Los Banos Rotary Club History
Rotarians End Ballot Forum

The local Rotary Club Tuesday noon concluded a two-week discussion of the state propositions that are scheduled for voter decision at the election next Tuesday. Program chairman Mike Dambrosio instituted the discussion two weeks ago, calling upon several of the club members for pros and cons of each proposal, Dambrosio emphasized throughout the discussion that the speakers were assigned their topics and frequently their arguments did not represent their own conclusions as to the proposal's merit.

On Proposition No. 10, a McLain measure designed to prohibit expenditure of public funds for support of organizations or groups striving to sponsor or prohibit proposed state legislation, Frank Peluso was assigned the affirmative. He criticized the thinking of groups and individuals who oppose the proposal for their lack of arguments that have been propounded against it, saying the Sate Chamber of Commerce and other groups most active in defeating the measure have merely stated that it is a McLain measure, that it is wrong and must not be permitted. He also pointed out that the Chamber of Commerce at the national level is mostly supported by big business and is not necessarily "for the little guy," and therefore their stamp of approval or disapproval may well be viewed with skepticism by the average man. C. W. Bates, manager of the Spring Fair and Livestock Show in Los Banos and secretary of the Central Calif. Irrigation district, said he was truly speaking his own convictions when he was assigned to speak against No. 10. He said it was purely a vengeance bill proposed by McLain, that it would prove very detrimental to the best interests of this and every other small community in the state, and should by all means be defeated.

On No. 13, which would prohibit cross filing by candidates, B. A. Wilson took the affirmative and Chas. Kaljian the negative. Wilson said cross-filing is political hypocrisy, said it would tend to destroy the two-party system, and is encouraging to private lobbyists who endeavor to dominate legislation. Kaljian said cross-filing does not tend to destroy the two-party system, that it enables voters in both major parties to vote for the man whom they believe most capable and qualified for the job, and relieves deserving candidates from the expense and time of a second political campaign in event he wins both nominations in the primary election. He also said that cross-filing is discouraging to racket-ridden political machines that control most politics in some states.

Before concluding the session, program chairman Dambrosio, who is the city administrative officer, took a few additional minutes to personally urge a No vote on Proposition 10, pointing out that it would be very detrimental to smaller communities such as Los Banos. At every session of the legislature, special interests promote and endeavor to secure the passage of legislation which would not be for the best interests of the average small town. Only by group organization, such as the League of California Cities, afford to maintain personnel who will watch for and guard such possibly harmful legislation at Sacramento.

October 31, 1952

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