FresnoBee.com: Opinion: The Bee Recommends

Want better state government? Vote 'yes' on Proposition 11

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 17:34:41 PST

If you think the politicians in Sacramento aren't accountable to voters, you can do something about it on Tuesday by voting "yes" on Proposition 11. This measure will make your votes count in future legislative elections by taking the power to draw district lines from lawmakers and giving it to an independent commission. Read comments

Caglia, Smith best picks for State Center college district

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 07:12:08 PDT

The State Center Community College District is a crucial part of the region's higher-education system, offering classes at Fresno City College, Reedley College and several college centers in Fresno and Madera counties. In these tough economic times, more residents are looking to community colleges to update their skills or for a career makeover. Read comments

For Congress

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 12:43:36 PDT

No congressional incumbent in The Valley faces significant opposition. In three of four cases, the incumbents have performed well, reflecting the nature of their districts' constituencies. Read comments

No on Prop. 6

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 12:43:18 PDT

Sponsors of Proposition 6 call it the "Safe Neighborhoods Act," and we wish this measure were that simple. The intent is a good one -- fighting gangs and attacking gun crimes that turn communities into places of fear and misery -- but Proposition 6 locks almost $1 billion in crime funding into a state budget that's already in the red. And the measure offers no vehicle to pay for it, other than taking from other state programs. Read comments

For state Assembly

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 12:42:57 PDT

The state's budget woes, gridlock in the Legislature, crumbling infrastructure, problems with schools, a health care mess and what looks like a deep recession looming make this an interesting time for those who will be elected on Nov. 4 to serve in the state Assembly. It won't be easy, for them or their constituents. Read comments

Swearengin for Fresno mayor

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 06:57:27 PDT

The problems facing Fresno are many, and it will take a disciplined leader to fix the bureaucratic glitches that are at the heart of many of the city's failures. But the race for mayor isn't just about smoothing out the permitting process at City Hall or making sure the potholes get filled. That's part of the job, of course, but we also need a mayor who has a vision for what Fresno can become after we work through the economic downturn and turn to the needs of a 21st century city. Read comments

Vote 'yes' on Prop. 11 for redistricting

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 06:57:07 PDT

Every 10 years, state lawmakers get to pick the voters in their own legislative districts. This is not a process designed to make California a better state. Its only function is to protect political turf. Read comments

No on Prop. 8

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 06:56:47 PDT

Proposition 8, which would define marriage in California as only between a man and a woman, raises a number of issues. But one question stands out: Should we use the state constitution to take the right to marry from a particular group of people? We believe that notion is wrong, and recommend a "no" vote on Proposition 8. Read comments

Vote 'no' on Proposition 4, parental notification measure

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 08:00:00 PDT

It would be a wonderful thing if all pregnant teens had supportive families with open lines of communication, and a decision about a pregnancy could be made calmly around the dinner table. But many teens don't have that family support and that is part of our concern about Proposition 4, a parental notification measure on the Nov. 4 ballot. Read comments

Yes on Prop. 1A

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 07:59:28 PDT

A great deal is at stake with Proposition 1A, the high-speed rail bond on the November ballot. Jobs, cleaner air, reduced dependence on oil, a convenient and efficient alternative to driving and flying -- for all these reasons, a "yes" vote makes perfect sense for Californians. Read comments