Envisioning cowardice

Monday night (July 27) witnessed another unfortunate display of weak-kneed City Council leadership regarding Envision Spokane’s “bill of rights,” a dangerous scattershot measure assailing the rights of many in favor of rights of a few and enforceable by the same.

Platitudes of fear and trust were given while hiding behind statements of “not interfering with the initiative process, hopefully the voters will make the right decision, and we should trust the voters to be informed before they vote on this.”

Piously claiming opponents were fear-motivated, did the council not stand against a knowingly flawed ballot title fearing Envision legal reprise and accusations of interference with democracy? While they presented justifiable challenges of the proponents, they cited debatable legal advice about SMC 2.02.100(c) stating they could not alter the ballot title.

Trust of the voter’s wisdom was upheld as paramount. As a voter, I want to vote based on information, not propaganda. Envision’s Web site consists of simplistic, unsubstantiated propaganda statements and makes it all but impossible to find the actual “bill.” Making information retrieval difficult hinders voters from informing themselves.

Do Envision’s proponents themselves distrust and fear an informed electorate? Envision, be transparent to voters. Please trust voters with all information.

Grant Rodkey

Spokane