Three Ballot Questions

Question 1 will reduce the state income tax to 2.65% next year and to 0 after that. As much as I dislike paying income taxes, I'm voting NO. Proponents cite a survey that says 41% of state tax money is wasted, so they seem to believe cutting tax revenue by 40% means an instant end to government waste. I'm pretty sure it isn't going to work that way. They also say it won't result in any cuts in services or increase in property taxes, which is a rather wild claim. Yesterday on the radio I heard that the survey was taken on the street, so the 41% figure is probably the average guess of random people who really have no idea. The claim by opponents that it will drastically reduce funding for schools, police and fire protection, road and bridge repair (which we badly need, believe me) and would of course result in higher property taxes, seems much more credible to me.

Question 2 will decriminalize the possession of an ounce or less of marijuana, and put a system of civil penalties in place. I don't use the stuff, but I'm voting YES.

Question 3 will phase out dog racing. Both sides have presented persuasive arguments. I'm voting YES.



Totally unrelated to the above, 8 and 0. Halfway there!