This November, buried at the end of a long ballot (past all of the statewide questions), you’ll find a local question about legislative stipends. It’s easy to overlook, even easier to underestimate, but it’s essential not to because it’s one of the most important accountability measures Lexington voters will see this year. 

Right now, the House Speaker and Senate President control $5.4 million in extra pay, distributing stipends in ways that reward loyalty rather than public service. This system pressures legislators to follow leadership instead of the people who elected them.

A YES vote tells our representative to support reform: stipends should only go to legislators who do real, documented, transparent extra work, not to those who simply fall in line.

Lexington has always stood for accountable, responsive government. This is our chance to strengthen it. So when you vote this November, go all the way to the end of your ballot. Look for Question 10, 11, or possibly 12, depending on your precinct, and vote YES for transparency. It’s  a small action with big democratic impact. 

Mary Ann Stewart

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