RE: Initiative Process

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

I'm responding to your question Taylor about the "good intent" in public initiatives.  My perception from work in two states centers on the impression that there had been a disconnect between decision makers and the public.  The decision makers weren't listenting to what the public was saying the important issues were (assumption), and therefore the public decided to take its' own action (via initiatives) in framing an issue for deliberation and a general vote.  I'm assuming the intent was to send a clear message to the respective state capitol that the legislators and lobbyists are not focusing on the issues and that citizens can be motivated to act independently.  

I believe that populist approach has been successful in at least scaring most legislators half to death!

Unfortunately, special interest groups, acting on behalf of the public, have not engaged people in deliberating those issues.  They end up leveraging policy in much the same way that traditional lobbyists and special interest groups have.

The public and legislators must be engaged together in deliberating the issues.
If that doesn't happen, then voters think they are passing something "worthwhile", yet states end up with legislation that can gut their transportation infrastructure (like Washington State) or potentially change land use and bankrupt local governments(like measure 7 in Oregon).