Portland Press Herald Policy Matters: Ballot initiatives: Power to the people?

Since 1911, Mainers have had the right to introduce ballot measures to change or create law. These citizen-led initiatives have had a profound impact at the municipal and state levels: think gay marriage, clearcutting, zoning restrictions, and bear-baiting. But are they ripe for abuse? Should they be changed? Join moderator Carol Coultas as she explores this issue with panelists James Melcher, Ph.D., University of Maine Farmington political science professor, and John Brautigam, senior advisor to the Maine chapter of the League of Women Voters.