Voter Backlash

Well, it seems that the old ‘kick the rascals out’ sentiment has prevailed with this year’s mid-term elections. Plenty of examples nationwide. Growing influence of the Tea Party. General disdain of the ruling Democratic Party.

Here are some of my observations from local races. In Michigan, Republican candidate for Governor Rick Snyder, a businessman with no political experience, not only refused to accept any endorsements, he wouldn’t even fill out their forms! He also refused any campaign finance donations from PACs or lobbyists. And guess what? He won! Of course, he is a successful businessman and was able to fund his campaign to the tune of $6 million. But he shouldn’t have to do that. Nobody should.

We have a real problem with political campaigning in this country and it is going to have to be resolved pretty soon or we will only be seeing the anointed and appointed ones running for office, with few exceptions like Rick Snyder.

Speaking of campaigning, it seems to me that a lot of the attack ads have backfired big time this year. Michigan Supreme Court justices Bob Young and Mary Beth Kelly were savaged in attack ads. Although this is supposedly a non-partisan office, Young and Kelly were endorsed by the Republican Party. The attack ads came from where? Oh yes, backers of the Democratic party candidates, although not the Michigan Democratic Party itself. That’s what PACs are for, right?

Why the partisanship in a non-partisan race? Hmm. The party that has the most juice with a majority of the Supreme Court justices will have a larger say in congressional district makeup and that will last for the next 10 years. You’re either non-partisan or you’re partisan. You can’t have it both ways. And judges shouldn’t be influenced or beholden to any political party. The election of Young and Kelly swing the Supreme Court from a Democratic 1 vote majority to Republican. Oh my. So both parties want that judge majority to get the congressional district advantage.

Sorry, that’s as wrong to me as splitting a single subdivision into two adjacent school districts. Isn’t that why we have ‘School of Choice’?

Speaking of schools, this could be an example of an attack ad gone bad. Leadership of the Brighton Education Association sent out postcards attacking candidate for Brighton Area Schools Board of Education John Conely by linking him to 21 lawsuits. Unfortunately, they forgot to mention that many were legitimate business suits to recover debts and that others were filed by his father, also John Conely. Why the animus? Mr. Conely (the candidate, now elected) had the cheek to suggest that teacher contracts get linked to state funding. If funding goes up, teachers get a raise. If funding goes down, they get a pay reduction. The district is facing a $7 million deficit now. It may not be a perfect solution, but increasing pay while facing larger deficits doesn’t seem like a very good solution either. Maybe all of the powers that be need to get together and talk . . . .

Nothing will change until voters demand change. You don’t have to be an activist. Just pay attention to what’s going on. Maybe miss one or two sitcoms a week and read the local paper, or go to an occasional school board or township meeting. An ignorant electorate is a rascal’s best friend.

By the way, I consider myself an independent that votes for who I consider to be the best candidate, regardless of party affiliation. I will - and do - vote for 'minor' party candidates.

Election Day Thoughts

The good news is that most of the productive Detroit City Council members kept their seats and the newly elected will have a chance to turn things around. Not that it'll be easy in this economy. I was also glad to see the Detroit Public School funding issue pass. We can never give up on our youth.

Mayor Bing is still largely an unknown entity, but he has been earnest with his duties, unwavering in his vision and steadfast in his efforts thus far. I'm glad he'll get a chance to continue what he has begun, especially with a more civilized and mature City Council. (Thank god we can say, "Monica who"?)

Now for the important and hard work to be started by the new City Charter Commission. This may be the single most important work that will affect Detroit in the long haul. If this group does its job and resists political 'tampering' and meddling, it will position the 'D' for a real move forward. If they do it with too many concessions to the powers that be, it could be even worse than it is now. Citizens, get involved. Stay up to date with what is being proposed and what it will mean to you. And for goodness sake, get more than 22% of the electorate out to vote!

Did the UAW rank and file blow it with their refusal to ratify the recent negotiations with Ford? The CAW seemed OK with it. One black ink quarter does not a successful company make. I understand that everybody wants to make a statement and to stop being squeezed, but I have a very bad feeling about what will follow. Could Mexico be in line for more manufacturing jobs? I hope I'm wrong.

Republicans are starry-eyed over winning two gubernatorial contests. Democrats are over-thinking the results. How about just doing what is best for your constituents regardless of party planks? Personally, I don't give a basket of berries about your political party. Show me what you're doing and tell me why you did it. I will always vote for whom I consider best qualified for the job. You can score big points with me by working more than 3 days a week in D.C., to start.

It seems everyone is looking for 'their' handout - cash for clunker, first-time home buyer credit (hey, let's give it to everyone!). Still too many systemic problems with a too large government bureaucracy - nationally and at the state level. The bigger it gets, the slower it moves and the more diluted its actions. Everybody must be satisfied. I'm still waiting to see more reforms in the banking and insurance industries - especially those that got the big fat bailouts. What are the chances?

I'll save comments about Michigan's legislative and executive branches for later. I need to give my fingers a rest first.