To the Editor:

Alabama newspapers are editorializing on issues regarding our state government ranging from legislative immunity to a constitutional convention and numerous others that they want the next legislature to address in a positive way to bring about reform in our government.

Some issues are supported by citizen’s groups like ACCR (constitutional reform) and individuals. Each issue is opposed by some special interest group that has legislators in their back pocket, as well as numerous voting citizens, thus we don’t get the proposed reforms, and won’t regardless of campaign rhetoric.

There’s a way to circumvent legislators and their special interest puppet masters, and the governor, and have real reform if Alabama becomes the 25th state to have Initiative and Referendum (I&R) which at least most voters would support even though power brokers would oppose it.

If groups like ACCR would join some smaller groups and individuals in supporting I&R in addition to their own agendas, and have their members tell those seeking the offices of governor, lieutenant governor and the legislature that unless those politicians commit publicly now to work to give us I&R if elected they won’t be supported by them at the polls in November. In that way voters can be the most powerful lobby group in the state.

Why can’t ACCR, other issue-related groups, and editorialists see the wisdom of that approach and unite to bring it to fruition?

Don Seibold

Wetumpka, Ala.