Rick Snyder recall group seeks petition approval in Washtenaw County
A group seeking to recall Gov. Rick Snyder was set to go before a Washtenaw County elections panel Monday seeking approval of language on its recall petition.
The hearing on the petition from Michigan Rising was scheduled at 1:45 p.m. Monday before a panel consisting of County Clerk Larry Kestenbaum, County Treasurer Catherine McClary and Washtenaw Circuit Court Judge Donald Shelton.
Rick Snyder
The hearing, held in Washtenaw County because that is the governor's county of residence, will only determine whether the recall language is clear. The panel makes no judgment about whether the reasons stated justify a recall. The petition language submitted states:
"Governor Snyder has abused the children of Michigan. He cut thousands of children off food aid. He robbed $400 million from the School Aid Fund, then slashed school payments. This forced children into crowded classes. Then he signed more laws that privatize services, attack teachers and blame unions. Snyder raised taxes on retirees and low and middle income working people, to make them pay $2 billion a year. At the same time, he gave an 86% tax cut, $1.7 billion, to large corporations. Snyder signed Public Act 4 of 2011, the Emergency Manager Law. Snyder used the law to take over cities and school districts. Snyder removed officials elected by the citizens. Snyder's agents broke contracts and sold off public property cheaply to corporations."Richard Snyder has failed to pass a single law that helps Michigan citizens get jobs. He signed a law that cut state unemployment benefits from 26 to 20 weeks, and caused Michigan workers to lose 16 weeks of federal benefits."
If the petition language is approved, Snyder will have 10 days to appeal the decision.
A spokesman for Snyder told Michigan Radio he expects this attempt, like the previous one, will fail because people will see he is making tough-but-necessary choices.
Comments
snapshot
Tue, Apr 10, 2012 : 1:52 a.m.
Check out the words used "Abused, robbed, forced, slashed, all in a context intended to incite anger. This verbage soldifies my feelings that unions are an abusive affront to democracy. This type of language should be considered liable and slander if not criminal. I hope Snyder appeals and sues each individual responsible for the verbage.
chefbrian1
Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 5:33 p.m.
This next recall Snyder effort is a great idea for a few reasons: 1) They might actually get enough signatures this time 2) Whether they get enough signatures, It fires up the based and gets boots on the ground to starting talking about their issues with Snyder well before the election. These boots on the ground also push voter registration, something that all Republican fear, because the more people vote the less likely Republicans will win. That is why they are so into making it harder to vote and try redistricting whenever they get the chance. Petitioner don't resister voters, but the first question they ask before getting someone to sign is: "Are you a registered voter in Michigan.?" If they are not, they are reminded/encouraged to register. 3) And unlike last time, the new fired up OWS movement can join cause to the campaign to add numbers to the petition workers. Snyder is a poster child of the 1% and his policies reflect that.
Snarf Oscar Boondoggle
Tue, Apr 10, 2012 : 1:43 a.m.
"Snyder is a poster child of the 1% and his policies reflect that." uhhhhhh, nope! snyder is teh poste rchild for hte 51+% of VOTERS who chose NOT to elect a profligate destructionist this time.
Sparty
Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 5:31 p.m.
I wouldn't say over 500,000 signatures in the first Snyder recall attempt is a complete failure. How can anyone say that a half million citizens voting with their signature to get you out of office is a positive? It's just short of the required number of signatures to get on the state ballot. This time with the Detroit fiasco, I'm thinking that 800,000 signatures should easily be attained and that we'll also see a swing of the House from right-wing republican control to Democratic majority in November. Onwards!
Snarf Oscar Boondoggle
Tue, Apr 10, 2012 : 1:43 a.m.
and how many ballots were cast in the real election?
Unusual Suspect
Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 5:20 p.m.
It should be rejected based on the language: abused children, robbed money, and attacked teachers? Who wrote this for them, Keith Olbermann? Is it a petition or an angry Facebook rant?
Snarf Oscar Boondoggle
Tue, Apr 10, 2012 : 1:38 a.m.
ummmmmmm, actually that language whoulc be part of a federal criminal indictment, eh? oh,wiat ... maiybe it didn;t happen. neverminsd.
Roadman
Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 5:04 p.m.
As a GOP activist, I am glad these people's efforts are being diverted to a cause that will be going nowhere. Keep up that Snyder recall effort while State House seats are being lost to Republicans.
shutthefrtdoor
Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 4:58 p.m.
I hate to say it but the petition language looks like a typical rant from anyone of these forums. I doubt it even gets approved.
YpsiVeteran
Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 7:19 p.m.
As a Democrat/Independent who voted for Gov. Snyder, I think the language of the petition speaks pretty loudly as to the contempt the organizers have for their perceived "target" audience. Lots of flame-thrower language and inflammatory accusations, worded carefully to rile people up and keep them from asking for specifics. They think the people who will sign the petitions are uneducated yokels, and their tactics reflect it.
Jonny Spirit
Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 4:16 p.m.
Everyone should watch this video about Michigan's leaders. If your Republican or Democrat it doesn't matter. What are government is doing is wrong. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/46973330#46973330 This is sad, and I just want to leave this great state because it sickens me to stay!
E Claire
Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 4:59 p.m.
Jonny, have to agree that both parties are a mess but msnbc isn't exactly an unbiased source. Wish there was a third party to choose from. I would love to see a more libertarian type group gain some ground. I don't agree with everything they advocate for but their ideas are better that what we have now.
Tony Dearing
Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 4:39 p.m.
ruminator, I just checked the link and was able to watch the video. The link appears to be correct.
ruminator
Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 4:32 p.m.
Could you check the MSNBC link? I can't get it to play the video.
cinnabar7071
Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 3:39 p.m.
This is like watching children on a playground.
Michael Christie
Tue, Apr 10, 2012 : 4:36 a.m.
It's much sadder than that. It's a waste of time, resources, and energy...
MB111
Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 2:58 p.m.
This is such a waste of energy. This failed miserably last time because residents of the state prefer to avoid such negativity. Work to elect house/senate/executive branch candidates - a far more palatable and productive effort.
Unusual Suspect
Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 5:44 p.m.
They failed because too few people agree with them.
Ron Granger
Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 3:18 p.m.
They failed because they were not sufficiently funded or organized. Most people I speak with will eagerly vote Snyder, and his business cronies, out.
garrisondyer
Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 2:48 p.m.
Considering the fact that Snyder, the Republican-controlled House, and the Republican-controlled Senate have all been acting outside of the state constitution ever since he took office, I'd say it's about time he, along with all the other elected politicians who have blatantly broken the law, were held accountable. http://www.progressmichigan.org/blog/2012/04/republicans-embarrass-michigan-on-national-stage.html
63Townie
Mon, Apr 9, 2012 : 3:37 p.m.
This is scary stuff, not just because of the EFM law, but for all the other legislation that's being pushed through without a proper vote in the senate. Even elected state senators are being denied their rights. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4EaxRolGXA