term limits
Progressive columnist Randy Shaw recently offered New York City as an example of the protections that come from a healthy process of initiative and referendum (emphasis mine):
Akron, Ohio mayor Don Plusquellic, who has been in office for over two decades, survived a recall election last month by a wide margin. Recall supporters had accused the mayor of playing fast and loose with the taxpayers’ money, ethics violations, and questionable campaign financing amongst other things.
A recent editorial in Salt Lake City’s Deseret News takes a shot at California’s much-maligned initiative process, claiming Utah’s highly restricted ballot initiative process to be superior. Much of the blame for California’s current financial woes has been misdirected at the state’s ballot initiative process, and the historic Proposition 13 property tax limitation in particular.
A university student has launched a petition drive to limit members of the Rancho Santa Margarita city council to two terms. Currently council members can serve an unlimited number of four-year terms.
Last month California voters weighed in on - and largely rejected - a series of ballot measures that lawmakers claimed would fix the state’s budget. Among those rejected was Proposition 1B which would have funneled $7.1 billion to school funding. Even though the plan was rejected by 2/3 of voters, it looks like the state legislature wants to go ahead and do it anyway.
A group of Marshall citizens began a petition drive to put term limits for city officials to a vote of the people. Residents decided to use the ballot initiative process after the city council voted not to put the matter on the ballot. The proposed charter amendment will need 731 signatures to make the 2010 ballot.
Supporters of a ballot initiative that would limit all statewide office holders to 2 four-year terms have began collecting signatures. They hope to place the measure on the November 2010 ballot.
Denver’s KBDI Channel 12 today broadcasted an interview with Paul Jacob, President of Citizens in Charge Foundation, discussing the ballot initiative and referendum (I&R) process. Host Jon Caldera of the Independence Institute asked Jacob questions on reforming the I&R process, its affects on voters and public policy.