http://www.freep.com/article/20100228/NEWS15/2280542/1319/How-far-can-Tea-Party-rise-in-state?
How Far Can Tea Party Rise?
By Dawson Bell
There's plenty of evidence to support the everyman theory of the Tea Party, expressed above by the chairman of the Metro Detroit Freedom Coalition, a self-styled Tea Party organization. His comment came at a packed meeting of the group Tuesday evening in St. Clair Shores.
On a snowy, midweek gathering with no special agenda, people still showed up -- about 150. Tea Party demonstrations in Michigan and around the country have routinely drawn hundreds, sometimes thousands of participants. National polls have suggested the general public views the Tea Party, which is not a formal political organization, more favorably than either the Democratic or Republican Party.
And its members have become the public face of voter dissatisfaction and have been given a large measure of credit for delivering a body blow to President Barack Obama and congressional Democrats for the role they played in the upset victory of Republican Scott Brown in the special U.S. Senate election in Massachusetts last month.
Since the Brown election (coming on the heels of Republican victories in Virginia and New Jersey last fall) politicians of every stripe have been less inclined to dismiss the Tea Party as a phony grassroots outfit of fringe bigots and haters, as some on the left did when the movement took off last spring and summer.
Republicans, meanwhile, have tried to enclose the Tea Party in a warm, albeit self-serving embrace. State Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop, a Rochester Republican and 2010 candidate for attorney general, was on the agenda of speakers in St. Clair Shores. His speech was peppered with kindred-spirit language.
"It's our responsibility to take back our country."
"This is America right here."
"You all have to stand up and say, 'No.' "
'We have a common goal'
In Oakland County, 9th District GOP Chairman Glenn Clark has taken on an alter ego as a Tea Party activist, organizing protests mostly aimed at the district's Democratic U.S. Rep. Gary Peters. Clark said it's a natural fit. The Tea Party, he said, is "bringing together the former pieces of the Reagan coalition."
"We have a common goal -- to put a check on government," Clark said.
But it remains to be seen what impact the Tea Party movement will have on campaigns and elections in Michigan. Clark and his Tea Party cohorts helped defeat a millage increase in Troy last week. But voters approved some other tax issues around the metro area and the state that were opposed by Tea Party activists.
Last August, Tea Party activists served a crucial role in mustering opposition to a public subsidy for Hurley Hospital in Flint.
The election should have been stacked in favor of Hurley. It was the only issue on the ballot in most out-county communities, which should have depressed turnout. Backers of the measure heavily outspent opponents. Yet the activists cobbled together a campaign of voter contact, homemade signs and loud vocals to narrowly reject the hospital tax.
Whether that kind of energy can be harnessed by candidates in this year's election is another question.
Jeff Timmer, a former Republican Party official who works as a political consultant in Lansing, said it's hard to gauge the potential impact Tea Partiers will have in Michigan with a governor's election and every seat in the Legislature up for grabs.
"People aren't sure whether or not they will matter," Timmer said. "But they're being super cautious. Nobody wants to end up being the guinea pig" -- the focus of Tea Party anger.
Dissatisfied with Dems, GOP
Wendy Day, a Tea Party activist from Howell, masterminded an antitax protest at the state Capitol in which supporters rolled a large group of snowmen on the lawn outside the state Capitol.
They bore licorice stick frowns and held antitax placards. Day said it was "a fun and peaceful and pointed way" to get across the idea that: "There are so many people who feel that Lansing isn't listening."
Day, a mother of four who teaches community college classes part time and serves on the Howell School Board, said the Tea Partiers need to stay vigilant because "we're getting close to the time when (the Legislature) is going to be pressured into thinking they have to raise taxes."
Tea Party activists aggressively assert their independence from traditional Democratic and Republican politics, pointing out that both parties are to blame for the government overreach and over-spending that sparked the movement.
"All longtime officer holders are tainted," says MEDEFCO's Bill (Wild Bill) Hollister.
But Hollister, a self-employed machinist who said his political participation was limited to paying attention and voting before joining the Tea Party, doesn't rule out that at least some factions of the Tea Party movement could coalesce around a Michigan candidate, a la Scott Brown or New York's Doug Hoffman, who rallied conservatives against a liberal Republican in a congressional race last fall (he forced her out, then lost to the Democrat).
Hollister said it's more likely to happen in the August primary, rather than the general election in November. But, he said, it's still early.
"All I know is they want our votes."
Contact DAWSON BELL: 517-372-8661
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Troy Pro-Tax Hike People Warn: Gary Peters is in Trouble!
Kathleen Martin wrote
at 4:34pm yesterday
Sorry Bruce, I've got another committment. When you have a chance, take a look at the articles on
http/time4changeinTroy.com. Click on the articles on the left side bar. The Tea Party is alive, well & gearing up for major confrontation. I'm very concerned about Troy for Gary (Peters).
at 4:34pm yesterday
Sorry Bruce, I've got another committment. When you have a chance, take a look at the articles on
http/time4changeinTroy.com. Click on the articles on the left side bar. The Tea Party is alive, well & gearing up for major confrontation. I'm very concerned about Troy for Gary (Peters).
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Detroit News: Good Guys Win Tax Vote in Troy
Absentee voters tip the scales in Troy, Bloomfield Twp.
Jennifer Chambers / The Detroit News
Absentee voters played a key role in tax increase requests that met opposite fates Tuesday in two Oakland County communities -- approval in Bloomfield Township and a thumbs-down in Troy.
In Bloomfield, absentee voters -- more than 3,200 -- are credited for turning a losing tax request into a winning one. They apparently heeded pleas by township officials who said they would lay off nearly 50 employees -- including police and firefighters -- unless the tax was approved.
Township Supervisor David Payne said absentee voters have always taken elections seriously. More than 90 percent of all requested absentee ballots are returned, he said.
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"They are people who have been in the community for a long time, and they are knowledgeable," Payne said.
Bloomfield's request for a 1.3 mill increase to fund police, fire and emergency services appeared doomed late Tuesday night based on results from 28 precincts that showed the measure failing 2,637 to 2,366.
But once absentee ballots were counted, which added 3,281 yes votes, the outcome flipped and the tax request passed by nearly 53 percent.
In Troy, efforts by tax opponents to reach absentee voters helped defeat a 1.9 mill tax hike: 4,234 absentee voters said no to higher taxes.
Absentee voter Evan Ericson rejected the measure because he thinks the city has been careless with spending and attempted to scare residents with the threat of city service closures and layoffs.
"We felt as through enough is enough. We all have to cut back and pinch our pennies," Ericson, 70, said.
Anti-tax forces obtained absentee voters lists in Troy and organized phone banks and printed literature to mail to nearly 7,000 absentee voter households in Troy, Glenn Clark of the Oakland County Tea Party group, said Wednesday.
The millage request went down, 12,631 to 7,316.
"When voters get the information, the truth is powerful," Clark said.
Clark said while there was some efforts by Tea Party members to rally the no vote in Bloomfield Township, organizers there did not specifically target absentee voters.
Troy officials are expected to get to work preparing recommendations to cut $6.2 million from the next budget and begin constructing a two-year budget cycle.
The city will still consider closing its library, nature center, community center and museum and lay off 47 police officers after voters rejected the tax hike, Mayor Louise Schilling said Wednesday, but no changes are planned immediately.
From The Detroit News: http://www.detnews.com/article/20100225/METRO02/2250397/1409/metro/Absentee-voters-tip-the-scales-in-Troy--Bloomfield-Twp.#ixzz0gcFQfceE
Jennifer Chambers / The Detroit News
Absentee voters played a key role in tax increase requests that met opposite fates Tuesday in two Oakland County communities -- approval in Bloomfield Township and a thumbs-down in Troy.
In Bloomfield, absentee voters -- more than 3,200 -- are credited for turning a losing tax request into a winning one. They apparently heeded pleas by township officials who said they would lay off nearly 50 employees -- including police and firefighters -- unless the tax was approved.
Township Supervisor David Payne said absentee voters have always taken elections seriously. More than 90 percent of all requested absentee ballots are returned, he said.
Advertisement
"They are people who have been in the community for a long time, and they are knowledgeable," Payne said.
Bloomfield's request for a 1.3 mill increase to fund police, fire and emergency services appeared doomed late Tuesday night based on results from 28 precincts that showed the measure failing 2,637 to 2,366.
But once absentee ballots were counted, which added 3,281 yes votes, the outcome flipped and the tax request passed by nearly 53 percent.
In Troy, efforts by tax opponents to reach absentee voters helped defeat a 1.9 mill tax hike: 4,234 absentee voters said no to higher taxes.
Absentee voter Evan Ericson rejected the measure because he thinks the city has been careless with spending and attempted to scare residents with the threat of city service closures and layoffs.
"We felt as through enough is enough. We all have to cut back and pinch our pennies," Ericson, 70, said.
