1. We elect Representatives to vote on our behalf. It’s their job to keep in touch with the Citizens, and equally important, it’s OUR responsibility as voters to make our voices known to our elected officials. They, in turn, vote.

Should we have “direct Democracy” on every important issue? Is that what you’re suggesting?

2. There is a mechanism in place whereby Citizens can force a referendum via a petition. Voting down an Advisory Referendum (which is simply a fancy shmancy way of conducting an expensive opinion poll) really doesn’t impede on Democracy at all. They voted down a highly inefficient and expensive market research study, which would NOT compel them to vote up or down on the issue at hand.

If the voters want any particular issue to be taken to a vote, the voters have an indirect method via their representative to craft proposed legislation), and one direct method (petition) to do so. There’s no foul here, as I see it. Enlighten me if you think I’m off-base. Thanks! -JC