"We can't win any reforms without Initiative and Referendum. It's a basic democratic tool that Texas voters must have." Linda Curtis of Austin, Texas

(On September 1, 1999, the Wall Street Journal printed this letter
from Gov. Jesse Ventura responding to its editorial on August 23, 1999.)

People Don't
Really Need Power

In your Aug. 23 editorial "A Better Idea for Ventura" you suggest that as governor of Minnesota my time might be better spent seeking the right for citizens to change laws through the initiative process rather than revitalizing our representative democracy by changing to a unicameral
(single-house) legislature.

I appreciate your advice, but my primary goal is to inject accountability into our system by resting the responsibility for representation squarely on the shoulders of a single, elected legislature rather than on two houses that can hide behind one another to avoid taking responsibility for tough votes. In my opinion, true reform is one that will end this shell game and get results for the people of Minnesota.

Direct enactment of laws by the people is surely a tempting reform, but it is the classic double-edged sword. While it would be refreshing to give the absolute will of the people a chance to be heard on specific issues, it
often results in too many laws being proposed and too much confusion for voters on Election Day. Perhaps most importantly, well-financed special interests can circumvent the legislative process to push an agenda and make it more difficult for grass-roots organizations to adequately represent their side of an issue.

I would prefer that we streamline our lawmaking process by consolidating the House and Senate into one legislative body so citizens can follow and understand the legislative process. A single-house system is more open and accountable because major decisions would no longer be left to a handful of powerful legislators serving on a conference committee; instead, every issue, every amendment, and every decision would be debated on the open floor and given the respect of a recorded vote.

Gov. Jesse Ventura
State of Minnesota, Saint Paul, Minn.

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