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Associated Students, UC Santa Barbara Volume 7, Issue 6 | National Election Supplement
BOTTOM LINE
Readers,
For the first time in The Bottom Line’s history, a number of editors and staff writers have gotten together to provide for you what we intend to be a helpful guide to the November elections. There are no endorsements here. There is only who is running, what they are running for, and the measures and propositions you as a UCSB student will be seeing on your November 6 ballot. Please do not use this supplement as your only source. We at The Bottom Line work actively present information to you in the hope that you are inspired to take action or learn more about a subject after reading so we hope you actively seek out other information about the election, too. Regardless of what you do, though, there is nothing more important than voting on Nov. 6. Now more than ever your voice is a crucial part of the democratic process that will be occurring on Nov. 6. By voting, you hold those in power accountable for their actions in a way that the media cannot – you prove to them that you are listening, that you are paying attention, and that you are concerned about your future. So go out, go vote, and then join us on our website, bottomlineucsb.com, on Tuesday or on our Twitter, @tblucsb, for frequent updates of the election results.
-The Bottom Line Editorial Board, 2012-2013
VOTE
NOV 6TH
Proposition 30
This Proposition will determine whether or not a tax will be imposed for seven years on tax payers making over $250,000 a year, which would go to fund the education system in California.
What a ‘Yes’ vote means: The bill blocks the budget for K-12 and higher education from being slashed. It funds part of the budget shortfall by a small increase in sales tax, and by creating a tax for tax payers making over $250,000 a year.
What a ‘No’ vote means:
The UC Regents have threatened to make up for the California budget shortfall by raising tuition by 20 percent, effective immediately in January.
Proposition 30 Support: “There was a huge budget deficit in the CA state budget. Prop. 30 is an attempt to partly close it; it will not completely close it. If Prop. 30 doesn’t pass, there will be immediate budget cuts for all levels of education including the university. The unofficial word is that the regents have agreed to pay for the entire cost by increasing tuition.” - Eric Smith, political science professor specializing in voting elections and environmental politics
Proposition 31
Proposition 32
This Proposition proposes a higher level of accountability for a budget cycle and determines whether or not the governor is given emergency budget-cutting powers.
This proposition determines if the laws involving unions the use of payroll deductions for political campaigns will remain as is.
The budget cycle will be set to a two-year cycle and performance reviews will be instituted for state programs. Performance goals will be set for state and local budgets. It grants the governor budget-cutting powers in states of fiscal emergencies.
Avenues for unions and corporations to raise money for campaign contributions will be cut off. According to professor Eric Smith, this applies more to unions than it does to corporations, due to the exceptions written into the bill for corporations.
Nothing changes. No performance reviews will be enacted, no two-year cycle will be instituted and, most importantly, the governor will not be granted unilateral budget cutting power in the case of a fiscal emergency.
All the rules will be unchanged for campaign contributions.
What a ‘Yes’ vote means: What a ‘No’ vote means:
What a ‘Yes’ vote means:
What a ‘No’ vote means: Proposition 32 Comment: Proposition 32 Comment:
“One of the things it does politically is shift more power to the governor’s office. It takes power away from state legislatures. Performance reviews sound great, and are generally superficial… Usually it doesn’t really accomplish much.” - Eric Smith
Proposition 33 This proposition determines if automobile insurance companies should be permitted to offer a discount to drivers who have continuously maintained their insurance coverage, even if they change their insurance company.
What a ‘Yes’ vote means:
Automobile insurance companies are permitted to offer a discount to drivers who have continuously kept up their insurance coverage, even if they change their insurance company.
What a ‘No’ vote means:
Automobile insurance companies cannot give drivers a discount for maintaining insurance coverage.
Proposition 35 If passed, Proposition 35 looks to increase prison sentences and the fines for human trafficking convictions. Proposition 35 will require those convicted of human trafficking to register as sex offenders and disclose their Internet accounts.
