Constitution bill meets local opposition

Staff

Published Sunday, January 30, 2000

Staff Writer

Jan. 29, 2000 11 PM

A couple of Alabama State Representatives are proposing a Constitutional Convention, but at least one local representative thinks the approach may be a bit radical.

Reps. Todd Greeson, R-Ider, and Jeremy Oden, R-Eva, have prefiled legislation which would call for voters to decide whether or not to call a Constitutional Convention.

"A constitution is supposed to be a foundation for government," Oden said. "It should provide broad and general principles of how our government operates. Instead, our constitution is long ­ having been amended over 660 times - and contrary to our state's growth and prosperity."

Although State Rep. Alan Boothe, D-Troy, believes the constitution needs a facelift, he does not think a constitutional convention is the way to do it.

"Certainly, our constitution needs reworking and rewriting," Boothe said, adding he would rather see the changes done over a period of time, taking everything and breaking it down.

The proposed legislation details six things:

· Like the Legislature of 1900, the current one has an opportunity to change a constitution that is "grievously defective and antiquated in that it reflects the conditions, frustrations and prejudices of a long past century that do not exist today."

· The Constitution of 1901 is too long. "...a simpler, more modern document, like that of other states, would provide a more efficient and effective fundamental law."

· Problems with the constitution are evident by the number of amendments made to it. Over 660 amendments have made to the 98-year-old document.

· Efforts to revise the current constitution have failed because of the cost and lack of authority by a vote of the people.

· The constitution "is long overdue for a revision and, if necessary, a complete replacement with a better constitution for this century."

· Giving the people of Alabama "an opportunity to move forward with a document that is more appropriate for the times in which we live."

The proposed legislation would call for an election, giving Alabama voters the opportunity to decide whether or not to call a constitutional convention. If the majority agrees a constitutional convention should be called, the legislation provides for the election of delegates to the convention, provides for holding the convention and provides for an election to submit the proposed constitution, once it is prepared by the convention, to the voters for ratification.

"We have spent countless hours over the past seven months researching the basis for this legislation," Greeson said.

"I am confident that for Alabama to realize her true potential, we must have a constitution which provides basic guidelines for the state to follow. It should also allow flexibility for decisions by local governments.

"Certainly, Alabama is poised to take major progressive steps in the next few years," Greeson said. "A new state constitution will make those steps easier and more lasting."

The constitutional convention proposal will be on the calendar of the Legislative Session that begins Tuesday at noon.  

 

---

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE THIS STORY?

---