EMIL FRANZI: Seeking clarity over hyperbole

Emil Franzi offers his take on this year’s ballot propositions.

PROP 100 - PROTECT OUR HOMES

Would prohibit any taxation on the sales of real estate. That’s rather straightforward. If you believe government might need / want the money — and the City of Tucson is already trying it — vote “no.” If you believe government gets enough from you now, and taxing the proceeds of the sale of your home or business is unfair — vote “yes.”

PROP 101 - FREEDOM OF CHOICE HEALTH ACT

The real argument is over government-imposed universal health care. If you like health systems in countries like Canada, vote “no.” If the only Canadians you ever met were here to see one of our docs, you may prefer a market- and private insurance-based plan with more options for most people and should vote “yes.”

PROP 102 - MARRIAGE

Much posing on both sides. Opponents point out marriage is already defined as between a man and a woman by statute. They neglect telling you that they’d repeal that law in a heartbeat. Proponents want to make that repeal more difficult for both judges and legislators by including it in the state constitution. They’re on their second pass, having lost a prior attempt with voters by including a provision against recognition of civil unions most people favor. Simple call — if you believe gay marriage should be treated the same as traditional marriage, vote “no.” If you like it the way it is, vote “yes.”

PROP. 105 - MAJORITY RULES

Changes votes needed to pass an initiative raising taxes from a simple majority of those voting to two-thirds of all voters registered. Some opponents, from Tucson Mayor Walkup to The National Humane Society, either through ignorance or guile, claim it affects all initiatives, while others who support always bigger government just go crazy with invective. Big government types don’t like the use of super majorities, of which this is an esoteric version. Many who aren’t big government types feel this goes too far, making it almost impossible to ever get a new tax for anything. There are some other probable consequences. All tax measures would be on the same ballot as a presidential election, and many who never cared before will suddenly decide removing sludge on the voter rolls is needed.

PROP 200 - PAYDAY LOAN REFORM

Originally a counter-initiative from the payday loan folks against one that failed to make the ballot, the only substantive item here allows the industry to continue doing high interest rate business beyond 2010. If you want them gone, vote “no.”

PROP 201 - HOMEOWNER’S BILL OF RIGHTS

A product of construction unions, this mandates a 10-year warranty on all new homes. It also gives immunity to those filing frivolous claims and has other bad pills included. Read it carefully and apply your own values.

PROP 202 - STOP ILLEGAL HIRING

Moderately liberalizes what some businesses consider Draconian measures passed by the legislature. Opponents claim the current law is working. If you believe we’re too tough on those hiring illegals now, vote “yes.”

PROP 300 - LEGISLATIVE SALARIES

Raises salaries from $24,000 to $30,000. Doesn’t mention $60 per diem for legislators living away from Phoenix which the legislature has the power to raise, plus retirement benefits double that of ordinary state employees.

WARNING

Voters passed a constitutional amendment prohibiting the legislature from amending voter initiatives, making 200 numbered items de facto constitutional amendments. Which means, unlike stupid ideas they have, your elected representatives are prohibited by you from changing the stupid ideas you went along with. Vote responsibly.

Hear Emil Franzi and Tom Danehy on Inside Track, Saturdays 1-4 p.m. on KVOI 690 AM.