Judy Stahl

Valley City

I was wrong to sign the petition to put Measure #1 on the ballot calling for the establishment of an ethics commission. At first glance, I thought, “Who wouldn’t agree that we need ethics in our North Dakota government?” But after further examination, I found that Measure #1 would severely restrict our Fourth Amendment rights to free speech. Every expenditure of $200 or more must be reported to an ethics commission. Even such activities such as ordinary citizens driving around the state putting up campaign signs or driving to Bismarck to testify about a bill in a committee hearing could involve gas, food, and a motel stay which could easily top $200. The free speech of organizations would also be restricted in promoting their issues and candidates.

And who would prevent the members appointed to the ethics commission from engaging in unethical and biased activity? Both Democrats and Republicans could use an ethics commission to make accusations of corruption of members of the opposing party for political gain which would delay and obstruct the legislative process enough to affect close votes and ruin reputations.

Vote no on Measure #1. It is not what it appears to be.