BALLOT INITIATIVES GONE WILD

Here is my latest op-ed. It appears on a new site called Politix. 

You can read an excerpt below:

Here a ballot initiative, there a ballot initiative, everywhere in California a ballot initiative.

How did we get here? About a hundred years ago the processes of direct democracy spread across the country. States gave their citizens the ability to directly enact laws (via the ballot initiative), to directly repeal laws (via the referendum), and to oust elected officials (via the recall). The purpose of direct democracy is to empower average citizens and decrease the power than moneyed interests may have over elected officials. Sounds quaint, doesn't it?

An Open Letter to San Diego Mayor Bob Filner

Dear Mayor Bob Filner,

You do not know me, but like the rest of the sane individuals following your sexual harassment scandal, let me tell you, it is time to resign. Actually, allow me to restate that: It was time to resign weeks ago.
First, let me say I do believe in the fundamental principle that people are innocent until proven guilty. You have yet to have been found liable or guilty of anything in a court of law. But here is a news flash for you: You are an elected official. Members of the electorate went to the ballot box and put their faith in you to represent them fairly and honestly. You are failing to do that.

Now, you may ask, does it set a bad precedent to tell an official to resign just because he is accused of wrong doing? The answer is, it absolutely would if that were what I'm advocating, but I am not. The sheer volume of the complaints lodged against you is stunning. The substance of the complaints -- a myriad of unwanted sexual advances -- is deplorable.
As you well know, appearances matter in politics. Appearances also matter in government. Yes, those two things are still somewhat different. When your constituents have lost faith in your ability to govern, not to mention be alone with any woman, it is time to go.

It is increasingly difficult to get members of the electorate to go to the polls and take part in local, state, and federal government. People feel disconnected from their representatives. While this is a real problem, and it is long past the time to change the public's low regard of government, I only wish more of your constituents felt more disconnected from you. Your decision to stay in office is doing nothing to help the people's view of their elected representatives.

The only silver lining here is that the complaints lodged against you are shocking. Thank goodness there is nothing routine or acceptable about what so many women now claim you have subjected them to. 

Finish reading this post on KCET.org.

Are San Bernardino Recall Efforts Worth the Time and Money?

There is a concerted effort underway to toss out the majority of the City of San Bernardino's elected officials. The recall is targeted at the mayor, the city attorney, and all seven members of the city council. This is significant if only for the sheer number of elected officials that recall proponents are seeking to toss out of office.

I discussed this issue during a "live chat" hosted by the Los Angeles News Group.

Proponents of the recall contend that San Bernardino's elected officials are responsible for driving the city into bankruptcy. Those opposed claim that the recall is actually about the desire of the proponents to sell the city's water system for their own benefit. Opponents are busy circulating an "anti-recall" petition. I will not weigh in here on the propriety of either argument.

Those pushing for the recall are undoubtedly taking an aggressive, partly symbolic stand. The mayor and three City Council members are already up for re-election in November, when the recall election would be held. Further, the mayor has already stated that he will not run for another term.

Finish reading this post on KCET.org. 

Total recall -- what does it take to boot elected officials from office?

Looking forward to taking part in this on Monday 6/17/13. 

"Tensions are running high in San Bernardino, where 10 elected leaders are targeted in a massive recall that could change the face of local government and send a pointed message to officials statewide - shape up or face voters' wrath.

Join Loyola professor Jessica Levinson, reporter Ryan Hagen and editorial writer Jessica Keating at noon Monday for a live, interactive chat about the recall process in light of the recent attempt to remove all the elected officials from office in the bankrupt city of San Bernardino.

Pose a question or share your thoughts on the recall and its implications. You can join the conversation here Monday, or send your questions in advance to opinion@langnews.com."

"Fervor of Wisconsin debate shifts to recall elections"

"Nearly a month after the Wisconsin standoff over union rights ended, some of the fervor from that debate has shifted to recall efforts targeting lawmakers in both parties - Republicans who voted to cut back collective bargaining and Democrats who fled the state to try to stop them."

The Chicago Tribune has more.