Over at intrepid reporter Josh's place there is a quote from a release from State Senator Gary Cates on an issue that we discussed here on WMD:The amendment allows the county commissioners of any county with a population in excess of 1.2 million to put before the voters a county government restructuring plan designed to promote a more efficient form of government. This is permissive language that requires voter approval.”, Senator Cates wants an amendment that would require such restructuring plan to be a citizen initiative placed on the ballot with a required minimum signature requirement of 15% of the total votes cast for governor in that county in the last gubernatorial election.Previously on WMD, Sen. Cates had indicated that he stood with us on this issue. Here are his comments:
Yesterday, the other two county commissioners in Cuyahoga (Jones & Dimora) issued a statement that they would not support the proposal unless it applied to all counties. I have heard from my county officials and choose to stand with them and the voters. I have submitted an amendment to strip the language out of the bill. It is appalling that a few powerful politicans would impose their will on everyone else. I call the plan, The Forrest Gump Proposal, "Stupid is as stupid does". I may not be successful in stopping this train wreck, but I'll stand up and do the right thing.The bill, as it is, is nothing more than a consolodation of power and fails to accomplish the goal that was intended. The problem of corruption atthe local levels of government is not going to be solved by putting in to place a system whereby nepotism could florish and thrive.
We, the People may not get it right every time, but having a voice in who runs our government ensures that we continue to have a voice in how our government is run.
