Why not address the fundamental problem of partisan legislators carefully crafting the words to be purposefully misleading or confusing? Several states have attempted to correct this problem by providing voter guides to every resident. These guides supply explanatory statements of the ballot measures and arguments from both sides. In Georgia, after the legislature approves the wording of the ballot measure there is no effort taken by the government to make sure people know the purpose or objective of the measure. Voters must seek out information from other sources. While there isn’t anything wrong with asking voters to educate themselves, it can be time consuming if the ballot is filled with several referenda and if some of those referenda receive very little attention from the media.
Are Taller Buildings the Answer to Gentrification?
In an article in this month’s edition of Governing, Scott Beyer posits that Miami has been able to control gentrification by allowing taller buildings. The Brickell district is home to many of the city’s […]
Georgia’s Waters May Get a Bit Murky Thanks to Poor Statute Writing by the Georgia Legislature
State water could soon get quite murky thanks to a new ruling by the Georgia Supreme Court. Several month ago we highlighted Turner v. Georgia River Network as a case to watch since […]
Conservation Easements: When Privatizing Environmental Protection Can Be a Great Thing
Support for environmental protection through land use regulation can be peculiar. On the national stage, the fervor over placing any type of regulation on how one can use his or her land […]
Beer and Neighborhood Redevelopment, Freeways over Communities, and More Solar Panels in an Exciting Crossover Week at the Georgia Legislature
Last Friday was Crossover Day at the Georgia Legislature, which means no new bills will be introduced this legislative session. Not only will no new bills be introduced, but those bills that […]
The Atlanta Streetcar; Or How to Overcome Loneliness and Make People Like You
Poor streetcar. You’re sleek, you’re shiny, you’re new and apparently no one likes you. Not only that, but now all those who questioned you from the beginning are saying you’ll always be a […]
The Second Week. Take the Money and Run: The Georgia House Channels Its Inner Steve Miller to Fund Transportation
The Georgia Assembly reconvened last Monday for their second week of the current legislative session. The major juggernaut of last week was the introduction of the House’s plan to fund transportation projects […]
A Proposed Reform to Georgia's Beer Laws Could Also Be Great for Neighborhood Revitalization
The Atlanta craft beer scene is getting excited about the possibility of a proposed bill that would ask the Georgia Legislature to make significant changes to the state’s daft and antiquated beer distribution laws. Currently, breweries are […]