Tag: County Commission

One of the things I have come to realize as an elected official, is that I can actually affect, or at the very least open discussion on a range of topics that were heretofore untouched.  Even at a county commission venue, we have before us on a regular basis, a number of items that are worthy of note on a statewide level.  

In this case, it is the seat belt legislation and roadside enforcement zones I get to body slam. Or maybe at least tickle.

Tonight, while all of you will be watching and (hopefully) enjoying a debate with conservatives in a thoroughly liberal environment, I and eight others get to decide whether to accept a grant on behalf of the Grand Traverse County Sheriff's dept. The grant is for $12,000 and is

"specifically geared toward safety belt enforcement and impaired driving enforcement."

Two things.

• 1. Jackboots
  
• 2. 4th amendment

Grand Traverse County Commission approves resolution urging Gov. Snyder, local lawmakers to pass Right to Work law

Commissioner Jason Gillman's proposal for "freedom and jobs" approved 5-to-2

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. -- Grand Traverse County commissioners Wednesday added their voices to those calling on Gov. Rick Snyder and the Republican-controlled legislature to enact a state civil rights law guaranteeing individual employees' freedom to choose regarding union affiliation and prohibiting job discrimination against employees who choose not to join or give money to a union.

A resolution introduced by Commissioner Jason Gillman -- which urged Snyder, Sen. Howard Walker, R-Traverse City, and Rep. Wayne Schmidt, R-Traverse City, by name to support a Right to Work law -- was approved by a 5-2 vote in front of a capacity crowd in which the legislation's supporters outnumbered opponents two to one.

Snyder said while running for governor that he will sign such a law if it reaches his desk.
(Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIikLENpg4s)

Gillman said the law will bring "freedom and jobs" to Michigan. "I'm glad that the county board has taken a position both appropriate and forward-thinking that addresses a solution to our economic troubles in Michigan," he said afterward.

Gillman was joined in supporting the resolution by fellow Republican commissioners Robert Hentschel, Herbert Lemcool, Christine Maxbauer, and Richard Thomas.

Republican Commissioner Addison "Sonny" Wheelock, Jr., and the commission's lone Democrat, Ross Richardson, voted against the resolution.

In particular, the apportionment commission can pick the number of districts, within some boundaries.  A trend in many counties has been to reduce the number of districts.

Republican Bruce Hooper, 53, will have to win twice to earn a third term representing Peninsula Township and small parts of Traverse City and East Bay Township. Hooper, a farmer, will face Internet retailer and business owner Jason Gillman, 44, a local Tea Party organizer and son of Traverse City Commissioner Mike Gillman.

"I've been lobbying for responsible government for a couple of years, and I just decided it's time to get directly involved in the process," Gillman said. He favors private property rights and less intrusive but more efficient government.

Pretty much nails it.