CORRECTION: In last week’s Armchair Activist column a mistake was made in the last paragraph in reference to Proposition 8.

The last line should have read: "Those against Proposition 8 say it would remove equality and equal protection under the Constitution for persons in same-sex relationships."

Sincere apologies are offered for the inadvertently misleading representation of the argument against Proposition 8.

With just a few days left before the Nov. 4 election it is important that voters make informed decisions regarding the dozen propositions that will appear on the ballot.

In an effort to inform voters, last week we took a look at Propositions 5 through 8. This week it will be 9 through 12, the final group.

Proposition 9 would require notification to victims and the opportunity for input during the various phases of the justice process, including bail, pleas, sentencing and parole.

It also would have victim safety be considered for bail or parole.

Those in favor of Prop. 9 say that criminals already have generous rights and that crime victims are the ones in need of protection. They argue that the measure would improve public safety and justice and that it would prevent early release of criminals due to overcrowded institutions.

Those against Prop. 9 say that victims are already adequately protected. They maintain that it would cost hundreds of millions of dollars that would be ultimately used to build more prisons, not for victims’ rights.

Proposition 10 authorizes $5 billion in bonds paid from the state’s general fund to help consumers purchase alternate fuel or hybrid vehicles (by providing rebates) and to fund research in Advertisement

[ Berry-Bell and Hall Mortuary ] renewable energy.

Those who support Prop. 10 say that it would promote energy independence and clean air. They claim that the measure would be a move toward getting polluters off the road and that it would increase grants for universities to develop cheap alternative fuels.

Opponents of the measure say that Prop. 10 is special interest legislation that would divert money from schools and services, sending billions of taxpayer dollars to a few select private companies.

Proposition 11 is a redistricting reform measure which would change the authority to set state office boundaries from elected officials to a commission. The commission would be selected from a pool of registered voters.

Those in favor say that Prop. 11 would stop politicians from gerrymandering districts to ensure safe legislative seats.

Those against the measure say that it would constitute an unnecessary change to the California Constitution and give the power to decide district boundaries to persons who are not elected and therefore not accountable to the voters.

Proposition 12 would provide for a bond issue of nearly $900 million to give farm and home aid to veterans.

The pro-12 side claims that the money would be used to replenish the Cal-Vet Home Loan Program and would be paid back over time by borrowers.

Those against Prop. 12 say that the program ought to be scaled back to include only the most needy veterans, such as those who have been injured while serving.

Dave Reynolds is a political consultant/writer currently residing in Menifee. During the 1990s he served as chief of staff to the State Assembly Representative from the 66th District.