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Opinion March 17, 2002 One big reason the House black caucus opposes a citizens convention to write a new state constitution is that lawmakers would most likely lose a lot of their clout. Lawmakers know a citizen-written constitution probably will grant home rule, and that means they won’t be nearly as important as they are now. But giving local governments the authority to run their own business is a main reason Alabama needs a new constitution. Consider, for example, a resolution passed last week, sponsored by state Sen. Steve French, R-Birmingham, and aimed at the Jefferson County Commission. His misguided resolution tells the commission to “provide a full accounting” of the operation of the sewer system, including why sewer rates are rising so quickly. Jefferson County citizens certainly deserve to have their questions about the sewer system answered. Indeed, commissioners are responsible for making sure residents are informed on county issues. However, it’s not French’s or any lawmaker’s business to direct the County Commission. Legislators have challenges of their own. If they concerned themselves with writing budgets, reforming education or making sure the tax system is fair as much as they do with purely local issues, Alabama would move forward. Each of the five county commissioners is elected by voters, just as French and other lawmakers are. Citizens don’t need legislators to intervene for them with county commissioners; citizens can go directly to commissioners themselves. If commissioners aren’t responding to citizens’ questions about sewer hikes, or any other issue, shame on them. There’s an election this year, and voters can throw commissioners out of office. Just as they can toss out lawmakers who meddle or who refuse to give local governments independence. 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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