Editorial: State should call for early disclosure of financing and backers of ballot issues
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The Detroit News: Efforts to change Michigan laws through the ballot box are on the rise. State Democratic Party leader Mark Brewer has announced that he hopes to put five questions to a vote in the 2010 general election, in addition to proposals that could be submitted by such groups as the flat-taxers and the state Chamber of Commerce. Under the circumstances, it seems wise to lay down some ground rules about public disclosure of how much is being spent on these efforts, in what way and by whom. That's why the recent request from the chamber for clarification of the requirements by Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land is timely and important. Chamber Senior Vice President and General Counsel Robert LaBrant, who filed the request, said he wants to make sure all ballot proposal initiators jump through the same hoops.
LaBrant obviously is focused on Brewer's announced plans, which would generally increase costs for employers. Land is being asked to rule, for example, on whether public disclosure regulations kick in when a group holds a press conference to announce a possible ballot initiative. At what point must spending on preparations to launch a ballot proposal be made public? When is a group required to file a statement of organization with the state, listing such things as its treasurer's name and where its money is deposited? These are key issues. Getting an idea to the Michigan ballot these days is a sophisticated process that involves a lot more than obtaining the required number of petition signatures. Our view is that voters deserve access to details of any spending designed to influence their opinions. At a minimum, we should make sure there are clear rules about what must be disclosed and that everyone follows those rules.
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