Times endorsements for Nov. 4

Oct. 9, 2008 9:48 AM PT

President

Barack Obama for president

He is the competent, confident leader who represents the aspirations of the United States.

Local offices

Superior Court judges

Office No. 72: Hilleri Grossman Merritt
Office No. 82: Cynthia Loo
Office No. 84: Pat Connolly
Office No. 94: Michael O'Gara
Office No. 154: Michael V. Jesic

Board of Supervisors: Bernard Parks

In the hard-fought match between Mark Ridley-Thomas and Bernard Parks, The Times opts for Parks.

State initiatives

Proposition 1a: Yes

Californians should authorize the state to sell $9.95 billion in bonds to fund a high-speed rail line.
> Click here for more on Proposition 1A

Proposition 2: No

Though admirable, Proposition 2's ban on tight cages for hens could drive the egg business out of state.
> Click here for more on Proposition 2

Proposition 3: Yes

Proposition 3 would authorize nearly $1 billion in general obligation bonds to benefit hospitals that treat seriously ill children.
> Click here for more on Proposition 3

Proposition 4: No

Proposition 4 isn't really about parental notification; it's an attack on the right to an abortion.
> Click here for more on Proposition 4

Proposition 5: No

Proposition 5 means well, but the measure aimed at rehabilitating addicts would create chaos.
> Click here for more on Proposition 5

Proposition 6: No

With the state scrambling for funds, Proposition 6 would add $1 billion in confused anti-crime spending.
> Click here for more on Proposition 6

Proposition 7: No

Even environmental groups see problems with this initiative to increase renewable energy.
> Click here for more on Proposition 7

Proposition 8: No

By banning same-sex marriages, Prop. 8 would create second-class citizens.
> Click here for more on Proposition 8

Proposition 9: No

Prop. 9 constitutionally upends the criminal justice system by involving victims' families in prosecutions.
> Click here for more on Proposition 9

Proposition 10: No

Billed as an environmental measure, Prop. 10's real goal is to enrich sponsor T. Boone Pickens.
> Click here for more on Proposition 10

Proposition 11: Yes

California desperately needs redistricting reform. Prop. 11 isn't perfect, but it would take some of the politics out of drawing legislative districts.
> Click here for more on Proposition 11

Proposition 12: Yes

California voters should approve this $900 million bond issue to help veterans buy homes.
> Click here for more on Proposition 12

Local measures

Measure A: No

Results first, then more anti-gang funding.
Jurisdiction: City of Los Angeles

Measure B: Yes

L.A. needs more affordable housing for families.
Jurisdiction: City of Los Angeles

Measure J: Yes

Measure J benefits us all by helping to upgrade classroom technology at L.A. community colleges.
Jurisdiction: Los Angeles Community College District
> Click here for more on Measure J

Measure Q: No

Measure Q is far too vague for voters to risk $7 billion on future, unspecified L.A. Unified expenses.
Jurisdiction: Los Angeles Unified School District
> Click here for more on Measure Q

Measure R: Yes

It's a tough time to seek a tax hike, but paying for badly needed local transportation project is worth it.
Jurisdiction: Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority
> Click here for more on Measure R

Measure U: Yes

Los Angeles County voters in unincorporated areas should keep their telephone tax intact to fund vital services.
Jurisdiction: Los Angeles County
> Click here for more on Measure U

California

Times endorsements for Nov. 4

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