A few folks are suggesting a popular vote on Mr. Hagadone's request to take over Sherman and 1st street and restrict use on 2nd street so he can have a grand entrance to his resort complex. We can't go to the polls for every hot issue. Our government is not a pure democracy. We have a representative form of government known as a Republic. Let those we elect make their decision. But there is an opportunity for direct democracy, if needed, in the form of Initiative and Referendum. Until the mid '70's only state legislative acts could created directly by the people through Initiative or be put to a popular vote through the Referendum.

I authored the legislation that extended initiative and referendum to local units of government. If our electeds won't respond to needed laws or ordinances we can force it with the initiative. On the other hand, if our electeds enact bad laws or ordinances, we can force a referendum to change or repeal the offending law. If the behavior is so offensive that the trust is beyond repair, the Recall is also available to throw the rascals out. So lets hear all the pros and cons, let our electeds know we feel about it and let them decide.

Gary Ingram
State Representative 1972-1980

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