After Alberta's recent election, successful candidates undoubtedly think that the voters showed eminent good sense in casting their ballots. No doubt, Alberta's 83 M.L.A.s think that voters are capable of weighing all of the factors - candidate, party, issues, priorities - and arriving at an intelligent conclusion.

So why do some of the same M.L.A.s think that voter IQ drops 40 points the day after the election Some M.L.A.s believe that between elections, Albertans are incapable of voting on an issue of concern in a referendum. They feel that citizens should not be able to inititate a referendum on balanced budget legislation, spending contol, education reform, or other issues. In short, some M.L.A.s believe that voters are smart at election time, but stupid between elections. Therefore, all issues must be carefully managed and controlled by M.L.A.s, without direct citizen input through a referendum.

If you agree with the elitist thinking of some M.L.A.s, read no further.

But if you believe in a stronger, more vibrant democracy, tell your M.L.A. to support Bill 211, the Citizen's Initiative Act. Bill 211 will enhance Alberta's democracy by empowering taxpayers to pass, amend, or repeal legislation on an issue of concern.

For example, let's assume that a group of citizens wants a law to limit the growth in government spending to the rate of inflation plus population increase. Let's assume that the government refuses to implement the idea. The citizens could then collect signatures from 10% of voters to have a referendum on the issue. If the majority of Albertans voted in favour of limiting the growth in government spending, that legislation would be introduced into the Legislative Assembly.

Bill 211 will transform Alberta from a spectator democracy to a participant democracy. Instead of leaving all power and total control in the hands of 83 M.L.A.s, Albertans will be able to articulate their views, and participate in a real public debate about important issues.

Right now, democracy in Alberta is limited to one moment on one day, about once every four years. Bill 211 will create a more involved democracy, where every citizen is able to participate actively. Bill 211 will put all taxpayers on a level playing field with special interest groups.

Bill 211 will also provide for ongoing accountability. Right now, there is no ongoing accountability. Between elections, taxpayers have no direct control over legislation, and must approach their M.L.A.s on bended knee, cap-in-hand. M.L.A.s are able to disregard taxpayers' concerns for the next three to five years, and then still have a good shot at re-election. Bill 211 will increase accountability by putting taxpayers in charge all the time, not just for one brief moment every four years. Under Bill 211, M.L.A.s would continue to govern the pronvice and vote on legislation, but ultimate authority would be where it belongs: with the taxpayers.

If Albertans are smart enough to vote for M.L.A.s during an election, why are they not smart enough to bring forward and vote on issues of concern in a referendum Tell your M.L.A. that you're smart enough to vote for them, and you're wise enough to vote in a referendum. Tell your M.L.A. to support Bill 211.