Anti-tax forces obtained absentee voters lists in Troy and organized phone banks and printed literature to mail to nearly 7,000 absentee voter households in Troy, Glenn Clark of the Oakland County Tea Party group, said Wednesday.
The millage request went down, 12,631 to 7,316.
"When voters get the information, the truth is powerful," Clark said.
Clark said while there was some efforts by Tea Party members to rally the no vote in Bloomfield Township, organizers there did not specifically target absentee voters.
Troy officials are expected to get to work preparing recommendations to cut $6.2 million from the next budget and begin constructing a two-year budget cycle.
The city will still consider closing its library, nature center, community center and museum and lay off 47 police officers after voters rejected the tax hike, Mayor Louise Schilling said Wednesday, but no changes are planned immediately.
From The Detroit News: http://www.detnews.com/article/20100225/METRO02/2250397/1409/metro/Absentee-voters-tip-the-scales-in-Troy--Bloomfield-Twp.#ixzz0gcFQfceE
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Tea Party Rally Saturday @ Somerset Collection!
Greetings!
Our Honor the Constitution! rally is only a few days away. Please remember it will happen at the southeast corner of Big Beaver and Coolidge in front of Somerset Mall in Troy, Michigan. Our rally on February 27th will begin at 2 p.m. and continue until 4:00 p.m. Please park in one of the parking garages behind the stores.
As I look out my window this morning I see a beautiful scene of snow gently falling from the skies. Regardless of the forecast for Saturday, come out to the southeast corner of Big Beaver and Coolidge in front of Somerset Mall in Troy, Michigan. It is the least we can do to honor not only the Constitution, but the memory of those who overwintered at Valley Forge. They committed themselves, and not just their fortunes and sacred honor, but their very lives. They were not summer soldiers or sunshine patriots. The same speaks for all of those who have sacrificed for our country.
I have been reading about what the Founding Fathers called "public virtue". Franklin wrote that:
Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters.
George Washington later said that the American Constitution "...was the palladium of human rights", but noted that it could only survive as "...long as there shall remain any virtue in the body of the people".
Gordon S. Wood defined public virtue as follows:
In a Republic, however, each man must somehow be persuaded to submerge his/her personal wants into the greater good of the whole. This willingness of the individual to sacrifice his private interest for the good of the community--such patriotrism or love of country--the eighteenth century termed public virtue... the eighteenth century mind was thouroughly convinced that a popularly based government "cannot be supported without virtue".
W. Cleon Skousen then observes that, "Virtue has to be earned, and has to be learned. Neither is virtue a permanent quality in human nature. It has to be cultivated continually and exercised from hour to hour and from day to day..." In saying this, he declares we as citizens are responsible for the daily care of our country. Participating in a rally is an example of an exercise that permits us to earn our virtue. This means that we regulary exercise our Constitutional Rights, and Saturday we will be doing just that, as we will peaceably assemble to and to petition the Government for a redress of our greivances. Let us declare that we will not let our Constitutional Rights disappear in the night. Let us leave the comfort of our houses and get out to let our elected officials know that we expect them to
Honor the Constitution!
Our Honor the Constitution! rally is only a few days away. Please remember it will happen at the southeast corner of Big Beaver and Coolidge in front of Somerset Mall in Troy, Michigan. Our rally on February 27th will begin at 2 p.m. and continue until 4:00 p.m. Please park in one of the parking garages behind the stores.
As I look out my window this morning I see a beautiful scene of snow gently falling from the skies. Regardless of the forecast for Saturday, come out to the southeast corner of Big Beaver and Coolidge in front of Somerset Mall in Troy, Michigan. It is the least we can do to honor not only the Constitution, but the memory of those who overwintered at Valley Forge. They committed themselves, and not just their fortunes and sacred honor, but their very lives. They were not summer soldiers or sunshine patriots. The same speaks for all of those who have sacrificed for our country.
I have been reading about what the Founding Fathers called "public virtue". Franklin wrote that:
Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters.
George Washington later said that the American Constitution "...was the palladium of human rights", but noted that it could only survive as "...long as there shall remain any virtue in the body of the people".
Gordon S. Wood defined public virtue as follows:
In a Republic, however, each man must somehow be persuaded to submerge his/her personal wants into the greater good of the whole. This willingness of the individual to sacrifice his private interest for the good of the community--such patriotrism or love of country--the eighteenth century termed public virtue... the eighteenth century mind was thouroughly convinced that a popularly based government "cannot be supported without virtue".
W. Cleon Skousen then observes that, "Virtue has to be earned, and has to be learned. Neither is virtue a permanent quality in human nature. It has to be cultivated continually and exercised from hour to hour and from day to day..." In saying this, he declares we as citizens are responsible for the daily care of our country. Participating in a rally is an example of an exercise that permits us to earn our virtue. This means that we regulary exercise our Constitutional Rights, and Saturday we will be doing just that, as we will peaceably assemble to and to petition the Government for a redress of our greivances. Let us declare that we will not let our Constitutional Rights disappear in the night. Let us leave the comfort of our houses and get out to let our elected officials know that we expect them to
Honor the Constitution!
Protecting America in the New Missle Age
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Protecting America in the New Missile Age
Bloomfield Republican Women’s Club
is hosting a presentation of the Heritage Foundation movie
33 Minutes
The time for a missile launched from the Middle East to reach the USA
DATE: Thursday, March 11, 2010
TIME: 5:45 Wine & Cheese
6:30-7:30 Movie
LOCATION: Christ Church Cranbrook
470 Church Road – Bloomfield Hills
Parking lot is across from the church entrance labeled “Parish Office”
COST: $12 must be paid in advance
RSVP by: March 5th
Check payable to : Bloomfield RWC
Mail to: Joan Grindel 30757 Charleston Ct
Farmington Hills, MI 48331
Website : www.bloomfieldrwc.com
Phone : 248-661-1928
Protecting America in the New Missile Age
Bloomfield Republican Women’s Club
is hosting a presentation of the Heritage Foundation movie
33 Minutes
The time for a missile launched from the Middle East to reach the USA
DATE: Thursday, March 11, 2010
TIME: 5:45 Wine & Cheese
6:30-7:30 Movie
LOCATION: Christ Church Cranbrook
470 Church Road – Bloomfield Hills
Parking lot is across from the church entrance labeled “Parish Office”
COST: $12 must be paid in advance
RSVP by: March 5th
Check payable to : Bloomfield RWC
Mail to: Joan Grindel 30757 Charleston Ct
Farmington Hills, MI 48331
Website : www.bloomfieldrwc.com
Phone : 248-661-1928
Oakland Press: We won Berkley, Troy Tax Votes!
Voters in Troy and Berkley nix tax hikes; Bloomfield Township voters barely approve one
Published: Wednesday, February 24, 2010
An unidentified Troy resident votes at his precinct, which was at the Troy Community Center. Voting precincts 26, 27, & 30 are located at this Center. Photo taken on Tuesday, February 23, 2010, in Troy, Mich. (The Oakland Press/Jose Juarez)
Rob Melrose, who is accompanied by a snowman which was made by an unknown student, stands outside of Precinct 3, located at Berkley High School, as he encourages people to vote Yes in today's election. Photo taken on Tuesday, February 23, 2010, in Berkley, Mich. (The Oakland Press/Jose Juarez)
An unidentified Berkley resident votes at Precinct 3, which was located at Berkley High School. Photo taken on Tuesday, February 23, 2010, in Berkley, Mich. (The Oakland Press/Jose Juarez)
Voters sign in to vote, and exit their precinct after voting, at the Troy Community Center. Seated at far left are precinct inspectors and the precinct chair. Voting precincts 26, 27, & 30 are located at this Center. Photo taken on Tuesday, February 23, 2010, in Troy, Mich. (The Oakland Press/Jose Juarez)
Troy resident Mike Kennedy votes at his precinct, which was at the Troy Community Center. Voting precincts 26, 27, & 30 are located at this Center. Photo taken on Tuesday, February 23, 2010, in Troy, Mich. (The Oakland Press/Jose Juarez)
By CHARLES CRUMM
Of The Oakland Press
An unidentified Troy resident votes at his precinct, which was at the Troy Community Center. Voting precincts 26, 27, & 30 are located at this Center. Photo taken on Tuesday, February 23, 2010, in Troy, Mich. (The Oakland Press/Jose Juarez)
Voters in Berkley Schools and Troy overwhelmingly rejected property tax increases Tuesday in a reflection of voter anger during troubling economic times and a possible referendum on the strength of the Tea Party movement.
In Bloomfield Township, voters approved a tax hike, but not without opposition.
Shields Pizza at Maple and Crooks roads in Troy Tuesday night was the scene of a “Vote No” party for tea partiers tracking — and opposing — property tax increases in all three jurisdictions.
“This is the Oakland County Vote No headquarters,” said Oakland County Tea Party organizer Glenn Clark. “This is the defacto headquarters for Troy, Berkley and Bloomfield.”
Berkley Schools by far asked for the largest property tax increase, a 4.27-mill hike for new schools and renovations to existing schools.
