Emergency manager law opponents gather in Ann Arbor to generate momentum for repeal efforts
Ann Arbor area activists called a meeting Saturday to generate opposition to a controversial law that boosted the authority of emergency managers installed by the state of Michigan to turn around financially distressed municipalities and school districts.
More than 50 people attended the meeting, which was organized by the Washtenaw County Community Action Team as a way to generate more support for a bid to overturn Public Act 4 of 2011. WCCAT is a coalition of local activists, union members, students and community members.
Brandon Jessup, founder of Michigan Forward and former president of Eastern Michigan University's chapter of the NAACP, is a key organizer of an effort to repeal Gov. Rick Snyder's emergency manager law.
Lisa Carolin | For AnnArbor.com
Three cities — Benton Harbor, Ecorse and Pontiac — and Detroit Public Schools already have emergency managers, but more are likely to be installed over the next few years.
The meeting, held at the Ann Arbor Community Center, is part of a statewide initiative to place the issue on the ballot in 2012, giving voters the chance to repeal the legislation. The law's opponents include the Michigan Education Association and the Michigan Democratic Party.
The nonprofit Sugar Law Center of Detroit also filed a lawsuit on Wednesday challenging the law.
Snyder has defended the legislation as tough, long-overdue action that's necessary to help distressed communities get back on their feet.
Ann Arbor Education Association President Brit Satchwell encouraged attendees to join the drive to secure signatures to repeal the law.
Brandon Jessup, chief executive of nonprofit Michigan Forward and a former president of Eastern Michigan University's chapter of the NAACP, said at the meeting that the repeal effort needs to collect 161,304 petition signatures by November to freeze the law and get it on the ballot.
"This is about democracy and freedom," Jessup said. "The fundamentals of government are being dismantled in our face."
Audience member Georgia Forster said, "The emergency manager law gives too much power to one person."
"This is financial Martial law in a democracy," said audience member Barbara Bowman.
"This is not a partisan issue," said audience member Liz Palmer. "It takes away everyone's vote."
Audience members gathered in groups, and a spokesperson for each group shared concerns. They said they were concerned that the the emergency managers had too much power to decide what qualifies as a financial crisis and that the state's own actions can cause schools to be unstable, leading to a "manufactured crisis."
"This removes the checks and balances that ensure accountability and lets someone with no background in education dictate curriculum," said Tanya Mitchell, a teacher in the the Lincoln school district.
Another speaker today was David Bates, an Ypsilanti parent and school board member.
"The state forces schools into a deficit and then sends someone in to take it over," Bates said. "Is that in the best interest of our children?"
Chris Savage, a local blogger, said it was important to make people aware of the emergency manager law's threat to democracy.
"These emergency managers are primarily certified public accountants who can do whatever they want," Savage said. "It disenfranchises Michigan voters by stripping away the powers of their local elected officials and gives them to a single, appointed individual."
Lisa Carolin is a freelance reporter for AnnArbor.com.
Comments
Fire Rick
Tue, Jun 28, 2011 : 3:19 a.m.
Here's a quick summary of what's happening in Benton Harbor via YouTube: <a href="http://youtu.be/woLL-AxOnTk" rel='nofollow'>http://youtu.be/woLL-AxOnTk</a>
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Mon, Jun 27, 2011 : 7:59 p.m.
@Will: One other thing that I've written before--perhaps not to you: You are correct that cities, etc... exist due to charters from the state, and courts have held that there is no "right to vote" in municipalities if states wish to alter those charters. The EFM law clearly falls within those bounds. Undemocratic? Certainly. Unconstitutional? Likely not. But there are other aspects of this law that don't pass the smell test, and that raise serious constitutional questions. The governor and his rubber-stamp legislature have approved a 2011-12 budget that likely will push dozens if not hundreds of municipalities into fiscal crisis. These are not DPS, Benton Harbor, and Pontiac. These are school districts and municipalities that were dealing effectively with the last decade's fiscal crisis, unable to alter the revenue side of their equation due to restrictions placed on them by the state, and therefore incredibly dependent on the state for revenue. And so that the guv and his rubber-stamp legislature gave away $1.8 billion in tax breaks, they cut revenue to those cities and schools. This, as I said, does not pass the smell test. It looks like a set-up. And it raises serious 14th Amendment issues: equal protection, due process, and "privileges and immunities." Not to mention that Article 1, Section 10 of the Constitution specifically prohibits a state from voiding a contract. I don't think anyone is saying that nothing should be done. They are saying that this law is not the way to do it. Good Night and Good Luck
Monica R-W
Mon, Jun 27, 2011 : 6:28 p.m.
The meat and potatoes on this issue. It is indeed about keeping Michigan's version of Democracy, versus the Mackinaw Group, Koch Brothers and wealth corporation power grab; in repealing Public Act #4. Plain and simple. The spin otherwise is frankly garbage. <a href="http://t.co/8xB2OOa" rel='nofollow'>http://t.co/8xB2OOa</a>
Heardoc
Mon, Jun 27, 2011 : 11:43 p.m.
I agree with you Monica -- your spin is garbage.
Doug
Mon, Jun 27, 2011 : 2:59 a.m.
