Citizens in Charge

On our last survey we asked, “Do you think public officials should be able to weigh in on ballot initiatives?”

The results were pretty clear, 73% of respondents said Yes, government officials should make their positions known on important issues.

The question arose around story about Alaska’s Governor Palin. Critics were upset at her vocal support for some ballot measures in the state.

Here are some of the comments from the survey:

“They are US Citizens so they have a right to have their voices heard as well. However, their vote should have no more weight than any other citizen’s vote.”
From: Sgenung

“They should be able to express their opinions as would any citizen, but they should NOT be permitted to directly endorse or discourage any initiative.”
From: Harleymike

“Not when they are going to vote on the initiative.”
From: Leondonahue

“That way you know where they stand and you can vote them in or out of office at the next election.”
From: Clvanauken

“Ideally, they should answer a broad range of written questions on the effect of both passage and rejection of the item, from a government impact. They should also give their opinion, specifically designated as such. They should NOT use their positions to lobby or run advertisements for ballot initiatives.”
From: Docurban

“Ballot initiatives are the citizens last barricade against the self-interests of entrenched public officials. They have a voice on these matters already—their vote.”
From: Dbshaver

“We, the people, vote for the public officials for what we think they can do and their particular beliefs and political philosophies. Just because we don’t always agree with them doesn’t mean we should not hear their opinion and why the have a differing opinion. We, the people, have a right to our opinions. Public officials have a right to theirs. They would be stupid, however, to know the public’s opinion far differs from theirs & then “enforce” their own opinion instead of our “will/opinion”.
From: Edrodemoye

“The governor of California does all the time. So what difference does it make? Unless you are a conservative, I would guess.”
From: PWC

“Does freedom of speech end based upon your job title?”
From: Simon

“Every citizen has a right to state his/her views. Last I heard Sarah Palin is a citizen.“
From: Sbutterfield

“We still have a 1st Amendment. Allowing politicians to voice their opinions also gives the citizens proof of weather the politicians should be kept in office!”
From: Tcfan

“It is important to here their point of view. It may motivate voters to do just the opposite for good reason!”
From: Ericedp

“The public officials should not have the right or ability to comment on ballot initiatives. The public officials WORK FOR THE PEOPLE not the reverse.”
From: Rvjim

“Why the heck not??”
Anonymous