Say What? California Needs More Legislators?!
In 2013, Calfornia Assemblywoman Shannon Grove, R-Bakersfield, pushed an initiative for a part-time Legislature. While it didn’t make it, she brought attention to a system that is badly shattered which then brought to the forefront other ideas for reform.
Enter John Cox, a businessman, radio host from Illinois and former Cook County (which includes Chicago) Republican Party Chairman, is promoting the proposed California ballot initiative to create a Neighborhood Legislature, returning the power back to the people. He explains it in this brief You Tube video.
The enormous campaign contributions from big labor unions and special interest groups play an immense role in California and our nation’s politics. As a result, voters not only in California, but throughout our nation, have grown disenchanted with our political process and believe we no longer have a say in government affairs.
How can this be accomplished?
It’s called the Neighborhood Legislature Initiative and according to their brochure:
It’s Small Neighborhood Districts
The Neighborhood Legislature Initiative is a bold reform of Californian’s political system that is destined to return power back to ordinary citizens.
By creating small neighborhood districts, legislators will represent far fewer people. Assembly members will represent only about 10,000 ensuring a far more direct connection with those they represent.
It’s a Citizen Legislature.
Under the Neighborhood Legislature system, ordinary citizens can successfully run for office without the need for hundreds of thousands of dollars in political contribution. Campaigns will be true grassroots efforts dependent on genuine support from local residents.
What do you think? Is this something each state can adopt?
