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Opinion January 26, 2003 Gov. Bob Riley never promised when he was running for office that he would push for a complete rewrite of the dreadful Alabama Constitution of 1901. Indeed, Riley is on record as opposing a citizens' convention. But what Riley did promise he put into action last week by setting up a commission to look at areas to change in the constitution. As important, Riley picked two outstanding individuals to lead the effort. Former Secretary of State Jim Bennett will chair the new Alabama Citizens' Constitution Commission. Former Democratic gubernatorial candidate Lenora Pate will be vice chair. It would be hard to come up with two more capable individuals to lead the effort. Important, too, will be who Riley taps to fill out the panel, and those names will likely be announced this week. Riley has charged the group with coming up with suggestions for five areas of constitutional reform that he could present to the Legislature and to the people of Alabama for a vote: Home rule, earmarking, a line-item veto for the governor, changing how the Legislature can impose taxes and whether the length of the constitution is an impairment to government operations. That's a full plate, to be sure. Riley was smart not to include major tax reform issues in the commission's call. Tax reform is absolutely essential, and Riley said he will deal with that as a separate process, which is good. The hope is that once the commission begins its work, it'll be able to convince Riley that a more extensive rewrite of the 102-year-old racist, embarrassing constitution is necessary. Certainly the two individuals Riley selected to head the effort know the importance of a thorough revision of the constitution so that Alabama can move forward. The commission has 120 days to complete its work and give Riley its suggestions. There will be public hearings as well. In setting up the Alabama Citizens' Constitution Commission as his first executive order, Riley is stressing the importance he puts on fundamental reform of Alabama's government. That's exactly what Riley promised he would do, and he's keeping that promise. Return to: Constitutional Reform ~ In the News Return to: Editorial Index |
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| Alabama Citizens for
Constitutional Reform Foundation, Inc. P.O. Box 34 Montgomery, Alabama 36101-0034 E-mail: accr@constitutionalreform.org |
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