Early ballots for the Nov. 6 election are here. It’s important, and our civic responsibility, to research candidates and issues before we cast our votes.

Proposition 127 promotes “clean energy,” but it would place another big-government mandate on energy production in Arizona. If approved, it would threaten the ability of our state to use Palo Verde nuclear power facility as a reliable, efficient source of electricity. It would almost certainly mean that we will pay higher prices for electricity. This was tried in California; it’s being promoted here by a well-known supporter of “progressive”/ liberal causes from California. Let’s not repeat that mistake in Arizona. “No” on 127 is the logical vote.

Proposition 306 addresses the clean elections financing of political campaigns. The current system was instituted to lessen big-money influence on candidates, allowing a candidate to collect individual $5 donations and then receive campaign funds from the state. However, the system allows candidates to divert their “clean election” funds to a political party or PAC. Those funds don’t have to be used only for that candidate, thus defeating the whole “clean election” concept. A “yes” on 306 would restore some “clean” back into the process.

We will also be electing a U.S. congressman and Arizona Corporation Commissioners. Congressman David Schweikert and Commissioner Justin Olson are running for re-election. They will be our guests at Fountain Hills AZ Tea Party on Thursday evening, Oct. 18, at 6:30 p.m., providing you with an opportunity to hear directly from them and ask your questions. The meeting will be at the Fountain Hills Unified School District Learning Center (northeast corner, Golden Eagle and Palisades).

Please join us at this last meeting before the election and visit fhteaparty.us for more information.