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Libertarians Demand an End to Back Door Referenda.

by E.J. Pagel.

The Rockford Area Libertarians say that the back door referendum is a fraudulent way to enact legislation. A back door referendum requires a petition drive by citizens to express opposition to some types of proposed legislation, which will automatically become law unless enough valid signatures are gathered that can withstand challenges. The procedure allows elected officials to avoid voting on the proposal, and thereby escape being held accountable to their constituents.

The prospect of a back door referendum looms once again, as Mayor Scott's new budget for the City of Rockford is being considered. Few cuts are being proposed, and even with the plan to issue bonds, borrow, and move expenditures from one area of the budget to another, taxes will ultimately be raised if enough citizens do not effectively prove their opposition.

Locally, the back door referendum has been used many times, recently by the Rockford Park District, and most noteworthily for the enactment of our local Superfund for environmental cleanup.

Why is it not surprising that no Republicans or Democrats want to abolish this illegitimate, undemocratic mechanism that is brazenly used by government to automatically raise taxes? It's just another way that they continue to show disrespect for those who put them in office. These are the same politicians who enthusiastically work against equal ballot access, so voters cannot choose independent or third party candidates on election day.

All the political dissatisfaction among our citizens and ill will directed toward our nation can only be blamed on the two major political parties that control our government. It's time to see if others can do better... and the Libertarians can do better.