Rob posted on comments made by Wayne Holland regarding Parent's for Choice, lack of support for the voucher referendum. The Amicus poses the question, "If PCE is so confident about the opinions of Utahn's regarding HB148, why does the group focus so intensely on preventing the vote on the voucher referendum." Here is my answer, they don't want a vote on vouchers because they already have the bill passed by the elected state legislature. (Pretty Simple)
Although, I personally feel a vote is never a bad idea (this is America). I'm guessing PCE really doesn't care what a vote would bring on this issue, because a vote holds nothing but uncertainty. Keeping the bill off of a ballot will certainly keep the voucher system they and I desire in progress.
I appreciate the schoolyard antics, but everyone knows (as polls cited by both sides suggest) polls provide little certainty of how an actual vote will turn out. For all I or PCE knows voter turn out on the special election might be small due to apathy (I've been surprised talking to people how apathetic many people are to this issue), and the decision could be made by a minority of voters who will represent who knows which side of the voucher issue. PCE is as wise as I assume Utahns for Public Schools is, they will fight for the sure thing -- keeping HB148 off of a ballot.
Point is calling the opposition chicken is certainly dramatic, but it really isn't going to get this debate anywhere. I haven't heard, is the petition going to have enough signatures in time?
P.S. Although I support the voucher bills that are under scrutiny, I agree with the Amicus that vouchers should come to a vote that will be honored by the state legislature and the governor.
Friday, April 06, 2007
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4 comments:
"Wayne Holland & Utah Amicus call Parents for Choice CHICKEN!"
The word "Chicken" was not actually used but it will do for now.
Republican leadership strong-armed HB 148 through the House. Please remember that it only passed by one vote.
When Democratic Senators tried to amend the bill their concerns and amendments were ignored. Why? Because Republican leadership understood that HB 148 might fail in the House on the second go-round, a chance they were not willing to take.
If vouchers go to a vote, and if vouchers pass I will be the first one to move on. However, if organizations and associations like the PTA, the UEA, and Utahns for Public Schools are not able to bring in the required signatures needed to move forward with the referendum, then we have a different problem and situation.
ARTICLE VI
Section 1. [Power vested in senate, House, People.]
(1) The legislative power of the State shall be vested in:
(a) A Senate and House of Representatives which shall be designated the Legislature of the State of Utah; and
(b) the people of the State of Utah as provided in Subsection (2).
(To see a complete ARTICLE VI check out The Utah Amicus)
If the guidelines for gathering signatures for the referendum petition are unobtainable then the citizens of Utah must realize that the Utah State Legislature is jealous of their power, and that the legislature has put into law a statute that takes away the equal vested power that the people of Utah are constitutionally guaranteed.
It is my hope that this is not the case. And, as I stated above, if the good people of Utah are allowed the opportunity to vote on this matter, and if the people vote to sustain vouchers then I will be the first person to say, "the people have spoken."
Now let's talk about how the people voted this last election cycle on vouchers.
PCE targeted several seats in the legislature including Rep. Sheryl Allen's seat. The people of Utah voted against those voucher candidates, and yet, those incumbents that were in safe districts still decided to strong-arm HB 148 through the legislature.
A minority (PCE) who support tax dollars for private academies purchased HB 148 from the majority Party. So when you say the people have spoken through their elected officials you are not actually telling the entire story. How many safe legislators actually campaigned on the voucher ticket?
Thanks for advancing the dialogue, and thanks for allowing me the same opportunity.
By the way, when I call someone a chicken I usually put photo of a chicken on my blog or say, "Bawk, BaWK!"
With every best wish,
The Utah Amicus
If the PTA, UEA, and Democrats can repeal vouchers, they'll go after charter schools next.
The Left has given charter schools a pass so far because they've been targeting vouchers.
The Left has no new ideas. Just the same old ideas of spending more money.
I was disappointed that there wasn't a bawk bawk! :)
Point is I agree with you, vouchers should receive a vote.
Anon #1,
Nice try, but...
Your argument about charter schools is total crap.
I'm among a sizeable contingent of Utah charter school founders who...are...hold tight...DEMOCRATS!!!
The PTA and UEA also officially support charter schools. This year's Utah charter school bill passed with...what...let's hear you say it...a unanimous vote!
Repeat after me: "Charters good, vouchers bad." Repeat until sanity is reached.
Have fun.
Craig.
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