Ballot fatigue shows big problem

Sales tax is one of the most regressive forms of taxation, hitting those with the least amount of disposable income the hardest.

So, in Denver, we have these proposed modest sales tax hikes addressing various perceived deficiencies in the city, which if passed would amount to no more than chump change for the gentrified in, say, the Cherry Creek neighborhood.

However, what about the family on the financial edge with four or five kids, whose parents may work multiple jobs to make ends meet to pay for such necessities as clothing, shoes and heat in the winter?

These “pet projects” are nothing more than tax revenue carve outs, which will morph into privileged tax fiefdoms complete with bureaucracy and political patronage.

In Sunday’s Perspective section, I read two columns aimed at efforts on the part of teachers to be paid commensurate with their value. One charging deception by the teachers in Arizona (George Will), the other (Thomas Aiello) was regarding a ballot amendment in Colorado’s upcoming election.

It is general knowledge that current compensation for teachers is an issue. How can this issue be addressed if not through taxes? All benefit from their service; shouldn’t all pay for their worth?

I grow weary of these tax crusaders who have hit upon a message that will promote their agenda.

By all accounts everyone would agree that teachers are a resource required to maintain and advance our civilization. They should not be subject to the law of supply and demand as if they were a commodity.

If you are so against taxation, then please as you protest tell us how else to deal with this chronic problem.

I listened as one conservative with whom I am acquainted said, “if unhappy with your job find another.” Be careful what you wish for. Our teachers may one day decide enough is enough anddojustthat.

Here I sit blurryeyed and exhausted after filling out my election ballot. Why? Because the initiative and referendum have run amuck.

About a hundred years ago, in an effort to make our constitutional republic more democratic, it was decided that voters should have the right to initiate legislation and have some proposed changes in laws referred to voters.

A hundred years later, instead of happy little bands of citizens gathering signatures to place things on the ballot, we have paid employees gathering signatures to place all kinds of things on the ballot that should rightfully be decided by our elected legislative bodies.

It is doubtful that we can ever get back to the purity of the initiative and referendum envisioned by the reformers who wanted to create a more democratic society, but, surely, we can curb the hiring of people to obtain signatures and we can place reasonable limits on the bigmoney interests that are corrupting the initiative and referendum process. Send letters of 250 words or fewer to openforum@denverpost.com or 5990 Washington St., Denver, CO, 80216. Please include full name, city and phone number. Contact information is for our purposes only; we will not share it with anyone else. You can reach us by telephone at 3039541201.