WHAT'S ON YOUR MIND
By Scott Hennen
Host of “What’s On Your Mind?” Radio Show
heard on the Flag Family Network including KTGO 1090AM in Watford City, Williston and Tioga, North Dakota
“Hey Scott, How should I vote on measure 2” asks a listener. “I’m so confused about measure 4. I hear so many conflicting arguments, can you help explain it to me?” writes a reader in response to a column. Ever since I started covering North Dakota politics, way back in 1986, I get these types of questions every election cycle. I always appreciate voters who take the time to dig beyond the headlines and inform their vote. And I’m happy to share what I have learned as I have listened to the opponents and proponents and done research on the candidates and issues on the ballot.
We have 5 measures to vote one this cycle. I’m voting yes on 1, 2 and 3 and no 4 and 5. Here is why:
Measure No. 1 relating to terminology describing public institutions. This is not controversial and simply cleans up language. Easy yes.
Measure No. 2 relating to the process for approving initiated constitutional amendments, the requirement of a single subject for each petition and measure, the individuals able to circulate a petition, and the requirement that all ballot measures must be voted on at the primary and general election. Here is the big question on Measure No. 2: Should it be easy or difficult to amend our North Dakota Constitution? Easy answer. It should not be easy. I believe it is too easy currently and that is often exploited by out of state groups. This was a common sense proposal put forward by our duly elected legislature and it deserves a yes vote.
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