Macabre and Ken - You miss the point. The point isn't that states like Texas have two-year budgets or that they have balanced their budgets through cuts. Nor is the point that that California has a yawning budget gap and, it so happens, a largely unionized public sector. Rather, the point, which neither of you has refuted (although Mac did intelligently classify my conclusion as "absurd"), is that almost all states have wide budget gaps. This includes those with and without unionized pubic employees. Accordingly, it is your conclusion -- that unionized workers are the bogey man here -- that is "absurd."
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Mon, Jun 27, 2011 : 5 p.m.
California's budget issues are caused primarily by two issues: 1) The requirement for a supermajority to pass any budget in the state legislature. This makes it difficult to address budget issues from either end--raising taxes or cutting spending. 2) California's huge (and getting larger) prison population--due primarily to draconian drug laws. Much as is the case in the State of Michigan, California spends more money on prisons than it does on higher education. And, yes, in this mess the prison guard union is EXTREMELY powerful. And anyone who wants to hop on that "gravy train" in order to collect those "Cadillac benefits" ought feel free to do so. In the meantime, Doug's point is correct: that virtually all states have significant budget shortfalls, many of them among the most anti-unions states in the country, means the "blame the unions" gang is simply peddling right-wing bather. Good Night and Good Luck
Ken Boyd
Mon, Jun 27, 2011 : 1:41 p.m.
@Doug. No, YOU miss the point! Unions are not solely to blame, and they are not a scape goat. The point is they contribute heavily to to state budget issues as long as they remain immune to cost control measures. In virtually no instance is there only one cause to a complex issue. Instead, many factors contribute to a large problem. In the case of state budgets , unionized states tend to have much larger budget issues that are much more diffucult to resolve than do states without unions. Unions are not solely to blame, but in no way are they removed from the problem.
hermhawk
Sun, Jun 26, 2011 : 11:22 p.m.
Yes get rid of this fascist piece of legislation. I am tired of hearing about the complaint of unions and their bosses trying to hold on to power. What about the real fat cats, the rich friends of the governor and corporate interests who benefit from their tax cuts? Why does no one hold them accountable. Wall Street has done far more damage to this state and this country, but who gets the blame? Unions and the Democratic Party for killing jobs. Jobs are not the issue, greed and arrogance is.
Ken Boyd
Mon, Jun 27, 2011 : 12:25 a.m.
No, jobs are pretty much the issue.
Wilford John Presler IV
Sun, Jun 26, 2011 : 8:39 p.m.
Fascism is a radical, authoritarian nationalist political ideology. Fascists advocate the creation of a totalitarian single-party state that seeks the mass mobilization of a nation through indoctrination, physical education, and family policy including eugenics. Fascists seek to purge forces, ideas, and systems deemed to be the cause of decadence and degeneration and produce their nation's rebirth based on commitment to the national community based on organic unity where individuals are bound together by supra-personal connections of ancestry, culture, and blood. Fascists believe that a nation requires strong leadership, singular collective identity, and the will and ability to commit violence and wage war in order to keep the nation strong. Fascist governments forbid and suppress opposition to the state.
Wilford John Presler IV
Sun, Jun 26, 2011 : 8:40 p.m.
In a word fascist...
Greg
Sun, Jun 26, 2011 : 2:53 p.m.
Sadly the districts that caused this law are in dire need of it. Continuing on in the same fashion that has not worked in decades is truly nuts. Sad for the employees, but when my family gets in debt and our income reduced, we cut spending. Nothing the unions say counters this financial fact as the main way to get out of trouble. And to those who still want to raise school taxes after building palaces for the AA kids, why don't you pay for it yourselves rather than asking taxpayers again and again. Enough is enough.
DDOT1962
Sun, Jun 26, 2011 : 2:11 p.m.
All of you posters that complain of the over-reaching powers of the EMs are doing just that - empty complaining. None of you offer alternative solutions. Detroit and it's public school systems, Benton Harbor, Pontiac, Ecorse, etc...all of these failed cities didn't just appear overnight. They are cities that are riddled with instituitionalized corruption and mindsets, something that remains or is even embraced from elected administration to elected administration. Dictatorial powers are the most effective and efficienct form of response to this entrenched failure. And it's not like the EMs will be operating in a vacuum. They answer to the Governor, the press, and will be dutifully watched by the citizenry of the cities they're responsible for, I'm sure. You complainers are overwrought with worst-case-possible scenarios that just aren't couched in sensible, rational thinking.
Tom Todd
Sun, Jun 26, 2011 : 1:43 p.m.
Continue to let the 1% run the country! and tell you what is best! vote Republican!.
Ken Boyd
Mon, Jun 27, 2011 : 12:24 a.m.
So true you guys, so true.
Mike K
Sun, Jun 26, 2011 : 11:58 p.m.
Tom - please, enough with the grand minority running the show. If anything is really true, the liberal minority has made the most impact over the last 70 years. The top 50% of income tax earners provide something like 97% of the income tax into the system, and for some reason, it isn't enough. For a government that was envisioned to be small, and provide liberty to the individual, we have digressed from that. It is a shame in itself, let alone to want more yet.
Charlie Brown's Ghost
Sun, Jun 26, 2011 : 6:42 a.m.
It's going to be fun to watch this and the recall effort go over like a lead balloon. Good Night and Good Grief
Will Warner
Sun, Jun 26, 2011 : 5:51 a.m.
