Letters to the Editor 11-1-12

Supports Prop. 38
Editor: It is misleading to claim that education spending will be cut unless we vote yes on Prop. 30 and no on Prop. 38.
According to the State of California Official Voter Information Guide (page 15), the state budget for 2012-2013 includes an unfunded increase in education spending of 6.6 billion dollars more than the 2011-2012 budget. Prop. 30 would raise taxes in order to fund this increase. If Prop. 30 loses, this planned increase in education spending will not occur (unless Prop. 38 passes). This does not constitute a cut, as education spending would still remain at its current level.
Prop. 38 would also raise taxes in order to fund an increase in education funding. However, unlike Prop. 30, the money raised by Prop. 38 will be in addition to the minimum guarantee of general fund education spending required by law. This means that more money will be spent on K-12 education under Prop. 38 than under 30. Also, Prop. 38 provides funding for early childhood education and making payments on school construction bond debt–Prop. 30 doesn’t.
Say no to misleading scare tactics and vote yes on Proposition 38.
 
Chris Wenmoth
Windsor
No on Prop. 36
Editor: The Sonoma County Law Enforcement Chiefs’ Association urges you to vote no on Proposition 36.
Proposition 36, known as the Three Strikes Reform Act of 2012, weakens the current Three Strikes Law by limiting the application of the third-strike sentence. The initiative also authorizes the re-sentencing of nearly 3,000 offenders currently serving a life sentence. When released, these inmates will become the burden of our local probation department and law enforcement agencies.
Under the existing three strikes law, offenders may receive a life sentence for any new felony conviction if the offender has two or more previous convictions for a serious or violent felony – crimes such as murder, rape, and robbery. However, Proposition 36 would allow some of these inmates to be released early and not serve out their properly imposed sentence. Historical recidivism data suggests that over 75 percent of these released felons will re-offend. This will put our communities at risk.
We believe the current law is working well because the District Attorney and judges can use their discretion appropriately in charging and sentencing Three Strikes cases.
Your local law enforcement leaders stand with Sheriffs, Police Chiefs, District Attorneys, and Victim Rights groups across California in opposition of this initiative and urge a no vote.
Bret Sackett
President,
Sonoma County Law
 Enforcement Chiefs’ Association