Politics & Government

Culver City Democratic Club Debates Ballot Propositions

Members discuss pot legalization, air pollution rules and congressional redistricting, issues that California voters will decide in November.

The Culver City Democratic Club debated the merits of Propositions 19, 20, 23 and 27 on Wednesday night in the first of two meetings scheduled to discuss the November ballot propositions.

Tom Camarella, a member of the L.A. County Central Democratic Committee, emphasized the need for California Democrats to get to the polls in November, instead of being "lackadaisical" about voting.  

"We know what the ramifications are going to be if we don't get out there," said Camarella, who warned that Republicans could gain seats if local Democrats don't turn out.  To help bolster votes, the Culver City Democratic Club plans to redouble recruiting efforts in the next few months.

Find out what's happening in Culver Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"We're going to be out there beating doors, making phone calls, and making sure that people realize how many things are at stake," Camarella said.

An audience of about 30 club members considered four of the 10 statewide ballot propositions, deciding for each whether to endorse or oppose. Proposition 19, which would legalize marijuana in California for people ages 21 and older, sparked a lively discussion.

Find out what's happening in Culver Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"We have a wildfire raging in our state and in our country," said Culver City resident and attorney Hanna Dershowitz, who spoke in favor of the proposition. "That wildfire is prohibition spending. We spend hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars in our state alone, enforcing the failed prohibition of cannabis in California."

Dershowitz argued that marijuana creates a "masked underground economy" that brings violence and crime into the state.

Proposition 19, Dershowitz explained, would remove criminal penalties for possession of up to an ounce of cannabis for adults and allow communities, municipalities or counties to authorize and regulate the commerce of marijuana. According to Dershowitz, roughly a quarter of California's prison population are serving time for offenses relating to marijuana. Of that quarter, 90 percent are incarcerated for "simple possession," she said.

Some in the audience Wednesday questioned Proposition 19's proposed tax of $50 per ounce of pot.

"That's an awfully large tax," said an attendee visiting from the Westside Democratic Club. "How many joints do you get out of an ounce?"

"I don't know," replied Dershowitz above laughter from the audience, "but a lot."

After further discussion, Proposition 19 was endorsed unanimously.

Other ballot measures were decided more quickly.

Proposition 23, which would suspend air pollution control laws until California's unemployment rate has been less than 5.5 percent for four consecutive years, warranted a sarcastic response from the audience. As attention turned to the topic, Camarella announced facetiously from the back of the room, "Boy, do I miss smog! I mean, I have been waiting for something like this to come back so that my lungs hurt and we can't see very far."

Dave Bregman, sitting in the front row, added: "I want smoke-filled rooms!"

Proposition 23 attempts to suspend California's Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, which requires the state to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2020. The reduction measure will be adopted by the beginning of 2011. 

"Here again, they think we're stupid," said attendee Michelle "Lee" Welinsky. "Well, I'm not stupid, and I say we should vote 'no' on this proposition."

The proposition was unanimously opposed without further discussion.

State Sen. Kevin Murray (D-Culver City) urged club members to oppose Proposition 20 and endorse Proposition 27, which would repeal a redistricting of congressional districts.

"This is one of those insidious attempts to take control from Democrats," Murray said in promoting Proposition 27. Following Murray's speech, the Culver City Democratic Club voted to endorse Proposition 27, with one member abstaining.

At the conclusion of the meeting, President Ronnie Jayne affirmed the need for California Democrats to stay involved with the issues and encourage others to do so as well.

"Keep in mind--November is serious," Jayne said. "The Republicans are serious. They're going to move us backwards. We have to get out there. We have to tell our friends."

Friday: Visit Patch to hear the Culver City Democratic Club debating the legalization of marijuana. 

The second meeting of the Culver City Democratic Club to discuss the November ballot will take place Sept. 15 at 7 p.m. in the Rotunda Room of the Veterans Memorial Building. Propositions 18, 21, 22, 24, 25 and 26 will be discussed. For more information, visit the Culver City Democratic Club website.


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