I’ve been getting some calls into the show about the statewide measures and what they do. Listeners are asking how I would vote, so I’ll give you my recommendations. Let’s take them one at a time.
Measure 1 does something that has been long overdue. It changes the names of some of our state institutions to something more appropriate for today. For example, the “school for the deaf and dumb of North Dakota” would be changed to the “school for the deaf and hard of hearing,” and the “institution for the feebleminded” would be changed to a “facility for individuals with developmental disabilities.”
In other words, Measure 1 is an easy yes vote.
Measure 2 is an initiated ballot measure that requires voters to approve citizen initiated ballot measures twice in two separate elections. In other words, it’s the Republican supermajority’s way of limiting your rights to initiate a measure. They don’t like the fact that you can overturn and even pass something they did or didn’t get done.
Please vote no on Measure 2.
Measure 3 would limit how the supermajority in the legislature can spend the Legacy Fund. It stops them from drawing large amounts out to pay for pet projects for those that claim to need the help. By passing this measure, it forces the Republicans in the State Legislature to recognize their day-to-day expenses and not use the Legacy Fund any way they feel.
I’ll be voting yes on Measure 3.
The measure that’s been the most talked about is Measure 4. This measure eliminates property taxes. North Dakotans are sick and tired of their taxes increasing every year just for owning a home. The Republican supermajority uses the lowering of income tax as though it solves the property tax issue. But it doesn’t.
That being said, Measure 4 would take away local rights and places them in the hands of that Republican supermajority. And they’ve proven they couldn’t care less about political subdivisions. Our schools, counties, townships, and emergency responders would be at their mercy. You would have to trust the legislature, but you can’t.
You need to vote no on Measure 4.
Measure 5 is about as simple as it gets. You only have to ask yourself if you think people should be allowed to smoke pot. So far in North Dakota, marijuana can only be used for medicinal purposes. This measure would allow for recreational use as well.
It’s time for the change, so you can count me as a yes for Measure 5.
Good luck on what you decide to do. I hope you do your own research and your decisions are as easy as mine.
Good riding with you,
Joel
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