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Tag: Special Elections

VOTE

By JGillman, Section News
Posted on Tue Aug 06, 2013 at 08:21:39 AM EST
Tags: Michigan, Special Elections, Abuse, Property Owners, Taxpayers, Millages, Bonds, Section 6, MI Constitution, Ad Valorem (all tags)

Today is the day that the looters hope you will forget.

Special elections are happening all over Michigan in order to pass higher taxes, continue others and begin new programs. One increase is for a Headlee override in Grand Traverse County. The local college which has no financial crisis, has 10 years of surplus if nothing is done, and says that "the law prevents us from telling you what we want to do with the money" is putting its hand out on this special day:

"SURPRISE!! NMC is NOT broke.
In fact, the college has a 38% fund balance remaining. the annual budget is $42.6 million and it has a $16.1 million general fund balance. The projected deficit for 2014 is just over $400,000, which if carried through for 40 years MIGHT run the balance out. Even if the projected annual deficit of $1.8 million happens on schedule, it is 10 years of shortages that the college can endure before its ABSOLUTE cutting time. And that is under the assumption that property values are remaining flat.

And by having the election today, NMC is ~~saving~~ costing taxpayers an additional $70-80K.

It helps them avoid the fire sale on Millages in November, where two school bonds, and a road millage (another stick in the craw) as well as TWP measures will be on the ballot. In fact so many things are on the ballot, Its a wonder anyone can avoid a tax sale at least ONCE in their life. Because of people who SHOULD NOT be voting.

Get out and do your thing.

(16 comments) Comments >>

Vote no on school bond proposal

By JGillman, Section News
Posted on Wed Apr 28, 2010 at 03:39:31 PM EST
Tags: Schools, Bonds, Michigan, Inland lakes, Special Elections, Unions (all tags)

GrannyNanny felt this needed a little more exposure than the Straitsland Resorter editorial page. Though not the traditional format, It is reproduced in its entirety as it appeared. (Somewhat like a reposting) Indeed, it has meaning to many who are continually besieged with requests for additional bond approvals.

by L. Scott Swanson, Editor
Straitsland Resorter

It's almost as if schools follow a script when trying to get a tax increase passed.

First, they try to persuade people there's some kind of crisis, an urgent crisis.

Next the board puts a tax proposal on the ballot.

Any board members expressing reservations are told that putting the proposal on the ballot is just "letting the people decide."

Supporters push the millage using standard arguments. It's for the kids. Or they minimize the increase. Rather than calling it a $2 million tax, they equate it to cups of coffee, cans of pop, doughnuts whatever - a pittance. If they can find any possible way to characterize the tax proposal as a "renewal" or an "extension," anything, but an "increase" they do that.

Then there's a spring election with nothing but school issues on the ballot. This normally means a small voter turnout. With a small turnout, a few hundred people can pass a tax increase that thousands will pay.

Before voting on May 4, Inland Lakes voters should analyze that process and think about whether they really want things to play out that way.

Continued below the fold.

(4 comments, 1295 words in story) Full Story