edi Birsan — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 00:42:36 +0000

I do not feel ‘protected’ by the 2/3rds super-majority rule. I feel abused. Why is it that the same people that feel that they can change the rights of people with a simple majority balk at the same technique when it comes to money?

Clearly the 2/3 majority has not worked for California, it may force extremes rather than the self correcting issue of simple majorities shifting things back and forth over time. I think the time has come to get rid of the 2/3rd rule here.

As for New York, since when do they set the trend for us?

~ EDITOR ABANDONS RESERVATION — I agree. In the interest of fair and accountable representation, I am in favor of eliminating the 2/3 rule on all matters in the legislature. Republicans should not get 51 percent of power with 33 percent of the seats.

That said, Democrats ought not get 100% of power with 51 percent of the vote. It makes them less accountable. California voters deserve better, fuller representation all around.

The best way to elect representatives is eliminate discriminatory ballot access laws and create one statewide district and have a party list vote for the assembly with a reasonable 5% threshold. Failing move to party list, each seat should be elected by instant runoff voting (IRV). Additionally, increase the size of Senate districts to include 3 seats elected by single-transferable vote (STV).

Let all parties determine the number and order of rank for each candidate that qualifies in their own primary. Parties should be billed for their share of the costs for the general election based on votes received statewide with counties reimbursed proportionately. All parties pay costs of their own primaries.

By: Jacque Wilson

Jacque Wilson — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 14:46:58 +0000

You can help by joining a tea party in your area on April 15th. Check out http://www.teapartyday.com to join or organize your own protest in your city! Don’t miss this chance to be heard!

By: Kris Hunt

Kris Hunt — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 12:13:23 +0000

Joe – a simple majority is no guarantee of anything. New York has a simple majority vote on their budget and has only been “on time” twice since 1984. Their budget was once a record shattering 104 days late.

Let’s leave California’s taxpayers the protection of a two-thirds vote.

Kris Hunt, Executive Director, Contra Costa Taxpayers Association

By: Joe Ferro

Joe Ferro — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 02:18:25 +0000

Any chance to get a propasition to the voters allowing the budget to be passed with a simple majority as the deadline nears for the budget to be approved. I’m sure if we could get this on the ballet, the politicians would work together or realise they have know chance to get any of their items approved. Require two thirds until the deadline date, then all that would be required after that date is a simple majority.