Citizens in Charge

As the mentioned here, the most famous Massachusetts initiative petition is known as “Proposition 2 1/2”, which just happens to be a perfect example of the fusion between the state and local level I&R processes in the Commonwealth. Ever since Prop. 2 1/2 passed in 1982, voters in a municipality must pass a “Proposition 2 1/2 override” to increase property taxes beyond 2.5% of the assessed value of all taxable property contained in it the municipality. Towns rarely do pass Prop. 2 1/2 overrides. However, when they do, it is usually because the residents of a town banded together and decided that there was a dire need for the increase - usually related directly to the funding of the town’s public school - an example of democracy at its most effective!

Are you from Massachusetts? Have you initiated or voted on a town or city level ballot question? Or perhaps voted for or against a Proposition 2 1/2 override?