Election Day 2009! Get Excited!

I’m sure everyone is well aware of the election in 11 days. You know, that one with eleven propositions to amend the Texas Constitution and a local school bond proposal? I know, it’s not as sexy as a presidential election, but these local elections affect our lives much more than the president ever will (unless you are in the military). So it is important to go vote Tuesday, November 3rd. If you don’t care to read about each proposition, here’s my general rule of thumb concerning propositions (amendments to the Texas Constitution): When in doubt, vote “AGAINST.” For bonds: When in doubt, vote "FOR." However, if you take the time to read up on the propositions, you can make a more informed vote. So here’s my take: I’ll list the proposition number, how I’m voting, and the reasons why.

Proposition 1 – FOR - Basically, this amendment allows local governments to purchase land adjacent to military bases, thus allowing a buffer zone from encroaching development that might hamper the training on the base. Voters would be able to hold local governments accountable for every purchase, which will restrict unnecessary expenditures while allowing for the governments to protect the economic benefits the bases provide for their communities. I could just as easily vote against this amendment, but due to the ultimate accountability to the voter, I will vote for it.

Proposition 2 – FOR – This amendment will protect homeowners from having their home values taxed at a higher "potential use" rate of the property rather than the current value of the property. While it could limit the amount of taxes local governments take in, I think it is only fair to tax people for what their property is currently worth as they are using it, not what it might be in the future if a developer owns it and the value explodes.

Proposition 3 – AGAINST – This amendment would take away local control of property appraisal and create a statewide standard instead. Local appraisers are trained by the state already, and the local appraiser may know more about the local issues affecting property values than the state. I guess I just prefer local government to handle this.

Proposition 4 – AGAINST – This amendment funnels money to seven universities in the state in an attempt to make them top-tier public research universities. I’m not opposed to having more top-tier public research universities in Texas, but to spread money between seven of them seems too broad of a stroke. Also, a big concern when universities become top-tier is that the focus shifts from the undergraduate student to the graduate student. I wouldn’t want to see undergrad education weakened in the process. Additionally, with our economy currently sputtering along, this money may be better spent elsewhere.

Proposition 5 – FOR – Small counties that struggle to find enough qualified people to sit on appraisal boards can partner with neighboring counties to share the process. It eases the challenge of small communities to find enough qualified personnel and allows them, if they choose, to join forces with others.

Proposition 6 – FOR – This would allow the Veterans’ Land Board to provide adequate services to Texas veterans dealing with home mortgages. I assume a veteran has earned a little extra help, so I’m for it.

Proposition 7 – FOR – This amendment allows a member of the Texas State Guard to hold another public office if they so choose. During times of disaster, this amendment would make it easier for civil officials to serve in the guard to respond to the needs of the community if they so choose.

Proposition 8 – FOR – Allows for more funding for Veterans’ hospitals in Texas. Provides hospitals that will perhaps be closer than the current ones for those in need. My one worry - I would like to make sure that the Veterans’ hospitals are providing for the needs of veterans though. I wouldn’t want to throw our money at something that is not adequately serving the veterans. So I am open to change my mind on this one.

Proposition 9 – AGAINST – This amendment would give the government too much authority to infringe upon local land owners near beaches.

Proposition 10 – FOR – This amendment lengthens the terms of emergency service board members from 2 years to 4, basically allowing for more continuity for the districts and reducing the amount of needed elections.

Proposition 11 – FOR – Although I think this amendment is a little unnecessary (we already have laws on this) and confusing (what does “enjoyment of the property by the State” mean?), it will strengthen the requirements for eminent domain to protect property owners, while also allowing for eminent domain to be used to eliminate “urban blight.”

AISD Bond Election – FOR – the money from this bond election will be distributed equally across the district, providing funds to meet the needs of the school district. A strong, vibrant, and economically sound city must have healthy schools in order to maintain and improve the satisfaction in a community. We need to pass this to keep Arlington schools as one of the best in the area.

If you read this, I hope you will be part of the 5% turnout in the election November 3rd. Every vote counts.