Editorial: Revising Alabama's constitution - WSFA.com: News Weather and Sports for Montgomery, AL.

Editorial: Revising Alabama's constitution

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By Mark Wilder - email

  • Editorials

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MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) -

For as long as I can remember, there have been pleas from concerned Alabamians for the revision of our state's 1901 constitution. 

Finally, our newly elected legislature and governor, making  good on one of their many campaign promises, have taken a huge step toward that revision, and kudos to them for it.

The Constitutional Revision Commission meets on Wednesday of this week for the first time.  Among the appointees is former Governor Albert Brewer, whose efforts led to the revision of the constitution's judicial article in 1973.  A good choice!

The commission will suggest revisions to 3 of the 18 articles each year for the next 4 years.  Some of the articles are off limits, among them the state tax code, badly in need of revision .

This year's revisions will address business and financial articles and the issue of home rule, allowing local governments to make local decisions, locally, which will also cut about half the bills out of the state legislative session each year. 

This commission has an opportunity to fix one of Alabama's most serious impediments to its progress.  It's a heavy lift, it will take time, and I urge them to consider it carefully.  It could be well worth the effort.