Editorial: Recommendations on ballot questions

Friday, Oct. 18, 2002 | 6:01 a.m.

WEEKEND EDITION: Oct. 20, 2002

There are a number of controversial ballot questions in this year's general election. Today the Sun offers its recommendations on the initiatives dealing with marriage, marijuana legalization, money for roads, and the power company. Later this week the Sun will provide its views on the other ballot questions.

Question 2 would change the Nevada Constitution so that marriage would only be recognized by the state if it were between a man and a woman. Seventy percent voted for Question 2 in 2000, and it may very well pass again (constitutional changes require voter approval twice). But the initiative is unnecessary because Nevada already has a law that defines marriage as being between a man and a woman. For that matter, Question 2 is mean-spirited and creates a wedge in our state where there shouldn't be any. The Sun urges a no vote on Question 2.

Question 9 would amend the Nevada Constitution so that marijuana is legalized. If that happens, Nevada would be the first state to do so -- and become a laughingstock. The number of people who go to work impaired would rise and it certainly would result in more people driving while they're high. One of our colleagues, Sandy Thompson, was killed in August after a speeding driver, who police say had marijuana in his system, crashed into her car as she waited at a stop light. We don't need more tragedies like that. Nevada already has a constitutional amendment allowing marijuana's use for medical reasons -- there's no reason to go further. We urge a no vote on Question 9.

Question 10 is an advisory ballot question that, if approved, would ask the Legislature to give Clark County government the authority to raise $2.7 billion to pay for new roads, expand the bus system, start a light-rail commuter train and make other improvements to our transportation system that too often is mired in gridlock. If our valley wants to continue to prosper, we're going to need a better transportation infrastructure. The Sun urges a yes vote on Question 10.

If Question 14 passes, the Legislature would be encouraged to remove a legal roadblock that now prevents a government agency from taking over a utility through a hostile takeover. The Southern Nevada Water Authority wants to buy Nevada Power, but company executives have rejected the offer. Ideally, the electric company would remain in private hands with strict government oversight, but that all changes if the company can't provide the service at a reasonable cost. And a compelling argument can be made that the public is better off when government operates essential services, such as water and power. We need to keep our options open regarding a government buyout of the electric company. The Sun urges a yes vote on Question 14.