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Show More Than Just Candidates "Four Amendments on Ballot Four propositions for amending the Utah State Constitution, which will appear on the ballot at the general election in November, are outlined and discussed in a research brief prepared by Utah Foundation, the private research organization. The report notes that this analysis is a traditional service of the Foundation and is designed to provide voters with the basic Information to assist them in making Informed decisions on these important Issues. The Foundation emphasizes that it does not take a stand for or against any of the proposals, although it does list the major arguments advanced by the proponents and the opponents. According to the report, proposition 1 the Tax Article Revision Amendment is the most complicated and controversial issue that w"' be presented to the voters in November. If approved, this proposition will make some major changes in the revenue and taxation article of the State Constitution. Because of the importance and controversy surrounding this amendment, it was dealt with in a separate research report issued by Utah Foundation last July. Proposition 2 deals with the matter of determining legislative compensation and expenses. Presently, the Utah Constitution sets legislative pay at $25 a day plus an expense allowance of $15 a day whUe in session. The proposed amendment would allow the Legislature to establish a citizen salary commission, which would be appointed by the Governor, to make recommendations regarding legislative pay, The Legislature then could accept, reject, or lower the recommendation of this commission, but could not increase the recommendation. Advocates of proposition 2 point out that Utah has one of the lowest rates of legislative compensation in the nation, and that it is becoming Increasingly difficult to get citizens of modest means to serve in the Legislature. They claim that the change Is heeded to preserve our part-time citizen Legislature and prevent the creation of a legislative body made up solely of special interests. Opponents, on the other hand, contend that election to the Legislature should be regarded as an important public service that should be as close to voluntary as possible. They claim that excessive legislative pay could lead to a full-time, nonrepresentative, professional Legislature. Proposition 3 provides that a legislator would cease to be a member of the Legislature If he or she moved from the district from which ejected. Advocates of the change claim that legislators need to reside among the people they represent or it would create unequal representation. Opponents, however, point out that if this amendment is approved, It would replace an elected representative with an appointed one and that would be contrary to the principles of repres itative government. In addition, they observe that no one has pointed to a single instance .where the present policy has been abused, and even if a legislator moves from his district, he will only continue to serve until the conclusion of his current term. Finally, proposition 4 would repeal a section of the Utah Constitution which currently prohibits corporate oiflcers, employees, and agents from holding public office In any municipality granting such corporation a charter to operate in that municipality. Advocates of the change point out (hat this provision is archaic, restricts political freedom, violates the principle of representative government, and currently is not being enforced in Utah. No major opposition to this amendment has been expressed, although there may be some feeling that a conflict of interest could exist if corporate officers and employees also serve as part-time municipal officials. |