It may not be the worst idea on this year's ballot in Arkansas, but it's got to be a leading contender for that dishonor. The proposal to extend term limits by claiming only to establish them (Ballot Issue No. 3) has a lock on that sad distinction.
But this Ballot Issue No. 1 is up there--or it down there?--with the worst. It would amend the state's constitution to keep any ruling by a state agency from going into effect until a legislative committee reviews and approves it. That is, until our esteemed legislators can get their hands on what is basically a decision to be made by the executive branch and twist it for their own purposes. Talk about ignoring a basic constitutional principle, in this case the separation of powers, this isn't just a bad idea but a dangerous one,
Happily, the voters can stop these legislators before they screw up any more of the state's constitution. We the people can do that by voting AGAINST Ballot Issue No. 1--so let that be your first Against vote, your own No. 1, come election day.
Editorial on 10/21/2014