5,000 signatures collected during Ann Arbor Art Fair to recall Gov. Rick Snyder, organizers say
Washtenaw County supporters of the campaign to recall Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder are reporting they collected more than 5,000 signatures during the Ann Arbor Art Fair.
Brit Satchwell, president of the Ann Arbor Education Association and one of the organizers of the effort, said the goal was to collect 4,000 to 5,000 signatures over four days, so the 150 volunteers who came out for Art Fair more than accomplished their mission.
"I've done a rough count. It's definitely more than 5,000," Satchwell said Monday afternoon.
Brit Satchwell, right, and Susan Washabaugh, a teacher at Ann Arbor's Pioneer High School, strategize during a recall signature drive at last week's Ann Arbor Art Fair.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
The Detroit News reported today that the statewide committee working to recall Snyder has fired its media spokesman and it may not collect enough signatures to put the issue on the November ballot. A February 2012 ballot would be the next option.
Meanwhile, the Detroit Free Press is reporting that the recall effort has so far raised less than $25,000.
In addition to the recall campaign, volunteers were out during Art Fair collecting signatures to repeal Michigan's emergency manager law. Organizers estimate about the same number of signatures were collected for both petitions during the festival.
Satchwell said putting the repeal of the emergency manager law to a vote of the people in November 2012 will take nearly 162,000 signatures and that's no problem.
"I hope to get another 2,000 signatures tomorrow with the University of Michigan nurses," he said. "They're all meeting in one place. We're going to do an all-day event with six tables."
A Snyder spokeswoman last week commented on the recall effort hitting the Art Fair, saying, "Ann Arbor wouldn’t be Ann Arbor without some kind of effort like this."
Satchwell fired back today, saying it's "not just an Ann Arbor thing." He said signatures were collected during Art Fair from voters hailing from all but two of Michigan's 83 counties.
"Our signatures come from all over Michigan," he said, also noting a recent poll conducted by EPIC/MRA found a majority of Michigan voters would vote to repeal the state's emergency manager law, known as Public Act 4, if given the chance.
Once a recall petition is certified in Michigan, supporters have 180 days to turn in the required number of signatures. But no signature can be more than 90 days old at the date the petitions are turned in, so the 90-day window is a moving target.
The Snyder recall petition was approved April 29 by the Washtenaw County Election Commission. The recall committee has said it began collecting signatures May 21, meaning it could extend the campaign to about Aug. 18 and remain inside the original 90-day window.
But that pushes the recall back to the February ballot. And for every day the campaign goes beyond the original 90-day window, signatures collected at the start of the campaign become invalid because they're more than 90 days old at that point.
Editor's note: An update was added from a Detroit Free Press story on fundraising by the recall campaign.
Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529. You also can follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's e-mail newsletters.
Comments
Olan Owen Barnes
Fri, Jul 29, 2011 : 11:13 p.m.
If they do not get on the ballot in November they would have failed. February is the Republican Primary and the signatures will start to cancel themselves out due to age, they become stale. Any latter than that they also but up against the 2012 presidential season and currently the President has a 40% favorable rating by gallup polling and all kinds of pressures come into play, also fund raising is almost non existent.
OverTaxed
Wed, Jul 27, 2011 : 8:40 p.m.
All you Dem's just luuuvvveeed it when Obama put his communist czars in charge of everything, but Gov Snyder wants to put emergency managers in place, after cities have had a warning period, to actually help this state, and you cry. You do not want to fix anything. Proof, you kept Ganholm in here for 8 disastrous years.
Tru2Blu76
Wed, Jul 27, 2011 : 5:09 a.m.
Wage earners are also consumers and tax payers and voters. Over 70% of the U.S. economy is "consumer driven" and that also applies to tax payer funding of government services. So what are BOTH political parties and their political office holders doing about this? --- Nothing. That is, they ignore the wage earning, tax paying, voters who GIVE THEM THEIR JOBS. What's wrong with this picture? What's wrong with it - on a fundamental level - is that WE are too wrapped up mouthing the propaganda we've been fed by BOTH parties and their (our) political office holders to even pay attention to our real responsibilities and what to do about them. One thing's sure: we shouldn't be wasting each other's time on supporting / defending the real frauds and inimical forces aligned against us. Recalling governors like Rick $nyder is just a start: a warning shot across the bows to the Bad Ships Republican and Bad Ships Democrat. Rick $nyder and all his Republican buddies are hired hands for those "businesses" we are told we "need so much" that we must surrender our wallets AND STILL surrender key government services. The idea that states must compete with each other by providing "the best business climate" is quite close to being sedition. That's sedition perpetrated by companies (big and small). What has either political party done for us? Not much. We've got "enhanced security" of course - makes taking a vacation flight so much more fun. Everyone on "both sides" had better take a minute to get this clear in their heads: we (wage & salary earners, tax payers, voters, good citizens) must be ON OUR side, not on the side of strangers who do nothing but shower propaganda on us day in and day out. We had all better take a couple of steps back and stop being the "good soldiers" for our "beloved" (crooked) political movements. Start: just observing what these politician / propagandists
nixon41
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 5:05 p.m.
