LETTERS: COMMON SENSE OF STATE'S ELECTORATE

To the editor:

Too often common sense gets ignored. Recently a group known as Missouri Voters for Clean Elections, proponents of a ballot initiative that would create taxpayer-financed election campaigns in Missouri, announced that it is giving up an attempt to put this initiative before the voters of Missouri this November.

Although we may not realize it, this aborted attempt pays tribute to the common sense and integrity of the Missouri electorate. I seriously doubt that Missouri taxpayers would support a tax increase to fund elections all around the state. What were these people thinking? Restoring public confidence in our political system will not be accomplished by forcing Missouri taxpayers to pick up the tab for politicians.

Taxpayers are typically very critical of elected officials and how they spend our tax dollars. Missouri taxpayers want lower taxes and more control over how their taxes are spent. Why would these same taxpayers want to shoulder a tax increase that is earmarked to finance the election campaigns of politicians they have never heard of and with whom they might disagree?

The withdrawal of this petition truly is a victory for the taxpayers of Missouri, but it also is a testament to their common sense.

JO H. FRAPPIER, President

Missouri Chamber of Commerce

Jefferson City