Thursday, February 2, 2012

The Stop Special Interest Money initiative on the November ballot will stir up public employee unions in a frantic effort to defeat it.

The measure would require union members to declare they want some of their dues to be used for political purposes and set up similar rules for corporation employees, as well. - Fox&Hounds

Why do unions feel they would be completely stripped of power if this measure passes? After all, members supporting the unions’ political action could still agree to donate to the political fund and engage in campaigns for candidates and ballot measures. True, union leaders would have to sell their membership on the positions they want to take. If done successfully, the union would have the resources to conduct a campaign.

If the union leadership believes its members support the political positions the union takes they should have no difficulty raising funds. If they do have problems raising funds the leaders will be forced to re-think their agendas to satisfy members in a true democratic fashion.