Calling the EM law the end-of-democracy-as-we-know-it is a bit overwrought. First, the people who enacted and signed the law won office in free elections. Second, as I understand it, the relation of municipalities to the state is unlike that of states to the federal government. In the later case, the states came together to form and empower the federal government. In the former, the cities derive their authority from the state, and the state remains ultimately responsible for them. Consequently, if the people in a locality vote to continue policies that are driving them into bankruptcy, the state cannot permit it. That is the arrangement our republic as fashioned, through the democratic process.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Mon, Jun 27, 2011 : 8 p.m.
@Will: One other thing that I've written before--perhaps not to you: You are correct that cities, etc... exist due to charters from the state, and courts have held that there is no "right to vote" in municipalities if states wish to alter those charters. The EFM law clearly falls within those bounds. Undemocratic? Certainly. Unconstitutional? Likely not. But there are other aspects of this law that don't pass the smell test, and that raise serious constitutional questions. The governor and his rubber-stamp legislature have approved a 2011-12 budget that likely will push dozens if not hundreds of municipalities into fiscal crisis. These are not DPS, Benton Harbor, and Pontiac. These are school districts and municipalities that were dealing effectively with the last decade's fiscal crisis, unable to alter the revenue side of their equation due to restrictions placed on them by the state, and therefore incredibly dependent on the state for revenue. And so that the guv and his rubber-stamp legislature gave away $1.8 billion in tax breaks, they cut revenue to those cities and schools. This, as I said, does not pass the smell test. It looks like a set-up. And it raises serious 14th Amendment issues: equal protection, due process, and "privileges and immunities." Not to mention that Article 1, Section 10 of the Constitution specifically prohibits a state from voiding a contract. I don't think anyone is saying that nothing should be done. They are saying that this law is not the way to do it. Good Night and Good Luck
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Mon, Jun 27, 2011 : 7:14 p.m.
Gee, John, sounds like you had other more proximate events in mind. Whatever might they be? @Will: Your last conveniently misses the point that the New EFM law is drastically different from the last, and that no Michigan municipality has ever declared bankruptcy, which would seem to suggest that the old law was working fine and that the new, more draconian Snyder version was not necessary. Good Night and Good Luck
Will Warner
Mon, Jun 27, 2011 : 5:18 p.m.
Is it your view, Monica, that municipalities are sovereign and may continue policies that are leading them into bankruptcy? Is it your view that the powers of a bankruptcy judge are less dictatorial than those of a state-appointed EM? If the reality is that municipalities are granted authority by the state, what should the state do when a city is going under? "Throw money at it" is not a good answer.
John Spelling
Mon, Jun 27, 2011 : 5:14 p.m.
Nah, just figured you'd have something "closer to home". The south during in the late 1800's/early 1900's was hardly the poster child of democracy, on racial or many other issues, for that matter. Nothing "closer to home"?
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Mon, Jun 27, 2011 : 4:27 p.m.
Mr. Spelling, Are you truly ignorant of voting laws in the South and in other states from 1877 until the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that prevented minorities from voting? Really?? Good Night and Good Luck
John Spelling
Mon, Jun 27, 2011 : 4:13 p.m.
Ghost - "But, if you want examples closer to home--state legislatures throughout the nation enacted laws designed to limit the rights of minorities to vote." You use the word "designed". Is this fact or just your opinion? If opinion, it does nothing to support your case. Please elaborate. Good Luck.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Mon, Jun 27, 2011 : 3:06 p.m.
Yes, Will. Thanks for the 8th-grade civics lesson. And my point remains: not everything done by a democratically elected legislature is democratic in its nature, hence my point about the Reichstag. But, if you want examples closer to home--state legislatures throughout the nation enacted laws designed to limit the rights of minorities to vote. All in your little civics lesson was true of those legislatures and of the laws they passed, yet the laws were hardly "democratic" in their intent or in their result. Good Night and Good Luck
Monica R-W
Mon, Jun 27, 2011 : 2:30 p.m.
@Will....will of the people? The Emergency Financial Dictatorship (known as Public Act #4) was the will of the people? That must be why Gov. Snyder approval rating is a "shooting for the rafters", 33%? Yes, a whooping 33%. Will of the people, not so much. Will of Gov. Snyder's corporate masters, the Mackinaw Center and the Koch Brothers maybe? Much more like it! <a href="http://www.reachoutjobsearch.com" rel='nofollow'>http://www.reachoutjobsearch.com</a>
Will Warner
Mon, Jun 27, 2011 : 12:02 a.m.
"I am saying that not everything a democratically elected legislature does is democratic" As we all know, in a republic the democratically-elected legislature makes the law, and the legislature may adopt measures that a direct plebiscite would reject. That's what makes it a republic and not a flat-out democracy. As long as the legislators a must face periodic re-election, this form of government is generally regarded as democratic. And the things they do are – by definition – expressions of the will of the people.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sun, Jun 26, 2011 : 6:52 p.m.
No. I am saying that not everything a democratically elected legislature does is democratic. Seems pretty clear to me. Good Night and Good Luck
Will Warner
Sun, Jun 26, 2011 : 5:21 p.m.
