Keith Carson: Information is Power!

Proposition 6 will be on the November 2008 ballot. If passed, the initiative would increase funding by nearly sixty-one percent for various law enforcement activities including gang intervention, detention, probation, narcotics enforcement, education, prevention and rehabilitation. The proposition will require a minimum of $965,000,000 each year to be allocated from the state general fund for police, sheriffs, district attorneys, adult probation, jails and juvenile probation facilities. Opponents believe Proposition 6 will lock-in taxpayer money to fund failed, "get-tough" policies and programs. The initiative earmarks state general fund dollars which would mean less money for education, senior services, and heath care. Proposition 6 will drain communities of much-needed resources and will make neighborhoods and streets less safe. Proponents believe Proposition 6 is an anti-gang and crime reduction measure that will increase public safety and bring greater efficiency and accountability to programs and a