The Ormond Amendments
The initiative provides citizens with a great check upon politicians’ power.
All citizens should have access to it, be able to file a measure and petition to put it on the ballot. But I’m tempted, sorely tempted, to exclude former politicians from that right.
I know, that would be wrong. But consider Charles Ormond, of Morrilton, Arkansas, and you might be tempted, too.
He has two ballot measures in the works right now. One is an attempt to weaken term limits. It’s a clever effort, not seeking to increase the number of terms most representatives may serve but the L E N G T H of each term!
There’s also convoluted language in the measure that would especially apply to former legislators like himself.
Ormond’s other ballot measure is even more self-serving. It’s an attempt to get a lottery and gambling commission into the state. It’s another constitutional amendment. And, get this, the title of the measure names himself, Charles Ormond of Morrilton, Arkansas, as the first commissioner of this new agency. For a ten-year term, no less. And at a “reasonable” salary, which commissioners would set for themselves.
Let me pause here. I have to suppress laughter. And a sort of twisted admiration. If you go into politics to serve yourself, why not go all the way?
Back when he was serving the people, Ormond was voted the worst legislator in Arkansas. But what’s he aiming for now that he’s out, “worst citizen”?
This is Common Sense. I’m Paul Jacob.
