Not Binding but Strangling

The above flyer was distributed in Senator Randy Richardville's district.  But this legislation will effect all of us. It is for this reason I felt obligated, with AFP's permission, to cut and paste its content.  Make sure you contact your senator and representative as well. Tell them to tell Richardville how you feel.

Randy Richardville has sponsored Senate Bill 397 that expands binding arbitration. Binding arbitration means that unelected bureaucrats have the final say in contracts with government unions. Even the representatives we elect cannot change these contracts, no matter how costly they are or how much they will hurt our community. These types of contracts can cost our state millions. Binding arbitration can raise costs to municipalities by 3 to 5 percent. It can result in unsustainably high wages and benefits or burdensome work rules that are not in the public’s best interest.

The Facts:
SB 397 expands Public Act 312, which was passed in 1969 and requires binding arbitration for local police and fire fighters.

Even former Governor Jennifer Granholm’s own task force reported that PA 312 raises the cost to local government operations by 3 – 5%.

Besides Card Check, binding arbitration was one of the key provisions in the horribly misnamed Employee Free Choice Act. Like eliminating the secret ballot, binding arbitration is a
provision that only benefits unions.

Some politicians don’t get it. Some politicians want to increase the cost of government
and put unions in charge. Senator Richardville is one of those politicians that wants to increase the cost of government and take away our say in how government is run. As a Michigan taxpayer, we only get to pay more. It is unelected bureaucrats vs. citizens. It is taxpayers vs. government sector unions.
Senator Richardville it is time to put taxpayers first!


So lets review:
 Michigan workers are making less. Senator Richardville introduces legislation to increase the cost
of government.
 If Senator Randy Richardville has his way taxpayers lose and government sector unions win.
Call Senator Randy Richardville at (517) 373-3543 and tell him to cut government, reform government and stop sponsoring legislation that raises the cost of government and harms our democracy.

         www.michiganafp.com • 517-853-9073

Wayne County the Armpit of Michigan and It Stinks

How is it that everything in Wayne County government costs so much more? Accountability has been the missing ingredient as far back as I can remember. No one, not governors, Mayors, the commission, or anyone has challenged them effectively. Those that have challenged come out far less than successful. A temporary, partial victory with unjustified concessions has seemed to suffice in most cases. Then, it is back to business as usual.

Why is everyone afraid of Wayne County. Why are they held to a different standard? Are they afraid they will offend a person of color? That's the most insulting thing I ever heard. Do they think the taxpayers of any color in Wayne County would not be better off with good government and that the handful of loud spoken individuals actually represent the majority of the people who expect and deserve good government? Loud does not make it right.

I for one have had it. I accept everyone on the same terms. I will not tolerate excuses any longer. I will feel no guilt. Please stand with me! Make Wayne County accountable. Insist that Wayne County is transparent. Insist on prosecution for individuals who break the law. And, for goodness sake get them to fix those darn potholes.

Not Negotiable

The video above is just a sample of the disrespect some in government have for their constituents. They act like we are fools and to stupid to understand and don't understand it is their job to make sure we do.

This past week I was sent an article from the Grosse Pointe News . I was dismayed to hear the report of John Lizza, who chairs the Board of Review for Grosse Pointe Shores. He indicated that he doesn't like public watchdogs nosing around his board of review. To that I say, too bad. Brian Vick the city manager says, "In an unofficial survey, 27 municipalities were asked about it," said Brian Vick, Shores city manager. "Only two took a position that every aspect, from start to finish, had to be done in an open setting. The other ones had variations of it. So, it is one of things where there's gray area." To that I say too bad as well.

The law is the law and what they think is irrelevant. If I hear of such a thing again, they will be reported to the state and I personally will press charges. I am sending copies of the article to all cities in Wayne County. I am also attaching a copy of the Open Meetings Act and Freedom of Information Act for any community that is in doubt.

Just like the citizens who elect them and the elected officials that appoint them, those in government do not get to choose which laws they enforce or obey. Your response is appreciated.