Sunday, April 24, 2005

Mike Takes the Initiative

Representative Mike Ball (10th District) in Alabama had a piece in the Birmingham News last Christmas Eve on voter initiatives. He'’s for `em.

His whole commentary on permitting voters to generate ballot questions is available here. He was inspired by Roosevelt -- Theodore, not Franklin.

He concludes:
Whether candidates will admit it or not, debate during a campaign for political office revolves around personalities and general political party philosophy; however, when an initiative is on the ballot, debate revolves around issues. An open, reasonable initiative process does not undermine the ability of the legislature to represent the people, but it empowers the legislative process by encouraging the discussion and debate of meaningful issues. By trusting the people of Alabama with access to the initiative process, the legislature would be moving a long way toward gaining the credibility needed to effectively address the problems facing our state.

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