2010 Ballot Questions..almost

Next year, thanks to the efforts of Carla Howell, a proposal for cutting the sales tax from 6.25% to 3% may be challenged by the Mass Teachers Union. Another will lift the ban on charter schools, also apposed by the Teachers Union. One question will ask if we should end the states primary affordable housing law, 40b, while another would set limits on the amount of carbon dioxide that could be generated by renewable energy and alternative energy sources.

Secretary Galvin turns over the signatures to the Legislature, which can adopt the measures without going on the ballot. If they don't approve, the petitioners must go back and collect another 10,000 signatures to get the question on the ballot, by May.

With the State in seriuos financial trouble and the one party ruling eleite who refuses to deal with it's own careless spending, the anti tax folks will at least provide an outlet for angry voters to weigh in on. My fear is that, like many other ballot initiatives that have been overwhelmingly supported by the masses, only to see Beacon Hill ignore the will of the voter, will not force Beacon Hill to do the right thing.

Millions have been spent on both sides to bring forward or defeat ballot initiatives and while we are lucky to live in a state that allows us to participate in the decision making process, it lacks the teeth it once had. We all will witness the tons of money thrown at defeating such measures from unions, who are so entrenched in their own protectionism, educating our children takes a back seat to their own financial success.