Sunday, November 03, 2013
Point of diminishing Eyman
Tim Eyman has been generating referenda here in Wash for a long time. A few of his measures have made good sense, but like any other NGO or agency, he keeps running and running after the ideas and missions are gone.
Now he's passed the point of negative return. One of his earlier referenda will end up ruining all future referenda.
There are no high-powered campaigns for or against the nonbinding Advisory Votes 3 through 7. No statements pro or con in the state Voters’ Pamphlet. No websites with videos or lists of endorsers. Tim Eyman, whose 2007 initiative set up the process of giving voters a chance to express an opinion on taxes the Legislature approves, said the measures give voters quick information on what taxes were raised, how much they cost and which legislators voted for or against. The measures – costing an estimated $240,000 for the printing of extra pages in this year’s Voters’ Pamphlet – are an inexpensive way to provide legislators with public feedback, he said.Wrong. Lack of information outside the ballot isn't the problem. Too much meaningless information on the face of the ballot is the problem. This year's ballot was 1/3 candidates, 1/3 real referenda and 1/3 "advisory votes". The substantial referenda, including an important one on labeling GMO foods, are diminished and devalued by these empty-calorie snack votes that have zero effect. I'm generally well informed and a careful reader. I pay no attention to candidates because they are meaningless. I do try to vote thoughtfully on referenda, because some of them can make a real and permanent change. This time it was difficult to separate the real refs from the fake "advisory" thingamajigs. Presumably a less careful reader will have even more trouble sifting out the important bits. ¶ 2:41 AM
