Endorsements

We want to remind readers that the CN&R isn’t making endorsements for everything on the June 5 primary ballot. Once again, we encourage you to read the sample ballot and recent newspaper coverage (our May 24 issue). We also recommend checking out the local League of Women Voters’ recent forums (go to lwvbuttecounty.org).

Governor: Former State Superintendent of Public Instruction Delaine Eastin knows the value of education, has an environmentally sound platform, and supports health care for all. If elected, she’d be the first woman to hold the post.

Congress: Jessica Holcombe’s education, experience on Capitol Hill and fundraising ability make her the most viable challenger to the incumbent, Republican Doug LaMalfa. She’s remarkable for many reasons, so don’t balk at the fact she’s based in Auburn.

County assessor: Diane Brown has three decades of experience in the department she was first elected to lead four years ago. Brown’s in the midst of completing several major projects in the Assessor’s Office, and we think she deserves to see them through.

County auditor-controller: Assistant Auditor-Controller Graciela Gutierrez is highly regarded by her administrative colleagues at the county, as well as staff. She also has the advanced degree and experience necessary for this management position.

District 3 supervisor: Tami Ritter wants to protect North State water, implement “housing first” policies and ensure the county is prepared for emergencies. Those priorities will serve her constituents well.

District 2 supervisor: Debra Lucero will bring a much-needed dose of creativity to a panel composed mainly of doctrinaire conservatives—we trust her on the issues, including righting the budget.

Proposition 68: Yes. This $4.1 billion bond measure would fund improvements for long-neglected state parks and water systems, as well as a host of other conservation efforts.

Proposition 69: Yes. Essentially, it’s a legally binding way to ensure “gas tax” revenues are spent only on transportation projects, as the Legislature promised.

Proposition 70: No. The short version is this would require a supermajority vote in only a single year, 2024, on how to spend cap-and-trade funds.

Proposition 71: Yes. Makes ballot initiatives go into effect five days after election results are certified—rather than the day after an election, which is the case now for initiatives that don’t specify another start date.

Proposition 72: Yes. Another no-brainer, it would exclude rainwater-capture systems from property tax assessments, beginning Jan. 1.