OK, I had a great, detailed post almost complete and then my browser (stupid Safari) puked all over itself. Of course that meant everything I typed was gone. I just don't feel like redoing it, so here is the abbreviated version.

Proposition 15 removes the prohibition on publicly financed campaigns. While there is a lot in the measure about the next two Secretary of State elections, the more important part is removing that prohibition. Since voters have rejected that twice in the last 10 years, it seems like they sort of hid that part in amongst the Secretary of State fluff. I recommend a No vote.

Proposition 16 makes it harder for local governments to start or expand an electrical utility. While I appreciate giving voters an opportunity to vote on raising taxes, since most of these electrical utilities are completely self-supporting, this isn't really as a big a deal as it otherwise might be. Given that PG&E has thrown millions of dollars to sponsor this measure, I'm recommending a No vote. Anything that is good for PG&E is probably bad for the rest of us.

Proposition 17 allows insurance companies to grant discounts based on having continuous coverage. Unfortunately, it also would allow them to charge people more if they've had a lapse in coverage. Given that Mercury Insurance spent millions of dollars on making this measure happen, I'm recommending a No vote. If Mercury Insurance can't buy enough politicians to get the law changed, why should I do their bidding?

That's it for me. Again, I'm happy to accept comments or guest posts with alternative views. Whatever you do, be sure to vote on June 8th!