The school district educates students from Berkley, Oak Park, Huntington Woods and a small portion of Royal Oak.
Voters overwhelmingly rejected the request 5,439 to 2,393, or 69.45 percent to 30.55 percent.
Of the 18 precincts, the question passed in just three of them.
Troy’s proposed 1.9-mill increase was snuffed by voters in most of the city’s polling locations following spirited campaigns both for and against the proposed increase.
With 19 of 19 locations counted, no votes outnumbered yes votes 12,631 to 7,316.
City officials have argued that closing facilities and laying off employees, including police and firefighters, was likely without the millage.
But opposition to the additional taxes galvanized around the Oakland County Tea Party and Troy Citizens United who argued — apparently successfully — that the city needs to cut nonessential services and facilities before seeking higher taxes.
“I would say if the City Council comes back again and asks for another large tax hike, there will be a lot of angry citizens,” Clark said. “The trend here is clear. People don’t want this kind of silliness happening in Troy.”
Bloomfield Township voters, meanwhile, approved a 1.3-mill property tax for 10 years for operating purposes. The ballot question won 5,647 votes to 5,014 votes, or a margin of 52.97 percent to 47.03 percent.
The estimated revenue for township government in the first year of the tax is $4,518,650. The owner of a home with a $100,000 taxable value will pay $130 more a year.
Failure to pass the millage would have meant staff cuts in township government, said township Supervisor David Payne.
“I’m not surprised that it was close,” Payne said. “I can say that we are committed to cutting costs and reducing expenses moving forward. We will work to keep costs as low as possible while delivering high-quality public safety and the other public services.”
Clark, however, said activists against the millage in Bloomfield Township didn’t really get rolling until a week ago and predicted a backlash against township officeholders, possibly in the form of recall elections.
“A lot of grassroots people are ticked off,” Clark said. “There’s a six-letter word that starts with an R and ends with an L. In the general scope, today’s results are going to provide more activists in the 2010 election.”
Voter turnout is typically low in February elections but more than 32 percent of Bloomfield Township’s registered voters cast ballots at the township’s 29 precincts.
The millage question actually lost among people who cast ballots Tuesday by a 2,637 to 2,366 margin. But there were more absentee voters and they overwhelmingly approved the tax increase 3,281 to 2,377, pushing the totals to the “Yes” side of the question.
http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2010/02/24/news/local_news/doc4b85370d9cd43680272539.txt
Published: Wednesday, February 24, 2010
An unidentified Troy resident votes at his precinct, which was at the Troy Community Center. Voting precincts 26, 27, & 30 are located at this Center. Photo taken on Tuesday, February 23, 2010, in Troy, Mich. (The Oakland Press/Jose Juarez)
Rob Melrose, who is accompanied by a snowman which was made by an unknown student, stands outside of Precinct 3, located at Berkley High School, as he encourages people to vote Yes in today's election. Photo taken on Tuesday, February 23, 2010, in Berkley, Mich. (The Oakland Press/Jose Juarez)
An unidentified Berkley resident votes at Precinct 3, which was located at Berkley High School. Photo taken on Tuesday, February 23, 2010, in Berkley, Mich. (The Oakland Press/Jose Juarez)
Voters sign in to vote, and exit their precinct after voting, at the Troy Community Center. Seated at far left are precinct inspectors and the precinct chair. Voting precincts 26, 27, & 30 are located at this Center. Photo taken on Tuesday, February 23, 2010, in Troy, Mich. (The Oakland Press/Jose Juarez)
Troy resident Mike Kennedy votes at his precinct, which was at the Troy Community Center. Voting precincts 26, 27, & 30 are located at this Center. Photo taken on Tuesday, February 23, 2010, in Troy, Mich. (The Oakland Press/Jose Juarez)
By CHARLES CRUMM
Of The Oakland Press
An unidentified Troy resident votes at his precinct, which was at the Troy Community Center. Voting precincts 26, 27, & 30 are located at this Center. Photo taken on Tuesday, February 23, 2010, in Troy, Mich. (The Oakland Press/Jose Juarez)
Voters in Berkley Schools and Troy overwhelmingly rejected property tax increases Tuesday in a reflection of voter anger during troubling economic times and a possible referendum on the strength of the Tea Party movement.
In Bloomfield Township, voters approved a tax hike, but not without opposition.
Shields Pizza at Maple and Crooks roads in Troy Tuesday night was the scene of a “Vote No” party for tea partiers tracking — and opposing — property tax increases in all three jurisdictions.
“This is the Oakland County Vote No headquarters,” said Oakland County Tea Party organizer Glenn Clark. “This is the defacto headquarters for Troy, Berkley and Bloomfield.”
Berkley Schools by far asked for the largest property tax increase, a 4.27-mill hike for new schools and renovations to existing schools.
The school district educates students from Berkley, Oak Park, Huntington Woods and a small portion of Royal Oak.
Voters overwhelmingly rejected the request 5,439 to 2,393, or 69.45 percent to 30.55 percent.
Of the 18 precincts, the question passed in just three of them.
Troy’s proposed 1.9-mill increase was snuffed by voters in most of the city’s polling locations following spirited campaigns both for and against the proposed increase.
With 19 of 19 locations counted, no votes outnumbered yes votes 12,631 to 7,316.
City officials have argued that closing facilities and laying off employees, including police and firefighters, was likely without the millage.
But opposition to the additional taxes galvanized around the Oakland County Tea Party and Troy Citizens United who argued — apparently successfully — that the city needs to cut nonessential services and facilities before seeking higher taxes.
“I would say if the City Council comes back again and asks for another large tax hike, there will be a lot of angry citizens,” Clark said. “The trend here is clear. People don’t want this kind of silliness happening in Troy.”
Bloomfield Township voters, meanwhile, approved a 1.3-mill property tax for 10 years for operating purposes. The ballot question won 5,647 votes to 5,014 votes, or a margin of 52.97 percent to 47.03 percent.
The estimated revenue for township government in the first year of the tax is $4,518,650. The owner of a home with a $100,000 taxable value will pay $130 more a year.
Failure to pass the millage would have meant staff cuts in township government, said township Supervisor David Payne.
“I’m not surprised that it was close,” Payne said. “I can say that we are committed to cutting costs and reducing expenses moving forward. We will work to keep costs as low as possible while delivering high-quality public safety and the other public services.”
Clark, however, said activists against the millage in Bloomfield Township didn’t really get rolling until a week ago and predicted a backlash against township officeholders, possibly in the form of recall elections.
“A lot of grassroots people are ticked off,” Clark said. “There’s a six-letter word that starts with an R and ends with an L. In the general scope, today’s results are going to provide more activists in the 2010 election.”
Voter turnout is typically low in February elections but more than 32 percent of Bloomfield Township’s registered voters cast ballots at the township’s 29 precincts.
The millage question actually lost among people who cast ballots Tuesday by a 2,637 to 2,366 margin. But there were more absentee voters and they overwhelmingly approved the tax increase 3,281 to 2,377, pushing the totals to the “Yes” side of the question.
http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2010/02/24/news/local_news/doc4b85370d9cd43680272539.txt
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
47 minutes left to vote NO!
Get out in Berkley School District, Bloomfield Township & Troy to vote NO on millage/bond taxhike/spending increase ballot issues. Vote NO!
Vote NO Today - Polls Oen till 8 PM - Send a Message!!!
Vote NO today on the following ballot proposals: Vote NO in Berkley School District (massive new bond proposal = huge new taxes), vote NO in Bloomfield Township (1.3 massive new millage - property tax hike), vote NO in Troy (1.9 massive new millage - property tax hike). Polls are open until 8 PM. Send a message to the tax-and-spend liberals: You cannot tax your way out of this recession. Families have tightened their belts, so should local governments & public employee unions. Vote NO
Monday, February 22, 2010
WDIV Ch. 4 Covers Our Vote NO Tea Party Rally Today
Property Tax Battle Brewing In Troy
Millage Put To Vote Tuesday
POSTED: Monday, February 22, 2010
UPDATED: 8:13 pm EST February 22, 2010
TROY, Mich. -- A property tax battle is brewing in Oakland County's Troy community.
Watch: Troy Wants To Hike Property Taxes
City leaders want to hike property taxes to maintain services, but some residents are voicing opinions against it.
Members organizing a tea party against the tax hike, which would come in the form of a millage, asked supporters to join them Monday evening in making phone calls to more than 400 residents.
"We want to keep police, fire, trash, all essential services at the highest standards but cut out the extras that are not necessary," said Glenn Clark, who is with the tea party group. "There is already money in the budget to work through this tough economic time without raising taxes."
The group is telling residents to vote no Tuesday on the millage proposal, which is part of a special election.
The tea party members said the hike would raise taxes by 29 percent.
But city leaders said the increase would be about 20 percent, and that tax bills would go down about $300 for an average homeowner because of declining property values.
The increase would last for about five years before expiring.
