In 1902, Oregon was the first of 23 states to allow voters themselves to place issues on the ballot in the form of initiatives. Since then the state has seen more than 300 votes on various ballot proposals, from property tax relief to allowing self-service gas stations.

From beginning in 1902, special interests hated the initiative. They along with the skeptics complained of ballot clutter and argued that the state legislature should make more decisions. They promoted their own initiative to make it harder for measures to make the ballot. But Oregon's voters overwhelmingly rejected the limitation on their right of direct democracy.

Fortunately, Washington State has the power of the initiative. We the people can still control our own destiny. An initiative is the non political voice of the people. It is when our fellow citizens regardless of political party membership sign a petition asking that a new law may appear on the ballot. Then everybody gets to vote on it.

Initiatives are not universally loved. Back in 1911, the then Republican President of the United States, William Howard Taft, said:

"Could any system be devised better adapted to the exaltation of cranks."

Why did the "cranks" use the Initiative movement in California in 1911? Back then tax assessors worked away placing property on the tax rolls. Some assessors also took bribes to keep the taxes on big business, at that time, the railroads, low. What the railroads could not buy with bribes to tax assessors they passed around in the state offices for special favors. For the small property owners the situation kept getting worse. As people do, they complained to their elected officials. They begged the politicians to do something.

And, they did do something—they raised taxes on the people again. Finally, people got fed-up, they used the initiative. People may make mistakes in writing initiatives. We are not perfect, but who is? Let us remember the wisdom of Thomas Jefferson:

"The good sense of the people will always be found to be the best army. They may be led astray for a moment, but they will soon correct themselves."

ACTS
Anonymous Citizens for Tax Sanity
409 Q St.
Port Townsend WA 98368
Phone: 360-385-0786
E-Mail to dwren@olympus.net

Last Modified 11/20/97