‘Initiative Tangle’
Your editorial “The Initiative Tangle” (May 31), while having good points to make on the present proliferation of propositions, fails to take into account the many failures of the Legislature. You criticize the Legislature for not taking action in initiative reform. However, the main reason that there are all of the competing insurance reform initiatives is that the Legislature was unable, and seemingly unwilling, to take action that was clearly needed. The Legislature seems to spend all of its time debating mollusks or engaging in leadership quarrels.
The governor has not shown particularly inspired leadership--the tax rebate, bond issues as an easy way out of having to raise taxes, and a continuing love-hate relationship with the education lobby and school spending. The Legislature, however, often seems worse.
Be thankful for the use of the initiative. It often seems to be overused but the alternative of depending on state government is worse--at least until it is reformed and who is going to do that?
RON COLVIN
Santa Monica
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