Rights in jeopardy

I am deeply troubled by the threats posed by two proposed city ballot initiatives on our right to free speech guaranteed under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The initiatives proposed by Envision Spokane and Spokane Moves to Amend the Constitution would take away the ability for nonprofits, businesses and individuals to meet and speak freely with elected officials.

I strongly support the decision by the Spokane County commissioners and other community leaders to seek judicial review of these two initiatives, especially after the court ruled a similar proposal in Bellingham represented an abuse of the local initiative process.

Certainly, this Spokane measure is unconstitutional. No local government can take away federally protected rights. That’s not who we are. It’s not the reputation we want for Spokane. And such a measure is likely to be challenged, dragging the city (and taxpayers) into what would become a lengthy and expensive lawsuit.

I am using my First Amendment rights to speak up now. We don’t need these initiatives. To find out more, I encourage you to visit www.allianceforacompetitiveeconomy.com.

Mary O’Donnell

Spokane