Ball spent all of 2007 telling Shiawassee that we needed to raise taxes, but at the last minute, he voted against them.  Why?  Because DeRoche didn't let him vote for revenues.  (according to DeRoche, via MIRS)  If I recall correctly, Ball also voted in favor of the MESSA-busting bill, which was contrary to his oft-stated opinion on it.

Most of your readers here would appreciate those votes, and even though I do not, it's not those two votes that disgust me.  It's the practice of saying one thing but then doing another that disgusts me.  Not to mention, the fact that he doesn't have the courage of what he claims are his convictions.  This is why I have no respect at all for him.  

People who are really trying to make up their minds about Dick Ball should look at his voting record in its entirety.  He usually votes along GOP lines.  People think he's a moderate .. that's why he gets so many crossover Dem votes.  However, the fact is, he just can't pick a position.  He just parrots what is being said around him.  I'm sure he is good-hearted and means well, but if he ever had an independent thought he would probably spontaneously combust.

My 2 cents.  Thanks.  
~Christine