It has become quite clear why daily, more independents, Democrats, and even moderate Republicans are now opposing Gov. Schwarzenegger's special election power-play. Californians, in growing numbers, do not support his efforts to subject our state to failed right-wing politics and policies.

That is why the Napa County Democratic Central Committee strongly urges Napa County residents to vote no on Propositions 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, and 78. In contrast, we urge voters to vote yes on Propositions 79 and 80. Vote no on propositions 73-78 because these worthy-sounding titles hide the fact they are bad law -- wolves cloaked as innocent sheep.

Vote no on Proposition 73 because while parents rightfully want to be involved in their teenagers' lives, government cannot mandate good family communication. Vote no on Prop. 73 because it could eventually lead to an erosion of our right to privacy, and especially a women's right to make the most intimate and personal decisions concerning her health and body. Prop. 73 enshrines a very controversial definition of life into the California Constitution.

Vote no on Proposition 74 because it penalizes creative and outspoken new teachers who want to change the system. We need to support and encourage new teachers, not blame them for school problems created by under-funding and overcrowding. Schools can already fire struggling teachers. Vote no on Prop. 74 because picking on teachers does not improve our schools.

Vote no on Proposition 75 because working people need a strong voice at the table. Prop. 75 will make it harder for unions to represent their members, just what Gov. Schwarzenegger and his big money donors want. Unions continue to fight today to protect safe and fair working conditions, living wages and overtime pay for all working people. Vote no on Prop. 75 so unions can continue to strongly represent us.

Vote no on Proposition 76 because it changes the California Constitution and gives Gov. Schwarzenegger draconian powers to cut essential services, like school, police, fire, and health care without legislative or public approval. The governor already has veto power to strike some funding from the budget. Vote no on Prop. 76 and preserve the balance of power between the legislature and governor.

Vote no on Proposition 77 because letting three partisan ex-judges draw new legislative districts based on old data is not fair representation. Prop. 77 would require redrawing legislative boundaries next year, not taking into account the migration of several million new Californians, because current census data is five years old. Also, while new legislative districts would take effect immediately, voters do not ratify the three judge's decision until the next election. Vote no on Prop. 77 because it does not represent real redistricting reform.

Vote no on Proposition 78 because the drug industry is essentially trying to regulate itself through the ballot box. Prop. 78 proposes volunteerism in order to reduce drug prices. The same drug companies that now resist lower drug prices would not suddenly volunteer to do so under a new state program. Vote no on Prop. 78.

Vote yes on Proposition 79 -- the real prescription drug reform. Prop. 79 seeks to lower drug prices for a broader group of uninsured patients -- families earning up to $77,000 -- by requiring the state to negotiate on their behalf. Prop. 79 is backed by consumer groups. Vote yes on Prop. 79.

Vote yes on Proposition 80. While not a perfect solution, Prop. 80 will alter the regulation of electricity utilities in California and empower the PUC to better control the state's electricity future. California can not afford more "brown-outs." Vote yes on Prop. 80 because it promotes alternative energy sources.

Help stop Arnold's power grab and help get California back on track. Si, se puede! Remember, Vote no on propositions 73-78 and yes on propositions 79 and 80 on Nov. 8!

The Napa County Democratic Central Committee has 23 members representing the five county supervisorial districts. The group meets every second Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the NCTPA meeting room, 707 Randolph Street, Napa. For more information on the propositions, visit www.democratsofnapavalley.org.

(Knight is Chairperson of the Napa County Democratic Central Committee.)