"And people elected to the Reichstag in 1933 promptly outlawed opposition parties." Are you saying that Rick is taking rivals into the basement of the Captiol Building and machine-gunning them? I would go on record as opposing that. "Just because and elected legislature does something does not mean that its action is 'democratic.'" No it means that if it is not found unconstitutional, it is "republican." (small r)
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sun, Jun 26, 2011 : 5:10 p.m.
And people elected to the Reichstag in 1933 promptly outlawed opposition parties. Just because and elected legislature does something does not mean that its action is "democratic." Good Night and Good Luck
Monica R-W
Sun, Jun 26, 2011 : 5:11 a.m.
There might need to be a slight correction to this story. I believe the minimum number of signatures needed to place a constitutional referendum on the ballot against Public Act #4 is 181,304, not 161,304. Michigan Forward is seeking to obtain a minimum of 250,000 r signatures on petitions, to repeal PA #4. Someone made a comment that former Governor Granholm appointed the original EFM's in Pontiac, DPS and Benton Harbor. That's is true but, it was under a different version of the act, originally signed by former Governor Blanchard: Public Act 72. Blanchard's version, which Granholm used, allowed the EFM's to be overseers of financial actions, to reconstruct economic stability to cities, towns and public schools. <a href="http://www.michigan.gov/documents/treasury/FiscalEmerg_271926_7.pdf" rel='nofollow'>http://www.michigan.gov/documents/treasury/FiscalEmerg_271926_7.pdf</a> Snyder's version, allows for the EFM's to run virtually unchecked to sell public lands and properties, destroy unionized contracts, dismantle free public school districts on behalf of "for profit corporations" and destroy "home rule' constitutional clause between state and local governmental entities. If anyone is a true Conservative, they should believe that the power of local government shouldn't be controlled by entities working for the state. That's indeed what is occurring within bill. There's a different between supporting Gov. Snyder and standing up against dictatorship. In Michigan, the democracy concept is under threat. Public Act #4 allows unchecked/ill-managed financial dictatorship, on behalf corporations, approved by state government.
Basic Bob
Sun, Jun 26, 2011 : 2:57 a.m.
"Three cities — Benton Harbor, Ecorse and Pontiac — and Detroit Public Schools already have emergency managers..." All appointed by.... Jennifer Granholm. "...but more are likely to be installed over the next few years. That is a ridiculous conjecture. Not only is the economy slowly improving, but I think that other elected officials will try to avoid this abject failure of their responsibility to their communities and apt comparisons to Pontiac and Detroit.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Mon, Jun 27, 2011 : 3:02 p.m.
Basic Bobby: Yes, I have no proof of what will happen in the future. Brilliant deduction, that. I do, however, have proof of what the governor expects will happen and what business men think will happen: 400 people attended a state-sponsored seminar for prospective emergency managers. Source: <a href="http://lansingonlinenews.com/news/video-training-michigans-new-emergency-managers/" rel='nofollow'>http://lansingonlinenews.com/news/video-training-michigans-new-emergency-managers/</a> So, did you not know that, or are you simply pretending you did not know that? Good Night and Good Luck
Basic Bob
Mon, Jun 27, 2011 : 7:34 a.m.
Mr. Ed's Ghost, you have no proof of the dozens if not hundreds. If you did, you would have offered them. It is clear that the it is the governor who signs ("rubber-stamps") the laws passed by the legislature ("machinations"). At least they taught us that in school in Ohio, perhaps Michigan is unique.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sun, Jun 26, 2011 : 5:14 p.m.
Basic bobby (aka Mr. Chief Justice) refuses to acknowledge the fact that that dozens if not hundreds of municipalities and school districts will be in financial crisis in FY11-12 solely due to the Snyder budget. Their crises will be due to the machinations of our governor and the rubber-stamp legislature. Good Night and Good Luck
Michigoose
Sun, Jun 26, 2011 : 3:40 a.m.
But grye, isn't democracy our most cherished principle? Where in the Constitution does it say that we can elect our government unless it's doing a bad job? And how come Big Government gets to decide when local governments are doing a bad job? For example, some people decided that Governor Snyder was doing a bad job, so they started a recall campaign. They didn't ask the federal government to declare martial law in Michigan. I doubt you would go so far as to say that the Feds have the right to strip Lansing officials of their power. Why should it be different at the most intimate level of government, in municipalities where democracy is at its most direct. If local governments need to be removed from power, it MUST be by the electorate, officials' resignations, or in some legal cases, the judiciary. We can agree that the some governments need to go, but the question is whether or not it will be through the democratic process. Anyone who believes in democracy with checks and balances, in local control over what is done with tax dollars, in holding government accountable, is by definition against what is in this bill.
grye
Sun, Jun 26, 2011 : 3:28 a.m.
And the new powers are needed to fix something that is terribly broken. You don't mend a broken leg with a bandaid. If you need something fixed, then provided the necessary tools to get it done.
Michigoose
Sun, Jun 26, 2011 : 3:10 a.m.
