Monday, September 25, 2006

Most Constitutional Amendments Passed in Florida Aren't Proper Subject-Matter for a Constitution

Lloyd Dunkelberger of the Gainesville Sun writes that "[a] ballot measure designed to make it more difficult for citizens and interest groups to amend the state constitution is being pushed by major businesses, developers and large agricultural groups."

I agree that it should be harder to amend the State Constitution. Specific action items should never be in a constitution. Ever. Most of the ballot initiatives for Constitutional Amendments in Florida is subject matter that is legislative in nature. It is wrong to put that stuff in the Constitution. That is why I never sign ballot initiatives, or vote in favor of them.

This particular ballot measure will rectify the problem. I agree with opponents that we the People need to have an avenue whereby we can force the government to do what we want. They need to put their money where their mouths are, though. Put out a ballot initiative to amend the Florida constitution to allow the People to pass legislation in the same manner as they currently amend the State Constitution; and make it impossible for the legislature to nullify citizen legislation for at least seven years.