What a ‘Yes’ vote means:
It will require longer prison terms and larger fines for convicted human traffickers.
What a ‘No’ vote means: The existing penalties for human trafficking will remain.
Proposition 35 Support: “I am voting yes on Prop. 35 because sexual assault is a huge deal and people don’t take it as a serious offense, and human traffickers and sex offenders are only charged with 3 years sentences if convicted. If it does not pass it only perpetuates a society of victim blaming and rape culture.” - Mariam Agazaryan, chair of the Womyn Commission and fourth-year political science and global studies double major
“The primary target of Prop. 32 is the unions. Corporations are limited in some small ways, but there are a lot of exceptions. It goes after the central way in which unions make money, which is monthly check-offs.” - Eric Smith
Proposition 34 Proposition 34 will determine for the state of California the existence of the use of the death penalty for future and current convicts on death row. The proposition also will determine if $100 million will go to law enforcement agencies for homicide and rape investigations.
What a ‘Yes’ vote means:
The use of the death penalty in California will be eliminated and instead, death-row convicts will be re-sentenced for life without possibility of parole. $100 million dollars will go to funding law enforcement agencies to assist with homicide and rape investigations.
What a ‘No’ vote means: The death penalty will continue to be used and $100 million in funding will not be allocated for homicide and rape investigations.
Proposition 36 This measure determines the sentence length upon of a felon who has been convicted of two serious or violent crimes upon their third conviction.
What a ‘Yes’ vote means: After committing a third non-violent crime, felons with two serious or violent crimes under their belt would be sentenced to shorter prison terms.
What a ‘No’ vote means: After committing a third crime, regardless of the nature of the crime, felons with two serious or violent crimes already under their belt could be sentenced to life in prison.
Issue compiled by: Andrew Haney, Alec Killoran, Annalise Domenighini, Kelsey Gripenstraw, Isabel Atkinson, Jasmine Brown, Ayeyi Aboagye, Maddy Kirsch, Haley Paul, Magali Gauthier
page 2 | News
Proposition 37 This proposition will decide if foods using genetically modified ingredients should be labeled to inform consumers of the ingredients.
What a ‘Yes’ vote means: Genetically engineered foods would become properly labeled as such and the Department of Public Health will regulate this labeling and allows individuals to sue food manufacturers who violate the measure’s labeling provisions.
What a ‘No’ vote means: It will remain that no indication will be required on food labels to state if the food or ingredients have been genetically modified.
The Bottom Line | Oct. 24 - Oct. 30
Proposition 38
This proposition determines if tax rates will be increased to provide more funding for schools and for repaying state debt.
What a ‘Yes’ vote means: Personal income tax rates for all but the lowest income rate are increased, and additional marginal tax rates increase with each tax bracket, allocating 60 percent of revenues to K-12 schools, 30 percent to repaying state debt and 10 percent to early childhood programs.
What a ‘No’ vote means: Taxes will not be increased for these specific allocations.
Proposition 39 Proposition 40 Proposition 39 will decide whether or not multistate businesses are required to calculate their California income tax liability based on the percentage of their sales in California.
What a ‘Yes’ vote means: With this method of calculation, some multistate businesses will have to pay more than they currently pay, generating $550 million annually for five years to fund projects that create energy efficiency and clean energy jobs in California. Also a current, existing law that gives multistate businesses an option to choose a tax liability formula that provides favorable tax treatment for businesses with property and payroll outside California will be repealed. About $1 billion will be collected annually in additional state revenues, about half will be dedicated to alternative energy and energy efficiency projects while the remaining portion will likely be spent on public schools and community colleges.
What a ‘No’ vote means:
Most of the multistate businesses in California will be able to decide how to determine their taxable income from California and no revenue will be generated to fund clean energy projects.
This Proposition determines who will decide how to redraw State Senate district lines.
What a ‘Yes’ vote means: The California Citizens Redistricting Commission (CCRC), a voter-approved independent organization, would determine the State Senate district lines.
