SO:  Yes and no.  Yes, assembly elections are a way to make change however you are stuck with the results for the term of your representative.  And as you know a representative does not reflect the desires of all their constituents oftentimes defined by which political party a representative belongs to.  Or, worse yet, who donated the most to the representatives campaign.  Considering the varying opinions of citizens it seems fair that since they are the ones who will pay for the increase I think it fair they get a direct input via the ballot to approve or disapprove. I have supported unions in the past and at other times disagreed with them.  Since I pay for the results I deserve an input.  PS:  I have told my assemblyperson my opinion, however, he defers based on his perceived constituent support.