In an opinion piece published in the Des Moines Register, the author discusses their stance on the upcoming ballot question regarding Iowa’s gubernatorial succession. The question asks voters whether or not they approve of a proposed amendment to the state’s constitution regarding the replacement of the governor in cases of death, resignation, or impeachment.
The author argues that while they have reservations about the proposed amendment, they ultimately lean towards voting “yes” on the ballot question. They point out that the current system of succession, which involves the lieutenant governor taking over in the event of the governor’s inability to serve, has flaws that need to be addressed. The proposed amendment would allow for the governor’s powers to be transferred to another elected official, such as the secretary of state, in the case of a vacancy.
However, the author expresses concerns about potential power struggles and lack of clear succession protocols under the proposed amendment. They suggest that the amendment could have been better crafted to address these issues. Despite these reservations, the author believes that the proposed amendment is a step in the right direction and could potentially prevent political gridlock in the event of a gubernatorial vacancy.
In conclusion, the author advises voters to carefully consider the implications of the ballot question and weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. While they acknowledge the shortcomings of the proposed amendment, they ultimately endorse a “yes” vote as a cautious step towards improving Iowa’s gubernatorial succession process.
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