Votes on the Initiatives

The message from the voters on the propositions should not have stunned the politicians. At least not regarding Propositions 68 and 73.

The voters approved Proposition 68 because there was no objection to public financing. The problem is that in Proposition 73 there were two issues which were tied together. One was supportable and one was a bitter pill.

The vote on Proposition 73 was a vote to ban the transfer of campaign funds among candidates. To many of us this is more offensive than special-interest contributions.

At least with special-interest contributions you know where the money is coming from and can vote to elect or not based on your attitude toward the supporting group.

But in the “shared” wealth situations, when you give money to support your candidate you haven’t the vaguest idea as to whom the candidate will select to send your money. My personal preference is to give to the candidate of my choice.

In the future, it might better serve everyone’s best interests if the drafters of the propositions would give the voters more credit for some sophistication.

CAROL ROWEN

Tarzana