(UNEDITED)Sunday's article on two upcoming initiatives was interesting, so I looked both of them up. I hope the citizens who are asked to sign these petitions actually read them (or an independent analysis of them) before signing.
The Fair Boundaries initiative sounds great, but it doesn't seem very "fair"
to me. It creates an 11-person commission, 7 of whom are appointed by only 3 people. The remaining 4 people are appointed by the first 7. And in the end, the Legislature can reject this commission's recommendations and do their own thing anyway. I'm no redistricting expert, but it seems to me there must be a better, less expensive way to improve our redistricting process.
Ethics reform is like ice cream - everybody likes it. Of course we all want it. This initiative also creates a commission (of 5 people), chosen by the 4 majority and minority leaders in the House and the Senate. And the
Legislature doesn't have to follow this commission's recommendations either.
Again, there must be a better way.
I can't say that I've studied these intiatives in great detail. I read them.
I read editorials about them. I might even change my mind about them. But I can say this...I won't sign either petition until I've done a little more homework. I hope you do the same.
Ricky Hatch
Treasurer
Weber County Republican Party
Farr West
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