The city said it is projecting an upcoming budget shortfall of about $30 million.
Residents against the raise said the city needs to make cuts within its own budget before reaching out into the community.
The city said it's already made significant cuts.
"We've looked at every department to see if its more cost effective to privatize, consolidate, regionalize or eliminate," said Troy City Manager John Szerlag. "Even if the millage passes, we're going to proceed with those studies."
Polls for election will open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.
http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/22638804/detail.html
Millage Put To Vote Tuesday
POSTED: Monday, February 22, 2010
UPDATED: 8:13 pm EST February 22, 2010
TROY, Mich. -- A property tax battle is brewing in Oakland County's Troy community.
Watch: Troy Wants To Hike Property Taxes
City leaders want to hike property taxes to maintain services, but some residents are voicing opinions against it.
Members organizing a tea party against the tax hike, which would come in the form of a millage, asked supporters to join them Monday evening in making phone calls to more than 400 residents.
"We want to keep police, fire, trash, all essential services at the highest standards but cut out the extras that are not necessary," said Glenn Clark, who is with the tea party group. "There is already money in the budget to work through this tough economic time without raising taxes."
The group is telling residents to vote no Tuesday on the millage proposal, which is part of a special election.
The tea party members said the hike would raise taxes by 29 percent.
But city leaders said the increase would be about 20 percent, and that tax bills would go down about $300 for an average homeowner because of declining property values.
The increase would last for about five years before expiring.
The city said it is projecting an upcoming budget shortfall of about $30 million.
Residents against the raise said the city needs to make cuts within its own budget before reaching out into the community.
The city said it's already made significant cuts.
"We've looked at every department to see if its more cost effective to privatize, consolidate, regionalize or eliminate," said Troy City Manager John Szerlag. "Even if the millage passes, we're going to proceed with those studies."
Polls for election will open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.
http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/22638804/detail.html
Vote NO tomorrow, Tuesday on massive tax hikes!
Vote NO tomorrow, Tuesday, in Berkley School District, Bloomfield Twp. & Troy. Reject whopping tax hikes in this economy! No new taxes!!
Polls open at 7 AM and close at 8 PM.
Send a message to the tax-and-spend liberals: Vote NO!
Polls open at 7 AM and close at 8 PM.
Send a message to the tax-and-spend liberals: Vote NO!
Bloomfield Twp. Vote NO Activities Profiled - Oakland Press
Bloomfield voters object to millage timing, urge efficiency
Published: Monday, February 22, 2010
12 comment(s) | Email to a friend | Print version | ShareThis| RSS Feeds
By MIKE SCOTT
Special to The Oakland Press
One Bloomfield Township-based citizens advocacy organization is opposing the Tuesday millage vote, and many of its supporters are voicing their opinions.
Several township officials were present at a special panel meeting hosted by the United Homeowners Associations of Bloomfield Township last week at the township hall. A large turnout heard feedback from such township officials as Supervisor Dave Payne, Assessor Bill Griffin and County Commissioner Shelley Taub.
A separate organization called Bloomfield Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility has been getting its views out to fellow township residents in recent weeks. The group opposes the millage for a variety of reasons.
Bloomfield Township resident and group member Jennifer Greenwell objects to both the date of the election and the proposed 10-year term of the increase.
All requests for new and increased taxes should be requested in even-year November elections, when maximum voter turnout can be expected, Greenwell said.
“If a local government truly has an emergency, they should ask for an increase that will suffice until the next even-year November election, in this case, seven months,” Greenwell said. One of her main concerns is that a lower voter turnout might favor proponents of the millage, who, at first glance may appear to be more invested in the vote.
Fellow township resident Paul Stenquist believes a tax hike will only accelerate the decline in the community’s property values. Although he does not hold any official title with Bloomfield Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility, he drafted a media advisory for the group and also opposes the millage.
“Like (many) township residents, I’m opposed to a tax in the middle of a crippling recession,” Stenquist said. “That’s just common sense.”
Bloomfield Township taxes are already among the nation’s highest, Stenquist said. Another increase makes the community significantly less attractive to new residents, and makes it difficult to sell an existing home.
“More foreclosures will be the result of this millage, in my opinion,” Stenquist said. “Most governments realize that any tax increases enacted during a deep recession are counterproductive. My question to our elected officials and (township administrators) is why don’t they understand that?”
Bloomfield Township officials have maintained that all revenue restored by a 1.3-mill tax would stay in Bloomfield Township to provide the same level of public services, including the level of coverage for police, fire and EMS protection currently employed, said Payne.
Bloomfield Township expects a 10 percent decline in the upcoming 2010 tax levy and at least another 6 percent decline in 2011. In a four-year period, it is expected the township will have lost more than $6 million of what previously was a $40 million annual budget.
“The upcoming property tax reductions are so severe that if the millage fails, we must permanently eliminate 25 positions in March 2010,” Payne wrote on the township’s Web site. “Almost two-thirds of our employees are in the police and fire/EMS departments. We could not achieve the savings we would need without reducing public safety personnel. Undoubtedly, this would increase emergency response times.”
Resident Alan Must is the owner of a food distributor in the area that employs more than 200 people. He arrived during the second half of the meeting and said the township needs to think more like a business as part of its operational focus.
“If my company loses money, I need to make some drastic and difficult decisions,” Must said. “Well, the township is in a position where they need to cut costs, not raise taxes. The propaganda (the township) is coming out with is downright threatening when you talk about cutting fire and police.”
Greenwell said she met with Payne in mid-January and asked him to “stop trying to create a state of fear in our community” by continually talking about possible reductions in emergency services if the millage were not passed.
The general operating millage increase is not necessary; instead efficiency in government and cost-containment can help make up for some of the income shortfalls, Greenwell said. She pointed to an efficiency study conducted by accounting firm Plante & Moran in 2009 that indicated Bloomfield Township could save $10 million over 10 years by consolidating DPS services with nearby communities.
“The study indicated that such consolidation would not only save money, but enhance and improve service to residents by decreasing emergency response time,” Greenwell said.
Bloomfield Township expects a 10 percent decline in the upcoming 2010 tax levy and at least another 6 percent decline in 2011. Over a four-year period, it is expected the township will have lost more than $6 million of what previous was a $40 million annual budget.
http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2010/02/22/news/local_news/doc4b8258cbb23b7369133084.txt
Published: Monday, February 22, 2010
12 comment(s) | Email to a friend | Print version | ShareThis| RSS Feeds
By MIKE SCOTT
Special to The Oakland Press
One Bloomfield Township-based citizens advocacy organization is opposing the Tuesday millage vote, and many of its supporters are voicing their opinions.
Several township officials were present at a special panel meeting hosted by the United Homeowners Associations of Bloomfield Township last week at the township hall. A large turnout heard feedback from such township officials as Supervisor Dave Payne, Assessor Bill Griffin and County Commissioner Shelley Taub.
A separate organization called Bloomfield Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility has been getting its views out to fellow township residents in recent weeks. The group opposes the millage for a variety of reasons.
Bloomfield Township resident and group member Jennifer Greenwell objects to both the date of the election and the proposed 10-year term of the increase.
All requests for new and increased taxes should be requested in even-year November elections, when maximum voter turnout can be expected, Greenwell said.
“If a local government truly has an emergency, they should ask for an increase that will suffice until the next even-year November election, in this case, seven months,” Greenwell said. One of her main concerns is that a lower voter turnout might favor proponents of the millage, who, at first glance may appear to be more invested in the vote.
Fellow township resident Paul Stenquist believes a tax hike will only accelerate the decline in the community’s property values. Although he does not hold any official title with Bloomfield Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility, he drafted a media advisory for the group and also opposes the millage.
“Like (many) township residents, I’m opposed to a tax in the middle of a crippling recession,” Stenquist said. “That’s just common sense.”
Bloomfield Township taxes are already among the nation’s highest, Stenquist said. Another increase makes the community significantly less attractive to new residents, and makes it difficult to sell an existing home.
“More foreclosures will be the result of this millage, in my opinion,” Stenquist said. “Most governments realize that any tax increases enacted during a deep recession are counterproductive. My question to our elected officials and (township administrators) is why don’t they understand that?”
Bloomfield Township officials have maintained that all revenue restored by a 1.3-mill tax would stay in Bloomfield Township to provide the same level of public services, including the level of coverage for police, fire and EMS protection currently employed, said Payne.
Bloomfield Township expects a 10 percent decline in the upcoming 2010 tax levy and at least another 6 percent decline in 2011. In a four-year period, it is expected the township will have lost more than $6 million of what previously was a $40 million annual budget.
“The upcoming property tax reductions are so severe that if the millage fails, we must permanently eliminate 25 positions in March 2010,” Payne wrote on the township’s Web site. “Almost two-thirds of our employees are in the police and fire/EMS departments. We could not achieve the savings we would need without reducing public safety personnel. Undoubtedly, this would increase emergency response times.”
