The Citizen
One of the checks MisÂsouri votÂers have on the power of state politiÂcians is in jeopÂardy: Sen. Jolie JusÂtus (D–Kansas City) is takÂing aim at the initiative-petition process, which allows MisÂsouriÂans to band together to put laws and conÂstiÂtuÂtional amendÂments on the statewide ballot. This is incredÂiÂbly imporÂtant, because some polÂicy changes that would greatly benÂeÂfit MisÂsouri can be so politÂiÂcally unviÂable that politiÂcians won’t proÂpose them. PetiÂtions cirÂcuÂlatÂing this year would limit emiÂnent domain and impose term limÂits on top state officials.
Both the town and school district warrant articles seeking the adoption of RSA 40:13, the Official Ballot Act, failed to receive support from voters during Tuesday’s election. By a vote of 456-696, the warrant article seeking to change to official ballot voting, commonly referred to as SB2, was defeated for the town.
The city of Auburn wants to increase the amount of money it can spend and borrow on green energy projects. But the citizens have to approve the change before it goes on the books. City officials are looking to get a public referendum on the November ballot that, if passed, would raise a spending cap currently in place for all public utility projects. The cap has limited spending on energy projects to $2.5 million each for more than a decade.