What a ‘No’ vote means:
The district lines would be redrawn by officials who are overseen by the California Supreme Court.
Proposition 40 Support: “This commission was formed via a previous ballot initiative, with the goal of preventing politicians from drawing their own districts to suit their own political purposes,” -Micah Brachman, a graduate student with the Geography Department who has studied national redistricting.
Measure A: What a ‘Yes’ vote means
If passed, the tax will be in effect beginning July 1, 2013, and will end July 1, 2016. It will be used to maintain math, science and technology education, music, arts and theater programs as well as retaining quality teachers, increasing career skills courses, providing a citizens oversight committee and providing independent financial audits. None of the funds would be used for administrator salaries or benefits.
Measure A determines whether or not a property tax of $45 per year would be imposed on properties lying within the Santa Barbara school district, which includes Isla Vista properties.
What a ‘No’ vote means No tax will be imposed, but insufficient funds within the budget could potentially mean the cutting of numerous educational programs.
Isla Vista Recreation and Park District Candidates Starlene Hunt
(could not be reached for photo)
DESCRIPTION
Hunt is a student, substance abuse counselor and a home health aide. Upon being elected, Hunt intends to improve the parks, restore the pond, pump house and stage in Anisq’Oyo Park and promises to listen to what the students and community want in their parks.
STATEMENT “I want the residents of IV to have their voices heard regarding the parks, wildlife and bedroom tax increases.”
Josh Renfro
DESCRIPTION
(could not be reached for photo)
An undergraduate student at UCSB, upon being elected Renfro plans to found an educational community garden and foster outdoor park culture within Isla Vista.
STATEMENT
My experiences in grass roots strategy and execution, business/project management, successful fundraising and event planning, proven leadership and work ethic make me a candidate who can bring value to recreation and parks. I am willing and able to contribute my time and efforts to improve our park culture, such as providing bocci balls and frisbees, as well lead an effort to create an educational garden for Isla Vista residents who are interested in learning how to garden or take part in workshops for cooking fresh and affordable foods.
Running on the same slate.... Pegeen Soutar Sawyeh Maghsodloo DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION
A UCSB graduate and Isla Vista resident for over 30 years, Soutar is running to create a more welcoming atmosphere at board meetings, work with other agencies to access grants and improve parks, ensure there is always a teen center for Isla Vista youth and strengthen the current organic policy.
STATEMENT
Isla Vista has been my home for 30 years; I came here as a UCSB student, bought a home, married and raised a family in this community. I have previously served 8 years as a director of the IVRPD and with a group of devoted community members we were able to implement many improvements to our parks and recreation programs, and it is my hope to be able to serve again and continue to make Isla Vista a more beautiful and safer place to live.
A third-year political science major at UCSB, upon being elected Maghsodloo plans to get more students involved in decision making, reopen the Isla Vista skate park as well as host more community events and display more art in the local parks.
STATEMENT The board of directors is a position that can bring great progress to Isla Vista. However, in a term as short as two years, the director position needs someone who will waste no time adjusting. Having served in student government roles for seven years now, including IV Foot Patrol student board and numerous other Isla Vista organizations, I have the IV knowledge and experience to begin addressing the residents’ n e e d s right away.
Jeffrey Bessmer
Alex Rodriguez
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION
The Executive Director of Santa Barbara Student Housing Co-op, Bessmer is running because he wants to restore good and appropriate governance to the Board, improve the safety and quality of the parks and maximize the value of IV parks for the community.
STATEMENT Could not be reached for comment.
A political science major, Rodriguez is running to give back to the community.
STATEMENT Isla Vista is 70 percent students, so we need a board that is reflective of our community. I am running for the IV Park board to bring eco-friendly projects to the park, fiscal responsibility, and union throughout the Isla Vista community.
The Bottom Line | Nov. 1 - Nov. 6
page 3 | National Election Supplement
Local Candidates Why Should UCSB Students Vote for You?