Well, don't put the Democrats in charge either!
Dog Guy
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 2:05 p.m.
The Ann Arbor Art Fair is always good for signatures from Ann O'Neemus, Norm DePlume, Sue Donem, et c.
Fire Rick
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 1:30 p.m.
Don't miss your opportunity to sign!! Petitions will be available to RECALL the Governor and REPEAL the Emergency Manager Law TODAY, Tuesday, July 26th at the following location: IBEW Local 252 7920 Jackson Road Ann Arbor (48103) 2:45 pm - 5:45 pm 6:30 pm - 10:15 pm
grye
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 12:34 p.m.
There are so many that are unhappy with the Governor's performance even though he has been in office for a very short time and hasn't been given the opportunity to prove if his policies will be successful or fail. Sure would like to know from anyone who signed the petition, did you divorce your spouse the first time they burned dinner? Based upon your knee jerk reactions, you probably did.
Carl
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 12:17 p.m.
Keep up the good work, you will get enough signatures
A2comments
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 11:38 a.m.
I saw a woman with 2 dogs in a double tiered stroller sign the petition, so her signature would be invalid... It really annoys me that people don't allow a candidate that legitimately wins an election serve his/her term without wasting time, effort, and money (including taxpayer money) trying to change results of the election. It's not like the election was close... I don't agree with everything Snyder wants to do (I'd have to elect myself for that to happen), unclear how the idea of districts having to take out-of-district students doesn't overwhelm districts and make it impossible to plan growth, while destroying districts that have issues as students and funds leave), but I'd prefer to ask questions and bring up questions for consideration and thought.
Fire Rick
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 1:42 p.m.
Understand that our right to recall elected officials is part of the democratic process. It's how we hold our elected officials accountable. If the voters choose a Governor, and then find out that he misrepresented himself during the election, then there must be a way to remove him. How close the election was really has nothing to do with it. All it means is that Snyder was able to fool a lot of people. Many of the people who voted for him are now regretting it and signing the petition. Had they known his true agenda, they never would have voted for him in the first place.
jns131
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 11 a.m.
There is a woman or a man who is has petitions for Snyders recall on Whittaker Road by the Krogers. The van says recall Snyder. But my question is this, if we do recall the guy, who takes his place? The vice governor? Guess the teachers are really upset by the tenure deal. Go Snyder. Get rid of bad teachers. He is doing something right by me.
Monica R-W
Wed, Jul 27, 2011 : 4:55 a.m.
How uneducated one can be? Governor Snyder's policies in destroying education in our state are already having a effect on his blind sheep. Also, answer me this one....think long and hard. Where in the Michigan Constitution do we elect anyone in the position of Vice Governor? If you find an answer and a link to prove the Vice Governor position, I will stop writing my blog, today! Work hard, real hard in finding that answer, OK? <a href="http://www.reachoutjobsearch.com" rel='nofollow'>http://www.reachoutjobsearch.com</a>
Greg Gunner
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 10:41 a.m.
There are a lot more than 5000 disgruntled Michigan voters out here. The fact is that Rick Snyder lied when he said we all need to sacrifice. The only ones sacrificing are the public employees, the retirees, the poor, and the working class. In other words, those with the least are being asked to bear the burden for those with the most. Supporters of Slick Rick have not been asked to sacrifice a single penny at this point. Their pockets are being lined at the expense of the poor. Pretty un-Christian like behavior. Remember "Whatever you do to the least of my brethren, that you do unto me." If you didn't get a chance to sign the recall petition at the Ann Arbor Art Fair, stop by one of the many county fairs. I'll be collecting signatures at the Lenawee County Fair on Thursday. It is time to put an end to "robbing from the poor to feed the greed of the rich."
grye
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 1:02 p.m.
Snyder has changed the tax laws to help business and to rid the system of double taxation of small business owners. The idea behind this is to allow the businesses to grow with the additional funds. This growth creates jobs. Please tell me how taxing businesses more will generate jobs? This isn't a perfect world. If you can do better, run for governor.
Basic Bob
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 11:13 a.m.
Please, plenty of private sector workers have been struggling big time for the last few years. Your class warfare rhetoric is a direct attack not on the fat cats, but on the large portion of the middle class outside your bubble world of double dippers, 48-year-old retirees, and guaranteed contracts for ineffective performers. How does giving raises to teachers help the poor and the working class? It doesn't as long as they spend their hefty paychecks on foreign goods and leisure activities.
Bear
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 7:44 a.m.
