From Deseret News archives:
Power to the people — or politicians
Pignanelli: I share the Gipper's enthusiasm for our fellow citizens and support frequent public referenda. But, the initiative process is again in question because some Utahns are gathering signatures to nullify items passed in the recent legislative session: the voucher program and funding of the soccer stadium.
LaVarr offers the tired argument we live in a republic and our elected leaders are empowered to make decisions. But important issues need to be debated when officials — intentionally or unintentionally — circumvent constructive dialogue. Also, some matters are so huge that public participation is in the best interests of society.
For example, tremendous amounts of radioactive waste are dumped every year in Utah, but there was never a vote in the Legislature to establish this policy. Thus, the need for the 2002 radioactive waste initiative was imperative. Currently, the subsidization of private education through vouchers is a dramatic shift in policy for a state that has so few students outside the public education system. Again, this matter has been outside the debate in legislative elections, thereby necessitating public deliberation.
During the upcoming petitions signature process, we will hear of other bogeymen, including California's overwrought initiative process or that the small number of left-wing extremists will somehow get their way. Admittedly, California has gone overboard (although their economy remains vigorous), but Utah is far from that situation. Further, protections exist to prevent domination by a handful of individuals. Unfortunately, local opponents of initiatives have made the process outrageously burdensome.
Participation in such ballot activities is not for the timid — activists are usually unpaid and subject to harassment. (I was the pro bono campaign manager for the radioactive waste initiative, and LaVarr's buddies sued me and threatened my livelihood.) Initiatives are not perfect: Voters can be misled and money can influence the outcome. In other words, ballot measures mirror traditional elections.
Most initiatives and referenda in Utah's history were focused on crucial policy matters, and our state has benefited from such deliberations. The attempt to instill some sense into the state policy of allowing radioactive waste in our borders was stomped by opponents who outspent us 10 to 1. Yet, I would do it all over again. Our efforts to educate Utahns as to the activity in Tooele County eventually led to the voluntary prohibition of disposing even higher levels of toxic garbage.
