Income tax, marijuana and greyhounds II

MA's Governor Deval Patrick is happy with the outcome of Tuesday's election. Not only because of Obama. Patrick has another reason to celebrate: The majority of voters rejected an initiative to abolish state income tax. At stake has been 40 % of the state's income.

Personally, I'm glad that the voice of reason was stronger than the love for the own (filled) wallet. Hospitals, bridges, highways, schools - their construction and maintenance are expensive and how else are we going to pay for it if not with taxes?

The other two ballot questions in MA were approved: Voters were in favor of decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of marijuana and they voted for the ban of dog racing. The four greyhound tracks must close by 2010.

Income tax, marijuana and greyhounds

What do have income tax, marijuana and greyhounds in common? All three are topics of ballot questions in Massachusetts at the election next week.

I'm particularly curious whether MA voters will vote in favor of eliminating the 5.3%income tax. This would wipe out 40 % of the state budget and I can't imagine how MA then will pay for police officers, firefighters, teachers, social services, health care......On the long run, if approved, I expect property taxes and sales taxes to go up.

Ballot question 2 is about decriminalizing marijuana possession: If approved by voters and then also put into law, a person stopped by police with one ounce or less of marijuana will face only civil penalties instead of criminal penalties. It would be then more like a traffic ticket and nothing will show up on the criminal record.

And with the third question, MA voters get the opportunity to ban greyhound races. This was tried twice before but always defeated.

If the polls are right, there will be a NO to question 1 and a YES to question 2. Question 3 is too close to call.