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Opinion December 12, 2002 GOVERNMENTS IN the United States are not designed for rapid change -- but reformers know that the best time for quick and major governmental change is always in the early stages of a new administration, when the new executive enjoys a "honeymoon" with the voters. That's one reason why outgoing Alabama Secretary of State Jim Bennett, now chairman of the Citizens' Commission on Constitutional Reform, was absolutely correct when he said that 2003 offers the best hope in ages for a major constitutional rewrite. The broad-based reform group that Mr. Bennett chairs has sponsored a series of meetings around the state in the past few months, garnering public feedback on the oft-criticized 1901 state constitution. Based on those meetings and on its own study of constitutional issues, the commission will present its report to Gov.-elect Bob Riley and to state legislators in early January. The defects of the state constitution are by now well known. In addition to being flawed from the start by virtue of (or is that by vice of?) a probably fraudulent ratification and of numerous provisions rigged against blacks and the poor, the document and its more than 700 amendments make for an unwieldy, confusing mess. Worst among its flaws, of course, is that it severely restricts "home rule," which is the ability of local governments to perform basic governing functions without explicit approval from the Legislature. In some cases, local or county governments have been prohibited from implementing economic development plans, spraying for mosquitoes, or even banning prostitution. For some time now, polls have shown majorities of Alabamians in favor of significant constitutional reform. The latest one, sponsored by the Alabama Education Association on Nov. 13-20, showed 61 percent in favor of reform. And although Mr. Riley has voiced opposition to reformers' fond dream of a constitutional convention, he has pledged to pursue some major revisions of the document. Also, the state's severe budget woes, due in substantial part to constitutional strictures on taxing and spending flexibility, have made more evident than ever the need for systemic reform. For all those reasons, it makes sense for Mr. Bennett to see 2003 as "the breakthrough year" and the "best shot" for change. Here's hoping the governor and other state lawmakers listen to his wisdom, respond to the repeatedly expressed reformist desires of their constituents, and take the bold steps necessary to create a constitution that actually makes sense. Not some time in the far-distant future, but soon -- as in the new year that starts in just three weeks. Return to: Constitutional Reform ~ In the News Return to: Editorial Index |
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Citizens for Constitutional Reform Foundation, Inc. P.O. Box 34 Montgomery, Alabama 36101-0034 E-mail: accr@constitutionalreform.org |
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