BALLOT PROPOSITIONS PUT VOTES IN THE "DIRECT DEMOCRACY SEAT"

In my first editorial as Editor for the C-O I shared the “little realized” truth that voters have ‘THE LAST WORD” on how the state of Missouri will move forward on a series of issues before them, all of which are important, and some with actual life and death consequences.

Amendment 3:  The most controversial proposition on the ballot is Missouri Amendment 3, which, in essence, overturns Legislative action creating the most restrictive abortion laws in the Country.  While many letters to the editor and editorials by other writers have pointed to both the “yes” and “no” votes on this issue it comes down to this.

A "Yes” vote, in the eyes of proponents, restores “women’s reproductive rights” under the overturned Roe vs. Wade decision.  While the Dobbes case did not ban abortion, and while Democrats say Republicans will enforce an abortion ban if elected, Dobbes neither banned abortion and Donald Trump has said again and again that states, state by state, have to vote their conscience.

A”No” vote preserves the current Missouri legislation in place.  Check www.ivoterguide.com to check the pros, cons and arguments for and against the Amendment, and then vote your conscience.

Not surprisingly, I am a hard “no” on this measure, but my vote only counts as one of many.

Amendment 2:  Do we need sports betting in Missouri?  Depending upon who you listen to, Amendment 2 will either generate $100,000,000 (time frame unknown) to go to Missouri education, ostensibly a large share to teacher salaries, currently ranked 48th in the nation.

Caesar’s Casinos have sunk some $30 million into advertising for this, and they, MGM, Draft Kings and Fan Duel will no doubt profit wildly from it.  The Amendment speaks to a 10% gaming tax on revenues generated, less deductions for costs and contribution to anti-gambling abuse programs. Opponents suggest that past propositions for the Lottery, among others, did not deliver the goods advertised. Proponents include both gubernatorial candidates, all of the state’s major sports teams, and the St. Louis Post Dispatch (that makes me squishy).  The KCMO morning guys, led by Pete Mundo, talk about how much money Missourians have left on the table when they can go to a casino across the river and bet, and not be able to do so here.

With the Royals and the Chiefs looking to fund new stadiums, one wonders why they are so into this.

I am voting as a qualified “yes” on this proposition, but I’d say this…follow the money when it starts rolling in.  Remember, my vote only counts as one of many.

Amendment 5:  Establishes another Casino boat on the Osage River near Lake of the Ozarks.

It is a “meh” for me.  I’ll probably vote no, just because I hate the Ozarks.  Too damned many snakes.  Remember, my vote only counts as one of many.

Amendment 7:  Allows only U.S. Citizens to vote in Missouri Elections(no-brainer), prohibits rank-order voting by limiting voters to only one candidate or issue(Reference Alaska and rank-order voting…it’s a mess.” ). 

I will vote  “yes” on this issue.  Remember, my vote only counts as one of many.

Amendment 6:  “Yes” vote “includes levying of costs and fees” to support salaries and benefits for certain current and former law enforcement officers.  Speaks to salaries of County Sheriffs and Associate District Court judges.  I’ve been in the middle of a controversy in Grundy County regarding this issue where the County Sheriff doesn’t make as much as a beginning police officer for the Trenton Police Department.  Sheriff’s salaries are, by poor and confusingly written state legislation required to receive 50% of the salary of the sitting Associate District Court judge, and most have already seen a raise during the current elected term—against the Missouri Constitution by the way, and ”dinged” by the State Auditor’s Office in county audits for extending pay during a Sheriff’s current elected term.  This is a mess for how it has been handled, in making the Associate District judge a state employee, while leaving the Sheriff as a County employee.  The unfunded mandate throws small Class III counties into a financial, planning tailspin going into the 2025 budget cycle.  I will vote  “yes” based on my belief that there is a critical  need to upgrade the salaries of both Sheriffs and deputies in the state.  The legislature needs to take a class on writing understandable and enforceable bills/laws which do not require constant revisions and clean-ups.

Proposition A:  Increase the minimum wage to $13.75 per hour in $2025 to, increasing $1.25 per hour until 2028 when the minimum wage would be $15.00 an hour.  I am all for a living wage, but not sure I’m up for an $8.00 Big Mac.  Minimum wage raises almost always result in low-income worker cuts in hours, and layoffs, and resulting additional costs passed on to consumers.  I’m a “yes” figuring that helping out working families that don’t lose their jobs over this are going to be that much money ahead.  Remember, my vote only counts as one of many.

 It’ll be salami and cheese on wheat for me though.