Yale Daily News

Updated: Saturday, November 21, 2009 7:35 p.m.

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Convention unlikely for Conn.

Staff Reporter
Published Tuesday, October 21, 2008

For the first time in 20 years, a state constitutional convention may be on the docket. But if money is any indicator, the vote to hold it will likely fail.

The current state constitution, adopted in 1965, places the option of holding a constitutional convention before voters once every 20 years. Yet, the seemingly simple question — “Shall there be a constitutional convention to amend or revise the constitution of the state?” — has proven divisive.

Several state and national groups have rallied in opposition to the convention out of fear that special interests and radicals...

#1 By frank o'gorman 8:59a.m. on October 21, 2008

The Rights of Women, African-Americans, Latinos, Immigrants, People Living in Poverty, Public Employees, Ex-Offenders, Transgender, Bisexual, Lesbian, and Gay people would likely All be Under Attack if Ballot Initiatives come to Connecticut.

A Partial List of What's At Stake Under Ballot Initiatives:

Abortion Rights
Emergency Contraception for Rape Victims
Affirmative Action
Anti-Poverty Programs
Judicial Discretion in Sentencing
Public Education Funding
Comprehensive Sex Education
Human Rights to Housing & Employment for Transgender & Gender Non-conforming People
Healthcare, Social Services, & College Assistance for Immigrants
Collective Bargaining
Binding Arbitration
Healthcare & Retirement Benefits of Public Servants
Same-Sex Marriage
Euthanasia

Don't be fooled by a Con Con.
Vote NO! on November 4.

#2 By Evan Ravitz 10:05a.m. on October 21, 2008

Ballot initiatives are the origin of most reforms, such as women's suffrage (passed in 13 states before Congress went along), direct election of Senators (4 states), publicly financed elections (passed by initiative in 6 of 7 states with them), medical marijuana ( in 8 of 12 states) and increasing minimum wages (in all 6 states that tried in 2006). See http://Vote.org/initiatives for more examples and references. The media have seized on the problem initiatives. They generally kiss up to politicians.

#3 By Alum 1:40p.m. on October 21, 2008

How's about some term limits on the ballot? CT could use those for the governor and general assembly.

#4 By Observer 3:27p.m. on October 21, 2008

How many Transgender people would have their rights tread on? The fear mongering on the first post is absolutely hilarious! I get a little worried when someone claims that essentially every category of person in the state will suffer immensely if the get to vote on issues that they care about.

#5 By To #1 12:55a.m. on October 22, 2008

What, Affirmative Action could be under attack? Thanks for letting me know, I am certainly voting yes now!

#6 By Samuel B. 3:30p.m. on October 22, 2008

Connecticut still remains the third most corrupt state government. The only remedy is the right to recall. Since the corrupt will be controlling the convention I will vote NO.

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