Your comment is misleading and needs some clarification. Jennifer Granholm appointed "Emergency Financial Managers" but the PA4 law expanded their powers so that they are no longer just EFMs but actually EMs with all kinds of new powers. Now they can do things they couldn't do before, like fire the city council. In America we recall or vote people out, we do not bring in unelected dictators for martial law. Furthermore, the state is starving communities for revenue that they were expecting, manufacturing financial crises in order to install EMs and help corporate cronies by privatizing what had belonged to the people. It is not only the fault of these communities that they are broke, but also the fault of the state that wants Big Government to take them over and give them to Big Business. The surplus in the School Aid Fund is being used for giveaways to corporations. With no clear guidelines or accountability in this law, communities are afraid that there is nothing they can do to be taken over. Finally, I think that the rhetoric of failed communities ignores the fact that poorer communities 1) collect less property tax revenue and 2) have higher operating costs in areas like public education and safety than do rich communities with high property taxes, low crime and kids who go to private prep schools. Does the inability to raise funding mean poor communities should have sub-par services? One point of agreement: there is a real failure in places like Benton Harbor, where tax-dodging Whirlpool exerts its influence over the government and ruined the community. I just don't think that Whirlpool-sponsored martial law is the solution; the people of Benton Harbor should still be allowed to vote for their corrupt government (or recall and vote it out). This right has been taken away from them when it is Whirlpool, and not they, responsible for the corruption.
Basic Bob
Sun, Jun 26, 2011 : 2:51 a.m.
The same fifty people were present that signed the petition the first week. Only 161,254 to go.
Fire Rick
Mon, Jun 27, 2011 : 2:07 p.m.
@ Ken Boyd Clearly, my second paragraph went right over your head. Here it is again, "Besides, if 'being in touch' means that I am willing to violate the core democratic principles that our country was built on, then I'm thrilled to be disconnected and "out of touch" along with the other 161,304+ people who will sign to repeal PA 4." Now let me rephrase so you'll be crystal clear where I stand. I am NOT willing to violate the core democratic principles that our country was built on in favor of Public Act 4. Therefore, if you believe that I'm "out of touch" because I support the repeal of Public Act 4, then so be it. I'm happy to remain "out of touch" and I consider myself in good company. There are hundreds of thousands of "out of touch" Michiganders who will be joining me to repeal Public Act 4. Hope that clarifies my position for you.
Ken Boyd
Mon, Jun 27, 2011 : 1:55 p.m.
@Fire Rick. Great! You are willing to work against core democratic values. Glad you admitted your core believes as being superior to the core of our nations beliefs.
Basic Bob
Mon, Jun 27, 2011 : 7:39 a.m.
So, how many signatures have been collected in Michigan? No one has knocked on my door, and I don't live in any exclusive rich Republican enclave or gated community. In fact, there are a large number of public union workers in the neighborhood. That makes me wonder how many people even care.
Fire Rick
Mon, Jun 27, 2011 : 12:42 a.m.
@ Ken Boyd I just presented you with all kinds of factual information about the effort to repeal SB 5 in Ohio . . . evidence that I am, in fact, in touch with what's happening in politics right now. Besides, if "being in touch" means that I am willing to violate the core democratic principles that our country was built on, then I'm thrilled to be disconnected and "out of touch" along with the other 161,304+ people who will sign to repeal PA 4.
Ken Boyd
Mon, Jun 27, 2011 : 12:21 a.m.
You are the one out of touch with what is going on.
Fire Rick
Sun, Jun 26, 2011 : 4:40 a.m.
@ Basic Bob You are clearly out of touch with what is going on around you. The EFM law WILL be repealed, and all the necessary signatures will be collected before the deadline. Take Ohio, for example. The group "We Are Ohio" is currently collecting signatures to repeal SB 5, an attack on employee rights. As of June 17th, they had already collected 714,137 signatures and they still haven't reached their deadline of June 30th. Needing only 231,149 valid signatures to repeal the bill, it appears they have been successful. Now the voters of Ohio will get the chance to vote on SB 5 in November. <a href="http://weareohio.com/MediaCenter/PressReleases/PR_061711.html" rel='nofollow'>http://weareohio.com/MediaCenter/PressReleases/PR_061711.html</a> The anger over the Michigan EFM law mirrors the anger voters in Ohio, Wisconsin, Florida and New Jersey are feeling over similar bills being passed in their states. It's really not a question of IF but a question of WHEN the EFM law will be suspended. And it couldn't happen a day too soon!
Michigoose
Sun, Jun 26, 2011 : 12:37 a.m.
To blame big government salaries for our crisis, don't look at union workers such as teachers, who often have to work a second job. Look at the people who don't need union representation in the first place, like the EFMs making $400,000 salaries that these cash-strapped communities are forced to pay. Republicans voted down an amendment to the bill which would have placed a maximum limit on EFM salaries! Not only that, it is way easier to communities to fire union employees that EFMs. We don't hire them, we can't vote them out of office because we can't vote on them at all. There can be no fiscal responsibility without accountability. This is taxation without representation, pure and simple. They can sell off public works and public lands that we pay for with our tax dollars. They just gave control of Pontiac's water supply to a corporation which has recently been caught doing dangerous tampering with the water testing, turning chlorine up to effective levels right before testing and then turning it down when nobody is watching. This puts the people of Pontiac at risk of poisoning. They can do the same with our schools, again with no accountability: for example, Catherine Ferguson, a high-performing school, has just been given away to a for-profit company. For-profit doesn't work in education; take a look at University of Phoenix, then tell me whether you'd rather send your kids there or to Michigan. They can and do disband locally elected governments. I thought that America was about people being able to vote for their government, that if elected officials are not doing their jobs, Americans vote them out or try to recall them as is happening with Snyder. This is why the EM issue unites labor and the Tea Party: EMs are Big Government at its ugliest. Don't hate on working families who need union representation, this government sure isn't representing working people. United we stand.
