referendums

I noticed all East Tn. small towns voted yes on the pro-liquor referendums except Jellico and Loudon. According to NORML Michigan became the 13th state to vote to legalize medical marijuana and several similar ballot initiatives passed including in Mass. where a minor posession will be fine only. I do find it unfortunate with all the progress that Tn. went redder and Prop. 8 passed in Calif.

Jackson Baker reports on the controversy among Shelby County Dems on the subject of instant runoff voting:

Group says attorneys twist the law
By MICHAEL CASS • Staff Writer • August 29, 2008

A group that hopes to make English the official language of Nashville filed suit against the city Thursday in an effort to put the issue up for a vote this fall.

English First fails on a legal technicality ... for now:

In a letter to the Davidson Country [sic] Election Commission, the Metro director of law stated that the English Only charter amendment proposal cannot appear on the November ballot because of a legal technicality.

Nate Rau with the breaker:

In a letter to the Davidson Country Election Commission, the Metro director of law stated that the English Only charter amendment proposal cannot appear on the November ballot because of a legal technicality.

From Daniel Potter:

Knox County Administrator of Elections Greg Mackay notes that the ballot order for local elections has been set for the August 7th county general and state primary election. (Early voting begins July 18th!)

I've always believed that tax referendums are more about special interest group control over public revenue streams to services and less about democratic regulation of the government's power to raise revenues.

I attended a noon public meeting today for Metro's Sidewalks and Bikeways Strategic Plan, which has been in effect since 2003.