Nov. election about more than just president

By Rebecca Martin

Voters in recent weeks have focused their attention on the U.S. presidential election, but other issues are also on the ballot, including a tax proposal to help the Chaffee Zoo in Fresno, a race for one of California’s two U.S. Senate seats and a long list of state propositions that are sparking debate.

The zoo tax, Measure Z on the ballot, has been visible as supporters have put signs shaped as elephants, saying “Yes on Measure Z” on front lawns and in office windows. The zoo proposal is designed to bring money to the Chaffee Zoo, which has lost its large animal exhibits over time due to a lack of funding.

If passed, the zoo proposal will add one-tenth of a cent to Fresno County’s sales tax, or one cent for every $10 spent. The added tax would bring $7 million to $8 million each year to the zoo, with the measure ending in 10 years.

Without extra funding, the zoo will lose its accreditation with the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, according to the official Web site www.saveourzoo.com. The loss of accreditation could possibly lead to the closing of the Chaffee Zoo.

Support for the measure is strong, with over 900 volunteers involved in “Save Our Zoo, Yes on Measure Z.” Out of 900 volunteers, 400 are Pelco employees. Pelco, a large company specializing in surveillance cameras, has provided signs designed by its employees and offered a room in its Clovis building for the “Yes on Z” office.

Shane Sawicky is a full-time Pelco employee, and also the Fresno/Clovis neighborhood manager for Measure Z. Sawicky is responsible for placing yard signs and educating the public on Save Our Zoo.

While Sawicky heard about the proposal through Pelco, he believes it is important to the youth of Fresno, including his three children.

“We need to help allow future generations what we’ve already been able to see and use, the zoo,” Sawicky said.

Measures giving the Chaffee Zoo additional funds have been on the Fresno County ballot in the past, with the additional tax for the zoo being just one of the taxes on the measure. While the tax has received more than 50 percent of the vote each time, two-thirds is needed to pass a tax measure. The chance of passing the zoo proposal has increased this year, largely because the added funds for the zoo are the only part of Measure Z, and there are no organized groups against the proposal.

While the Chaffee Zoo is focused on Fresno County, California is focused on the Senate race between Republican Bill Jones and incumbent Democrat Barbara Boxer.

Jones is a former Fresno Chamber of Commerce chair and served as an assemblyman from Fresno in the California State Assembly. In addition, he became the first resident of the Central Valley to hold a statewide office in 1994 with his two terms as California’s Secretary of State. Jones graduated from Fresno State.

Boxer began her second six-year term as Senator in 1998. Before she was elected Senator, she served five terms in the House of Representatives for California. Boxer has a reputation for being one of the more liberal voices in the Senate, as she is pro-choice and speaks out on the need to improve public education.

“The reason that California doesn’t fare well these days is because Republicans control Congress and have been cutting many of the programs that matter so much to California, like education and health care and environmental protection,” said Roy Behr, Boxer’s campaign manager, to the San Diego Tribune last July. “Instead, they’re giving money to big energy companies in Texas.”

Jones supports President Bush’s tax cuts, and wants to stop the marriage penalty tax. While labeled a conservative, Jones has other more liberal stands, such as wanting to end offshore oil drilling. Boxer has been fighting to end oil drilling off the coast of California since she was elected into the Senate, and Jones feels she has not accomplished enough for the issue during her two terms as senator.

Boxer authored a bill to promote and increase help for women in violent situations. In addition, she is a strong proponent of stricter gun laws.

According to a field poll in August, Jones is behind Boxer in the polls with 50 percent for Boxer and 33 percent for Jones.

Along with the Senate race, a number of propositions are on the November ballot. One of the more controversial ones is Proposition 71, on stem cell research. If approved, Proposition 71 would establish a new medical research lab, the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, through tax dollars. If the proposition is not approved by voters, funds for the research center would depend on actions taken by the legislature, governor and other entities which provide research funding.

Proponents of Proposition 71 claim research can find cures for cancer, diabetes and other diseases. Those against the proposition point to ethical and moral issues associated with the bill and the need to create an additional board to oversee the research.

Proposition 68, the Non-Tribal Commercial Gambling Expansion, would require Indian Gaming Casinos to give 25 percent of their earnings to the Gaming Revenue Trust Fund, as opposed to not being required to give the government any money in taxes. If the tribes in California, as a group, do not agree to the proposition’s terms, the state would authorize slot machines in 16 additional race tracks and card rooms in California.

Supporters of Proposition 68 say tribes in New York and Connecticut already pay taxes on their casinos, and the additional money would go to child protective services, police and firefighting services. Those against the proposition argue the proposition may result in 16 new casinos.

For other propositions and more information on the issues mentioned, visit the official voter information guide at www.ss.ca.gov /elections/elections.htm.