I really disagree with Tom's approach to the initiative process.
It's sort of like asking the fox to guard the chicken coop. I know
that there have been some dumb proposals presented as initiatives,
but I also know that the legislature has passed some dumb laws of its
own. This seems to be saying that the legislature really knows best.
I agree that Ron Rankin is a real pain in the butt, but I'm willing
to put up with his excesses to preserve the initiative process. The
whole idea of the initiative process is to offer a way for the
citizens to bypass the legislature. I see no reason for the
legislature to be involved at all. Nor do I see any way that the
proposed committee of citizens whose appointment depends on the
governor and legislative leaders could do any more than is already
being done, and I do see some potential danger in their involvement.
The voter isn't as dumb as some might think. Much of
what the committee is supposed to do is being done one way or another
anyway. I might look more favorably on producing some guidelines for
collecting signatures, but let's not tinker with the process itself.
I'm convinced that the only way we are going to get meaningful and
effective campaign finance reform is through the initiative process.
Bert Cross
Bert Cross
1448 Borah Ave.
Moscow, ID 83843
Phone: (208) 882-7660
email: bcross@uidaho.edu