While most of the attention on this month's ballot measures has gone to California's rejection of proposals to strengthen the governor's hand and the Texas ban on same-sex marriage, other notable referendums cited by The Associated Press also serve to measure public opinion in those states where the initiative process isn't constrained.

For example, Maine voters endorsed tax breaks for waterfront property used for commercial fishing, which is having a hard time staying afloat economically in New England. Doubtless, there are similarly beleaguered fishermen on the S.C. coast who would enjoy such a break. Ohio voters were in a negative mood, turning down all four questions on the ballot, including one to allow early voting by mail and another to shift redistricting from elected officeholders to an appointed commission. California voters rejected a similar redistricting measure, suggesting that they, too, must be satisfied with a process that serves to protect incumbents.

In a local referendum, San Francisco voters approved a prohibition on the sale of guns and ammo and to ban residents except for police, security guards or military personnel from possessing handguns. Dirty Harry must be breathing easier. And San Francisco voters, recognizing that war, too, is unhealthy for children and other living things, endorsed a measure opposing military recruiting in public schools and colleges.

Alas, South Carolina voters were unable to add their voices to the clamor of initiatives, since there is no provision for voters to petition for a statewide referendum. Too bad, since the mere threat of an initiative would probably be enough to get lawmakers off the dime on the governor's restructuring plan, aimed at streamlining state government, increasing accountability and, not so incidentally, reducing the power of the Legislature.