Politics & Government

Just 9 Weeks To Go Before the Nov. 6 Election. Are You Up On the Issues?

Democracy is a participatory sport.

You've seen the lawn signs, received the robo calls and maybe a mailer or two.

But are you educated on the issues that will be on this November's ballot?

If you need more help understanding , the parcel tax measure that aims to raise funds for local parks and recreational facilities, you don't want to miss the October 2 forum organized by Mayor Dave Glass. (Location is yet to be determined.)

Find out what's happening in Petalumawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Measure X wants to charge a tax between $52 and $450 per property, with money going to improvements at eight different sites including ballfields, parks and the East Washington Swim Center. But opponents, such as the Sonoma County Tax Payers' Association, say it will be difficult to regulate how the funds are used once they are collected. 

Another hot-button issue before voters is Proposition 37, which would require labeling on raw or processed food offered for sale to consumers if the food is made from plants or animals with genetic material changed in specified ways. 

Find out what's happening in Petalumawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

It would also prohibit labeling or advertising such food as "natural."

Backers, who include the Organic Consumers' Association, various doctors and small farmers, say it's needed to give shoppers more information about their food and would be in line with regulations in many other developed countries.

Opponents, who include the California Farm Bureau Federation and California Small Business Association, call it a "deceptive, deeply flawed food labeling scheme that adds more government bureaucracy, creates new frivolous lawsuits, and increase food costs by billions--without providing any health or safety benefits."

When it comes to candidates, six Petaluma residents are vying for three spots on the council. Check out our Q&As with all the candidates here.

All will soon have a chance to debate vital issues facing Petaluma at two candidate forums. The first is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 12 at the Sheraton starting 5:30pm. The second forum will be held Thursday, Sept. 27 at 7pm at City Hall.

What are you most concerned about in this year's election? Share your thoughts in the comments below.


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