Resident Alan Must is the owner of a food distributor in the area that employs more than 200 people. He arrived during the second half of the meeting and said the township needs to think more like a business as part of its operational focus.
“If my company loses money, I need to make some drastic and difficult decisions,” Must said. “Well, the township is in a position where they need to cut costs, not raise taxes. The propaganda (the township) is coming out with is downright threatening when you talk about cutting fire and police.”
Greenwell said she met with Payne in mid-January and asked him to “stop trying to create a state of fear in our community” by continually talking about possible reductions in emergency services if the millage were not passed.
The general operating millage increase is not necessary; instead efficiency in government and cost-containment can help make up for some of the income shortfalls, Greenwell said. She pointed to an efficiency study conducted by accounting firm Plante & Moran in 2009 that indicated Bloomfield Township could save $10 million over 10 years by consolidating DPS services with nearby communities.
“The study indicated that such consolidation would not only save money, but enhance and improve service to residents by decreasing emergency response time,” Greenwell said.
Bloomfield Township expects a 10 percent decline in the upcoming 2010 tax levy and at least another 6 percent decline in 2011. Over a four-year period, it is expected the township will have lost more than $6 million of what previous was a $40 million annual budget.
http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2010/02/22/news/local_news/doc4b8258cbb23b7369133084.txt
Our Vote NO on Massive Troy Tax Hike in Oakland Press
Troy millage opponents continue to make their case
Published: Monday, February 22, 2010
29 comment(s) | Email to a friend | Print version | ShareThis| RSS Feeds
By DAVE PHILLIPS
Of The Oakland Press
A group of about 50 people gathered Sunday in Troy for a town hall meeting about the city’s proposed millage increase.
In an event organized by Glenn Clark, chairman of the 9th Congressional District for the Republican Party, former Troy City Council members David Eisenbacher and Dave Lambert spoke about the possible millage increase, which would be 1.9 mills and would expire in five years.
Troy voters will head to the polls Tuesday to decide the issue.
A 1.9 mill tax on an average house with a taxable value of $103,000 is $195, but city officials said the typical homeowner would see his or her city portion of their tax bill increase only $38 because of declining property values.
Eisenbacher disagreed. He said 43 percent of Troy residents do not have their assessed value and property value equalized, and “if you’re in that category, taxes may go up by the full amount.”
Eisenbacher said one possible downside to the millage would be an increase in rental rates for businesses.
“A tax increase will directly flow into the rental rate for buildings,” Eisenbacher said. “As the rental rate increases, it’s harder to attract businesses to the city.”
“It will impact employers’ job creation goals,” Lambert added. “Tax increases do not help create jobs except for the public sector.”
Troy officials say the millage is needed to keep city services and property values at the level they are at right now.
“It’s a threat,” Eisenbacher says of that statement.
He said rejecting the proposed increase would “put the onus on the city” to prioritize funds for essential services like police and firefighters.
Up to 150 people could be laid off if the millage does not pass, including about 50 police jobs, city officials say. City financial experts also said the city would have to close the library, community center and historical museum, in addition to privatizing, consolidating or regionalizing some city services.
Eisenbacher suggested cutting managerial jobs first.
“The guy fixing the road is more important (than someone in a management position),” he said. “If half the costs are management and half the costs are people working, I would say don’t lay off the people doing the work first.”
Lambert is concerned that the money might not be spent in the right places if the millage increase does pass.
“City Council is essentially being given an open checkbook to spend on whatever they want,” he said.
“I would prefer an approach which would have designated any kind of increase for a short period of time to be used on police and fire. Essentially on the ballot it says ‘for public safety and quality of life.’ Isn’t that everything the city does anyway? It’s not making them commit to where our limited money should be prioritized.”
Both men believe there are alternative solutions that will raise revenue for the city without increasing taxes.
“The biggest hole in the deficit moving forward isn’t in services — it’s in the pension fund,” Eisenbacher said. He said current figures are based numbers from when the stock market was at its lowest point and expects the “hole” to get smaller “when the stocks come back.”
Lambert said when he was on City Council, he proposed selling naming rights and advertising on city buildings. For instance, for a price, a company could “slap their name on the community center,” Lambert said, and defray some of the facility’s costs.
The idea was not wellreceived at the time, Lambert said, because the city was doing well and “didn’t look long term.”
“(We didn’t ask) when the economy’s not successful, how will we afford these facilities?”
He also added that the problem is not entirely the city’s fault.
“We also have to blame the state of Michigan,” Lambert said, citing statutory aid cuts.
Both men suggested possible decreases in hours for city facilities like libraries and the community center as a way to reduce costs. Using volunteers in place of paid labor was also suggested.
Contact staff writer Dave Phillips at 248-745-4631 or dave.phillips@oakpress.com.
http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2010/02/22/news/local_news/doc4b82592b330ff059193634.txt
Published: Monday, February 22, 2010
29 comment(s) | Email to a friend | Print version | ShareThis| RSS Feeds
By DAVE PHILLIPS
Of The Oakland Press
A group of about 50 people gathered Sunday in Troy for a town hall meeting about the city’s proposed millage increase.
In an event organized by Glenn Clark, chairman of the 9th Congressional District for the Republican Party, former Troy City Council members David Eisenbacher and Dave Lambert spoke about the possible millage increase, which would be 1.9 mills and would expire in five years.
Troy voters will head to the polls Tuesday to decide the issue.
A 1.9 mill tax on an average house with a taxable value of $103,000 is $195, but city officials said the typical homeowner would see his or her city portion of their tax bill increase only $38 because of declining property values.
Eisenbacher disagreed. He said 43 percent of Troy residents do not have their assessed value and property value equalized, and “if you’re in that category, taxes may go up by the full amount.”
Eisenbacher said one possible downside to the millage would be an increase in rental rates for businesses.
“A tax increase will directly flow into the rental rate for buildings,” Eisenbacher said. “As the rental rate increases, it’s harder to attract businesses to the city.”
“It will impact employers’ job creation goals,” Lambert added. “Tax increases do not help create jobs except for the public sector.”
Troy officials say the millage is needed to keep city services and property values at the level they are at right now.
“It’s a threat,” Eisenbacher says of that statement.
He said rejecting the proposed increase would “put the onus on the city” to prioritize funds for essential services like police and firefighters.
Up to 150 people could be laid off if the millage does not pass, including about 50 police jobs, city officials say. City financial experts also said the city would have to close the library, community center and historical museum, in addition to privatizing, consolidating or regionalizing some city services.
Eisenbacher suggested cutting managerial jobs first.
“The guy fixing the road is more important (than someone in a management position),” he said. “If half the costs are management and half the costs are people working, I would say don’t lay off the people doing the work first.”
Lambert is concerned that the money might not be spent in the right places if the millage increase does pass.
“City Council is essentially being given an open checkbook to spend on whatever they want,” he said.
“I would prefer an approach which would have designated any kind of increase for a short period of time to be used on police and fire. Essentially on the ballot it says ‘for public safety and quality of life.’ Isn’t that everything the city does anyway? It’s not making them commit to where our limited money should be prioritized.”
Both men believe there are alternative solutions that will raise revenue for the city without increasing taxes.
“The biggest hole in the deficit moving forward isn’t in services — it’s in the pension fund,” Eisenbacher said. He said current figures are based numbers from when the stock market was at its lowest point and expects the “hole” to get smaller “when the stocks come back.”
Lambert said when he was on City Council, he proposed selling naming rights and advertising on city buildings. For instance, for a price, a company could “slap their name on the community center,” Lambert said, and defray some of the facility’s costs.
The idea was not wellreceived at the time, Lambert said, because the city was doing well and “didn’t look long term.”
“(We didn’t ask) when the economy’s not successful, how will we afford these facilities?”
He also added that the problem is not entirely the city’s fault.
“We also have to blame the state of Michigan,” Lambert said, citing statutory aid cuts.
Both men suggested possible decreases in hours for city facilities like libraries and the community center as a way to reduce costs. Using volunteers in place of paid labor was also suggested.
Contact staff writer Dave Phillips at 248-745-4631 or dave.phillips@oakpress.com.
http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2010/02/22/news/local_news/doc4b82592b330ff059193634.txt
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Non Resident Spillers Pushing Huge Tax Hike on Troy
Ed Spillers, a extreme liberal activist & Democrat candidate for State Representative who lives in CLAWSON posted the information below on facebook.com:
Ed Spillers - To date, I hit 399 houses and delivered 22 signs (for the pro-tax hike side).
Why is yet another pro-tax hike liberal activist working for a union bailout, big government tax-and-spend millage hike here in Troy? Troy residents do not want or need former Obama organizer Spillers or his socialist buddies pushing a tax hike door-to-door or in front of Troy City Council. Mr. Spillers: Stay out of Troy affairs and start planning your defeat party --- no one trusts you and your big government agenda!
The next time someone tells you to vote for the Troy tax hike, ask them to see their ID. Chances are it'll be from outside Troy.
Ed Spillers - To date, I hit 399 houses and delivered 22 signs (for the pro-tax hike side).
