But when there are initiatives on the ballot, these are not laws that our representative members drew up. These are laws that originated from the public and were decided beneficial to our societal well-being. Thus they are put to the vote. This seems like a wonderful check and balance procedure in case our corrupted politicians have blocked the process of representing “We the people”.
But here is the arrangement I was introduced to….
I was speaking to some very intelligent gentlemen who were professional initiative drivers. They introduced me to the process of what it takes getting an initiative into law. Part of me was intrigued, and part of me was horrified.
Here is the process.
There needs to be an idea or concept that will sell. That doesn’t necessarily mean sell to the American public, but sell to corporations. As politics has meshed with business, few initiatives will get to the ballot box without money.
So, let’s say Hank grabs a concept… gay marriage, universal health coverage, global warming, environmentalism… and begins making his pitch to corporations to donate to his cause. The corporations will decide to donate or not, as they please, looking at the potential positive benefits for their business.
So, let’s say Hank finds enough corporations to donate to the cause and will look at a number of say $1.2 million raised. With that amount (in Oregon a voter initiative requires 200,000 signatures) you deduct $2 per signature for signature gatherers, some manager fees and the rest is profit.
So what does it come down to: $400,000 for signature gatherers, maybe $200,000 for managers and $600,000 to the initiative developer (Hank). That is not bad money for one years work. And there in lies the problem.
Typically, when you see signature gatherers they have four or five petitions to sign for. That means the guys like Hank are running four or five initiatives at the same time. If five initiatives pass with the numbers listed above, you are looking at $3 million for an election year.
But here are the hard points.
Hank doesn’t care if it passes. He is in it for the money. His work is to get the initiative on the ballot. There is no marketing or assurances he gives to get the bill passed. That is why there are bills on the ballot which have no reason being there… because Hank could sell it to someone even though the population at large does not want it (you see that with occasional marijuana initiatives and the like).
The initiative I was briefed on was to open an Indian casino in Portland, OR. They were interested in finding a reservation where the Indians had money and pitching them an off reservation casino. They didn’t care if the measure passed, they were looking at the backend money. There was no consideration to the damage gambling does to people or the neighborhoods they are participated in.
Also, Hank doesn’t have a problem compromising his beliefs. As I was told, there were some initiatives which were marketed that compromised their personal beliefs yet as they tell all the voters “Put it on the ballot and let the people decide.”
I believe this is a cop-out. The reason 200,000 signatures are required is because the government demands at least 200,000 people desire the initiative to pass to allow it to hit the ballot. If it is a blanket “sign it and who cares”… then that defeats the purpose of the signatures all together.
I have strong moral convictions and opinions on how things should be handled. I urge you to never put your name on anything you wouldn’t teach your kids to do or that violate a value you uphold.
And yet, I have been opened to the amazing system of politics. I have firm beliefs, a business mentality and a conservative disposition. I will consider the legislative process carefully and see how or if I shall participate in this practice.
I urge you to have a like mind. Our political system is void if not for the participation of individual voters and communities. We are all that stands before the corruption of government. It is we who failed if we dislike where our government is directed. Maybe you found a way to make a difference in our country, state or nation.
Follow through and keep swinging.