As things stand, Arkansas voters will be asked to consider five ballot issues come Nov. 8 or in the two-week early voting period that starts Monday. Litigation may affect the number of measures voters will decide. Two measures — casino gambling and a limit on medical litigation liabilities — have been disqualified from the ballot.
But Arkansans still have important decisions to make on Issues 1, 2, 3, 6 and 7. We’ll save Issue 3 for another day. The others, we’ll take one at a time.
Issue 1 — Terms, election and eligibility of elected officials
County officials elected countywide have for years pined for a transition to longer terms of office, insisting the current two-year turnaround is inefficient, giving officeholders precious little time to make a difference before they’re forced to go out campaigning again.
We hesitate because of bad experiences, such as what Benton County had with its sheriff. The Quorum Court effectively agreed to pay him the rest of his term’s salary to entice him to resign. If it had been a fouryear term, the price could have risen dramatically or the county might have been stuck with a ineffective sheriff for a long time.
But the lion’s share of elected officials won’t commit acts worthy of forcing them out of office, so yes, the longer terms will give them a more substantial opportunity to effect change. They may also draw improved candidates to the contests because of the added stability.
We would appreciate lawmakers proposing a clear process of recall for officeholders who abuse their offices, but that’s not part of Issue 1.
Still, we support the four-year terms for the offices of county judge, sheriff, circuit clerk, county clerk, assessor, coroner, treasurer, county surveyor and tax collector. If approved, the measure will not take effect until the 2018 election.
Issue 2 — Allowing the governor to retain powers and duties when absent from state
This is, in our view, the easiest ballot to cast. With today’s communication technology and speed of travel, the governor should not lose his authority to act on behalf of the people of Arkansas simply because sometimes needs to travel beyond the state’s borders.
We support a “For” vote on Issue 2.
Issue 6 — Medical marijuana amendment
Issue 7 — Medical cannabis act
The Arkansas Association of Chiefs of Police opposes medical marijuana.
The Arkansas Prosecuting Attorneys Association suggests voters just say no.
The nonprofit Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families says medical marijuana is a threat to the health and safety of Arkansas’ children.
The Landlords Association of Arkansas says they don’t want to be forced to allow the smoking of marijuana on their properties.
The governor, the state’s surgeon general, dozens of lawmakers, the Farm Bureau and state business leaders say the marijuana proposals aren’t good for the state.
Issues 6 and 7 will create a system to deliver marijuana to Arkansans against federal law. The pitch is it’s needed for those who are suffering from ailments or illnesses for which pot will help, but the system it creates is undesirable for the Natural State.
Since when do we put the efficacy, safety, distribution and dosages of medicine to a public vote? Has it ever been done for pain medications? For cancer treatments? We sympathize with those who want marijuana as a treatment, but the bigger issue is preserving a safe, empirically based system for the medications people put in their bodies in the name of health care. People shouldn’t be getting doctor’s notes — not prescriptions — to take down to the pot shop for some variety recommended from the dude behind the counter.
We’re also convinced this measure, for some supporters, is about the eventual legalization of marijuana for recreational use within Arkansas. Approval of Issues 6 and 7 will create growing operations across the state and dispensaries, too. They would establish a marijuana culture Arkansas doesn’t need.
We oppose issues 6 and 7.