Editor’s Note: The following are letters to the editor written by Pitman High School students as part of a Mock Election Unit in U.S. Government classes.

Proposition 32 is flat out illogical

Dear Editor

Is wage increase a real solution or a temporary patch? Have we closely examined the long term effects of this proposition? Proposition 32 is overall an impulsive act and flat out illogical to vote yes on. Proposition 32 is a quick patch and not a real solution. This proposition is ineffective to Californian’s demand for money and will worsen the situation as prices rise. Not only will the proposition worsen Californiaś economy but also make it difficult for small businesses to sustain themselves. The state of California has been presented with a scam proposition 32 will support special interests and communities that are exempt from it´s control. These small communities will use money from this proposition to defeat candidates and ballot measures without the same restriction and transparency as other campaigns. These groups will continue to abuse their low restrictions as they have already cost Californians about $95 million since the 2004 election. The big businesses that are fully exempt from proposition 32 are declared big donors by the State Senate. Big investors and businesses like Wall Street investment firms and insurances have contributed more than $10 million to political campaigns since 2009. It is safe to say that along with losing money to small businesses we'll also lose great contributors to our state funding. In all this proposition is nothing but a false promise. Citizens of California who expect a repair in their economy will instead be disappointed with rising prices and misuse of tax money.

— Martin Mercado

We need more traffic cameras in Turlock

Dear Editor,

The people of Turlock cannot drive and I am sick of it. When I drive around Turlock or look on the news, the topic always seems to be about a car crash. This daily occurrence has left me fed up and anxious every time. I propose we add more cameras to the traffic lights; we need more traffic cameras so we can catch the people that crash into the victims that got into the accident or just in case they do a hit and run we have the cameras to catch the person who did the deed/crash. We can also use the cameras for speeding tickets or catching people doing a crime on the street like robbery, murder, and breaking and entering. I feel like this would be a good investment for our good little city of Turlock. People would feel more safe now because if anything would have happened when you're walking about or driving around the city you could feel a little more safe. But the cameras won't really do anything but the people are what the problem is here. So we need the cameras so it can help the police figure out who crashed into who. And that's why I think we should add more cameras/security.

— Arnold Morfin

Why not spend the time and money to fix roads that actually need to be improved?

Dear Editor,

I have a fear of falling into a hole. More specifically I am speaking of potholes that come with the worsening road conditions. In short drives I have to avoid various potholes. It is hard to tell if I am driving through town or on a roller coaster in Great America. Oftentimes potholes are patched up, but that only fixes the problem temporarily, very soon the potholes appear again and worse than before. The city results in an easy, temporary fix when it should work on properly fixing the roads. There are roads getting completely redone, even though they are in good shape and do not need to be restored. Why not spend the time and money to fix roads that actually need to be improved? It is unsafe, inconvenient, and stressful to drive on damaged roads. Potholes can lead to serious wear and tear on a car; only causing the driver stress in attempting to fix the car. On top of this bad roads can lead to accidents, if the driver loses control of the car or makes an unsafe or sudden mauver trying to avoid a pothole or rough patch of road. Ultimately it would be worth the effort to fix the roads in order to improve driving conditions and prevent possible accidents that may occur.

— Jade Paniagua

End forced labor, vote ‘yes’ on Prop 6

Dear Editor,

Proposition 6, which prohibits involuntary servitude except to punish crime needs to be passed due to its unethical and immoral behavior, which often leads to cruel punishments involving violence in prison institutions. Voting “yes” to support this position, would not only prohibit slavery as punishment for a crime, but it would permit the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to grant credits for incarcerated individuals. By voting “no” on this proposition, the constitution provision would be kept allowing for the use of involuntary servitude as punishment. Individuals charged with crime deserve the right to refuse any unethical task given that may result in violence or possible danger of their lives. However, this proposition may halt the discipline within incarcerated systems leading to many individuals getting away with certain crimes without punishment. In this case, involuntary servitude should only be implemented in order to pay off payments from damages, debts, or fines an individual may have. With this, inmates will be able to have a more ethical solution to pay for their crimes. With Proposition 6 being passed inmates would be able to prioritize their own rehabilitation along with pursuing their education and counseling, in contrast to being coerced into forced labor.

— Mia Peterson