Joy! Success!

On December 10, Michigan Taxpayers Alliance and the Wayne County Taxpayers Association held a successful awards banquet. The award winners gave inspiring speeches and appeared to delight the crowd. Approximately two hundred attended and listened as Wendy Day our, "Activist of the Year" explained how necessary and fun their participation can be. Frank Beckmann our, "Voice of the Taxpayer" entertained us with witty stories and comments. Robert Bobb received the "Taxpayer Hero of the year award" and mesmerized us with the feats he has achieved in the Detroit Public School system.

Everyone appeared to have a good time and indicated they would like to do it again next year. It will be difficult to beat this years edition but we should give it a try.
*************************
Another success for us was the recent decision by The U.S. District Court, for the Western District of Michigan, which struck down a Michigan law requiring recall petition circulators to be residents and registered voters of the recall district in which they reside.

When I became the plaintiff in this case so long ago, during the Dillon Recall attempt, I knew this would be an important decision for that effort and for future efforts. Grass root organizations need to rely on each other and; the chance that better funded organization just so happens to agree with them. This allows for like minded individuals to help with the cause and also levels the playing field to some degree that special interests will almost certainly have the greatest power.

Without the support of the Sam Adams Alliance, The Michigan Taxpayers Alliance and the individual contributors who came foreward this victory could not have been achieved. From the "little guys" I offer my sincerest thanks.