Founders wanted 'direct democracy'

Whoa! Much ado from the Scottsdale Republic’s editorial board regarding Jim Peirce’s recall efforts and annexation by faulting the ‘direct democracy’ process in Cave Creek and Fountain Hills.

The Republic wrote “our founding fathers disapproved of direct democracy.” Not true, as my history lessons taught me that Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Teddy Roosevelt–all great men–supported the initiative/referendum/recall process. Jefferson said: “I know of no safer depository of the ultimate power of society but the people themselves.” Initiative and referendum give us power.

The founding fathers knew too well the possibility that in our country, those chosen to rule can and would on occasion become consumed with their power and take actions that represented their self‑interest and not the interest of the people.

The Scottsdale Republic editor, instead, should have faulted the State Land Department for conditioning the annexation in Fountain Hills. Why did they put in the clause of “if citizens file a petition, the land department would back out of the annexation of trust land?” What next? A developer telling officials if a petition is filed against our rezoning request, I will not build here at all. Blackmail, the last I checked, is wrong.

Regarding the recall in Cave Creek, our state statutes can be changed to add specific reasons for citizens to be able to recall an elected official. I agree Carefree resident Jim Peirce was wrong to lead a recall in Cave Creek, but what he did is legal. Change state law, give reasons for recall. Do not take away citizens rights to the process.

So before anyone builds a road toward dismantling our rights, remember special political machines and bosses try to control American politics through high‑paid lobbyists. Direct democracy (initiative, referendum, recall) ensures that elected officials remain accountable to the electorate and that citizens can correct government whenever it becomes misrepresentative.

Anna Marsolo - Cave Creek