Editorial
August 24, 2001
Now here is a proposal we should all be able
to live with: The governor and state Legislature have been asked to
pass an amendment that would require the voters' approval for any
new constitution produced by a constitutional convention.
It is hard to imagine anyone objecting to such a move.
And that goes especially those who have opposed any attempt to rewrite
the 1901 Constitution. For a long time now, these opponents have warned
that a constitutional convention could be a run-away train, dominated
by the special interests. And they have spent a good deal of time
pointing out ambiguities in the 1901 document that seem to suggest
that final approval of a new document by the voters is not necessary.
Here, then, is our chance to clear up any confusion over
this question. Put it in writing: The people have the final say.
Now it is in the hands of the lawmakers. A special session
of the Legislature convenes next week. It would be the perfect time
for this amendment to be included. Gov. Don Siegelman, and Lt. Gov.
Steve Windom, who have both been vocal advocates of constitutional
reform, should champion this amendment right away and demand the Legislature
take up the issue.
Sure, there are a number of other issues to deal with
in this session, including a number of crucial spending bills. But
this question should not take up any time at all. In fact there is
no reason why it should not sail through the Legislature.
So keep an eye on the Legislature over the next couple
of weeks. Let's make sure that our Legislative delegation and all
of the lawmakers in Montgomery are making sure that the people of
Alabama have the final say over a new constitution for this state,
not the special interests.
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