Our form of government is a representative democracy.  We elect our representatives to propose and enact laws.  Rarely do the people vote directly on ANY issue.  The Initiative process is written in two phases so that citizens who want a law may show popular support, and then, if elected officials STILL won't enact it, take it to the direct ballot and pass it.  In SJC, within 120 days of filing,  a number of registered voters must sign such petitions equal to 15% of the voters in the last election for governor, so 1635 signatures. An all-volunteer group of 200  got 2365 valid signatures, roughly 22% in 30 days. The petition stated in the first paragraph that we hoped the SJCC would adopt the ordinance ASAP, which I for one am grateful they did.  

Direct democracy requires changing the Constitution of the USA and WA and the county charter.  That is a tall order.  The research and thought crucial to governing well takes lots of time.  Vote for good people to represent you.

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