Propositions 140, 131

Props. 140 and 131, as are most initiatives, are both bad public policy. Having had the opportunity to work directly with several members of both parties in the Legislature during the past 20 years, I have found the majority to be experienced, dedicated and responsible. Our seniority system works well, except in some areas where there are apathetic voters allowing a few “bad apples” to remain.

To limit tenure would be throwing out the “baby with the bath water” or the bad with the good. The bureaucrats, lobbyists and special interests would have unlimited control. If we lost such legislative leaders as Sen. Alfred Alquist and Assemblyman John Vasconcellos whose financial acumen is outstanding on budget/finance matters, then who would replace them? They both temper the bureaucrats and special interests in a responsible and humanitarian way. I would hate to see them gone.

Instead of initiatives such as Props. 140 and 131, perhaps we need a constitutional amendment mandating that every person eligible must vote. Then a limited number of the electorate might not be able to retain the very few scoundrels there are.

DAVE KING, Tustin