Alex B
Sun, Jun 26, 2011 : 12:29 a.m.
With all due respect to the folks who are saying things against the unions, this is about much more than an "unholy alliance with the democratic party." This is about a law that says that Democracy doesn't work and that the state government has the right to come in to dismantle local control. I don't understand how some people can concurrently claim to want to enable local control while simultaneously enacting something such as the emergency manager law. The implementation of a EFM is not part of the democratic process; it's the institution of a dictatorship by a higher power, with complete disregard for the stakeholders in the communities affected because they are often too poor and/or too not-white to exercise their power. Benton Harbor, Michigan is a great example of this: a mostly black, mostly poor community where the rich, white governor has put an EFM in place. This man, among other things, has given the go-ahead to sell pristine park land entrusted to the city's residents in order to build a luxury gulf course that few in the town will be able to enjoy. I do not understand how people can defend things like that while simultaneously disparaging organized labor. Without organized labor in this country, the gap between rich and "middle class" would be worse than it is now and it might still be legal to have your child working ten hours a day in sweatshop conditions. If the folks criticizing unions want to be mad at somebody, then they should be mad at the very wealthiest folks in the country, such as the Koch brothers, who expend massive economic power to trick us into thinking that public labor unions are the problem. The 400 wealthiest people in this country hold more wealth than the bottom 155 million; we should really reconsider the policies that continue to support the ultra-rich because they certainly aren't helping you or me get attain that "American dream" any time soon.
Ken Boyd
Mon, Jun 27, 2011 : 12:18 a.m.
Communism Now!!! Let Us March In Solidarity My Comrades!! First we confiscate the wealth of the top 400, then we move on to the next 400,000. Then we move on to the next 300,000,000 million. Then and only then will equality and justice be achieved for all! Of course, all of this good, and equality must be controlled and organized by those with the proper education and the correct social outlook. In the end, we shall have a utopian society where everyone is equal in wealth, everyone is equal in stature, and where everyone is equal in misery!
BigMike
Sun, Jun 26, 2011 : 1:45 p.m.
And there you have it. It's not the job of the wealthiest people or anybody else to "help you or me get attain [sic] that 'American Dream.'" If you want it, start working for it!
Fire Rick
Sun, Jun 26, 2011 : 12:48 a.m.
Very well said.
Bogie
Sat, Jun 25, 2011 : 11:33 p.m.
Ok, the emergency manager's act is an attack on democracy, but a right to work law is not? Help me please. Either law, imposes something on me, without my vote counting. If I did not vote in a union, why should the state make me join it? I am inclined to believe both are unconstitutional. Consequently, the emergency manager act can save my state's bonds. Politicians, who demagogue are left powerless (you know, the communities, that cut fire and police services, but build a 50 ft bridge for 21 million dollars). It's unfortunate, but politicians will let a total bond market collapse, as long as they reap the perks of re-election. Please tell the MEA, AEA, and the AFSME, that I will sign their petition (I mean, the Washtenaw action committee-lol), if they attach a right to work clause.
Ken Boyd
Mon, Jun 27, 2011 : 12:09 a.m.
Right On Bogie!!!
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sun, Jun 26, 2011 : 5:08 p.m.
Gotta love the RTW advocates. So many opinions. So few facts. It seems fairly clear that RTW laws harm states' economies, not help. According to the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation, there are 22 RTW states. Source: <a href="http://www.nrtw.org/rtws.htm" rel='nofollow'>http://www.nrtw.org/rtws.htm</a> Given the alleged success of RTW states in creating employment, one would expect that a majority of those 22 states would be somewhere between #1 and #25 in terms of state unemployment rates. In fact, the exact opposite is the case. Of the 22RTW states, 11 of them are in the bottom 15 in terms of state unemployment. They are (removing D.C. from the stats): #50 Nevada #47 Florida #46 Mississippi #44 Kentucky #43 Georgia #42 South Carolina #41 North Carolina #37 (Tie) Tennessee #37 (Tie) Idaho #35 (Tie) Alabama #35 (Tie) Arizona Source: <a href="http://www.bls.gov/web/laus/laumstrk.htm" rel='nofollow'>http://www.bls.gov/web/laus/laumstrk.htm</a> It is worth noting, too, that the RTW states that have very low unemployment rates (e.g., North Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Iowa) have very little industry and industry is not flocking to those states. So much for the blather that RTW laws help states' economies. Good Night and Good Luck
grye
Sun, Jun 26, 2011 : 3:26 a.m.
Closed shop state is all wrong. Right to work is the right thing. It might be disasterous for the Unions, but who cares?
Michigoose
Sun, Jun 26, 2011 : 2:57 a.m.
