Don't let elected officials dodge duties

We live in a republic, not a democracy. There were excellent reasons why the founding fathers did it that way. We have elected representatives to make decisions most of us would not have the time nor inclination to study in depth. And if we don't like what they're doing, we should show up at the polls and vote such people out of office.

We had a story in the Kentucky edition Monday about an alternative strategy: government by referendums. In this case, a group of local activists is spearheading an effort to repeal a KY law that allows any local body that imposes taxes to hike property taxes up to 4 percent a year. Their replacement idea is a demand that "Kentucky citizens vote on all fees and taxes," said Steve Markovich, one of the leaders.

Direct democracy. Ah, it sounds so good. However, local officials -- none of them wild-spending lovers of intrusive government as far as I know -- make a strong case for the crippling effects this could have. This could starve government of its ability to provide essential services, undermine regional cooperation and undo much of the dramatic progress Northern Kentucky has made in economic development and education in recent years. And KY could end up with the game often played in Ohio of taxing bodies begging voters again and again to approve levy hikes.

In a republic, elected officials are supposed to be accountable for the decisions we elect them to make -- including what we will pay in taxes. "Referendum democracy" not only let's them dodge their duty, it's highly unlikely to help Kentucky grow and prosper.