The broken proposition system

By Joe Varney

It goes without saying that California is in a state of financial catastrophe. But what is not said often enough is that the California proposition system caused the situation.

The man to first introduce the idea of the proposition system, Dr. John Haynes, wished to change the inept and corrupt legislature in Sacramento.

In Haynes' time, Southern Pacific Railroad basically controlled most of the state government.

The proposition system creators believed that the people were not corrupt, and could prevent larger groups from taking control. They believed that the proposition system would be immensely successful.

The proposition system became part of the Constitution of California and was signed into law by Governor Hiram Johnson on October 10, 1911.

The original intent was to blunt the effects of wealthy, non-governmental groups or corporations exerting undue influence on state government activities.

In theory, the idea sounds great. In practice, however, the current system has produced detrimental effects.

Two oil companies from Texas funded Proposition 23, which would have temporarily suspended California's air pollution and clean energy standards.

In effect, two out-of-state corporations sought to repeal this state's law, for their own economic benefit.

How is this even legal?

It is unbelievable that such a mockery of the electoral system has a place in today's society.

Another harmful and expensive example of the failure of the proposition system is the three strikes law.

This law imposes successively harsher penalties on criminals regardless of how petty their crimes. This has resulted in an overcrowded, underfunded California prison system.

The overcrowding is so bad that a federal judge determined that the United States Federal Government should take over the prison system because it violates the Constitutional rights of the prisoners.

Furthermore, many propositions are poorly written and do not hold up in court. One needs to look no further than the proposition to create a high-speed train. The designers' ignorance resulted in a train that would have run through people's property, open land and parks. Their mistakes would be almost comical if they were not so very real.

The funding for this project was advertised as a pain-free, the epitome of quick and easy. And, as one should expect, the people of California embraced it with open arms. In reality, however, it has turned into much more of a hassle than anyone anticipated.

As the cliché goes, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. The proposition system is no different.

Many propositions have noble intentions and both sides of the political spectrum have used the system to advance their respective views and ambitions. However, even the most noble of intentions can have catastrophic consequences.

Since eliminating the proposition system is politically impossible, we should search for a way to reform and rid it of its many problems.

Simple changes include guaranteed funding for potential proposals, a legally substantive proposal and a through review of the funders of propositions.

Above all, what is needed is transparency. The transparency to allow voters to make educated and informed decisions. All propositions must have funding that comes exclusively from California.

This is especially important considering the United States Supreme Court decision in Citizens United v. United States.

The High Court somehow determined that unlimited and anonymous funding of money is a First Amendment right, thus allowing untold amounts of money from corporations into the California proposition system.

In a sane society, such a practice would be considered bribery and a mockery of the electoral system. But in the United States, "legalized bribery" is apparently perfectly acceptable.

While the effects of Citizens United were certainly felt in California this past election, this is a national issue that must be dealt with in Washington. In the meantime, we must turn our collective focus to the issues facing the Golden State. The proposition system is not California's only problem, but it is a substantial issue that must be addressed.

Political courage from both sides of the aisle is needed to reform this out-of-control travesty. I sincerely hope that rational politicians can eschew the unlimited flow of money and do what is right for this great state: reforming the broken proposition system.

Joe Varney is a senior political science major.