"Right to work" would be a disaster for the working people of Michigan, including those who are not in unions. It is a cleverly misleading name for legislation which would eliminate one of the few institutions around here which still represents the interests of human beings. "Right to work" has been disastrous for the working people in every state that has such legislation. It's true, there are some institutions that it's hard to get out of. You may have been given US citizenship at birth. Maybe you don't want it. But because of the way our democracy works, you would have to take some drastic steps to renounce it. Bogie, I don't know what you do for a living (I'm kind of guessing you make plenty of money and don't need a union, or are being paid to make these comments, but I wouldn't pretend to know for sure). But if you have a boss, I'm pretty sure that your boss has other things on his or her plate besides making sure you can make ends meet now or in retirement. I'm sure that your interests and those of your employer, if you are not self-employed, are not the same. You work because people have to work to eat. You want to make money at your job. Your employer wants to pay you as little as possible. Unions exist to level the playing field, because employers like Meijer or government are much more powerful than any individual who works for them. "Right to work" laws exist to give your employer all the power. So this does come down to conflicting interests and a question of values. How much do we need to protect employers' rights? They are already bigger and stronger than their employees. As entrepreneurs, "corporate persons" or the government itself, they have way more influence in the world than any middle-class family. Like US citizenship, union membership is something you might acquire without asking and which lets you vote but does not require you to do so (you could vote to dissolve the union). Dues are MU
shanedr
Sat, Jun 25, 2011 : 9:24 p.m.
That's right, act irresponsibly. Then when you make a mess of things block the solution so you continue to place the blame on others rather than yourself.
Doug
Sat, Jun 25, 2011 : 8:46 p.m.
You anti-union guys are wrongly scapegoating public employees. Almost every state is crippled by this fiscal crisis, including -- and especially -- those whose public employees aren't even unionized. How, for just one example, does Texas's $18 billion (yes, billion!) shortfall sound to you?
leaguebus
Mon, Jun 27, 2011 : 1:10 a.m.
Texas has a high school graduation rate of about 65% too. You get what you pay or don't pay for in this case.
Ken Boyd
Mon, Jun 27, 2011 : 12:07 a.m.
@Doug, The Texas deficit has been resolved with spending cuts. Yes, spending cuts. I know this concept is alien to most all public employees,but it is an effective tool in a situation where the state has less income than outgo.
Macabre Sunset
Sat, Jun 25, 2011 : 9:34 p.m.
I realize the Texas budget deficit (which has already been eliminated through spending cuts) was a Daily Kos talking point last year. The problem with that comparison (and absurd conclusion) is that Texas has two-year budgets, not one-year like most states. So the effects of the depression on budget talks hit all at once. And then they were resolved. California is unquestionably the champion of states in fiscal crisis. California is rather heavily unionized and has a left-wing legislature.
Heardoc
Sat, Jun 25, 2011 : 8:20 p.m.
Thank goodness for the EMF law. Without this law the public employee unions and the unholy alliance with the democratic party would continue unabated. This law was intended to reign in public employee unions, and the outrageous benefits and job security they have forced upon the citizenry, and that is going to happen. This is nothing but a group of public employee union members that are upset that they will not have undue power over the average citizen. Good job Governor!
Heardoc
Mon, Jun 27, 2011 : 11:41 p.m.
The ghost really likes to make facts try to fit his logic... not really working here ghost.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Mon, Jun 27, 2011 : 2:56 p.m.
"You have no 'rights' in an emergency." Wrong! The courts have consistently ruled (e.g., in the Korematsu decision) that emergencies DO NOT permit the subversion of personal liberties. Beyond that, this is a mostly self-created crisis. Dozens if not hundreds of school districts and municipalities will find them in the budget crisis in 2011-12 simply due to the governor's budget--not due to anything systemic they have done wrong. He has created their crises and has created a law that allows him to take advantage of the crisis he created. This doesn't pass the smell test, and likely will not pass muster in a federal court with the 14th Amendment's protections of due process and "privileges and immunities," and it also raises serious equal protection issues. Other than that--a well typically supported opinion snapshot. Good Night and Good Luck
snapshot
Mon, Jun 27, 2011 : 6:04 a.m.
Hey folks, what is it you don't understand about "emergency" You have no "rights" in an emergency. If the Huron River floods, you will be evacuated, detained, and restricted for your own safety. An appointed EFM is the legal authority and you will be evacuated, detained, and restricted for your own safety. Better you start working with any EFM rather than against them otherwise you may be considered a "looter".
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sun, Jun 26, 2011 : 5:04 p.m.
The comment is not a spoof, Sara. As you can see, heardoc takes seriously his fact-less and logic-less blather. Good Night and Good Luck
Heardoc
Sun, Jun 26, 2011 : 12:33 p.m.
@ SARA The individual democratic rights have been aldulterated with the unions. When union types talk -- they want rights for the union not for the citizen. This law was designed to take the unfair and unholy alliance that is undeniable between BIG LABOR and the democratic party and democrats. Public employee unions are not proper and should not exist. This is socialism at its worst. To use the argument used above -- one would have to suspend reality and live in a parallel universe-- as far as manipulation == SARA have you heard of the Daily KOS, MSNBC, CNN, NBC, CBS, Brian Williams, Chris Matthews Keith Olberman? Very slanted and really far left in perspective Sara. The country is center right while Ann Arbor is far left.
Michigoose
Sun, Jun 26, 2011 : 2:16 a.m.