{US Senate} Dianne Feinstein
Which United States Senate candidate are UCSB students who were polled voting for in the November election? Other 3.6%
Elizabeth Emken
“Along with my good friend, Congresswoman Lois Capps, I voted to double Pell Grants and cut interest rates by fifty percent for student loans to make college more affordable and I urge all 11,300 registered UCSB students to vote.”
Dianne Feinstein (Democrat) 67.5%
-could not be reached for a comment
Photo Courtesy of | Dianne Feinstein Photo Courtesy of | Dianne Feinstein
The incumbent, Dianne Feinstein, is a well known moderate leader who has served in the U.S. Senate since 1992. She works to improve the economy, environment, education system and agriculture system in California by protecting endangered environments, improving funding for schools and the quality of education and working to improve health and the health care system. One of her bills ends legal discrimination against same-sex marriages and she consistently prioritizes citizens’ safety regarding crime, national borders and drugs. Feinstein has been criticized for her age and lack of a new or progressive perspective in the Senate.
Emken is a strong advocate for a smaller, more fiscally responsible government. She is known as a cost-cutter as well as an autism activist. Also, Emken wishes to work to create jobs in California in addition to focusing on education and healthcare. Critics are wary of Emken due to her lack of political experience.
Elizabeth Emken (Republican) 21.1% I’m not voting 7.8% out of 166 votes
{State Senate}
Who are UCSB students who were polled voting for in the California State Senate race?
Hannah-Beth Jackson
Mike Stoker
Hannah-Beth Jackson 92.3%
“I am the only candidate in this race who has taught at UCSB, who has publicly and actively supported Prop 30, and who has a strong record of fighting for higher education to ensure our young people are able to pursue their goals and dreams.”
-could not be reached for a comment
Photo Courtesy of | Hannah-Beth Jackson Photo Courtesy of | Mike Stoker
Mike Stoker 7.7%
Stoker plans to eliminate unnecessary spending within the state government in order to potentially avoid raising taxes and wants to work toward job creation in California and supports Governor Brown’s Pension Reform.
out of 26 votes
{Congress} Lois Capps
“I received a UCSB degree and my husband taught here starting in 1963, so I understand that we need to make college more affordable; that’s Photo Courtesy of | Lois Capps why I voted to double Pell Grants and cut interest rates on federal student loans in half.” Capps works on a variety of issues in California but focuses this election on improving and preserving the environment, job creation, public health policy, education and clean energy. She helped draft Obamacare and continues to support it.
Which United States House of Representatives candidate are UCSB students who were polled voting for in the November election?
Abel Maldonado
“The stakes of this election couldn’t be any higher -- half of college graduates can’t get jobs which means they can’t pay off their student loans and end up living back at home with their parents so if you think things in this country are Photo Courtesy of |Abel Maldonado moving in the right direction for the future you will inherit, then you should vote for the status quo, but if you think we need change and to move away from the tired politics of the past where party bosses decide what happens and when, I hope you’ll give me a chance to go to Washington and to try and make things better.” Maldonado focuses on economic issues -- creating jobs, keeping taxes low and avoiding excessive government spending. He also works to improve education and the safety of primary schools. He does not support Obamacare but is in favor of a new health care reform.
Which candidate are UCSB students who were polled voting for in the California State Assembly race? Other 6.7%
Abel Maldonado (Republican) 23.5%
I’m not voting 12.1%
I’m not voting 7.2%
out of 166 votes
{Assembly} Rob Walter
Photo Courtesy of | Rob Walters
Rob Walter (Republican) 58.8%
Other 6.0%
Lois Capps (Democrat) 63.3%
Das Williams (Democrat) 58.8%
out of 166 votes
Jackson is a former State Assemblymember whose key issues include education, the environment and improving the local economy. She works to make education more affordable at all levels, prevent the degradation of the environment and create jobs in California that promote a green economy. She has authored over sixty bills that were signed into law by both Democratic and Republican Governors regarding these kinds of issues and many more. Because of some criticism for raising taxes, Jackson has received the nickname ‘Taxin’ Jackson’ and has been accused of not having enough concern for the economy.