Why is yet another pro-tax hike liberal activist working for a union bailout, big government tax-and-spend millage hike here in Troy? Troy residents do not want or need former Obama organizer Spillers or his socialist buddies pushing a tax hike door-to-door or in front of Troy City Council. Mr. Spillers: Stay out of Troy affairs and start planning your defeat party --- no one trusts you and your big government agenda!
The next time someone tells you to vote for the Troy tax hike, ask them to see their ID. Chances are it'll be from outside Troy.
Huge success at Troy town hall - big crowd!
Wow! Great turnout at the vote NO on Troy massive 29% tax hike. Northfield Hills Baptist Church was filled up by concerned citizens over the 1.9 millage hike. Two television stations came to cover the event along with a major newspaper. Tea party action is in the air! Send a message to the city hall bureaucrats & union bosses: We will not approve the largest tax hike in southeast Michigan on Tuesday, February 23rd! Vote NO!
Bloomfield Twp/Troy Vote NO Phone Bank Success
The Troy & Bloomfield Township Vote NO on new taxes phone bank was maxed out tonight. Not an extra seat to be had in the house! A few people actually had to call sitting on window seats near the floor to find a place to call. Wow --- we are leading the way to victory. Berkley Schools vote NO callers called from their homes tonight using scripts that we supplied. Working together, we can turn the tide against big tax-and-spend liberalism.
Callers are still calling now until 9 PM.
Join us tomorrow for phone calling at:
Take Back Bloomfield Township & Troy – Vote No Tea Party Rally/Phone Bank
Monday, February 22nd
6 – 9 PM
Cornerstone Village Office Complex (in front of L.A. Fitness)
700 E. Big Beaver Road, Suite “C”
Troy, Michigan
Callers are still calling now until 9 PM.
Join us tomorrow for phone calling at:
Take Back Bloomfield Township & Troy – Vote No Tea Party Rally/Phone Bank
Monday, February 22nd
6 – 9 PM
Cornerstone Village Office Complex (in front of L.A. Fitness)
700 E. Big Beaver Road, Suite “C”
Troy, Michigan
Free Press: Bloomfield Twp. & Troy Tax Hikes - NO!
Posted: Feb. 21, 2010
Bloomfield Township, Troy: Officials, residents debate merits of proposed tax increases for services
BY GINA DAMRON and KORIE WILKINS
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITERS
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Single-page viewNext Page1| 2Previous PageCrucial tax increases or scare tactics by financially strapped communities?
This is what voters in Troy and Bloomfield Township will have to decide Tuesday when they vote on millage proposals.
While some residents see the tax hikes as necessary to protecting police, fire and quality of life amenities, others accuse Troy and Bloomfield Township officials of presenting doomsday scenarios to force voters' hands.
Troy officials said if voters don't approve a 5-year, 1.9-mill tax increase, cuts would be made to public safety and some facilities, including the library and nature center, could be shuttered. Likewise, Bloomfield Township officials said there would be several layoffs in police and fire if a 10-year, 1.3-mill increase isn't OK'd.
"They're using scare tactics," said David Eisenbacher, a Troy resident and former city councilman. "The only things that are being targeted are the things that are popular with the residents."
Officials in both communities deny trying to scare voters, asserting that their financial situations are dire.
In Troy, even if the millage passes, city officials have said cuts are still inevitable. City Manager John Szerlag said the city also is considering privatizing services and layoffs. Bloomfield Township cut staff, sought concessions from employees and implemented wage freezes.
If the proposal in Troy passes, residents with houses that have a $103,000 taxable value -- the estimated average for 2010 -- will pay an extra $38 a year in city taxes. But, despite this increase, the average homeowner will see an overall reduction in their total tax bill of $392, city officials said.
Bloomfield Township officials say if the tax increase passes, the average homeowner's taxes are expected to be about $6,964 this year -- a decrease from roughly $7,492 last year. The reason, officials say, is because of an overall decrease in homes' taxable value.
Officials in the communities have published literature about the proposals, which some residents in Troy accused of being less informational and more biased in favor of the millage. Troy also has held several public meetings. And citizen movements for and against the proposals have grown strong financially.
[Page 2 of 2]
The Save Our Services group in Bloomfield Township, proponents of the issue, has collected more than $83,000 in contributions. Roughly a third of the money has been used, according to campaign finance reports.
In Troy, a political group against the proposal -- Troy Citizens United -- has raised $10,000, while proponent committee Keep Troy Safe has collected more than $14,000. Troy Mayor Louise Schilling loaned $3,000 to Keep Troy Safe, of which she is a member.
Peter Treboldi, a Troy resident and treasurer of Keep Troy Safe, said voters have to decide one thing: "What kind of a city do you want to have?"
The answer for Calvin Gilbert, though, is one without tax increases. The 79-year-old, who is against the millage, doesn't think council members will make all of the cuts they've said would be made if the proposal fails.
"They'll find ways to get around it," he said.
Some residents in Bloomfield Township feel the same.
When Paul Stenquist, an 18-year resident, saw snow plow drivers out in his neighborhood after only a dusting of snow, he decided he would vote against the tax increase.
"I figured if they could afford that, there were cuts they could make without raising taxes," said Stenquist, 61, who is part of the Bloomfield Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility -- a group of residents opposed to the millage.
Officials said the township is facing a 12% property value decrease this year. By 2011, the township will have lost $6 million from declining tax revenues. "There's no place else left to cut," said Supervisor David Payne. "These are not idle threats. This is reality."
Payne said township officials have cut 18 staff positions since 2007 and instituted wage freezes.
Contact GINA DAMRON: 586-826-7269 or gdamron@freepress.com
http://www.freep.com/article/20100221/NEWS03/2210475/1001/NEWS/Bloomfield-Township-Troy-Officials-residents-debate-merits-of-proposed-tax-increases-for-services-
Bloomfield Township, Troy: Officials, residents debate merits of proposed tax increases for services
BY GINA DAMRON and KORIE WILKINS
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITERS
Comments (1) Recommend Print E-mail Letter to the editor Share
Facebook Twitter FarkIt Digg Del.icio.us Reddit Newsvine Buzz up!
Single-page viewNext Page1| 2Previous PageCrucial tax increases or scare tactics by financially strapped communities?
This is what voters in Troy and Bloomfield Township will have to decide Tuesday when they vote on millage proposals.
While some residents see the tax hikes as necessary to protecting police, fire and quality of life amenities, others accuse Troy and Bloomfield Township officials of presenting doomsday scenarios to force voters' hands.
Troy officials said if voters don't approve a 5-year, 1.9-mill tax increase, cuts would be made to public safety and some facilities, including the library and nature center, could be shuttered. Likewise, Bloomfield Township officials said there would be several layoffs in police and fire if a 10-year, 1.3-mill increase isn't OK'd.
"They're using scare tactics," said David Eisenbacher, a Troy resident and former city councilman. "The only things that are being targeted are the things that are popular with the residents."
Officials in both communities deny trying to scare voters, asserting that their financial situations are dire.
In Troy, even if the millage passes, city officials have said cuts are still inevitable. City Manager John Szerlag said the city also is considering privatizing services and layoffs. Bloomfield Township cut staff, sought concessions from employees and implemented wage freezes.
If the proposal in Troy passes, residents with houses that have a $103,000 taxable value -- the estimated average for 2010 -- will pay an extra $38 a year in city taxes. But, despite this increase, the average homeowner will see an overall reduction in their total tax bill of $392, city officials said.
Bloomfield Township officials say if the tax increase passes, the average homeowner's taxes are expected to be about $6,964 this year -- a decrease from roughly $7,492 last year. The reason, officials say, is because of an overall decrease in homes' taxable value.
Officials in the communities have published literature about the proposals, which some residents in Troy accused of being less informational and more biased in favor of the millage. Troy also has held several public meetings. And citizen movements for and against the proposals have grown strong financially.
[Page 2 of 2]
The Save Our Services group in Bloomfield Township, proponents of the issue, has collected more than $83,000 in contributions. Roughly a third of the money has been used, according to campaign finance reports.
In Troy, a political group against the proposal -- Troy Citizens United -- has raised $10,000, while proponent committee Keep Troy Safe has collected more than $14,000. Troy Mayor Louise Schilling loaned $3,000 to Keep Troy Safe, of which she is a member.
Peter Treboldi, a Troy resident and treasurer of Keep Troy Safe, said voters have to decide one thing: "What kind of a city do you want to have?"
The answer for Calvin Gilbert, though, is one without tax increases. The 79-year-old, who is against the millage, doesn't think council members will make all of the cuts they've said would be made if the proposal fails.
"They'll find ways to get around it," he said.
Some residents in Bloomfield Township feel the same.
When Paul Stenquist, an 18-year resident, saw snow plow drivers out in his neighborhood after only a dusting of snow, he decided he would vote against the tax increase.
