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voter altogether.
These amendments ask the taxpayer to change what is a very sensible law. When governments want to borrow funds, they must ask for the citizens’ approval through referendum. This allows the citizens to review the proposal and to make up their minds as to the merit of the bond. Will the funds be wisely spent? Is the amount borrowed prudent? Can wasteful spending be cut?
When the State Constitution must be changed to circumvent the voter, something is afoul. This is no mere technical adjustment!! This is a step backward in the ability of the citizens to hold elected officials accountable for their actions. With projected shortfalls rampant, fiscal responsibility should be the order of the day.
Make no mistake, roads and road projects are needed and needed now. However, if politicians can’t say no to special interest groups and pet pork barrel projects and muster the courage to bring about a responsible plan for solving our transportation problems involving us, the voters who will pay the bill, then let’s get people in office who will. Politicians must remain accountable for their deeds, not unaccountable for their debt!
Remember, we the citizens of Virginia do not have the right to recall, do not have the right to sponsor an initiated referendum and do not have the right to elect a school board. Are we willing to forfeit one of the precious rights we now enjoy - to vote. I say no! Vote no on Amendments 3 and 4 in November.
MARCIA P. DYKES
Great Falls
94.8%