“I will bring common sense, a deeply entrenched work-ethic and financial discipline to the most undisciplined state legislature in the country”
Walter wants to work toward having choices in education, creating nongovernment jobs, promoting business growth in California and cutting governmental spending on social services. He expresses very conservative views on social issues such as abortion and gay marriage.
Das Williams “I came up with a way to fund the University and stop fee increases, while my opponent is against any tax that would be necessary to increase an investment in higher education and your future.”
Photo Courtesy of | Das Williams
Williams has worked to preserve the Central Coast, increase the use of renewable energy in California and strongly advocates for public funding for higher education and improving the community.
The Bottom Line | Nov. 1 - Nov. 6
page 4 | National Election Supplement National Election Information
Presidential Candidates Who Will Appear on The California Ballot: Democratic Party:
Republican Party:
Barack Obama – President Joseph Biden – Vice President
Willard Mitt Romney – President Paul Ryan – Vice President
President Barack Obama’s past four years have been marked by two Supreme Court appointments, passing of universal healthcare, a repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell and a public support of same-sex marriage, among other things. His critics have continued to point out issues such as the lack of economic recovery, his continued support of unmanned drone strikes in the Middle East and staunch anti-immigrant administration policies. This year, Obama is running on a platform promising that he will invest in education and create jobs in the United States, reform the tax code to make millionaires and billionaires pay more, end the war in Afghanistan, invest in clean energy from the United States and expand health care access.
The former governor of Massachusetts is challenging incumbent Obama, toting a platform that highlights a smaller government, a repeal of Obama’s health care law, economic growth, an increase in government spending on the military and a 5-point plan to increase job growth that includes energy independence, investing in education, opening new trade markets, reducing non-security spending and reducing taxes for small businesses. Critics have pointed out his many gaffes, including a comment that 47 percent of voters will automatically vote for Obama because of their dependency on government assistance, failed success during a tour abroad and his continued “flip-flopping” on issues such as abortion and health care.
[
The Democrats have raised $934 million and spent
new RECORDS
]
$852.9 million, while the Republicans have raised $881.8 million and spent $752.3 million this campaign season, according to The New York Times.
Poll Results
Green Party: Jill Stein – President Cheri Honkala – Vice President Together, Stein and Honkala have authored the “Green New Deal,” a four-part deal that includes and economic bill of rights, giving people a right to employment, a green transition, investing in green business, real financial reform—through measures such as relieving the debt, breaking up large banks and ending taxpayer-funded bailouts — and creating a functioning democracy by revoking corporate personhood and protecting citizens’ rights to vote. Critics of Stein have pointed out that she lacks a way of articulating how she will grow the Green party or that her only way of providing services like free college education is to cut military spending.
Which presidential candidate are UCSB students who were polled voting for in the November election?
Founded in 2001 Libertarian Party
24.4%
Gary Johnson – President Jim Gray – Vice President The Governor of New Mexico, Gary Johnson, is running for president and is in favor of a more efficient government, lower taxes, continuing the war of drugs and revitalizing the economy and promoting privatization.
Founded in 1971 America’s Party
6.0% 67.3%
Tom Hoefling – President Hoefling is running with the America’s Party, a party he helped found in 2008. He is running on the platform of “One NationUnder God,” promoting gun rights, one man-one woman marriage, defense of the constitution and anti-abortion policies.
1.8%
Founded in 2008 Peace and Freedom Party Roseanne Barr – President Cindy Sheehan – Vice President Barr is running for president on a platform that is strongly anti-war, pro-marijuana legalization, against big banks and in favor of forgiving student loans.
Founded in 1967
Barack Obama (Democrat) Mitt Romney (Republican) Third Party Candidate Not Voting Other out of 166 votes