"I figured if they could afford that, there were cuts they could make without raising taxes," said Stenquist, 61, who is part of the Bloomfield Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility -- a group of residents opposed to the millage.
Officials said the township is facing a 12% property value decrease this year. By 2011, the township will have lost $6 million from declining tax revenues. "There's no place else left to cut," said Supervisor David Payne. "These are not idle threats. This is reality."
Payne said township officials have cut 18 staff positions since 2007 and instituted wage freezes.
Contact GINA DAMRON: 586-826-7269 or gdamron@freepress.com
http://www.freep.com/article/20100221/NEWS03/2210475/1001/NEWS/Bloomfield-Township-Troy-Officials-residents-debate-merits-of-proposed-tax-increases-for-services-
Free Press: Berkley Schools Bond Issue Hard Sell
Posted: Feb. 21, 2010
Berkley, Chippewa Valley schools: Low home values working against school upgrades
Bonds for better technology a hard sell in economy
BY MELANIE D. SCOTT
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER
A sluggish economy and decreasing home values have many voters in the Chippewa Valley and Berkley Public School districts debating whether they will approve bond issues for building and technology upgrades Tuesday.
In Berkley, school officials are asking district residents to approve a $167.6-million bond and pay 4.27 mills. The owner of a home with the taxable value of $75,000 would pay about $320 a year. If approved, the money would be used to rebuild most of the district's schools, which officials said are an average of 67 years old.
The district serves about 4,600 students from north Oak Park, Berkley, Huntington Woods and part of Royal Oak.
"The plan is excessive and overly expensive and way beyond what we need right now," said Susan Witus of Huntington Woods, who has three children in the district.
Officials said the bond would cover the cost of building a new middle school across from Berkley High. The plan also calls for adding a theater and a creative arts center at the high school and rebuilding the district's elementary schools. "It's expensive, but I think it's an investment in the kids' future," said Michelle Kennedy, a Berkley resident who does not have children.
In Chippewa Valley Schools, the $89-million bond proposal would not raise taxes -- residents would continue to pay the 7.65 mills they have been paying since 1979.
The district serves about 16,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade in Clinton and Macomb townships.
If approved, the bond would pay for science labs at Algonquin Middle School and Dakota High School, the installation of security cameras at the district's elementary and middle schools, updating an aging bus fleet and replacing outdated computers throughout the district, officials said.
District officials held more than 30 presentations with staff members, senior citizens and parent groups in hopes of getting the bond passed, said superintendent Mark Deldin.
Despite the presentations, several residents say the bond comes at the wrong time. "I'm not against the schools, I'm just not sure this is the right time for people financially," said Jonathan Miles, a retired Macomb Township resident.
But residents like Maggie Clarke of Clinton Township disagree. "Kids shouldn't have to suffer because of the economy. They should have what they need to help them do well."
http://www.freep.com/article/20100221/NEWS05/2210536/1322/Berkley-Chippewa-Valley-schools-Low-home-values-working-against-school-upgrades-
Berkley, Chippewa Valley schools: Low home values working against school upgrades
Bonds for better technology a hard sell in economy
BY MELANIE D. SCOTT
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER
A sluggish economy and decreasing home values have many voters in the Chippewa Valley and Berkley Public School districts debating whether they will approve bond issues for building and technology upgrades Tuesday.
In Berkley, school officials are asking district residents to approve a $167.6-million bond and pay 4.27 mills. The owner of a home with the taxable value of $75,000 would pay about $320 a year. If approved, the money would be used to rebuild most of the district's schools, which officials said are an average of 67 years old.
The district serves about 4,600 students from north Oak Park, Berkley, Huntington Woods and part of Royal Oak.
"The plan is excessive and overly expensive and way beyond what we need right now," said Susan Witus of Huntington Woods, who has three children in the district.
Officials said the bond would cover the cost of building a new middle school across from Berkley High. The plan also calls for adding a theater and a creative arts center at the high school and rebuilding the district's elementary schools. "It's expensive, but I think it's an investment in the kids' future," said Michelle Kennedy, a Berkley resident who does not have children.
In Chippewa Valley Schools, the $89-million bond proposal would not raise taxes -- residents would continue to pay the 7.65 mills they have been paying since 1979.
The district serves about 16,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade in Clinton and Macomb townships.
If approved, the bond would pay for science labs at Algonquin Middle School and Dakota High School, the installation of security cameras at the district's elementary and middle schools, updating an aging bus fleet and replacing outdated computers throughout the district, officials said.
District officials held more than 30 presentations with staff members, senior citizens and parent groups in hopes of getting the bond passed, said superintendent Mark Deldin.
Despite the presentations, several residents say the bond comes at the wrong time. "I'm not against the schools, I'm just not sure this is the right time for people financially," said Jonathan Miles, a retired Macomb Township resident.
But residents like Maggie Clarke of Clinton Township disagree. "Kids shouldn't have to suffer because of the economy. They should have what they need to help them do well."
http://www.freep.com/article/20100221/NEWS05/2210536/1322/Berkley-Chippewa-Valley-schools-Low-home-values-working-against-school-upgrades-
Friday, February 19, 2010
Detroit News: Finley Calls it Right - Vote NO!
Nolan Finley
A tax hike is a tax hike is a tax hike
Many of the local communities and school districts that are asking voters to approve millage increases Tuesday have struck on a clever marketing approach: position the hike as a tax decrease, because plunging property values will result in lower overall tax bills this year, even at the higher rate. Expect the gimmick to catch on as governments scramble to replace revenue lost to falling assessments.
Technically, it's only a paper fib -- for now. Average property tax bills in places such as Troy, Bloomfield Township and Berkley may be lower this year even if voters approve millage increases to support school repairs and government operations. But that's just this year.
When property values begin climbing, tax bills will rise as well. If you pay more in taxes if the proposal passes than you would if it fails, that's a tax hike.
Exploiting this brief period during which assessed values finally drop below taxable values is opportunistic, and reflects insensitivity to the plight of Michigan residents. Homeowners have been waiting for the consolation of lower property tax bills to assuage the pain of mortgages that are underwater and home prices that have dropped in half.
Their windfall is finally arriving, and the politicians want to claim it.
But do these leaders think at all about the people who will pay the tab? Homeowners here have lost a big chunk of their personal wealth due to the real estate bust. They can no longer get home equity loans to pay for things like college tuition. They can't count on the sale of a home to fund a retirement.
Many are struggling just to hang on to their homes. Michigan continues to rank in the top 10 states for mortgage foreclosures. One in 38 households is in foreclosure.
And yet local leaders think this is a fine time to hit up homeowners for more taxes. Instead of seeing a remedy to the foreclosure crisis in lower tax bills, local officials see only an answer to government's problems.
The same is true at the state level, where Gov. Jennifer Granholm has proposed a $1.3 billion expansion in the sales tax.
The debate in Lansing centers on election year politics, the impact on the business climate and partisan philosophical differences. I haven't heard anyone talk about the hardship on the people who will actually cough up that $1.3 billion.
Those Michigan taxpayers are among the most troubled in the nation. Nearly 15 percent of them are workers who've lost their jobs and can't find another. More than 20 percent live below the poverty line.
They've watched their household incomes fall 2.4 percent last year, and now earn 11 percent less than the national average.
And the governor thinks these folks can afford to pay more taxes?
The sales tax is the most regressive tax. It applies to all money spent, even if it comes from welfare checks, unemployment checks or dwindling pension checks. The people least able to pay are hit the hardest.
While willing to ask struggling homeowners for more property taxes and suffering residents for more sales taxes, neither the state, local communities nor school districts are willing to demand enough sacrifice of public employees, whose overly rich pay and benefits necessitate the tax hikes, or to cut off the special interests that feed off government.
Let government go to where the money is -- its own employees and bloated bureaucracy -- to solve its fiscal problems. The taxpayers are tapped out.
Nolan Finley is editorial page editor of The Detroit News.
From The Detroit News: http://www.detnews.com/article/20100218/OPINION03/2180341/A-tax-hike-is-a-tax-hike-is-a-tax-hike#ixzz0g3JaOMQX
A tax hike is a tax hike is a tax hike
Many of the local communities and school districts that are asking voters to approve millage increases Tuesday have struck on a clever marketing approach: position the hike as a tax decrease, because plunging property values will result in lower overall tax bills this year, even at the higher rate. Expect the gimmick to catch on as governments scramble to replace revenue lost to falling assessments.
Technically, it's only a paper fib -- for now. Average property tax bills in places such as Troy, Bloomfield Township and Berkley may be lower this year even if voters approve millage increases to support school repairs and government operations. But that's just this year.
When property values begin climbing, tax bills will rise as well. If you pay more in taxes if the proposal passes than you would if it fails, that's a tax hike.
Exploiting this brief period during which assessed values finally drop below taxable values is opportunistic, and reflects insensitivity to the plight of Michigan residents. Homeowners have been waiting for the consolation of lower property tax bills to assuage the pain of mortgages that are underwater and home prices that have dropped in half.
