Keeping an Eye on Propositions

“Stem Cell Initiative Lacks Oversight” (Golden State, Dec. 9) gives me that “deja vu all over again” feeling.

How many times have the voters of California been surprised when they learn the true nature of one of many propositions that bombard us each election cycle?

Michael Hiltzik’s column on the stem cell initiative is a perfect example of the all-too-common “now they tell me” experience we have when we find that the proposition we were sold wasn’t the one that we bought. The voters should be wary when a high-powered and well-financed group uses celebrity endorsers tugging at our heartstrings to promote its bill.

The current proposition process is poorly equipped to deal with complex multilevel bills. Perhaps now is the time to reform the California proposition process.

Jerry Levy

Rossmoor

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Yes, the stem cell bond unquestionably needs state oversight. Even some of the most talented and intelligent people see any taxpayer-financed program as a bottomless purse.

Doubtless well-meaning and committed scientists working on stem cell research will eventually rationalize any and all use of the money as their right -- no questions asked.

It’s wonderful that business will be attracted to California by this program and even more wonderful that cures may be found, but someone still needs to guard the people’s cookie jar.

JoAnne Sandoval

Whittier