I've spent most of my work week learning about Connecticut's constitutional conventions. I've been reading up on the few rules the state has regarding conventions, and I've spent a great deal of time studying the 1965 constitutional convention.
This was not a boring assignment by any means.
I have to admit, I was captivated by the history. I had the pleasure of talking to Hamden's Lawrence DeNardis, a former state senator and U.S. congressman, and Charles M. McCollam, a former state representative from Bethel, about their experiences as delegates. They are one of the few 1965 constitutional convention delegates still alive, and they were clearly proud of their affiliation with the historic convention.
If you didn't already know, 1965 was the last time Connecticut amended its constitution through the convention process.
Anyway, voters will get to decide next week if they want to hold a state constitutional convention. It's question No. 1 on the ballot. There are groups lobbying for both yes and no votes, and it has actually become a topic that many are discussing.
I've talked to those involved in the political arena, college professors and to those representing the groups lobbying for or against the question. I, however, haven't heard from the average Connecticut resident. I want to know what people think.
Should there be a constitutional convention, and is it worth it when the General Assembly gets to decide how delegates are selected?
Let me know your thoughts, and pick up a copy of Sunday's Record-Journal if you want to learn more about the 1965 constitutional convention!
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4 comments:
The Rights of Women, African-Americans, Latinos, Immigrants, People Living in Poverty, Public Employees, Ex-Offenders, Transgender, Bisexual, Lesbian, and Gay people would likely All be Under Attack if Ballot Initiatives come to Connecticut.
A Partial List of What's At Stake Under Ballot Initiatives:
Abortion Rights
Emergency Contraception for Rape Victims
Affirmative Action
Anti-Poverty Programs
Judicial Discretion in Sentencing
Public Education Funding
Comprehensive Sex Education
Human Rights to Housing & Employment for Transgender & Gender Non-conforming People
Healthcare, Social Services, & College Assistance for Immigrants
Collective Bargaining
Binding Arbitration
Healthcare & Retirement Benefits of Public Servants
Same-Sex Marriage
Euthanasia
Don't be fooled by a Con Con.
Vote NO! on November 4.
Thanks for your comments, Frank. Do you think if we have a convention these issues will actually be brought up, or will the legislature pick delegates that will support leaving the constitution as is?
There is over a million dollars being spent by the No people, a coaltion of special interests trying to "hold on to their power". They are the Unions, Political Establishment, Donovan and the boys, gay activists, etc. They are desparatly trying to keep the public from having ballot initiative. They don't want to "share" power. It's disgraceful, negative TV advts-full of outright lies and scare tactics. Very shameful. I'm voting YES so the people will have a voice.
Those in opposition are so due to fear of the unlikely.
Quite the contrary is what could well occur.
Let's remember who appoints the delegates should a convention be called.
Liberal Democrats will be in charge.
Conservatives, including most of my own party and virtually all of my political allies, could well inadvertently open Pandora's Box
Instead of worrying about same-sex marriage, I'm concerned as it regards firearm rights; which could wind up trampled.
Further - the social Conservatives concern over same-sex marriage is overstated; we should instead seek some sort of constitutional guarantee of some-sex marriage - now there's a cause a lot of people could support!
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