Michiganians (or as some of us prefer, Michiganders) have a HUGE ballot to consider on November 6, 2012. National, State and local offics to be determined, Judgeships, State University elections, and of course the issues that are getting more TV advertising time than even the Presidential race, the State Proposals.
First, Proposal 12-1 which is called the 'Emergency Manager Law'. I'm in favor of this proposal. Units of government that can't maage their finances will eventually need to be bailed out by the State. That means EVERY residet will be affected, not just the residents of that municipality or school district. Opponents claim that it strips local control of elected officials and for that reason should not be allowed.
I would prefer that those residents keep an eye on the local governments, speak loudly when things are not going right, and not wait until there is a financial emergency. But of course, that takes time and effort. You might have to read the local paper, attend meetings, or take valuable internet and entertainment time to stay abreast of these things, then call or write the appropriate officials to make your feelings known. Hmm, I guess that is a lot of work. Easier to zone out and watch the tube.
Personally, if my municipality (actually a Charter Township) were in an economic situation as bad as some Cities and School Districts are now, I would welcome an Emergency Manager.
Without going into long details or essays on the remaining proposals 12-2 through 12-6 (which I'd gladly do if I thought anybody were interested), I'll summarize using the commonality of them. I'm voting "NO" on Proposals 2 through 6 because none of these warrant inclusion into the Constitution of the State of Michigan.
Our Constitution is a very 'clean' document, even though it runs 80 or so pages in length. A Constitution is a set of fundamental principles by which we are governed. Regardless of the other merits of these proposals, none of them should be added to the Constitution. They are best handled by creation or revision of State Laws. If you think that repealing a law or recalling an elected official is tough, wait until it's necessary to amend a portion of the Constitution. (Look at, or better yet actually READ, the Michigan Constitution here.)
And let's not forget how a badly worded ballot proposal can create havoc - legalized medical marijuana ring a bell, anyone? It makes me cringe to think what a badly worded amendment to our Constitution would do.
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