Why We Need Politicians - California's Current Slate Of Corporate Funded Propositions

[TomCADem]

I know a lot of times on DU spend a lot of energy bashing politicians. Well, what about a direct Democracy? Well, Tuesday's California primary election represents a first — two initiative measures that were conceived and financed by individual companies. Welcome to life post-Citizens United:

Prop 16: IMPOSES NEW TWO-THIRDS VOTER APPROVAL REQUIREMENT FOR LOCAL PUBLIC ELECTRICITY PROVIDERS. INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT.

The measure is sponsored by the utility giant Pacific Gas & Electric, a private investor-owned company regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission . In effect, the proposition would protect PG&E's government-regulated monopoly from municipal government competitors.

Prop. 17: Permits companies to reduce or increase cost of insurance depending on whether driver has a history of continuous insurance coverage.

Mercury Insurance Co. is Prop. 17's prime backer, seeking voter approval to grant such premium discounts. Self-described "consumer" advocates say the discounts disproportionately will increase costs for drivers denied them.

[Frances]

1. Would it be possible to get an initiative

that says PGE cannot use its profits to promote initiatives to stifle competition?

[DJ13]

2. Tell the Ca Democratic Party they shouldnt support either measure

They have a "vote yes" on both propositions in their election guide that came out recently.

[TomCADem]

3. They Don't. They Urge A No Vote On Both (link)

Here is the California Democratic Party Website:

http://www.cadem.org/site/c.jrLZK2PyHmF/b.947937/k.CC3A/Home.htm

div class="excerpt"]
Proposition 13 YES
Earthquake Safety Measure

Proposition 14 NO
"Top Two" Primary

Proposition 15 YES
California Fair Elections Act

Proposition 16 NO
Utility Power Grab

Proposition 17 NO
Insurance Rate Hike Initiative

[FBI_Un_Sub]

4. Are you criticiizng Carli (The "Wicked Witch of Page Mill Rd")