Referendums are easy way out for legislators
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Editor,
In her column in the April 10 Valley Journal, Senator Janna Taylor in discussed the legislators’ approval of referendum bills. She states, “These referendums will go to the people for a vote. How can anyone object to having the people decide?”
Senator Taylor, I strongly object. This is a terrible way to govern, and it is your duty as a legislator to analyze, research, listen to testimonies, and make sound decisions to vote for or against proposed legislation. In the case of these four referendum bills (two House and two Senate), you and your fellow legislators (including Representative Greg Hertz) chose to pass these bills as referendums bills to avoid going to the governor. Apparently, the legislature was concerned that the governor would veto these four bills. If the governor were to veto the bills, the legislature can override the veto. But instead of doing their duty they punted and sent these issues to the voters. These referendums will appear on the November 2014 ballot.
This means that we the people will be asked to vote yes or no on legislation that we know little about. We do not have the analysis, research, testimony and fiscal impact for all of the referendum bills. This is a terrible way to govern.
I urge voters to vote no on these referendums in November 2014, regardless of the merit of the proposal, as this is not a good way to govern. I know 2014 is a long way off, but I will remind us all again in 2014.
Kathy Farmer
Polson
