Dakota Beacon

Elections involve the right for citizens to choose, and we all know that choices have consequences! Through the democratic process, we elect our representatives. The same system gives us a chance to check those outcomes (or the lack of) with initiated measures.

This year North Dakotans have 5 ballot initiatives. 

The first measure is about the evolution of language in response to modern culture and how it relates to our Constitution.

The second measure is also brought by the Legislature to the people. Their goal is to limit the influence of the people’s voice in the changing of North Dakota's Constitution. While this may have some merit, I believe it results in confusion. And while it forces people to think twice about changing the Constitution in that it requires two votes of the people, I think it makes the referral process too restrictive to challenge the Legislature. 

The third measure is another measure offered up by the Legislature which lowers the amount the Legislature can spend of the Legacy Funds. It reduces the amount of the principle that can be spent from 15% to 5%.

I think this is a good thing since legislators in the past few decades can’t seem to control their appetite to spend, spend, spend.

Which leads us to Measure 4. This measure is a response of the people frustrated by lack of legislator’s (Republicans) efforts to reform property tax. While this measure might be a bridge too far for some, it does spank the legislators for promises of property tax reform as far back as 2012 that have resulted in nothing except some exemptions.

The state has the money to eliminate property taxes with massive reserves and industries continuing to expand and grow our economy.

The rhetoric of “Keeping it Local” is just another slogan to scare the people to kill the measure. If it doesn’t pass it is my hope it is close enough that it scares the legislators to finally reform property taxes.

Measure 5 is about the legalization of recreational marijuana. The proponents say people are smoking weed anyway why not make it legal, plus think of all the money it will generate to help our state.

Once again it is a bridge too far in the argument to support this measure. I would suggest the people listen to what is being said post legalization of drugs in Colorado, Washington and Portland. It does nothing to improve the quality of life and the taxes raised is offset by the negatives.

As I stated, elections have consequences not only who you elect to represent you in Bismarck, Washington, or Washburn but this election the people actually get to vote on some issues that have consequences in Constitution.

I would encourage all citizens to take a few moments away from the NFL, MLB, the harvesting of your garden or reality TV shows and get informed on the issues that are so consequential to our family’s future and get out and vote and let your voice be heard!

Emineth is a North Dakota native businessman and political activist. He is a former executive director and chairman of the North Dakota Republican Party. Emineth has served on the Republican National Committee and chaired numerous presidential campaigns in North Dakota. He is the host of “The Legislature Today” and “Open Range” daily TV shows on BEK. He is a serial entrepreneur and has 40-plus years of business experience with multi-national companies. He has traveled the world extensively and has served as CEO and president of mid-tier companies.