Why hold a Con Con? - Guest Editorials

I'd agree with much of this except the problem may turn out to be more cultural than political. I don't see a lot of local people demanding more grass roots democracy; they like the present system just fine. If you don't believe this, just look at the bozos (and bozettes) who get elected here. It's not really a coincidence - they really are what the voters want.

We should not want "hundreds of local groups" running Hawaii. This is a representative democracy. Elected officials are held accountable for their actions while in office, their actions are subject to public scrutiny, and their actions are tempered by ethics laws. Violation of these laws not only means they may jeopardize their longevity at the polls, but civil and criminal penalties may attach. There are no such protections for "local groups", which serve special interests whether they have a lot of money or not. Leave constitutional amendments to the legislative process. Yes, it's slow and cumbersome and it was designed that way. The constitution sets forth enduring principals and the foundation of our local democracy. It should not be changed by the direction of the winds of history or by unaccountable special interests.

I wasn't going vote for con con but now after seeing the legislature getting a raise and how some of them have managed to maintain power among themselves I think its time. Sure the ones on power don't want it their the ones who got something to lose. And they should.