Referendum

Twenty four states have ballot initiatives. And in Connecticut, Gov. Jodi Rell wants to give voters there the rights of initiative and referendum. This story explains the opposition she faces. The last state to add direct democracy was Mississippi 16 years ago.

In yesterday's statewide primaries, Californians also voted in two local land use ballot measures that received national media attention. Now we have results. In San Francisco, Lennar Corp's redevelopment plan for Hunters Point, known as Prop G, won overwhelming approval from voters despite a strong no campaign from activists and a few local businesses. In the city of Thousand Oaks, the owner of a local chain of home improvement stores was losing in his ballot initiative campaign -- known as Measure B -- to limit big developments. Home Depot funded what appears to be a successful "no" campaign.

Neither result is a surprise. The winning side in each case is the one that spent the most money. And Californians, for all their professed concern about environmentalism and preserving open space, have demonstrated a fondness for big developments at the ballot box.

The issue of how and when to admit new members to the European Union is stirring more controversy. France and its president have objected to Turkey, arguing that the country does not belong culturally or economically in Europe. This week, the French national assembly voted in favor of a resolution calling for a popular referendum on any new members to the EU.

IRISH REFERENDUM CLOSER: A new poll shows the Irish referendum on the new Lisbon Treaty (a backdoor new constitution for the European Union) tightening. Yes 41, No 33. Ireland is the only one of 27 EU countries permitting its voters to ratify the treaty. If the Irish say no, the entire treaty could unravel. What's important about the changes to blockbuster democracy followers? The treaty would provide for a European, trans-national referendum, the first in recorded history.

ONLY INSANE READ IRISH REFERENDUM: In related news, an Irish minister is getting some criticism for saying publicly that only the insane would read the entire treaty, a long document. Insane may be a strong word, but "rare" works. It's rare for anyone voting on a referendum anywhere to read the entire legislation or treaty before voting.

MACEDONIAN RENAME REFERENDUM? The country's prime minister thinks that voters should decide whether to change the country's name. Macedonian apparently implies some ownership by Greece.

Even as it continued to bar relief efforts and starve its people, the military junta in Myanmar finished up the rest of its referendum on a new constitution this weekend by holding "voting" in the very areas affected by the cyclone. (Voting in the parts of the country not affected by the cyclone took place two weeks ago).

NEGOTIATING CONTRACTS AT THE BALLOT? Using a ballot initiative as contract negotiation tool? Well, Denver sheriff's deputies want to change that. They're planning a ballot initiative that would allow the deputies themselves to file criminal charges themselves.

DISEASE COULD BE THE CURE: The LA TImes' George Skelton, an opponent of "ballot box" budgeting, says using the ballot box is the only way out of the state's fiscal mess. This makes more sense than it sounds like in just one sentence. So much of the budget is determined by initiative or constitutional amendment that changing the budget structure requires constitutional changes, which require the approval of voters. Skelton also passes along a truly scary fact: without a budget, the state could run out of cash in early September. Skelton includes important (and dire quotes) from finance director Mike Genest and treasurer Bill Lockyer.

GAY MARRIAGE TO U.S. SUPREMES: That's where the Mercury News seems to think it's headed.

SIG GATHERING IN ARKANSAS: A Fayetteville paper takes a look at the circulation of an Arkansas ballot Initiative that would deny services to unauthorized immigrants.

"Democracy Inc." is the headline the LA Times gave to a piece of mine that appeared in the paper Sunday. In the story, I look at the current municipal ballot initiative fight in Thousand Oaks between a California chain of hardware stores and Home Depot. (The voters weigh in June 3). The piece also discusses the trend of businesses adopting anti-growth initiatives -- a tactic long used by environmentalists, NIMBY neighborhood folks and other business tormentors -- to fight off competitors.

I'll be moderating a panel on this subject on May 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the Autry National Center in Los Angeles. It's open to the public. Both the panel sponsor, Zocalo LA, and I would love it if you joined us. More details here.

EDUCATION REFERENDUM: Watching local school referenda around the country -- and the hostility to any new spending even on education, the most popular government program -- suggests a political shift that may work against Democrats and against efforts all over the country to repair infrastructure. Here's a story that caught my eye: residents in Newton, Mass., a generally liberal Boston suburb, are seeking to place a referendum on the ballot to reverse the funding of a new school there.

IMPOUNDING MILE HIGH CARS: The Denver city council takes a step towards referring to voters a measure that would require police to impound the cars of unlicensed drivers. The measure is aimed at unauthorized immigrants. 

LISBON TREATY GAINS IN IRELAND: Polling shows the Lisbon Treaty (the backdoor new constitution EU) gaining support in Ireland, the only country that is allowing its citizens to ratify the pact. (In other countries, parliaments will do it). The referendum in Ireland is June 12.

SICK JOKE OF THE WEEK: Myanmar's ruling junta claims there was a huge turnout in Saturday's referenda.

BACKFIRING IN BOLIVIA: Could a referendum on Bolivian president Evo Morales give him a boost?

URANIUM REFERENDUM IN CANADA: Conservatives in the province of New Brunswick want a referendum on uranium exploration there. The conservatives, who are in opposition, want a moratorium. 

In the most deplorable conditions imaginable. The referendum result enshrines the rule of the military junta in the constitution. From AP.