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Show Arguments against 1. Although recognition must be given to the needs of those legislators who live long distances from the Capitol, this need must be balanced against the value of sacrifice by the lawmaker. To the extent the legislator must sacrifice to serve his constituents, he will remain constantly aware of the economic needs of those he represents. 2. If the Legislature is not the proper branch of government govern-ment to suggest legislative pay increases, neither is the Executive. A commission established by the Governor can in no way be wiser than the Legislature and definitely not more so than a properly informed electorate. The voter should make the final decision. 3. When legislators begin receiving professional-level compensation, it is the first step towards the establishment of a full-time professional Legislature. Legisla-ture. This is contrary to a basic concept adopted by the Founding Fathers: a citizen Legislature. The invaluable link to the "pulse" of the people will be severed by the establishment of a professional lawmaking group, just as it has been lost at the federal level. 4. As soon as the electorate loses control of the establishment of legislative pay it is only a matter of time until it also loses the ear of its legislators. When legislators are paid well they lose their concern for their constituents and the representative process is undermined. 5. With some exceptions, a person will die for a cause. For a wage he will work eight hours. Our lawmakers should consider their services rendered to the public as close to voluntary as possible. 6. It is morally improper for legislators to raise their own pay during their present term in office. If a raise is absolutely necessary, it should be effective for the following term of legislators and not the present one. VOTE "NO" ON PROPOSITION NO. 2! Representative Alvin S. Merrill 4280 South 838 East Murray, Utah 84107 Rebuttal to Arguments in opposition to Proposition No. 2 PROPOSITION 2 WILL NOT ESTABLISH A FULLTIME FULL-TIME PROFESSIONAL LEGISLATURE. If we are to keep our part-time citizen Legislature, people of ordinary income must be able to participate. Yet, present legislative compensation levels make it very difficult for people of moderate incomes to serve in the Legislature. Legis-lature. This situation seriously threatens the status of our Legislature as a part-time body representing all Utahns. Proposition 2 will guard against the Legislature becoming composed of only wealthy or supported individuals. At the same time, the citizen commission will be a "watch-dog" against excessive pay and will make legislators themselves accountable to the people for their vote on compensation amounts. Proposition No. 2 is the best way to both preserve our part-time citizen Legislature and to guard against excessive legislative compensation. PROPOSITION 2 WILL GIVE THE PEOPLE A REAL VOICE IN SETTING LEGISLATIVE COMPENSATION. Opponents claim that the people will lose control of legislative compensation if Proposition 2 passes. The people realistically do not have this po wer no w! Proposition Propos-ition 2 will establish a means where the people will have a meaningful voice in setting legislative compensation. PROPOSITION 2 WILL REQUIRE LEGISLATIVE COMPENSATION TO BE SET LIKE OTHER GOVERNMENT GOVERN-MENT OFFICIALS. Of all state officials, only legislators have their compensation levels set specifically in the Constitution. Proposition 2 will require legislators to be treated like all other government officials. Proposition Proposi-tion 2 will provide for accountibility and fairness in setting legislative compensation. VOTE "YES" ON PROPOSITION 2! Sentator Wilford R. Black Senate Minority Leader 826 North 13th West Salt Lake City, Utah 84116 Senator Jack M. Bangerter Senator Majority Whip 1177 East 5th North Bountiful, Utah 84010 -15- |