Is this comment a spoof? Do you support or oppose the governor? The governor certainly did not claim to be trying to crack down on unions, in fact he keeps insisting that is not his agenda. Do you think that he is lying, and that his real intention is to drive down middle-class wages? Do you think that this idea is supposed to make the bill more popular? I wonder if it will work for you corporate folks. A small group of wealthy people makes the real big bugs and holds the real control of government, then blames the tattered remnants of the middle class for what is happening to the economy. As education continues to be privatized, we will have a less and less informed citizenry which will be less and less able to question the union-bashing argument. This is the success of the Tea Party- intellectually and often financially disenfranchised people are manipulated into organizing against their own interests, joining an organization funded by Koch Industries, believing it to be a grassroots movement against Big Government. Can you manipulate people into voting against their own democratic rights when PA4 goes on the ballot? With undue power over the average citizen and outrageous job security, EMs take the cake. No one has basic democratic rights under an EM. Talk about disenfranchising the average citizen- under EMs, people can't even elect their government OR FIRE THE EM. Can you trick people into supporting this, destroying the institutions they pay for with their tax dollars, and into ceding control of their neighborhoods to corporate power? These are apocalyptic times. People are inundated with post-Citizens United advertising that manipulates them unlike anything we have ever seen before. They are being told that the very organizations which stand up for human beings against corporate "persons" are the real problem while the super-rich gamble our future on Wall Street and write disastrous legislation for Republicrats to sign. Ugh, what is next
Macabre Sunset
Sat, Jun 25, 2011 : 8:20 p.m.
... brought to you by Big Labor, the ever-shrinking number of people desperate to hold on to their six-figure salaries and Cadillac benefits, even if it means bankrupting the entire country ten years from now. So, please, sign the petitions, and while you're at it, here's a collection jar where you can sacrifice your grandchildren's food and shelter. Our Big Labor leaders each need personal mansions, you know.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sun, Jun 26, 2011 : 6:55 p.m.
"Freedom in this case would mean the freedom to go to the store and buy your own groceries, something your grandchildren will not be able to do if we can't stand up to special interests like the labor unions." Pure absurdity. I'm pretty sure that the MEA, UAW, AFSCME, and AFF-CIO membership cards make clear that it is their goal that people not be able to go to the store. Good Night and Good Luck
Michigoose
Sun, Jun 26, 2011 : 2:30 a.m.
Macabre Sunset, indeed. Demonize the unions out of existence and all but the top tier will be living in Upton Sinclair's The Jungle. No, thanks.
Oregon39_Michigan7
Sat, Jun 25, 2011 : 11:36 p.m.
What is the total number (or percentage) of unionized teachers, police officers, fire-fighters, nurses, garbage collectors, public work (aka road crew) labor, etc. do you honestly believe make a "six-figure" salary? Just curious. Care to wager a Jimmy John's sandwhich that it's less than 2%? My favorite is the #11, add onions and sauce.
Macabre Sunset
Sat, Jun 25, 2011 : 8:46 p.m.
Funny how the left wing assumes people are part of the right wing if they disagree with even one tiny piece of their narrow agenda. Freedom in this case would mean the freedom to go to the store and buy your own groceries, something your grandchildren will not be able to do if we can't stand up to special interests like the labor unions.
timjbd
Sat, Jun 25, 2011 : 8:42 p.m.
Funny how the right wing hates government intrusion into peoples lives except when THEY are doing the intruding. They love freedom™ insofar as they can have total control over yours.
David Katz
Sat, Jun 25, 2011 : 8:01 p.m.
If it walks like a duck..... This law has always smelled like union-busting. Get rid of it.
snapshot
Mon, Jun 27, 2011 : 5:55 a.m.
I like that smell.....sweet.
Fire Rick
Sat, Jun 25, 2011 : 7:20 p.m.
Kudos to the Washtenaw County Community Action Team for actively working to draw the community's attention to this horrific threat to our democracy. We only need 161,304 signatures to get this on the ballot . . . then the voters can decide. If you're interested in signing the petition to repeal this law, you can find them at multiple locations: - Ann Arbor Farmer's Market - every Saturday (8:00 am - 12:00 pm) - Ann Arbor Summer Festival - June 26, 28, 29, 30, July 1-6, 8, 9 (6:30 pm - 8:30 pm) - Ann Arbor Art Fair - July 20-22 (8:00 am - 8:00 pm) and July 23 (10:00 am - 6:00 pm) <a href="http://michiganforward.org/" rel='nofollow'>http://michiganforward.org/</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/rejectemergencymanagers" rel='nofollow'>https://www.facebook.com/rejectemergencymanagers</a>
snapshot
Mon, Jun 27, 2011 : 5:54 a.m.
Newsflash....The voters ALREADY decided....you just didn't get your way. We'll vote again if we have to and you'll lose again. Seems the only thing you recall advocates are good at is wasting taxpayers time and money.
Fire Rick
Mon, Jun 27, 2011 : 12:28 a.m.
@ Ken Boyd Feel free . . . it is your democratic right to work tirelessly against me. Knock yourself out! But even Snyder acknowledges that the recall effort is "part of the democratic process."
Ken Boyd
Mon, Jun 27, 2011 : 12:03 a.m.
@ Fire Rick, You are the threat to Democracy! I am more than willing to work tirelessly against you and your socialist organization.
Fire Rick
Sat, Jun 25, 2011 : 7:21 p.m.
Petitions will also be available to recall the Governor at the same times and locations.