The Portsmouth Democratic Town Committee (PDTC) has formally adopted a resolution opposing Question 1, which would call for a constitutional convention in Rhode Island. The Committee urges voters to reject this measure in the upcoming November ballot, citing serious concerns regarding transparency, the risk of dark money influence, and threats to the rights of vulnerable communities.
Len Katzman, Chair of the Portsmouth Democratic Town Committee, emphasized the significant risks posed by a constitutional convention. “A constitutional convention opens the door to undue influence from dark money and special interests, potentially putting the rights of Rhode Islanders up for sale,” Katzman said. “Our state already has a clear and effective process for amending our constitution—one that ensures public accountability and careful deliberation. There is simply no need for a sweeping convention that could undermine the progress we have made in ensuring equal representation and protecting vulnerable communities.”
The PDTC’s resolution highlights that a constitutional convention could allow for deliberations without public oversight, a significant departure from the transparency that Rhode Islanders expect from their government. The resolution also notes that Rhode Island’s General Assembly has successfully managed amendments to the constitution without resorting to a destabilizing and expensive convention.
“At a time when we should be focusing on real issues like climate change, education, and the livability of our communities, a constitutional convention is a costly distraction,” Katzman continued. “We stand for a fair, transparent process that keeps decision-making in the hands of the people, not special interests. We urge all Rhode Islanders to vote ‘No’ on Question 1.”
The Portsmouth Democratic Town Committee remains committed to advocating for policies that protect the integrity of the democratic process and ensure that all residents have a voice in shaping their future.
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Resolution Opposing Question 1 (Constitutional Convention)
Whereas, the Portsmouth Democratic Town Committee stands for the principles of transparency and equal representation and against the corrupting influence of dark money; and
Whereas, convening a constitutional convention presents a significant risk of enabling a “tyranny of the majority,” where the rights and protections of vulnerable communities and women’s access to healthcare could be undermined or eroded, contrary to the principles of equal protection under the law; and
Whereas, a constitutional convention has no campaign spending restrictions, opening the door to unlimited influence by dark money and special interests, both in election of the 75 delegates and in advocacy on questions, potentially prioritizing the interests of a select few over the well-being of everyday Rhode Islanders; and
Whereas, a convention, once seated, makes its own rules and agenda, and is not required to take citizen input, nor is it bound to follow Open Meetings laws, potentially removing deliberations from any public scrutiny; and
Whereas, the State of Rhode Island already possesses an established and effective mechanism for amending its constitution through the General Assembly, ensuring a transparent, deliberative process for enacting any necessary changes without the extraordinary risks posed by the sweeping scope of a convention; and
Whereas, convening a constitutional convention is not only unnecessary given the efficacy of the amendment process already in place, but also a costly and potentially destabilizing measure at a time when Rhode Island should focus on addressing pressing issues such as climate change, education, and maintaining the livability of our communities;
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the Portsmouth Democratic Town Committee formally opposes the convening of a constitutional convention in Rhode Island, urging voters to reject Question 1 on the November ballot.
Adopted this 7th of October, 2024.
