Election Recommendations

Traditionally The Times does not endorse in the contests for President, U.S. Senate or governor. It believes readers have enough information to form their own views on those races. As for other, lesser-known contests, Times policy is to endorse selectively. Only those political races in which this newspaper is endorsing in Tuesday’s election are listed here.

State Propositions

YES--Prop. 155: School Bonds

Would authorize $900 million for building and modernizing schools.

YES--Prop. 156: Rail Bonds

This would raise $1 billion for trains, light rail and subways.

NO--Prop. 157: Toll Roads

Would let developers build roads with certainty that taxpayers would pick up the bills down the road.

YES--Prop. 158: Analyst

Would embed in the Constitution the California analyst, an office to objectively examine impact of legislative proposals and ballot measures.

YES--Prop. 159: Auditor

Would give constitutional protection to the state auditor general, an office that performs vital independent audits of government projects.

NO--Prop. 160: Tax Break

This proposal would create a property tax exemption for surviving spouses of people who died while on active military duty as a result of service-related injury or disease. What about surviving spouses of police officers? Firefighters? Too narrow for a ballot amendment.

NO--Prop. 161: Aid in Dying

This initiative would allow anyone with a life expectancy of six months or less to sign a directive to request “aid in dying.” The measure lacks adequate safeguards.

NO--Prop. 162: Pensions

This proposed constitutional amendment would grant nearly absolute powers to the state’s two major retirement boards. Intended to eliminate pension-fund raids, but the Constitution already prohibits looting.

NO--Prop. 163: Snack Tax

Would repeal tax on snacks, candy and bottled water, which raises $210 million for the state and $70 million for local governments each year. It’s the wrong time to eliminate this tax.

NO--Prop. 164: Term Limits

This measure would limit the consecutive terms of California’s House and Senate members. Would put California at a disadvantage in Washington. Term limits may be a good idea, but only if all states have them.

NO--Prop. 165: Budget Reform

This measure would, among other things, cut Aid to Families with Dependent Children by 25%, a move that would punish children. It also would allow the governor to enact a budget if no budget was passed by July 1. That’s too much power.

NO--Prop. 166: Health Plan

Mandates that all employers provide insurance for those who work more than 17 1/2 hours a week. One problem is that federal law prohibits such a mandate. Another problem is that it could motivate employers to reduce or eliminate jobs. Very risky.

NO--Prop. 167: Taxes

A complex package of tax increases and cuts; it’s precisely the sort of measure that should not be placed on a ballot. The timing is also problematic; a tax hike of this sweeping nature during a recession is not a good idea.

Orange County

Anaheim City Ballot Measures

YES--Measure A: Term Limits

Would limit City Council service to eight consecutive years. Officials could run again after sitting out two years.

YES--Measure H: Campaign Contribution Limits (advisory)

Asks voters whether campaign contributions should be limited to $1,000 from any single source in an election cycle.

Mission Viejo City Ballot Measures

YES--Measure I: Library Bonds

Seeks $5.1 million in bonds to finance construction of a public library on city land. Two-thirds vote for approval.

YES--Measure J: Open Space Bonds

Seeks $2 million in bonds to purchase 2.43 acres for open space. The proposal needs a two-thirds vote for passage.

YES--Measure L: City Hall

Asks if residents want the opportunity to approve a City Hall if proposed.

Newport Beach City Ballot Measure

YES--Measure P: Term Limits

Limits officeholders to two consecutive four-year terms; allows them to run again after sitting out a term.

Orange City Ballot Measure

YES--Measure R: Term Limits (advisory)

Advisory vote specifies a maximum of two consecutive four-year terms for council and three consecutive two-year terms for mayor.

Santa Ana City Ballot Measures

YES--Measure S: Campaign Contributions

Would prohibit a council member from decisions involving any person or organization that contributed $250 or more in a one-year period.

YES--Measure U: Campaign Contributions

Would limit campaign contributions from any one contributor to $1,000 per election.

Westminster City Ballot Measure

YES--Measure V: Term Limits (advisory)

Advisory vote in general law city on term limits for council and mayor.

Yorba Linda City Ballot Measure

NO--Measure X: Term Limits

Would limit officials to three consecutive terms. But ballot measure is futile because state law supersedes it.

Orange County Candidate Endorsements

U.S. Congress

41st Congressional District--

Jay C. Kim (R)

State Legislature

69th Assembly District--

Tom Umberg (D)

35th Senate District--

Marian Bergeson (R)

Nonpartisan Judicial Races

Harbor Municipal Court No. 1--

Judge Margaret R. Anderson

Central Municipal Court No. 9--

Donna Crandall