Citizens in Charge

Even opponents of Initiative 517 in Washington state have largely conceded that the ballot measure’s provisions to allow citizens more time to gather signatures on petitions and also to allow a public vote on any issue garnering the requisite number of voter signatures make good sense.

Still, opponents argue that, “Under I-517, it would be easier and cheaper for [Tim] Eyman to qualify future initiatives to the ballot…” Mr. Eyman is well known – loved and hated – for his work placing initiatives on the ballot to limit taxes and hold government accountable. But what opponents don’t mention is that Eyman has been very successful under the current rules. What I-517 will do is make it easier for everyone else.

Opponents also claim that under I-517 “property rights would be disregarded” because the measure guarantees a right to petition on public sidewalks and in public buildings.

“Something I find really ironic is opponents are using property rights as a red herring to try and defeat it,” writes Lary Coppola, publisher of the Kitsap peninsula Business journal, “In my view, that’s a bogus argument of convenience.”

“The truth is,” he continues, “I-517 has nothing at all to do with property rights. Court rulings going back more than three decades have reaffirmed the people’s constitutional right to petition in places open to the public, and those rights will continue.”

Coppola’s support rests on the fact that “I-517 also extends the time for collecting signatures, and deters opponents from bullying voters at signature-gathering locations. I’ve always been a strong supporter of the initiative process and will be voting for I-517 because I think it’s just common sense to preserve one of the few hammers citizens have to make Olympia listen.”


Lary Coppola column in Kitsap Peninsula Business Journal:
http://kpbj.com/opinions/the_last_word/2013-09-30/pot_i_517_and