Make your voice heard and vote!

It’s time to go to the polls. California voters have an extensive ballot with many political options to decide on.

The presidential race is without a doubt the main course of this election. However, there is also a long list of municipal and state ballot initiatives, as well as legislative, state and federal races that involve new electoral districts.

Your vote is important. Exercise the right to vote and make your voice heard.

These are our recommendations:

President: Barack Obama

We are convinced that the United States is better off today than four years ago. The economy has stabilized—including the banking industry, we have expanded healthcare coverage, the right justices have been named to the Supreme Court, and the auto industry was saved. All this happened despite an obstructionist Congress that continually blocked his proposals.

The immigration area—at best—has had mixed results for Obama. In this case, the problem is that what the Republicans have to offer will be much more damaging for immigrants and the undocumented that what we have now.

There remains much to be done, in addition to continuing what was started. President Obama deserves a second term.

Federal Senate: Dianne Feinstein

Senator Feinstein is an experienced legislator who has consistently defended the interests and values of California. In the area of immigration, she has promoted the AgJOBS bill, backed the DREAM Act, and called for comprehensive immigration reform.

30th Congressional District: H. Berman

Representative Howard Berman has spent decades in the House as a firm ally of the Latino community on important issues. He has proven experience and interest in building political consensus without sacrificing his values. He also has a global vision—something important in Congress.

Measure A: Yes

The position of County Assessor, the person responsible for real estate taxes, is a position that has never drawn the attention of the majority of voters at election time. There is nothing wrong with allowing voters to consider the possibility of modifying the position to change responsibilities.

Measure B: Yes

The pornography industry moves money and creates jobs, but it is also responsible for the health of its actors. Public health studies show a high incidence of venereal disease. Using condoms may not be good business, but it does contribute to public health.

Measure J: Yes

Measure R already determined the priority transportation projects. Measure J seizes the moment to accelerate those projects and share the expense with future users with a half-cent increase on sales tax until 2069.

Proposition 30: Yes

This is the only proposal that avoids the cut of billions of dollars for K-12 schools. It is also a step forward in resolving the state deficit.

Proposition 31: No

Some changes are positive, but this one gives too much power to the governor and to local governments to the detriment of the Capitol. It upsets the necessary balance of power.

Proposition 32: No

This ballot initiative sounds balanced but only disarms the unions because political contributions by businesses are protected by the courts.

Proposition 33: No

This proposition changes the way auto insurance is calculated. This would unfairly increase the price of coverage for an entire category of drivers.

Proposition 34: Yes

We believe one guilty person alive is better than an innocent one executed. At the same time, the death penalty has proven not to be a deterrent to crime.

Proposition 35: Yes

Human trafficking is a serious problem that now manifests itself in both the labor sector and in prostitution. State laws must be strengthened.

Proposition 36: Yes

The three strikes law has unnecessarily condemned thousands to long sentences. This change allows only dangerous and violent criminals to be locked up for the long term.

Proposition 37: No

It is good to know what the foods we eat contain, but the initiative is so poorly drafted that in the long term it will cause more confusion due to its exclusions, definitions, and control through litigation.

Proposition 38: No

At another time, this measure might be worth serious consideration. Today it is damaging. If it passes instead of Proposition 30, it will trigger billions of dollars in automatic cuts to schools, despite its good intentions.

Proposition 39: Yes

Tax incentives should be given to companies that create jobs in California, rather than to those who take jobs to other states.

Proposition 40: Yes

The State Senate redistricting done by the citizens commission is proper and no change is warranted.