Page 11 - the NOISE November 2012

PROPOSITION 115 JUDICIAL SELECTION (Referred to Ballot by State Legislature)
This amendment increases the terms of Arizona Superior Court judges terms from 4 years to 8, and Court of Appeals and Supreme Court justices from 6 years to 8. The mandatory retirement age for judges would increase from 70 to 75. It would change the way Judicial Nominating Commissioners are ap- pointed and increase the influence of the Governor, while decreasing the influence of the State Bar in the nominating process. This amendment would also in- crease the number of judicial nominees presented to the governor from 3 to 8.
Supporters say this amendment would give the governor more say in the choice of judicial candi- dates, as well as patching up the merit selection system that may be lost altogether without these reforms.
Opponents say this proposition is an attempt by the executive branch to gain more power over the ju- dicial branch, and would politicize the merit selection system that is currently much more fair and independent.
PROPOSITION 118 PERMANENT STATE LAND
ENDOWMENT FUND
(Referred to Ballot by State Legislature)
This proposition would amend the State Consti- tution to change the formula used for assessing the value of State Trust Land from 2013-2021. The mon- ey received from the State Land Trust Permanent Endowment Fund primarily benefits public schools, and the proposed rate of 2.5% would provide a stable valuation for the years it is in effect.
Supporters say that because the proposed valu- ation formula is a set rate, the amount of funding coming from the Permanent Endowment Fund would be consistent and predictable. Also, because it is temporary, with the valuation formula revert- ing in 2021 to the current rate, it gives the state a chance to see how well the new formula works for funding.
Opponents say that because the economic future cannot be predicted, the Fund should be left alone.
PROPOSITION 121
OPEN ELECTIONS/OPEN GOVERNMENT (Referred to Ballot by State Legislature)
This bill would change the way primary elections are run in Arizona. Currently, only party members can vote in their primary. This proposition would place all can- didates, regardless of party affiliation, on the primary ballot, in which everybody could vote, and the top two would then move on to the general election. Support- ers say this bill would encourage more candidates to run in the primaries, give voters more choices, allow people to vote on any candidate regardless of party af- filiation, promote more moderate candidates, and level the playing field for independents.
Opponents say it is highly likely many districts will end up with two candidates running from the same party, and independent parties may not be represented in the general elections at all, in which most voters par- ticipate. They believe there are better solutions to in- crease voter turnout and improve the election process.
Because of changes in ballot printing fees, it is esti- mated that this bill would cost $278,000 for State elec- tions and over $2 million for local elections, per election.
Quiz your friends and foes on the laws that may govern
this state for the next few years!
sources: League of Women Voters’ Voter Guide & the AZSOS State Election Publicity Pamphlet
PROPOSITION 116
PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION AMOUNT
AKA SMALL BUSINESS JOB CREATION ACT (Referred to Ballot by State Legislature)
Would amend the Constitution to increase the amount of personal property and business expenses ex- emptfrompropertytaxesincommercialandagricultur- al businesses. Current law allows property tax exemp- tion for up to $50,000 of value, not including real estate. This new amendment would allow tax exemption for the full value of business-related personal property.
Supporters say this increased tax exemption would make Arizona a more attractive place for businesses and would allow businesses to expand, buy being able to purchase more equipment, and hire more workers.
Opponents note that this bill is mainly a tax break for large businesses and will not affect many small busi- nesses because of equipment costs are lower in that sector. The money from this tax goes to pay for K-12 ed- ucation in Arizona, and may result in an estimated loss of $170 million of tax revenue for the state.
PROPOSITION 119 MILITARY PRESERVATION & STATE TRUST LAND EXCHANGES (Referred to Ballot by State Legislature)
This bill would amend the Arizona Constitution to allow the exchange of state trust land for public lands if one of two requirements is met: either that the land exchange protect military facilities from encroaching development, or for improving the management of state trust lands. The process for exchange is laid out in detail and includes independent analyses, appraisals, public hearings, and public vote.
Supporters say this bill includes enough checks and balances to ensure a land exchange would be in the best interest of the State Land Trust. Because of the current prohibition on land exchanges, this bill would give the State another tool to use in its management.
Opponents maintain that State Trust Lands should not be exchanged at all, and some are wary of the pro- tection of military lands clause, and wonder how this might be abused.
PROPOSITION 204 QUALITY EDUCATION & JOBS ACT (Referred to Ballot by Citizen Initiative)
This proposition would permanently increase state sales tax by 1 cent per dollar for the purpose of fund- ing K-12 and university programs, infrastructure and public transportation, and human services. It would forbid reducing any K-12 and university funding, and forbid any reductions to the current state sales tax base. This bill is very specific about how the monies would be distributed.
Supporters like this bill because it guarantees that most of the money would go to K-12 education, and none of the money could go to anything not speci- fied in the bill.
Opponents do not like this bill would limit the leg- islature’s control of the budget, or allow any reduc- tion in spending for certain areas. Also, because this tax would pass before the expiration of the 2010 1% sales tax increase, that increase would become a per- manent fixture.
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