Amendment 2
Allowing Prior Sex Crimes with Minors to be
considered by courts
Proposes amending the
Missouri Constitution to allow relevant evidence of prior criminal acts to be
admissible in prosecutions for crimes of a sexual nature involving a victim
under eighteen years of age.
From HJR 16 (5/17/13)Sponsor Rep. John McCaherty (R – High Ridge)
Our
response: This is a tough issue as we are “innocent until proven
guilty.” This does not protect those that were simply accused of prior
criminal acts without charges filed. Luckily the courts may decide what
is relevant and what provides danger of unfair prejudice.
We
cautiously suggest a “yes” vote.
Amendment 3
Ending Teacher Tenure
Proposes a constitutional
amendment prohibiting public schools from entering into new contracts having a
term or duration in excess of three years with certificated staff with other
provisions.
From: Initiative Petition 2014-024Citizen Sponsor: Marc Ellinger
Our
response: While we are supportive of education reform, this initiative
limits local control for education. We support performance standards.
However, schools should decide which teachers to hire and fire and the
process thereof.
We suggest a “no” vote.
Amendment 6
Enacting Early Voting
Proposes amending the
Missouri Constitution to permit voting in person or by mail for a period of six
business days prior to and including the Wednesday before the Election Day in
all general elections.
From: HJR 90 (5/14/14)Sponsor: Rep. Tony Duggar (R – Hartville)
Our
response: We support the premise behind putting this on the ballot at a
time when the legislature thought a six-week-free-for-all was going to
be placed on the same ballot through initiative petition. If this was
“no excuse absentee voting,” we would be for it. However, the portions
of the proposal that talk about local election authorities having judges
on staff for the six days of early voting raises questions of whether
or not it is worth the expense.
We suggest a “no” vote.
Amendment 10
Overriding Budget Withholds by Governor
Proposes amending the
Missouri Constitution to include language relating to a governor’s fiscal
management authority.
From: HJR 72 (5/16/14)Sponsor: Rep. Todd Richardson (R - Poplar Bluff)
Our
response: Regardless of who is in power, checks and balances are
healthy for government. We support the legislative being able to
override the governor on whit holds and oppose recent actions by Gov.
Nixon to withhold some appropriations for political purposes.
We suggest
a “yes.” vote.
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ReplyDeleteI beg to differ with you about your cautious 'yes' on allowing 'relevant prior information' be allowed to be introduced into a separate case. ANY infringement on someone's rights is a definite NO from me. There either is or is not enough evidence to convict someone. IF EVERY judge/PA, etc...were honest people, it would be different BUT that is NOT the times we live in. ie. Ryan Fergeson case. These same people have taken God out of our courtrooms as well as our schools. Do NOT give them any more ammunition. Thank you. Vicki B