LETTER: Carefully organized referendums are remarkably simple and effective

Editor's note: Mr. Tafel writes in response to 'More democratic electoral voting system needed' say advocates.

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To the editor: 

Am very sorry that I did not make it to the Nicksy presentation about improving democracy recently for I wrote a book a few years ago entitled - You can Control Your Government.

I am sure it would have been of interest to those present for it explains just how referendums can work to give individuals a big say in just what their elected representatives can do, and how to change laws that are not working.

Where carefully organized, referendums are actually remarkably simple and effective.

Switzerland is used as the basic model for just how such a system can work. Although the Swiss have four official languages, does not touch any ocean, have virtually no natural resources, and have elected representatives like us, its several million people utilize lots of referendums to keep their communities and country healthy and wealthy, - and very democratic.

Richard Tafel

North Bay