Tag: 104th

Passed 74 to 33 in the House on October 3, 2013, to mandate that vehicle owners must replace their license plate after 10 years, even if it is still legible. Under current law the state imposes a $5 extra charge to replace a plate.

The Michigan lawmaker sponsoring a bill authorizing red light cameras has made a U-turn on the issue.

Rep. Wayne Schmidt, R-Traverse City, who chairs the House Transportation Committee, last year co-sponsored a bill that would have banned red light cameras. This year, he sponsored a bill that would have brought red light cameras to traffic intersections across the state.

However, Rep. Schmidt said he has chosen not to move the red light authorization bill forward because of concerns he says he now has about traffic cameras and privacy issues.

Concerns about privacy?  Sure it is.  At testimony, Rep. Peter Pettalia spelled that all out for Wayne.

Manufacturers of red light cameras have a reputation for heavy lobbying in state capitols. It is not clear if sponsors of the bill have received any campaign support from red light camera manufacturers. Contributions do not have to be reported until the end of the year in an off-election year, according to the Michigan Secretary of State's office.

Traverse City and Traverse County have been under financial pressure from unfunded pension liabilities, and revenue from red light cameras could provide some relief. However, Traverse City Manager Jered Ottenwess said he is not aware of any interest in installing the cameras.

All but one of the eight co-sponsors on the red light camera bill are Democrats from the Detroit area.

I suppose it's not a good day to be a Show Pony in the 104th with further political aspirations.

As many of you are aware, State Senator Howard Walker R-37th has decided to forgo a second term, thus leaving a fairly solid Republican seat up for grabs.  Walker might well have gotten tired of the threats to primary him, but he has publicly  responded that it was a family decision.  We wish him the best, and hope he departs the senate with head held high, SANS a Medicaid/Welfare expansion vote when the time comes.  Voting FOR such a thing would be a pretty serious blemish on a fairly decent record to walk away with.

Unfortunately, the shame of expanding government is carried by the already announced would-be replacements.

Wayne Schmidt RINO-104th, and Greg MacMaster R-105th, are vying for the seat, each with the distinction of having supported the growth of government through their vote for Obamacare.

Note the designated (R) difference used, as their overall records could be parsed to paint a true picture of ideology.  Schmidt's frequent support of many things expansion and subsidy, stand in contrast to the GOP platform of smaller government, and intrusion. Of course Schmidt's record is longer, and more easily scrutinized than that of MacMaster, who riding the Tea Party wave of 2010, has since revealed that on key issues, he cannot be counted on to hold the conservative line. MacMaster has been a vocal opponent to disastrous A21 policies, and has introduced legislation that has made it no further than the committees, one of them chaired by Schmidt.

So we are at the starting gate with Wayne "I Like Big Government" Schmidt, and Greg "I tried to cut a deal for small business" MacMaster.  The former being one you can trust to disappoint frequently; the latter not solidly rooted in conviction.  The former not nearly as 'popular' as the latter, being one who doesn't raise money so well.

So do we break out the checkbooks, hold our noses, pirouette, or sit on our hands?

There are not a lot of races in Michigan this Summer where you have this chance.  Jason  has ignited the passions of enough local citizens to make a race with a competent, but timid incumbent into a real contest.  Most of you don't live in this or a similar district. You have a conservative incumbent, an unopposed incumbent, or an incumbent who can't be beat, or a Democrat you can't get rid of.

It is time for you to involve yourself in a race that matters; that CAN be won.  Statewide and nationally, liberals are watching this race.  The Daily Kos (expletives deleted) has identified Jason as a "threat" to the status quo candidate. The incumbent recognizes that threat and is even using the hated "robocalls" a full four weeks before the election.  And here is laid bare the real difference in the campaigns. Money.

Incumbents can easily tap the cash register of Lansing lobbyists. Organizations and PACs take the easy way out and give dollars to incumbents (eg: the Greater Detroit Chamber of Commerce endorsing Debbie Stabenow, while few of its members would ever vote for her). The best current guess is that Jason's incumbent opponent will spend over $50,000, while Friends of Jason Gillman plan to spend about $8,000!

But despite the 6-1 spending difference, Jason's signs are popping up everywhere and letters to the editor supporting him are increasing.   Now, wherever you are reading this, you can make a decision that will MAKE A DIFFERENCE.  If you have Grand Traverse County friends, contact them today and urge not only a vote but sign locations and active participation.  Most importantly, this week Jason will initiate a few radio commercials.  He is "making the sale" everywhere he can actually talk to voters, but media is both a luxury and necessary. Please send a check (and make it hurt a little) to "Friends of Jason Gillman" PO Box 5449, Traverse City, Mi 49696.  We all send our checks to state and national candidates and wonder if we have really done anything in the big picture.  This is a race where you really can make a difference.

Observant readers will note the name similarity of the writer to the candidate.  Well, it is not only pride in my son, but a growing belief this race can be won which prompts this.  I have described myself as "generationally challenged" by over 50 years watching and participating in Michigan politics.  I haven't been able to believe that efforts toward limited and fiscally-sound government can prevail against the power of the "alphabet groups (AFL, AFSCME, SEIU, UAW, etc)".  But if it can happen in Wisconsin and Indiana, maybe here in Michigan?  Help make me a believer, with your help...from wherever you are.  This is a watershed race.