Marc Joffe, Reason Foundation: K-12 school districts and community college districts have placed bond measures on local ballots authorizing an additional $17 billion in borrowing. While not all the local bond measures are objectionable, voters should take a critical look at the bonds on their ballots. If the proposals lack specificity, result in overcapacity, or lead to excessive district debt, a “no” vote would be the judicious choice.
Wendy Ridderbusch, CalDesal: Recognizing the need for a drought-proof water supply, efforts are underway to develop several seawater desalination facilities throughout California. We need to utilize all existing supply strategies including increased conservation, reuse, and both brackish water and seawater desalination into the mix.
David Roland-Holst, UC Berkeley, and F. Noel Perry, Next10.org: Every step we can take to put more EVs on the roads offers potential benefits to all Californians. We can cut emissions, combat climate change, and clean up our air—but only if we’re prepared to save money and help create equitable access to clean cars in the process.
Mary Nichols, California Air Resources Board: I will not endorse a candidate in the presidential primary. Whatever you may think of his candidacy or his positions on issues across the full range of concerns a president needs to address, the reality is that Mike Bloomberg is the only candidate who has developed, advocated and implemented a successful program to cut greenhouse gases.
Eric Firpo, In Season Market and Nursery, Stockton: Cows belch. They overgraze. Grasslands die. Desertification spreads. Temperatures rise worldwide. Destruction of civilization inevitably follows. What’s much less understood is that exactly the opposite is true.
Susan Kirsch, former president of Livable California: Legislators should declare a moratorium on housing legislation until the impact of the 40-plus housing bills passed in the last four years take effect, address underlying causes of income inequity, and collaborate with cities and citizens, not corporate seeking to expand their real estate empires.
Jeanne Radsick, California Association of Realtors: California’s housing supply and affordability crisis is not a partisan issue. It does not discriminate geographically, ethnically or otherwise. The reality is that inaction hurts everyone. Conversely, if we each do our part to increase the supply of well-planned housing, then our entire state will be better for it.
Mike Madrid, The Lincoln Project: Voters beware of our populist threat. Populism is problematic precisely because it despises compromise under the guise of standing on principle, suggesting that those who collaborate for the greater good lack morality. Compromise itself is the basic virtue of a democratic republic.
Jennifer Haley, Kern Oil & Refining Co.: California champions opportunity for women. The nation looks to us as a trendsetter, so let’s make 2020 California’s year of women who lead boldly and pave the way for future generations.
John McManus, Golden State Salmon Association: Californians are in danger of witnessing extinctions and permanent damage to the salmon fishing industry, the Bay-Delta, and Central Valley Rivers. Gov. Newsom should lead state agencies to counter the Trump administration’s attack on California’s environment.