The Sound You Hear is Hell Freezing Over

In the past few days, the Tribune has issued opinions on three ballot initiatives, Initiative 153, Constitutional Initiative 43 and Constitutional Initiative 151. In all three cases, I have no choice but to conclude that someone in the Editor's office is spot-on.

Initiative 153 would ban State employees from going right into lobbying after they leave State employment. This is a good idea, and I think it should pass. Apparently, so does the Trib.

CI-43 would change the name of the State Auditor to the State Insurance Commissioner, and I think such trivia is silly and foolish. Again, the Trib and I are on the same page.

CI-151 would raise the minimum wage by $1, and then tie annual increases to the national Consumer Price Index. While a $1 increase may be a good idea (and also irrelevant), annually tying the minimum wage to the CPI would be harmful to small businesses and their employers. I think that this initiative goes too far, and again, the Trib and I agree.

I doubt that this streak will last long, but for the moment, I urge a vote as the Trib has recommended. At least for these three issues, anyway.