Hey snoopdog, are you really that cocky about your math? One of the major problems with your crowing is that you didn't take into account the number of children, foreign students and out of staters that would be included in the estimate of 500,000 visitors to the Art Fair, not to mention a lot of young adults that aren't registered voters yet. So, I'd save your scoffing for later. And I've personally seen a lot of people who DON'T think Rick Snyder is doing such a good job. 5,000 signatures out of 500,000 attendance is 1%, btw. And that's a considerable number when you take in the above criteria and the fact that there were only 150 volunteers to cover an average of 125,000 people per day in the middle of Art Fair chaos. Hey inside the hall, if you're so keen on numbers, why don't you go and count all the signatures personally and meet a story deadline. How unrealistic is that? Also, zip the cat, if your mentality is the type of leadership style that you support, then it's no wonder this state is in trouble, when you put your own agenda ahead of the public good. Slash educational funding by 50%. You mean 50% of what is left over. I can clearly see that you have no experience in crunching the numbers; perhaps you should leave that to others.
DonBee
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 10:34 a.m.
5000/125 = 40 signatures per volunteer. This is way below par, based on my experience collecting signatures at the art fair. With fewer than 20 volunteers we collected just over 15,000 signatures a few years ago on a ballot proposition. We hustled to get them, but we did.
WhyCan'tWeBeFriends
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 6:07 a.m.
I went to the art fair for the ART. I didn't give any attention to anyone who was not art-affiliated. I talked to the artists, talked about their city, our city, and their art. I bought some minor items because of budget but I appreciated everyone who participated. This is great event; to politicize it is wrong. Take notes organizers - we want to feel good here and not feel divisive.
sh1
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 6:35 p.m.
There has been a non-profit section at the art fair ever since I can remember. They had a pro-Snyder booth as well.
Hornet
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 5:55 a.m.
1.8 million votes for Snyder and we are covering less than 5000 whiners? Satchwell is the epitome of the whiny union members - would love to see who survives a public school staff reduction without tenure - it happens all the time in the private sector and is based on performance - the public sector better get used to it because the taxpayers are sick and tired of having our children educated by subpar "teachers". As a country we need to wake up and realize we are competing on a global scale and the rules of the 1950's & 1960's no longer apply. Go Rick!
snapshot
Sun, Jul 31, 2011 : 3:32 a.m.
Bear reveals the prevailing ignorance of those feeding at the public troth.
DonBee
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 10:30 a.m.
Bear - I would love to see any statistics on how $100,000,000.00 plus of state tax money kept young creative people in the state? As to concentration of wealth, Meijer, Ford, and other large companies are paying more for taxes. It is your plumber, and your electrician that own their own businesses that are getting roughly $1800.00 in tax cuts each. About enough to replace their 10 year old vans with 200,000 miles on them.
Bear
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 8:22 a.m.
In reality this tax cut has nothing to do with creating jobs. It has to do with concentrating wealth. The GOP agenda is all about concentrating wealth, and one of the techniques for this is to shift the burden of taxation off the rich and corporations and onto the middle class. And in Snyder's latest tax break, also shifting the burden upon seniors, the working poor & our children's education.
Bear
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 8:07 a.m.
Hornet, that's 5,000 signatures in 4 days at only one location. I'd say that's a closer to a roar than a whine. It seems you are the one whining. Pay attention! Government is NOT supposed to be run like a business! It's primary goal is NOT to operate for profit when governing their citizens, but to benefit those citizens. I don't know where you get your attitude, but it has little to do with facts. I also don't know how the conservatives can turn so quickly into a pack of snarling dogs and turn on teachers, firemen, police and others that used to be lauded by the same people. Yesterdays heroes are todays parasites? Get real. The only reasons I've heard Rick Snyder give for his actions and legislations has been "it feels like the right thing to do!" Well, that's not good enough. Tax cuts do not equal jobs. That's a myth and doesn't work out in real life. On the other hand, the Michigan Film Incentive was creating jobs and keeping young, creative professionals here in Michigan instead of moving elsewhere. Also, infrastructure for future films was being built and planned when he pulled the rug on that. A lot of the people involved were hiring people, local people; adding to the economy. Way to go Rick. BTW, the effective rate of taxes actually paid by corporations is about 13 to 15% and that ain't squat compared to the profits enjoyed by these same corporations is relatively low. But I guess facts & reality don't really matter when you are a conservative.
Monica R-W
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 4:31 a.m.
Our article will be posted tomorrow at the Reach Out Job Search News blog counteracting the Detroit News article that the recall effort had "fired" the spokesperson (instead he was moved into a different position in the grassroots org), signature updates...they are getting close and new partnerships with major grassroots organizations nationwide. If anyone thought this recall campaign is on its' last legs based on the Detroit News article, you are quite wrong. Thanks for the update to this story Ryan, by the way! <a href="http://www.reachoutjobsearch.com" rel='nofollow'>http://www.reachoutjobsearch.com</a>
snapshot
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 4:31 a.m.
