Split opinion on supermajority

Re “End the supermajority,” editorial, Dec. 23

I could not disagree more. The two-thirds supermajority required for passing budgets and tax increases is the only immunity Californians have against excessive and often capricious taxation. Even the proposal of Sen. Mimi Walters (R-Laguna Niguel), which you laud, is unsatisfactory; an annual budget growth of 5% means the doubling of the budget about every 15 years!

Instead of increasing budgets, the Legislature should be looking into cutting programs that are no longer necessary, are not effective or benefit only special groups. After the Legislature has done that, it may find it can actually cut the budget.

But even if it can’t cut the budget, it is better for the government to come bowl in hand to the people rather than the other way around -- as we surely would have to if the supermajority concept were abandoned.

John Hindsill

La Crescenta

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We should thank our lucky stars for the supermajority requirement. The political hacks in Sacramento have proved time and again that given the opportunity, they’ll run amok with tax increases and spending. Starve the beast in Sacramento.

Trent D. Sanders

La Canada Flintridge

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Just 14 of the most radical members of our 40-member state Senate can block a budget and bend the majority to its will. That is what a two-thirds vote to pass a budget means. Such easy mathematics, and its implications, should highlight any effort to get the public to change our bizarre budget process.

John Husing

Redlands

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I dislike paying taxes, but I really dislike fiscal irresponsibility and bankruptcy. As we continually fail to muster a supermajority of responsible adults in our Legislature, it’s time to end it. If we drop the ball and do nothing, I suggest that we start cutting state expenses by eliminating all services to the districts of those recalcitrant legislators who refuse to grow up and face the grim reality of the necessity of raising taxes. Stop their salaries as well because they do no useful work.

Chuck Almdale

North Hills