I am a firm believer that no one wields more power than the citizen in the voting booth. In just a few days that power will be exercised when Missourians vote on ballot questions that could have a major impact on our state. In hopes of ensuring your vote is informed, I am going to review and comment on these important choices.
Amendment 1 will amend the Missouri Constitution to allow the General Assembly to override the current constitutional restrictions of state investments by the state treasurer; and allow state investments in municipal securities possessing one of the top five highest long term ratings or the highest short term rating. The current Constitutional requirements for investing of certain state funds prevents the Treasurer from being able to invest in higher interest bearing investments. Additionally, this legislation allows the Treasurer to invest in higher interest earning investments while still preventing risky investments. I will support this amendment.
Amendment 3 legalizes recreational marijuana. As I have previously stated, I will strongly oppose this amendment.
Amendment 4 will amend the Missouri Constitution to allow the general assembly by law to increase the minimum funding for a police force established by the state board of police commissioners to ensure such police force has additional resources to serve its communities. Currently the only police force established by the state board of police commissioners is found in Kansas City, Missouri. Last year, a Jackson County judge ruled that the mayor and city council in Kansas City violated state law when it attempted to strip $42 million from the Kansas City Police Department budget. There were secret meetings about intentions to cut the budget, bypassing the Board of Police Commissioners’ exclusive authority to determine police spending. The money was going to be diverted to community outreach and other social services. This would provide an exception to the Hancock amendment by allowing the General Assembly to set minimum funding requirements for the police department. There will be long-lasting and dangerous consequences if the police department’s budget is cut. I will support this amendment because we need to ensure our police departments are funded adequately, especially in areas like Kansas City with rampant crime problems.
Amendment 5 will amend the Missouri Constitution to create the Missouri Department of the National Guard as a new state agency, headed by an adjutant general appointed by and serving at the pleasure of the governor by and with the advice and consent of the senate. Most states have a Department of Defense or something similar to what we are creating here. This allows for a more streamlined process for the chain of command. This bill would remove some of the bureaucracy and allow the Adjutant General to communicate directly with the Governor which will help with information management and response times for the National Guard. Because I believe this amendment will improve public safety administration, I’ll be voting yes.
Finally, we will be asked whether we want to have a constitutional convention. The amendment would direct the governor to call an election of delegates to serve at a convention for the purpose of revising or amending the Missouri Constitution. Any revisions or amendments will then be put to a vote of the people for their consideration. Although I think many parts of the constitution should be removed, the possibility of negative changes outweighs the benefits and I’ll be a no vote.
Regardless of your political beliefs, I encourage you to get informed and vote on November 8th.
May God bless and keep you and our great nation.
Hardy Billington represents District 152, which includes parts of Butler and Dunklin counties.