WHY ARE Massachusetts’ citizens apathetic about voting? In part it is due to elected officials’ disregard of the voters.


In 2000, voters mandated a decrease in the income tax to 5 percent. The Legislature countered with a lesser cut, but at least engaged in a democratic process to circumvent the people’s vote.



In 2012, voters mandated medical cannabis by a landslide of 63 percent. Governor Patrick said nothing of substance before or after, and has achieved nothing of substance since then. Neither the Legislature nor the press has called him to task for this failure.


In contrast, 55 percent of Colorado voters approved recreational cannabis against the objections of Governor John Hickenlooper in 2012. In response, Hickenlooper promised and achieved the timely creation of the program.


Is it any wonder that Massachusetts voters feel disenfranchised?


Now, the two major-party candidates for governor say that if voters overturn the casino law, they will seek legislative approval for a casino in Springfield.


If Charlie Baker and Martha Coakley will not state that they will respect a popular vote against casinos, they do not deserve my vote. There are other candidates.


Jamie Leaver


Sharon