Rarely does a citizen get directly involved in statewide politics on his own. But, in California, being as large as it is and populated with about 38 million souls, there's room enough for a few individuals who want to put their money where their mouth is: up front. This past weekend, our friend, Dino(Dean) Cortopassi, was featured in a large article in the Chronicle describing his efforts to influence Sacramento by directing a proposition at a specific target.
Proposition 53 is funded by Mr. Cortopassi. This is an initiative constitutional amendment. According to the Voters' Handbook, it does 2 things, and only 2 things:1) it requires California voter approval for STATE projects that would use over $2 billion in state revenue bonds.
2) BEFORE THAT VOTE, it ensures full disclosure of the TOTAL COST of any state revenue project greater than $2 billion.
Seems simple enough. And that's what stirs opposition from Sacramento. The operative word here is revenue. Revenue bonds are different than state bonds. State bonds are repaid out of the state's general fund which is supported by direct taxes(income, property, sales).
Mr. Cortopassi, a very wealthy person who succeeded in California's agribusiness area in the Central Valley is a former Republican who is now a Democrat. Makes sense in a one party state like California. His vitriol is directed at Mr. Jerry Brown, the governor, and his 2 pet projects: the high speed bullet train which is supposed to careen down the valley somewhere, sometime; and 2) the Delta Tunnels, which will construct 2 massive tunnels under the Sacramento /San Joaquin delta to move water down south somewhere for something or somebody. The costs for these projects is unknown at present, but they will be north of $50-60 billions. The poor taxpayers will be on the hook while Wall St. bankers will be rolling in profits for years to come while California's citizens will face endless toil to pay off the revenue bonds to pay the mortgages.
Opposition is lead by the usual shills: the California Pro. Firefighters(notorious shills), Tim Quinn, director of California Water Agencies(parasites); and Mark Ghirlarducci, director of Cal. Off. of Emergency Services (Democratic Party shill).
It's time that voters recognize the downside of one party politics. Here in California, aka the Emerald City, wishful thinking seems to be the voters mindset. Mr. Cortopassi would like to put some restraint on the do-gooders in Sacramento, given their proclivities to throw money, taxpayers' money, at every suggested social and environmental ill.
Vote YES on Proposition 53
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