RE: Citizen initiatives and accountability

[F.X. Rosica <frosica@gfn.org>]

Would the recall process be an effective way to hold elected officials accountable and to ensure that the public's concerns are heard? 

I'd estimate about as effective as term limits.  The process is available as has been used with some effect.   However, it wouldn't hold office holders accountable.

How would you reconcile this action with the concerns about voter apathy and citizens disengagement?

Part of the issue is that we voters have removed ourselves from what we consider "our stake" in political decisions being made.  We should take a closer look at communities where recalls have been successful and see if there has been any changes in voter participation and action afterwards.


What questions do we need to ask ourselves before we are comfortable that we have fully explored the benefits and trade-offs of this action? 

Let's take a harder look at why and how lobbying is so successful.  It does have its' merits and weaknesses.  Like most systems though, it can be abused.
Maybe more citizen lobbying efforts, like the CPO's in Oregon would but citizens lobbying efforts at par with the "suits" in our capitol buildings?