These folks are critical of Snyder's budget control programs because they don't care about budgets other than their own. That's why they are advocating a 20 year technology bond to fund a short term purchase. That's like taking out a 20 year loan to buy a big screen TV that will be obsolete in 3 years. And they want to keep running things....this is why we need Snyder or these folks will bankrupt the system and then take their pensions and leave the taxpayer to pay the bill. All because they want to use general fund money to satisfy their own greed. wake up Ann Arbor.
towny
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 4:06 a.m.
What a waste of time. Go do something useful with your time and life's. I agree where is the petition for obama you want to go after the real problem. Just goes to show there are fools every where.
Delphi423
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 1:15 p.m.
If you want people to take you seriously, you may want to consider using proper grammar. Reduce your use of superfluous apostrophes and learn when to capitalize proper nouns. I know I would be able to entertain your thoughts more readily if they were displayed in proper English. It seems to me that when one doesn't take the time to learn to write correctly, that person also doesn't take the time to examine in depth their political, philosophical or religious beliefs. Spouting rhetoric and intolerance will get the collective "us" nowhere. I suggest if you want others to pay attention to your posts, consider presenting well-thought-out arguments using proper grammar and spelling. You may find that you become much more persuasive.
Bear
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 7:46 a.m.
You're about as knowledgeable of the constitution as Sarah Palin there, towny.
Monica R-W
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 7:13 a.m.
Duh...the President and U.S. Congressional members cannot be recalled. Read the U.S. Constitution. They can only be removed by a vote of Congressional members, after a investigation process (fact-finding) and a recommendation of impeachment. But let the facts be non-important....right towny?
lumberg48108
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 3:15 a.m.
If you read the Detroit News story - the recall campaign is in shambles if you read the opening of the .com story - it seems its making progress question? why is it that it (seems) that its always a republican that is targeted to be recalled? at least in Michigan .... (maybe for the same reasons republicans get boycotted at commencement speeches?) at least in Michigan food for thought
DonBee
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 10:26 a.m.
Governor Snyder is the 3rd Governor in a row that has dealt with a recall campaign. Both Governor Granholm and Governor Engler had to deal with them.
newsboy
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 2:42 a.m.
Raise taxes on the poor, retired, struggling, and give to the rich. What's good for King Richard is good for all Michiganders? Ho, where are you now Robin of Loxley. Viva la revolution!
DonBee
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 3:25 a.m.
newsboy - I will repeat what I said above, since your comment is basically the same: 1.8 billion in tax cuts for over 100,000 small businesses. That means that the average business gets $1,800 a year in tax cut. As to raising taxes, if you make more than $40,000 in pension (not 401K, not social security, but pension) you will pay taxes, if not, you don't. Right now the group that draws the largest portion of the pension money is under 65 years of age and they make a collective $7,500,000,000.00 in pension income. Is it right that someone on a 401K pays taxes and someone on a pension does not?
sh1
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 1:40 a.m.
Teachers have negotiated pay cuts to prevent layoffs, taken cuts in benefits, agreed to work with fewer supplies and larger class sizes, and are still being called greedy (and liars, in some cases here). A question for people posting here that the union is ruining our schools: can you give any examples of the AAEA being a powerful, intimidating force in that last several years?
sh1
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 12:36 p.m.
@Whycan't: there has never been a correlation between teacher pay and graduation rates. Factors going in to graduation are much too complex for that. One factor is that many students quit early to take jobs. Michigan has been having hard times for a while.
sh1
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 12:32 p.m.
Step increases only affect newer teachers (in their first ten years). After that, teachers get an increase only after teaching 15 years. So, most AA teachers did take a pay cut, and it amounted to a lot more than the $1000 per household you quote.
jns131
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 11:05 a.m.
Quit your whining teachers. We bus drivers lost our jobs to WISD and you told us you would stand behind us to make sure it would not happen. Where were you when we lost our jobs? Home on vacation with your families not supporting us when the vote came down. How does it feel now that you have lost tenure and need to stay on probation 5 years? Good I hope. Teachers in Ann Arbor have lost nothing. Custodians, food service workers and bus drivers have lost almost everything. Keep Snyder, get rid of bad teachers.
WhyCan'tWeBeFriends
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 5:28 a.m.
I believe a recent stat showed Michigan having one of the highest paid teacher unions/rates in the nation but only a rate of graduation at 45 of 50 states. I know family matters in education, but if the family matters so much and they are not there, must we pay so much? Not a fan of failure, just sayin'.....
DonBee
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 3:24 a.m.
