Local Elections

I have not, by any stretch of the imagination, decided how my entire ballot is going to be filled out this year. I'm currently a registered Democrat (surprise, surprise), but I really consider myself an independent. I just feel that the current version of the two parties, the Democrats seem the more pragmatic party of the two. In fact, our current Congress has an ever shrinking supply of moderate conservatives...

But put a gun to my head, and force me to make my choices right now? Here's how I would go, but for many of these, I'm very much in need of more information before I can make my final decision. And I will get informed... at least as best as I can.

Really someday soon, I want to get into a position where I can track in real time the votes of my legislature. I hope to be much better informed in the near future.

Ok, here it goes.

The Propositions
Proposition 100: Protect Our Homes
This proposition prohibits a sales or a transfer tax on any real estate sale. Currently there are no taxes.

My vote: No. Want to keep tax flexibility with the government...

Proposition 101: Patient Choice Measure

This bill is a preemptive proposition ahead of possible health care legislation providing comprehensive government backed health care insurance. Something Barack Obama has pushed as a central piece to his campaign.

The guts of the proposition is to make sure patients can choose any kind of health care plan that they want.

My vote: No, its solving a problem that currently does not exist (similar to the one above).

Marriage Protection Ammendment

I already addressed this one here and here.

I do want to add that Google has come out against a similar bill in California. I understand both sides of the argument, but like I said, this is primarily a freedom of religion issue for me.

My vote: Yes

Proposition 105: Tax Relief or the End of Initiatives

This proposition will basically end propositions because it will raise the standard of passing a passing a proposition incredibly high (basically all registered voters who don't vote will be counted as a no vote).

My vote: No

Proposition 200: Payday Load Reform Act
This ballot will expand the law allowing pay day loans indefinitely, but will provide further regulation.

The interest rates on payday loans are crazy high, and this proposition is sponsored by PayDay loan companies. In my gut, I hate these sort of companies, but I recognize some people may really depend on them.

My vote: No

Proposition 201: Homeowners Bill of Rights
This one adds new regulation to home construction, longer warranties, new rights on fixing defects, etc.

I have not studies this near enough, but a gun has been placed on my head, so I must vote:

My vote: Yes

Proposition 202: Stop Illegal Hiring

This proposition is actually misleading. It actually relaxes the restrictions of earlier propositions making it easier for employers to higher illegal workers in two important ways:

1) Proposition 202 provides that a state, county or local official, in attempting to verify with the federal government if a person is authorized to work in the United States, is to rely solely upon the processes and procedures set forth in federal law. The federal law is weaker than what Arizona law currently requires.

2) Prohibits those who report illegal hiring from doing it anonymously.

I'm a big believer in immigration, and I believe our current immigration laws are a complete joke. Therefore, I support any proposition that loosens the restrictions and oppose any that tighten them.

My vote: Yes

Proposition 300: Legislative Pay Increase

This sort of proposition shows up almost every single time, and it seems to get voted down almost every single time. Give them a raise already. You get what you pay for.

My vote: Yes

Candidates

President: John McCain/Sarah Palin vs Barack Obama/Joe Biden

My vote: Obama/Biden, duh.

Congress: Democrat Harry Mitchell vs. Republican David Schweikert

Mitchell has only been in office two years, and is a moderate democrat with a long record in Tempe (high school teacher at Tempe High for years and years, Tempe mayor, state legislature, now congressman).

While I hate his vote on the bailout (he voted no), I'll give him two more years. By all accounts, Schweikert is a principled conservative, although a pretty extreme one.

My vote: Mitchell

State Representative: Democrats: David Shapira, Ed Ableser vs. Republicans: Mark Thompson, Wesley Waddle
I know very little about these guys.

My vote (with a gun at my head): Shapira, Ableser

State Senate: Democrat: Meg Burton Cahill vs. Republican: Jesse Hernandez

Again, too little info currently.

My vote: Cahill

County Supervisor: Democrat: Ed Hermes v. Republican Fulton Brock
I'm clueless. Fulton Brock is the incumbent... That's all I know at the moment.

My vote: Fulton Brock

Corporation Commission: Democrats: Paul Newman, Rebecca Schneider, Sam George, Sandra Kennedy, Republicans: Bob Stump, Barry Wong, Marian McClure

The Democrats are making a strong push for much more solar energy. The Republicans want to leave more room for energy diversity.

I'm all in for solar:

My vote: Newman, Schneider, George.

This could change easily because I probably want a mix...

Maricopa County Attorney: Democrat Tim Nelson v. Republican Andrew Thomas

I hate Thomas extremist views generally, especially on immigration.

My vote: Nelson

Sheriff: Dan Saban vs. Sherriff Joe

Joe must go:

My vote: Dan Saban

There are other offices, but these are the major ones. I'll address the rest in another post. I'll also be updating these selections as I know more.

I would also like to know your opinions...