Today was voting day, across the United States.  I went and did my part.  Amazingly, there was nothing affecting my local region other than the proposed amendments to the State constitution.  So, without further adieu, I present “How Eric Voted, 2005.”

Proposition 1:  For.  While it does allow the state to borrow money to “fund” private companies, it also opens up the ability for light and heavy passgenger/communter rail to be a forerunner in development in this state.

Proposition 2: Against.  I’ve made my opinions about this ballot very well known in several different entries (each word is a link to a seperate entry).

Proposition 3: For.  Provides for the ability to give economic development grants and loans without incurring debt.  Essentially, grants and loans given for economic development will not be considered as “debt.”  This will, hopefully, allow the economic growth of Texas.

Proposition 4: For.  Allows for judicial ability to deny bail to a person who violates a condition of their release while awaiting trial. (Essentially, if you violate bail once, a judge can deny you further bail.)

Proposition 5: Against.  This proposition would allow the state legislature to set interest rates for commercial loans.  I have an intrinsic distrust of the state legislature, and while some say that means I should have voted against some above amendments, in those cases my hopes for the future outweighed my distrust.  In this case, it’s straight distrust.

Proposition 6: For.  Adds members to the state commision on judicial conduct, therefore increased judiciary oversight.

Proposition 7: For.  Allows for the borrowing of money against reverse mortgages (line-of-credit advances), mostly beneficial for senior citizens that may need money in the short them, whereas they may not be around to see it in the long term.

Proposition 8: For.  Releases state claims to vacant land in Smith and Upshur counties.

Proposition 9: For.  Provides for a six-year term for regional mobility authority board members, bringing the term-length to the state standard of six years.  Also provides for staggering terms within the board, so the entire board is not up for re-election at the same time.  This one was a crap shoot, really.  If we get good folks on there, they’re around for longer, and can do more good.  If we get bad folks on there, well, we have to put up with them for longer.

That’s it, folks.  My opinions.  I’ll update this posting with the outcome of each proposition, once all precincts have reported in, and outcome is determined.  This will likely be tomorrow morning.

RESULTS: The following propositions passed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8. Propositions 5, and 9 did not pass.

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