Pay cut sh1? The step increases remain. The reductions are promised to be returned if the revenue of the district goes up. The 3 percent state benefit tax will be returned (it will happen). You get $12,000 and change for a health care plan, if you want something better, you have to pay for it. But the basic plans are fully covered with your money from the district. Most private employees saw much deeper cuts in income and much deeper cuts in the benefits than the teachers did. I am not and never have been against the teachers making good money, lets be honest about what is going on in the state. The average wage has fallen in Michigan by more than $1,000 per household. Michigan has fallen from near the top of the list for average income to well below the middle. We should do what we can to hold the line, but we need to realize there are a lot of families in the state on the ragged edge.
sh1
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 1:33 a.m.
Re Basic Bob's "Teachers admit...that there is nothing they can do to improve the education of the poor, the truth is there is nothing they can do with the rich kids, either. They come into school smart, and they leave smart," he succinctly proves that education is impossible for all. I believe closing all the schools and giving more money to Snyder's business buddies sounds like an excellent plan.
AACity12
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 1:03 a.m.
"You're trying to recall a governor because you don't like the path he's choosing to make this state more successful" The fact that he has completely shifted the tax burden to the middle class has me a little more then just "not liking" it. He raised my taxes and gave big buisness a tax cut....really? Like we aren't having enough trouble making ends meet as it is. How are tax cuts for the rich and buisnesses going to help our retired seniors? Are they going to have to hope that walmart hires more greeters cause of this?
brightside
Wed, Jul 27, 2011 : 4:30 a.m.
DonBee, Any chance each of those 100,000 "small" businesses could create one stinking job each? I haven't seen any Freep articles announcing 100,000 new jobs in Michigan, have you?
DonBee
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 3:18 a.m.
AACity12 - 1.8 billion in tax cuts for over 100,000 small businesses. That means that the average business gets $1,800 a year in tax cut. As to raising taxes, if you make more than $40,000 in pension (not 401K, not social security, but pension) you will pay taxes, if not, you don't. Right now the group that draws the largest portion of the pension money is under 65 years of age and they make a collective $7,500,000,000.00 in pension income. Is it right that someone on a 401K pays taxes and someone on a pension does not?
stunhsif
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 12:58 a.m.
Hey Brit, you are getting "Blown Away" because the rest of us were tired of getting "Blown Away" !!
Michigan Man
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 12:42 a.m.
I ran into this crowd at the recent Townie Party - the recall leadership, I think, spent more time consuming beer in the beer tent (exactly where I found a spot) than working on the recall effort - This recall crowd will frighten no one.
Michigan Man
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 10:54 a.m.
Monica - hate to inform you but both - they were blown off by the Townie Crowd and then turned to drinking as to apparently soften the impact of their failure.
Monica R-W
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 7:16 a.m.
Stephen, in the last article on this subject, you stated the recall petition circularity individual were ignored by members at a recent 'Townie Party'. Now you claim they were drinking beer at the tent. Which one is it or are you lying on both of your statements? Probably the latter....
godsbreath64
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 5:54 a.m.
They were celebrating there bright one. The public want and deserve a law abiding executive to move forward with. The Riechwing are the masters of frightening America. Any suggestions what allowed you to nexus the two?
Max Maximus
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 12:13 a.m.
Why don't the whining, sniveling bleeding-hearts go buy a lottery ticket instead? Your chances of success are much better. Personally I think the recall effort is just a convenient way for your supporters to get together and spew hatred amongst yourselves, casting spells on those who actually have jobs and can't defend against such nonsense. The Michigan voters have already spoken, and they'll speak again even louder. (That's the part you guys just don't get). Oh yeah- just wait until the rest of the nation speaks in 2012. Wake up and get real, folks.
sh1
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 1:45 a.m.
The tone you're writing in seems to spew hatred of its own. You can make the same point without the name-calling.
Against Public Schools for Profit
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 12:29 a.m.
Yes, do wake up.
Against Public Schools for Profit
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 12:09 a.m.
Wait until your best bud Rick opens the flood gates with legislation for more Charter Schools. Hey, TAX PAYERS, watch your education tax dollars continue to go into the pockets of Charter School INVESTORS. Business has had their eye on education dollars for a long time, and Governor Snyder wants to give them more PROFIT by opening districts with at least one failing school to an unlimited # of charter schools. Government was careful to make some charters in Detroit non-profit for public relations, but the other 90+ percent in Michigan are FOR PROFIT CHARTERS. Your taxes are NOT going fully to services for students, materials for students, infrastructure related to students in CHARTERS. Non charter public schools spend all education tax money on services for students, materials for students, infrastructure related to students. Thats it. The CHARTERS run lean with low salaries and cut corners where they can to increase profit margins for INVESTORS. What do you see happening if Charters actually overcome the non charter public schools? INVESTORS will have education in their pocket, and we will pay a higher and higher percentage of taxes earmarked for education to these INVESTORS, because that is why they invest; to make money. Do you doubt that? And education will get less and less of a percentage of education dollars. Businesses like "Heritage Academy" get richer and richer on our tax dollars. I guess that is what the Rickster ordered though. Let's protect the businesses by giving them our taxes, for doing nothing but being rich enough to front the money! Only LEGAL in some states, and MICHIGAN IS ONE OF THEM.
xmo
Mon, Jul 25, 2011 : 11:44 p.m.
