“A Constitutional Convention poses a direct threat to established civil rights, with the potential to introduce amendments that could undermine protections currently afforded under RI state law..."
In today's political climate that includes unlimited dark money from the oligarchs, I sympathize with the reluctance to hold a convention. But just as the last Convention produced the Ethics Commission that the legislature would not approve, there are legit concerns that might be addressed: reform of the Coastal Council and clarification of our constitutional rights to use the shoreline; line item veto for the Governor to discourage pet pork projects legislative insiders, and an independent Inspector General to oversee government spending practices. These measures should please both those who want tp reduce waste and those who want to build public confidence in government to gain support for government programs in needs like housing, transportation, health, education etc.
Also Voter Initiative allowing ballot measures to be put before the voters - nowadays in other states this has protected or expanded rights, higher minimum wages, environmental measures, and good government reforms such as fair redistricting. I would add the vote to allow medical aid in dying for the terminally ill (as in OR, CA, VT, DC.. that the legislature will not seriously consider.
That the legislature resists much of the above (as it could reduce their power) opens the door to support for a Constitutional Convention
I am not in favor of a constitutional convention, but if one is called I will run to represent my community with the intent to prevent bad stuff and put protecting the climate in the sonstitituon
In today's political climate that includes unlimited dark money from the oligarchs, I sympathize with the reluctance to hold a convention. But just as the last Convention produced the Ethics Commission that the legislature would not approve, there are legit concerns that might be addressed: reform of the Coastal Council and clarification of our constitutional rights to use the shoreline; line item veto for the Governor to discourage pet pork projects legislative insiders, and an independent Inspector General to oversee government spending practices. These measures should please both those who want tp reduce waste and those who want to build public confidence in government to gain support for government programs in needs like housing, transportation, health, education etc.
Also Voter Initiative allowing ballot measures to be put before the voters - nowadays in other states this has protected or expanded rights, higher minimum wages, environmental measures, and good government reforms such as fair redistricting. I would add the vote to allow medical aid in dying for the terminally ill (as in OR, CA, VT, DC.. that the legislature will not seriously consider.
That the legislature resists much of the above (as it could reduce their power) opens the door to support for a Constitutional Convention
I am not in favor of a constitutional convention, but if one is called I will run to represent my community with the intent to prevent bad stuff and put protecting the climate in the sonstitituon