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The school voucher issue is a mess. It is complex, confusing and controversial. So what to do about it?
In view of the impressive number of signatures gathered and how quickly it was accomplished, it is clear many Utahns want to vote on whether vouchers should become part of the state's education landscape. As he is authorized to do, Governor Huntsman has scheduled the vote for November 6. In KSL's view, that's the most appropriate day to do it.
Meantime, the Utah Board of Education is correct to seek legal guidance before moving ahead to implement the second of two voucher bills passed earlier this year by the legislature. Even though the law requires it, the second voucher measure shouldn't be implemented before voters have their say.
At the same time, voucher proponents who are threatening legal action to force the School Board to move ahead should step back and take a deep breath. Rather than jump into costly legal battles, they should direct their energy and resources toward convincing voters to support their position.
This voucher mess won't be resolved easily. But, now that a vote is on the horizon, the voice of the people, not special interests, should dictate the direction the state should go.