Can Anyone tell me where the Recall petition for President Obama was?II must have missed it at the ART FAIR! I know Gov. Snyder is too liberal for most people but he doesn't need to be recalled where as President Obama is just not qualified for the position he is in.
mun
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 12:39 a.m.
...But half term governor Sarah Palin is way more qualified! NOT!!!!
snoopdog
Mon, Jul 25, 2011 : 11:09 p.m.
6/10th's of one percent the way there Brit. Good job, NOT ! God Bless the Rickster, we have his back here in A 2 ! Good Day
Wolf's Bane
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 6:27 p.m.
If A2 really had Rick's back, I'd have moved along time ago... !
Wolf's Bane
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 1:22 a.m.
Sure thing. The way he is protecting our kids education, the elderly, and medicaid? Why to go.
DonBee
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 12:53 a.m.
If 5,000 or 6,000 is the largest signing event, you are in trouble. I would have expected with 125 volunteers 15,000 signatures at this kind of event. We did that many 15 years ago on a proposal at art fair with 20 volunteers.
Fire Rick
Mon, Jul 25, 2011 : 11:45 p.m.
@ Snoopdog Funny how you say "we have his back here in A2." Quite the contrary! It was Snyder's hometown, Ann Arbor, that held the single largest signing event in the entire State of Michigan to remove him from office. I've seen hundreds of pages of petitions signed by Ann Arbor residents who definitely don't have his back.
jcj
Mon, Jul 25, 2011 : 10:47 p.m.
I would not sign the petition, but I have no problem with the effort. They have every right to try. My only problem is that they will not be honest with themselves about how their effort is failing. They had a tent set up at vets and I doubt they got 50 signatures.
Ryan Munson
Mon, Jul 25, 2011 : 10:23 p.m.
I think it would be more useful to use the energy to do something like clean up garbage in a park.
snoopdog
Mon, Jul 25, 2011 : 11:11 p.m.
They won't pick up garbage in a public park as that would be taking work away from a union city worker. Good Day
godsbreath64
Mon, Jul 25, 2011 : 11:10 p.m.
Why not clean up the garbage in Lansing, first.
Joe Kidd
Mon, Jul 25, 2011 : 10:58 p.m.
Or work on school plans.
Fire Rick
Mon, Jul 25, 2011 : 10:05 p.m.
@ Joe Kidd Our goal was to collect 4,000-5,000 signatures. Despite the heat and rain, we still blew right through that goal. Keep in mind that while the Ann Arbor Art Fair usually attracts about half a million people every year, many of those wouldn't be eligible to sign the petitions because: 1) They already signed. 2) They aren't registered to vote (or they aren't old enough). 3) They're from out-of-state (there were many of those). Based on our results from other signing events, we were absolutely thrilled with the outcome at the Ann Arbor Art Fair. Not only were we able to collect over 5,000 signatures to recall the Ricktator, but we also collected over 5,000 signatures to repeal Public Act 4. When the final signature count is done, our total may be closer to 6,000. I personally know two petitioners who have collected over 2,000 and 3,000 signatures on their own over the last 6 weeks. I've collected at least 1,000. Now consider the other 5,000 volunteers across the State of Michigan who are actively collecting signatures. By no means are these "embarrassing" stats. I'll admit that 807,000+ signature is a lot to collect by August 5th, but we will continue until we have enough. If it doesn't make it on the November ballot, then look for it in February. :-)
godsbreath64
Mon, Jul 25, 2011 : 11:21 p.m.
How is the weather back in your own state, Kidd?
Joe Kidd
Mon, Jul 25, 2011 : 10:38 p.m.
I read what the goal was. How lofty. I think you need higher goals. Take a look at the links I posted above under John A2's post. The Gov needs to go much further to get Michigan back on its feet. That is what frustrates me about him. We need a little more Christy and a lot more Walker. I would like to know what your opinion is in regard to getting more business into Michigan and get people moving into the state. What we were doing created this mess and we cannot continue to go back to those ways. Getting more people to work and creating jobs makes sense. What is your proposal, raise taxes?
Michael Christie
Mon, Jul 25, 2011 : 9:40 p.m.
Where in this article does it even sound like there's enough votes to recall RIck? This is nothing but a joke. You're trying to recall a governor because you don't like the path he's choosing to make this state more successful. Most of the recall rick efforts I've witnessed are in stores that aren't open any more. Does the irony with that sit well with most of you? There is no reason any state employee should be GIVEN a lifetime of retirement, medical, optical, dental benefits with no co-pay. The private sector's insurance rate went up on AVERAGE 22% and I'm sure the state's did the same thing and you are all just going to pick up the tab for them? You must all be independently wealthy or working for the state. The buck needs to stop because as a tax payer I'm not going to vote some yes 'man' into office. Either level the playing field between private and public sector benefits of get no vote.
sh1
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 1:42 a.m.
