To the editor:
Issues as well as candidates are on the ballot in November. The Berkshire Democratic Brigades, the county-wide organization of local Democratic Party leaders and activists, has considered the items that voters are asked to weigh in on. We recommend the following votes on the ballot questions.
Question 1, giving the state auditor the authority to audit the legislature: YES. Despite concern about how this would affect the constitutional separation of powers, public trust in the legislative process requires greater transparency.
Question 2, eliminating the MCAS as a graduation requirement: YES. Teaching to the test distorts education.
Question 3, unionizing transportation network drivers: The Brigades does not take a position about this item because the complexity of the proposed regulations made it hard to assess the likely net effects.
Question 4, legalizing and regulating psychedelics: The Brigades does not take a position about this item because the effect of the proposed regulations’ balance between potential harms and benefits is unclear.
Question 5, setting the minimum wage for tipped workers: YES. Extending the reach of the minimum wage is basic fairness, and experience with similar laws elsewhere should dispel fears about adverse effects.
One more question is on the ballot in the towns in the 3rd Berkshire District, where Question 6 would instruct the Representative to vote for single-payer healthcare: YES. The Berkshire Democratic Brigades has always supported this important policy goal and has previously called on voters in other districts to tell their legislator to vote for it.
Michael Wise
Chair of the Berkshire Democratic Brigades
Great Barrington
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