January 31, 2007
Seattle Times opposes the attempted legislative coup against the citizen's right of initiative
The Seattle Times editorial board says "Don't weaken initiatives with tight restrictions"
The people's right of initiative and referendum would be needlessly weakened by the proposed ban on payment per signature
The editorial lists several initiatives that passed in recent years and reminds us:
Most of these proposals used some paid signature gatherers. We didn't agree with all of them, but the voters did. Making such decisions is a right the people don't want injured.
...
When Oregon enacted this ban, the number of measures making the ballot fell by two-thirds. Probably that made life easier for Oregon's legislators, but it reduced the rights of the people.
And we all know that's exactly why certain legislators and Sam Reed want to criminalize per-signature payments.
Posted by Stefan Sharkansky at January 31, 2007
11:53 AM | Email This
1. It is typical liberal economics. They can't stand having to perform in order to get paid.
2. Lets just run an initiative to repeal whatever stupid measures our wonderful Democrats come up with this session
3. B, Bring your dog down to the local bar and let's talk about starting the repeal.
4. I suspect that if Washington were a bright red state instead of a deep blue state, the Democrats wolud treat the initiative process as a holy sacrament.
5. 2&3- like starting with requiring a 2/3 vote to change the initiative process.
WRT Seattle Times- even a busted clock is right twice a day.
6. What ever happened to the government that was controlled by "we the people"? Well I think we should make sure that our voices are heard loud and clear- I say we listen to the Borgen Project who says that ending world hunger would only cost a mere $19 bilion annually, until 2025 when it would be solved. Come on people don't you want your voices to mean something- use them!
7. The people hated George W so bad that they created this state legislature. They have spoken! Let the Dims continue this rot and maybe the 2007 elections will create a more balance 2008 legislature with Dino as Governor!
8. Old Sgt-
I completely agree with your post. Big problem though, the dems have done nothing to fix the KC elections. In fact, the lack of a non-appointed Director of Elections and all-mail voting has increased the corrupt KC dems strangle hold over the state. Add to that, the virtual elimination of the inititive process- theoretically we may never have a valid election again in this state.
9. John Carlson has a good column in the Redmond Reporter (now that KC Journal is defunct) about why paid signature gathering actually results in a HIGHER percentage of legit sigs, over volunteer-gathered. In light of that, this whole effort to "put down" the power of the citizens is a travesty.
10. wait, I thought the Seattle Times was a liberal mouthpiece...(snicker)
11. This is so extremist that the Seattle Times opposed it. Just because Oregon did it - so this state wants to copy Oregon. In most cases, that's a better alternative, but not so here ! Socialism lurks in the wings thanks to these liberal elitist narcissistic thugs in Olympia !
Vote them all of those slobs who support this bill out at the next opportunity ! Message to voters of WA - you won't be able to blame Bush in the next election - he's not running (those of sound mind understand this)