Editorial

RECAP OF ENDORSEMENTS

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We urge Cape Girardeans to vote down the attempt to change the charter and adopt zone representation. It is unnecessary, and will actually limit your choice for representation. And instead of promoting unity and cooperation, this measure has the potential to spawn divisiveness and provincial attitudes. Vote "No" on the Zone Representation question.

Missourians will consider a couple of ballot measures that will make it easier for certain tax increases to be imposed. Amendment 1 decreases the number of "yes" votes required to approve certain tax hikes. Amendment 10 does the same thing, but just for the city of St. Louis. Constitutional requirements now in force are sound. We see no reason to amend the provisions on voting majorities for tax measures. We urge "No" votes on Amendments 1 and 10.

Amendment 2 allows for construction of toll roads and bridges in Missouri. Flaws in the proposed amendment along with funding improvements in the last year negate the need for this measure. Citizens should vote "No" on Amendment 2.

Proposition A would legalize riverboat gambling in Missouri. This measure is nothing more than a gimmick an attempt to replace taxes with easy money. The fact is these floating casinos would raise considerably less than the lottery, and come with dangerous strings. The same holds true for Amendment 3, which would legalize off-track horse race wagering. Missourians should vote "No" on Proposition A and Amendment 3.

At the very foundation of America's criminal justice~ system is fairness. But sometimes the system tries so hard to be fair to the accused that it neglects victims. Amendment 4 would provide basic rights to victims' families. It would guarantee families the right to be informed and present at criminal proceedings, the right of restitution, speedy disposition of their cases and reasonable protection from the defendant. Citizens should vote "Yes" on Amendment 4.

Voters have the opportunity to direct our Jefferson City lawmakers to a course of greater fiscal accountability. Amendment 6 would write a so-called Budget Stabilization Fund into the Missouri Constitution. We encourage Missourians to vote "Yes" on Amendment 6.

Two constitutional amendments would limit the terms of both state and U.S. legislators. Amendment 12 would prohibit a person from serving more than 16 years in the General Assembly. Amendment 13 would restrict Missouri's U.S. senators to two terms, and U.S. representatives to four terms. Term limits are not an ideal solution. But they are the only viable way frustrated citizens now have to break governmental gridlock. We urge voters to say "Yes" on both Amendments 12 and 3.

Proposition C would give our lieutenant governor more clear direction in his job. It would add seven statutory duties to the office. We urge a "Yes" vote on Proposition C.

Twenty years ago, voters consid~ered the issue of county planning and gave their approval. Some now want to overturn what earlier voters had approved. Make no mistake about this issue: A vote against zoning is a vote that ordered progress is not desirable here. Voters must not turn back the clock. We urge a "Yes" vote on county zoning.