Controversial initiatives are still on election ballot

Editor,

Many people that I have talked to recently think that the courts have "taken care of" CI-97(SOS), the dangerous and unnecessary budget cap initiative. That is not the case. This initiative and the others supported by big out-of-state money, CI-98 and I-154, are still on the ballot. Until the Supreme Court rules we will not know whether the votes will be counted. Urge everyone you know to vote as if it will count.

It is very important that everyone educate themselves about these very dangerous initiatives.

CI-97 would shrink state government every year and threaten basic services such as health care, schools, police, firefighters and roads, hurting Montana families, children and seniors. Local property taxes and fees would have to be raised. Twenty-two states have rejected measures like CI-97 and Colorado, the only state that ever tried it, has voted to suspend their version because it has caused so many problems for the state. Go to www.notinmontana.org for more information on CI-97 and vote as if it will count.

CI-98 allows for the recall of judges for any reason. Current law provides for the recall of public officials, including judges, for cause and elections for general voter displeasure. This initiative would allow judges to be recalled before the end of their terms for the decisions they make. This would require judges to pay as much or more attention to the polls of public opinion as to the law in making their decisions. Certainly this initiative can be used to harass and intimidate sitting judges. Go to the Secretary of State's website at sos.state.mt.us and search for CI-98 to learn more and vote as if it will count.

I-154 is a raw deal for Montana taxpayers, written by special interests for special interests. It would create big expensive loopholes in Montana law where irresponsible developers and speculators could demand huge payouts from taxpayers for alleged losses to their property values. While described as reforming "eminent domain," I-154 would handcuff communities and neighborhoods by taking away their traditional safeguards against irresponsible development. If special interests are not paid off, communities must simply waive their rules. Go to www.no154.org and vote as if it will count.

Jean Abel

Polson