Where is your evidence to prove people are getting a "lifetime of retirement, medical, optical, dental benefits with no co-pay."
Fire Rick
Mon, Jul 25, 2011 : 9:40 p.m.
@Rodney T With regard to your statement, "I think this is what happens when kids grow up without ever losing (everybody wins, everyone gets a trophy or a medal.) You can't deal with defeat." This couldn't be further from the truth. Believe it or not, a good number of signers actually voted for Snyder in the first place. They're experiencing "buyer's remorse" and want Snyder out before he causes any more damage to the State of Michigan. @InsidetheHall I saw the signatures with my own eyes. There were 5,000+ signatures to recall the governor and 5,000+ signatures to repeal Public Act 4. Further, I don't see anywhere in Mr. Stanton's article where Satchwell is backpedaling.
SalineSara
Mon, Jul 25, 2011 : 10:58 p.m.
And the cow jumped over the moon!
John A2
Mon, Jul 25, 2011 : 9:36 p.m.
I'm not really keened into the idea of why the Gov is being a bad boy. From what I see ,businesses are coming here to do good things. My feeling is that some people don't know when they are biting off there nose to save face. He had to make the hard choices, and we need to all deal with it.
alan
Mon, Jul 25, 2011 : 11:08 p.m.
What businesses would those be John?
Joe Kidd
Mon, Jul 25, 2011 : 10:29 p.m.
I would be interested in some facts on that if you have articles, John. I have heard of some expanded work being done but have nothing that supports it is a result of the change in the tax law. I did see an article about the best states for jobs, North Carolina being at the top. I think this is the article: <a href="http://www.thrivenc.com/newsandevents/isite-selectioni-magazine-calls-north-carolina-nation-s-best-place-companies-thrive" rel='nofollow'>http://www.thrivenc.com/newsandevents/isite-selectioni-magazine-calls-north-carolina-nation-s-best-place-companies-thrive</a> Unfortunately, I do not think the Gov is doing enough. Here is another link with interesting information: <a href="http://www.laborunionreport.com/portal/2011/06/best-workforces-are-in-right-to-work-states-survey-finds/" rel='nofollow'>http://www.laborunionreport.com/portal/2011/06/best-workforces-are-in-right-to-work-states-survey-finds/</a>
Joe Kidd
Mon, Jul 25, 2011 : 9:31 p.m.
5,000? Is that all? Probably a million people attend the Art Fair and they get 5,000? No wonder the Freep is reporting the recall will fail. Kind of embarrassing.
WhyCan'tWeBeFriends
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 5:20 a.m.
If you are an Art Fair attendee like me, you completely veer away from anything that is not ART. I am there for the artists, and met quite a few fabulous ones, thank you. I gave no time to politics or other agendas. It was hot enough to just hit the artist routes.
InsideTheHall
Mon, Jul 25, 2011 : 9:19 p.m.
Ryan, did you see the signatures or taking his word for it? Satchwell is back pedaling and trying to save face because they are not even close to having enough signatures to have a recall election. Imagine, this guy teaches our kids!
sh1
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 1:41 a.m.
I think if he were going to lie, he would have picked a higher number. But kudos for your attempt at character assassination.
Wolf's Bane
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 1:20 a.m.
InsideTheHall, why don't you go to A2 Brewing Company and have a beer with the rest of the Repubs?
Mike
Mon, Jul 25, 2011 : 9:29 p.m.
Yeah, imagine that! Wonder what he teaches? The teachers union has gotten it's way for many years and contributed to the financial mess we're in. Wouldn't you be trying to recall someone if they told you that you couln't have your way anymore? Anytime you take soimething away the normal reaction is to throw a fit. Try it with your kids some time after you've given them everything they've demanded their whole lives.
godsbreath64
Mon, Jul 25, 2011 : 9:16 p.m.
Great job, everyone. We will have a law abiding executive back in Michigan in no time.
Basic Bob
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 12:10 a.m.
You should throw your hat in the ring.
Morris Thorpe
Mon, Jul 25, 2011 : 9:15 p.m.
Funny how they fired the spokesman. This group can't handle being told "no." I think this is what happens when kids grow up without ever losing (everybody wins, everyone gets a trophy or a medal.) You can't deal with defeat. The principal argument seems to be that Snyder lied. Of course he did! Is there anyone holding a major office who did not? Obama lied and I didn't see the same people trying to impeach him. Wonder why.... Meh. Recall him and get your liar of choice in there. Then the other side will launch their own recall. Methinks the effort and outrage should be aimed at a system.
