Sen. Jeri Costa’s Jan. 28 guest editorial, “Initiative hearings would add information,” stated, “I believe the initiative process encourages citizen participation in state government, and I have no intention or desire to restrict that involvement in any way.” However, the senator goes on to promote hearings on every proposed initiative by appropriate Senate and House committees so that everybody that has an ax to grind will be heard, both pro and con.
On the surface this looks like a fair and appropriate idea. However, the senator’s legislation will do several things that are not right. One, it will allow the con group, who did not expend time, effort or money, to be questioned by the legislators or groups that oppose the initiative without risk. It would also place a burden on the initiative proponents to defend it in front of groups or legislators that oppose it, including media, that sometimes work to the benefi of political groups – all to the detriment of Washington’s constitutionally protected initiative process.
If the senator thinks this is such a great idea, she should stop trying to change the Washington constitutional intent with legislation intended to protect those who like things to remain status quo. If it’s such a great idea, propose a constitutional amendment. Otherwise let the process continue as provided by law.
Gerald M. Schackman
Arlington
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