Why is it that matters of trivial concern, such as a lamp post,

Wildwood Crest - Why is it that matters of trivial concern, such as a lamp post, or a library, are sent to voters in a referendum, but something affecting the bottom line of most local taxpayers, like a beach fee, is at the mercy of politicians and businessmen? Let the folks who pay the bills decide if a beach fee is needed to help us with our ever rising property bills. Isn't this why we have elections?