Monica R-W
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 7:25 a.m.
The Spokesperson was not told "no". This will be addressed in our blog article later today. Again, read the U.S. Constitution as one cannot engage in a recall effort against the President of the United States or U.S. Congressional members. They can only be removed (impeached) by a vote of their peers, after an investigation (fact-finding) session either by the Senate (for the President and Senate Members) or the House (for Representatives). It is amazing how many people missed history class. Snyder beyond lied, he deceived the people, many of whom Independents, that believed he was a moderate Republican. These are the same folks that are signing in droves both the Recall Petition and the Public Act 4 referendum petition. As for Michigan Constitution, the recall effort is a part of it. If you or others don't agree with it, then try a referendum of your on. It's a guarantee that any effort to end the citizen's right to recall state political leadership, will not get even a 20% minority in a state-wide vote. But, again....allow those facts to run right the other way, right Rodney T?
Mike
Mon, Jul 25, 2011 : 9:34 p.m.
This whole thing is being way overblown. The state overspent and overpromised(with our tax dollars) and now has to make it sustainable. There still needs to be more changes made but if the economy improves then that will increase tax revenues and make cuts less painful.
zip the cat
Mon, Jul 25, 2011 : 9:11 p.m.
If I were him when I/he survived the recall vote,I would slash school and university funding 50%. Just to show you what I thought of your recall efforts How ya like them apples Whinen bunch of crybabies the whole lot of ya Good job rick. @David Briegel Bye Bye Rick!!! Bye Bye school funding
Jatra
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 1:10 a.m.
@Basic Bob So are you agreeing with the approach proposed by Zip The Cat? The result of a failed recall attempt will most likely be a drop In future funding you predict. I am saying that attacking your political opponents throuh education not only hurts liberals but conservatives and moderats as well. Our problem on both the state and federal level is this focus on punishing or scoring points on political opponents rather than doing what is best for the people. When I hear comments like this one from Zip The Cat I see this fundamental problem writ small.
mun
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 12:32 a.m.
Yep, that'll do it! Then Rick will really attract businesses to Michigan. It's not like employers are looking for an educated workforce, right?
Basic Bob
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 12:08 a.m.
@Jatra, the "intelligent response" is coming from the teachers. Circulating insufficient recall petitions won't result in a more cooperative governor, it will reinforce the view that the vast majority of Michigan voters are tired of the same old, same old. Teachers admit (or should I say rationalize) that there is nothing they can do to improve the education of the poor, the truth is there is nothing they can do with the rich kids, either. They come into school smart, and they leave smart. The union has sabotaged any future efforts to increase either state or local funding. Congratulations.
Jatra
Mon, Jul 25, 2011 : 9:37 p.m.
Yeah you said it. The intelligent way to "teach them a lesson" is to take away education. Slash funding for schools and let um eat cake. Then when all the job creators get here they will have their pick of the poorly educated and desperate masses. Boy Zip The Cat you know how to run a society. When he people become poor and desperate enough they will eventually come to your doorstep and that I probably not something you want to deal with. Cutting education will satisfy your urge to get back at your political opponents but it is the equivalent of shooting a hole in your boat to get back at the sea. You will sink yourself and your community to get revenge. Intelligent
Joe Kidd
Mon, Jul 25, 2011 : 9:35 p.m.
I have to say that is my local ed assoc was promoting this type of thing, I would vote down any school funding initiatives.
David Briegel
Mon, Jul 25, 2011 : 8:20 p.m.
Bye Bye Rick! Next time, consult, collaborate, empathize, listen. AnnArbor.com, Have you reported to authorities the name of the criminal who stated that he had signed these petitions "many times"?
A2comments
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 11:02 a.m.
I signed Daff E Duck.
DonBee
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 3:11 a.m.
And... Take the stickers off ladders!
Basic Bob
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 2:11 a.m.
Yeah, I tear the tags off mattresses, too.
David Briegel
Tue, Jul 26, 2011 : 2 a.m.
So all you TeaPublicans AND AnnArbor.com support criminal behavior as long as it is a TeaPublican criminal?
Basic Bob
Mon, Jul 25, 2011 : 11:57 p.m.
I think the name of the guy signing multiples petitions was named "Easter Bunny".
jcj
Mon, Jul 25, 2011 : 10:42 p.m.
Hang on to that dream! I am sure you still believe in the Easter bunny also.
Fire Rick
Mon, Jul 25, 2011 : 9:51 p.m.
@ Joe Kidd Some readers who left comments suggested that they signed multiple petitions. A person who knowingly signs a recall petition more than once or signs a name other than his or her own is violating the provisions of the Michigan Election Law.
Joe Kidd
Mon, Jul 25, 2011 : 9:34 p.m.
What crime is that, David?
tdw
Mon, Jul 25, 2011 : 9:02 p.m.
When the recall fails will you please stop and admit defeat ?