Editorial: November 15, 2024: Demand for Transparency [Video]

You can argue with the idea of making laws by statewide ballot — and we did so, right here, just a few weeks ago. A ballot question is a weak substitute for the analysis and debate that nuanced law-making requires. Of course, that would also require that the Bay State’s full-time legislature step up and be far more efficient and productive in their work.With the overwhelming vote last week in favor of Question 1, the path has been cleared for the State Auditor to audit the legislature. Massachusetts voters have sent a crystal clear message — state reps and senators need to be much more transparent in conducting the people’s business. And unlike the other ballot questions, this one was appropriately addressed in a voter referendum — rather than by the lawmakers who might prefer to keep their proceedings in the shadows.Now that Question 1 has passed with one of …