Navigating the ballot can be overwhelming, but fear not! The official John Kobylt Voter Guide is here to provide clarity and direction for your choices in this election. Prepared with insights from the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association and former State Senator John Moorlach, this guide cuts through the political noise to deliver straightforward recommendations.
Presidential Endorsement
PRESIDENT: Donald Trump
For President, the choice is clear: Donald Trump. With President Trump, voters know exactly what to expect, given his four years in office. His track record provides a clear indication of his policies and priorities. In contrast, Kamala Harris’s campaign has been notably vague and lacking in substance. Trump offers a known quantity and a defined set of policies for the nation’s highest office.
Senate Race
SENATE: Steve Garvey
Steve Garvey earns the endorsement for both the special election to fill the unexpired term and the full six-year term in the Senate. Garvey demonstrates genuine conviction in his stated beliefs and positions. Conversely, Adam Schiff’s political maneuvering, particularly concerning the Russian Collusion narrative, has severely damaged his credibility and placed him in contention for political dishonesty.
Los Angeles County Races
District Attorney
DISTRICT ATTORNEY: Nathan Hochman
For Los Angeles County District Attorney, Nathan Hochman is the recommended choice. Hochman’s approach centers on a return to fundamental principles of law enforcement: prioritizing the incarceration of criminals. His opponent, George Gascon, is criticized as having presided over a period of decline in public safety in Los Angeles, marked by policies widely seen as ineffective and detrimental. Gascon’s tenure is regarded as a significant failure in leadership at the DA’s office.
LA City Council – 14th District
CITY COUNCIL – 14th District: Kevin De Leon
In a surprising move, John Kobylt endorses Kevin De Leon for City Council in the 14th District. While typically not an endorsement Kobylt would make, the alternative, Ysabel Jurado, presents a more concerning option. Jurado, a self-described socialist, was recorded making disparaging remarks about law enforcement, specifically stating ‘F*** The Police’ in the context of LAPD funding. This radical stance makes De Leon the more palatable choice in this specific race.
State Propositions Analysis
Prop 2: NO
Proposition 2 is a bond measure that proposes borrowing $10 billion for public schools. However, this is opposed due to concerns about fiscal responsibility and the allocation of current education funds. Significant amounts of money are already directed towards teacher salaries and pensions, yet student performance in core subjects like math and reading remains below grade level. Throwing more borrowed money at the problem without addressing underlying issues is not seen as a solution.
Prop 3: YES
Proposition 3 is a measure to amend the California Constitution to explicitly allow two adults to marry, regardless of sex, thereby aligning the Constitution with existing California law. This proposition is endorsed as it essentially formalizes the current legal status and has no practical impact on current marriage laws. It is viewed as a matter of legal consistency.
Prop 4: NO
Proposition 4 is opposed due to concerns about increasing state debt. This proposition would authorize another $10 billion in borrowed funds for vaguely defined “climate” programs, as well as water and fire projects. It is criticized as a potential boondoggle, lacking clear guarantees of benefiting the general public and potentially enriching organizations that receive the funds.
Prop 5: NO! NO! NO!
Proposition 5 is strongly opposed and labeled as the worst proposition on the ballot. It seeks to lower the threshold for local bond proposals to pass, from a two-thirds vote to just 55 percent. This change is predicted to unleash a wave of new bond measures, leading to a significant increase in property taxes and financial burdens on homeowners.
Prop 32: NO
Proposition 32, which aims to raise the minimum wage to $18 by January 1st, is opposed. The economic consequences are predicted to include job losses and increased prices for goods and services. The guide suggests that individuals seeking higher wages should focus on improving their skills and education rather than relying on mandated minimum wage increases.
Prop 33: NO
Proposition 33, which would expand rent control, is opposed. The reasoning is that rent control policies discourage the development of new rental housing. Limiting rental prices makes it less attractive for developers to build new apartment buildings, ultimately reducing the availability of rental units.
Prop 34: YES
Proposition 34 is supported as it places restrictions on non-profit organizations that receive federal funding, preventing them from using these funds for political activities. Instead, it mandates that these funds be directed towards their intended purpose of patient care. This proposition aims to ensure accountability and appropriate use of federal funds.
Prop 35: No opinion
No recommendation is provided for Proposition 35, indicating a neutral stance or lack of sufficient information to form a definitive opinion at this time.
Prop 36: YES
Proposition 36 is considered the most critical proposition on the ballot and receives a strong endorsement. It aims to repeal key aspects of Proposition 47, which has been criticized for contributing to increased crime. Prop 36 reclassifies repeated theft and repeated drug use as felonies, while also offering the option of treatment instead of jail for drug offenses. It also establishes felonies for dealing fentanyl, addressing the growing fentanyl crisis.
Los Angeles County Measure
Measure A: NO! NEVER!
Measure A in Los Angeles County is vehemently opposed. This measure seeks to double the homeless sales tax and make it permanent. Despite the implementation of the original temporary sales tax intended to address homelessness, the homeless population has dramatically increased. Measure A is characterized as a complete failure, similar to the policies of DA Gascon, and further funding without demonstrated effectiveness is strongly rejected.
This John Kobylt Voter Guide, in partnership with the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association and John Moorlach, provides clear recommendations to help you make informed decisions in the upcoming election. Make your vote count!
