Voters discuss ballot initiatives
The discussion covered three Missouri propositions.
Oct. 24, 2008
Representatives of special interest groups and concerned residents of Columbia met Thursday night to discuss ballot proposals appearing on the Nov. 4 ballot.
The voter's forum, hosted by Columbia Public Library, the League of Women Voters and the American Association of University Women, focused on Propositions A, B and C.
"We host these events because we are interested in educating the community," said Carol Schreiber, chairwoman of the League of Women Voters. "We want you to vote, but we also want you to be educated when you vote. The issues we discussed tonight are complex ballot issues and this is the only public forum where they are discussed."
Proposition A was one of the ballot issues open for discussion. If passed, the proposition will repeal the $500 loss limit for gambling in casinos and prohibit the construction of any new casinos. Any increase in tax revenue generated by the proposition will fund schools.
"The cap on the number of chips a casino patron can purchase is cumbersome and takes more than $174 million out of the Missouri economy because customers choose to go to other states without limits," said Scott Charton, spokesman for Yes on A, a group supporting the initiative.
Speaking against Proposition A, Cande Iveson of the League of Women Voters discussed the dangers of repealing the loss limit.
"There is the question of whether repealing the loss limit would raise the risk to consumers," Iveson said. "Losses due to gambling are 70 percent higher in areas without a loss limit. The potential social damage caused by the passage of Proposition A outweighs any benefit."
Also discussed at the forum was Proposition B, which mandates the creation of the Missouri Quality Homecare Council to ensure home care workers receive increased benefits and pay.
Supporters of the proposition cite the 40 to 60 percent turnover rate in the home care industry as a reason to pass the proposition.
"Workers need a voice in order to guarantee they receive benefits and competitive pay, and consumers need a voice to ensure they receive quality service," said T.J. Caraway, a spokesman for Missouri Quality Home Healthcare.
Those opposed to the proposition see it as beneficial to labor unions, members of which would stand to benefit from the passage of the measure.
Columbia resident Don Dunham said that though he was originally in support of Proposition B, he now feels it is too representative of special interests.
"I'd rather see this issue solved by the legislature than be the product of too much union intervention," Dunham said.
Proposition C, a measure that will require investor-owned industries to convert 15 percent of their energy production to renewable energy sources by 2021, was the final ballot initiative discussed at the forum.
Proponents of the measure cited the success of similar legislation in other states, such as Colorado, as reason for its passage.
"Seventy percent of development in alternative energy is taking place in states with legislative requirements," said P.J. Wilson, executive director of Renew Missouri. "The fuel is free. You're not paying for wind or sun. It's cost competitive."
LWV spokeswoman Amy Bremer said there should not be legislative interference in the free market.
"Companies are already using alternative energy," Bremer said. "Don't handcuff them with bureaucracy."
MU sociology professor Wayne Brekhus said he attended the forum looking for clarification and information about the ballot initiatives.
"Coming to these forums is very helpful because these propositions are complicated and it is always good to know more about the issues," Brekhus said.
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