The UCLA School of Public Affairs hosted a lecture on the state propositions Thursday, featuring former California Gov. Gray Davis and former California Assemblyman and UCLA alumnus Keith Richman.
The discussion, titled “What’s at Stake for California?” was moderated by Dan Mitchell, a professor of public policy at the UCLA School of Public Affairs.
After a brief video presentation of all 12 propositions, starting with Proposition 12 and ending with Proposition 1A, Davis and Richman discussed their views on the various state issues in front of an audience of about 120 students and faculty members.
The discussion began with the guests sharing their opinions on Proposition 11, which involves redistricting.
By citing the recent state budget crisis as an example, both politicians advocated an affirmative vote, saying that change is needed in the state legislature. They believe that through this process, legislators would be subjected to a new set of voters, allowing lawmakers to face consequences for the delays in the budget.
“Any way of drawing the lines is better than the way it is now,” said Davis. “I feel that we need both positive and negative incentives to make the legislature more accountable.”
These statements were echoed by Richman.
“I think that (Proposition 11) is critical for California in restoring representative democracy,” he said.
Following the discussion of redistricting, the conversation turned toward the social issues on the ballot: Propositions 8, 4 and 2.
Proposition 8 proposes a constitutional amendment that would deny same-sex couples the right to marry.
On this issue, Davis, a Democrat, and Richman, a Republican, were divided.
“I believe that if you can find someone that you love, you should be able to marry them,” Davis said.
He added that the proposition would not affect religious marriages and that same-sex marriages would be considered civil marriages.
After confirming that he will vote yes on this issue, Richman said he believed that domestic partnerships should be valid, but that he had a “long, historical view of marriage as a union between a man and a woman.”
“I can’t bring myself to agree to it,” Richman said.
After Proposition 8, the politicians conversed about their similar views on Proposition 4, which would prohibit a minor from obtaining an abortion without the consent of her parents.
“I don’t think we need this,” Davis said. He added that 90 percent of teenage girls do consult with their parents prior to getting an abortion.
Richman dominated the discussion about Proposition 2, which involves the detention of farm animals, as Davis was still unsure about his vote.
Proposition 2 was put on the ballot by the Humane Society and involves new standards for the humane confinement of farm animals. This proposal would ensure that animals were confined in ways that would allow them to stand up, lie down, fully extend their limbs and turn around freely, according to the California voter guide.
In spite of the economic arguments against this proposition and the possibility that businesses may have to move to other states or to Mexico, Richman said his vote was based on his support of animal rights.
Discussion toward the end of the lecture focused on Proposition 1A, the high-speed passenger train bond issue.
This proposal would provide $9.95 billion to establish a “safe, reliable, high-speed train service,” according to Calvoter.org.
On this proposition, Davis and Richman split, with an affirmative vote for Davis and a negative vote for Richman.
Despite the variations in opinion, both politicians agreed on the importance of this election. Thus, this event was helpful for both students and faculty to better understand the issues involved.
“It was especially timely and the fact that we could put on an event concerning the election is something that we like to do,” said Director of Communications for the School of Public Affairs Stan Paul. “It’s a great opportunity for students to come to these events. It’s important to hear and get information about the ballot … from people who have been there.”