Re "Ballot efforts suck up millions" (Dan Morain, Oct. 28) and "Big money again seeks to hijack an election" (Stuart Leavenworth, Oct. 28): The two columns attacked the ballot initiative process. Progressives who championed the initiative idea more than a century ago were passionate about returning to the people the growing power of corporate giants like Southern Pacific Railway to buy the legislative process. They also feared that in the future even the initiative process could be coopted by these same interests.
That point has arrived. Most of the measures currently before the voters are underwritten by donors of $5 million or more. Neither of the writers, however, suggests how this gigantic swindle can be controlled.
Here are some possibilities : initiate a campaign to "just say no"-- urge voters never to sign any petition for any ballot measure (cheapest and easiest way to go);double the number of signatures required for qualification; require that all initiatives be vetted by the Legislature; restrict contributions to California residents.
-- Alan D. Wade, Sacramento
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