May 2002 Volume 92, Issue 2

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Initiatives: What Are They Really Up To?
By Mark Koenig

No one can disagree that initiatives are a powerful and popular tool for democracy. However, concern is growing regarding their use. Some citizens perceive recent initiatives as tools of special interest groups. Others believe they may circumvent or preempt legislative actions. Problems also arise when proposed initiatives lead to misunderstandings, legal challenges and unintended consequences.

After reviewing the findings of a study task force, the League recommends the following:

• Convene a Statewide Citizen Initiative Review - A panel of citizens modeled on the jury process to study proposed initiatives and provide findings to the public.
• Clearly delineate ethics rules - Washington Attorney General to publish these, putting elected officials and their constituents on notice of what officials can and cannot discuss with regard to proposed initiatives.
• Prepare fiscal impact statements - Require the Office of Financial Management to outline the effects that proposed initiatives will have on state and local budgets, and have those statements published in the Voters Pamphlet.
• Require ‘revenue transparent’ initiatives - Show accounting of new appropriations and/or budgetary losses.
• Consider abolishing direct initiatives (initiatives to the people) - amend the State Constitution to permit only indirect initiatives (initiatives to the legislature).

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