Backers of Four Ballot Questions Submit Signatures to State
Associated Press
December 5, 2007
The Journal Gazette
Backers of four ballot questions have submitted signatures to Secretary of State William Galvin's office, although it's unclear how many will cross the crucial threshold.
By law, supporters must gather the signatures of at least 66,593 voters to help win a spot on the 2008 ballot, although most gather many more to withstand challenges from opponents.
One of the questions would decriminalize possession of an ounce or less of marijuana. Those caught with a small amount of marijuana for personal use would instead pay a civil fine of $100 — much like a traffic ticket.
A second would ban greyhound racing in Massachusetts. Animal activists made an earlier attempt in 2000, but narrowly lost.
Another would eliminate the state income tax. Supporters say approving the question would force the state to cut wasteful spending, while opponents say it would wreak havoc on state services by cutting total revenues by 40 percent.
A fourth question would eliminate key sections of the state's main affordable housing law, also known as 40b.
The law allows developers to skirt local zoning laws in cities and towns that have less than 10 percent affordable housing, as long as the developer agrees to include affordable units in their project.
Officials at Galvin's office say it will take a few days to count up the signatures for each question. | 