Their windfall is finally arriving, and the politicians want to claim it.
But do these leaders think at all about the people who will pay the tab? Homeowners here have lost a big chunk of their personal wealth due to the real estate bust. They can no longer get home equity loans to pay for things like college tuition. They can't count on the sale of a home to fund a retirement.
Many are struggling just to hang on to their homes. Michigan continues to rank in the top 10 states for mortgage foreclosures. One in 38 households is in foreclosure.
And yet local leaders think this is a fine time to hit up homeowners for more taxes. Instead of seeing a remedy to the foreclosure crisis in lower tax bills, local officials see only an answer to government's problems.
The same is true at the state level, where Gov. Jennifer Granholm has proposed a $1.3 billion expansion in the sales tax.
The debate in Lansing centers on election year politics, the impact on the business climate and partisan philosophical differences. I haven't heard anyone talk about the hardship on the people who will actually cough up that $1.3 billion.
Those Michigan taxpayers are among the most troubled in the nation. Nearly 15 percent of them are workers who've lost their jobs and can't find another. More than 20 percent live below the poverty line.
They've watched their household incomes fall 2.4 percent last year, and now earn 11 percent less than the national average.
And the governor thinks these folks can afford to pay more taxes?
The sales tax is the most regressive tax. It applies to all money spent, even if it comes from welfare checks, unemployment checks or dwindling pension checks. The people least able to pay are hit the hardest.
While willing to ask struggling homeowners for more property taxes and suffering residents for more sales taxes, neither the state, local communities nor school districts are willing to demand enough sacrifice of public employees, whose overly rich pay and benefits necessitate the tax hikes, or to cut off the special interests that feed off government.
Let government go to where the money is -- its own employees and bloated bureaucracy -- to solve its fiscal problems. The taxpayers are tapped out.
Nolan Finley is editorial page editor of The Detroit News.
From The Detroit News: http://www.detnews.com/article/20100218/OPINION03/2180341/A-tax-hike-is-a-tax-hike-is-a-tax-hike#ixzz0g3JaOMQX
Spread the Word Sprint: Vote NO on Tuesday!!
Send a message to the big tax-and-spend liberals that we will NOT accept massive new tax hikes in this horrible Michigan economy. Who is their economic advisor, Governor Granholm?
Berkley Schools (Berkley, Huntington Woods & a section of Oak Park) - huge bond issue which will cause a massive new tax hike - vote NO!
Bloomfield Township - massive new 1.3 millage tax hike - vote NO!
Troy - massive new 1.9 millage tax hike - vote NO!
Spread the word sprint: Vote NO on Tuesday, February 23rd. Liberals just don't get it --- we ain't down with big government no mo'!
Berkley Schools (Berkley, Huntington Woods & a section of Oak Park) - huge bond issue which will cause a massive new tax hike - vote NO!
Bloomfield Township - massive new 1.3 millage tax hike - vote NO!
Troy - massive new 1.9 millage tax hike - vote NO!
Spread the word sprint: Vote NO on Tuesday, February 23rd. Liberals just don't get it --- we ain't down with big government no mo'!
Virtual Town Hall a Big Success!!
Huge turnout for virtual town hall tonight related to Troy massive 29% proposed tax hike. The voters get it: No more tax-and-spend liberalism! It isn't working in Washington, D.C., it won't work here in Oakland County. On Tuesday, February 23rd., vote NO!
Vote NO Call Tonight 8 PM - Town Hall Sunday 3 PM
OAKLAND COUNTY TEA PARTY
OPPONENTS OF TROY TAX HIKE TO HOST TWO TOWN HALL EVENTS WITH RESPECTED LEADERS & FACTS
Former Troy Councilmen David Eisenbacher & Dave Lambert to Address Resident’s Concerns at a Virtual & In-Person Town Hall Events
MEDIA ADVISORY CONTACT: Glenn Clark
02-12-10 OaklandCountyTeaParty@gmail.com
On Friday, February 19, 2010, and Sunday, February 21, 2010, opponents of the proposed 29% Troy millage increase will be holding two informational meetings on the ballot proposal which Troy voters will decide on Tuesday, February 23rd. Former Troy Councilmen David Eisenbacher and Dave Lambert will be giving Troy citizens their insight on the city’s budget and financial situation, as well as some viable options to balance the budget without a tax increase.
The first of the two ‘tea party’ inspired town halls will be a virtual town hall conducted live via telephone. The details are:
TROY VIRTUAL TOWN HALL
VIA LIVE TELECONFERENCE WITH
FORMER TROY COUNCILMEN DAVID EISENBACHER & DAVE LAMBERT
Friday, February 19th
8:00 PM (EST)
Dial-in Number: 1-218-936-4700 (midwest area code, out of area call)
Participant Access Code: 47578 (enter this number after connected to call)
Questions must be submitted via email to: OaklandCountyTeaParty@gmail.com
&
The second town hall will be held at:
TROY CITZENS’ TOWN HALL
LIVE IN-PERSON QUESTION & ANSWER SESSION WITH
FORMER TROY COUNCILMEN DAVID EISENBACHER & DAVE LAMBERT
Sunday, February 21st
3:00 PM (EST)
Northfield Hills Baptist Church
1800 W. Long Lake Road (between Coolidge Highway & Crooks Road), Troy
MESSAGE ENDS
OPPONENTS OF TROY TAX HIKE TO HOST TWO TOWN HALL EVENTS WITH RESPECTED LEADERS & FACTS
Former Troy Councilmen David Eisenbacher & Dave Lambert to Address Resident’s Concerns at a Virtual & In-Person Town Hall Events
MEDIA ADVISORY CONTACT: Glenn Clark
02-12-10 OaklandCountyTeaParty@gmail.com
On Friday, February 19, 2010, and Sunday, February 21, 2010, opponents of the proposed 29% Troy millage increase will be holding two informational meetings on the ballot proposal which Troy voters will decide on Tuesday, February 23rd. Former Troy Councilmen David Eisenbacher and Dave Lambert will be giving Troy citizens their insight on the city’s budget and financial situation, as well as some viable options to balance the budget without a tax increase.
The first of the two ‘tea party’ inspired town halls will be a virtual town hall conducted live via telephone. The details are:
TROY VIRTUAL TOWN HALL
VIA LIVE TELECONFERENCE WITH
FORMER TROY COUNCILMEN DAVID EISENBACHER & DAVE LAMBERT
Friday, February 19th
8:00 PM (EST)
Dial-in Number: 1-218-936-4700 (midwest area code, out of area call)
Participant Access Code: 47578 (enter this number after connected to call)
Questions must be submitted via email to: OaklandCountyTeaParty@gmail.com
&
The second town hall will be held at:
TROY CITZENS’ TOWN HALL
LIVE IN-PERSON QUESTION & ANSWER SESSION WITH
FORMER TROY COUNCILMEN DAVID EISENBACHER & DAVE LAMBERT
Sunday, February 21st
3:00 PM (EST)
Northfield Hills Baptist Church
1800 W. Long Lake Road (between Coolidge Highway & Crooks Road), Troy
MESSAGE ENDS
Join Tonight @ 8 PM Conference Call/Sunday PM
Troy group opposes millage increase
Published: Monday, February 15, 2010
136 comment(s) | Email to a friend | Print version | ShareThis| RSS Feeds
By MIKE SCOTT
Special to The Oakland Press
Opponents of a proposed 1.9-mill increase set for a Feb. 23 vote in Troy will be hosting two informational meetings about city finances and possible alternatives Friday and Sunday.
Former Troy councilmen David Eisenbacher and Dave Lambert will be giving Troy citizens their insight on the city’s budget and financial situation, as well as some viable options to balance the budget without a tax increase. It is expected that Eisenbacher and Lambert will have views similar to that of a group of Troy residents who reformed a coalition known as Troy Citizens United.
That coalition has proposed an alternative plan that will help the city save millions of dollars per year, and will make it unnecessary for the city to increase any taxes within the next two fiscal years, said Troy Citizens United member Frank Howrylak.
The two main ideas the coalition hopes city leaders will consider is to limit or adjust the city’s employee benefits package and to cut a variety of costs ranging from pension fund management consulting to Brownfield Revolving Loan funds.
“This is not a question of layoffs, but controlling costs,” Howrylak said.
Troy Citizens United believes that no tax increase is necessary for the next two years, using the city’s projections, through June 30, 2011. Any shortages can be made up from a variety of reserve funds, including the city’s Undesignated and Unreserved fund and the Brownfield Revolving Loan fund.
“Projections beyond this period are just guesses and can go any way based on the economy and whether property values will (stabilize),” Howrylak said. “So let us wait and evaluate the situation after we follow (our recommended) process. This process would allow us to get Troy’s expenditures under control.”
Troy Citizens United has been formed in advance of high-profile city elections and votes in the past 10 years, including a vote 10 years ago to address city pensions and before discussions of building a large convention center in the city were permanently scrapped.
Howrylak said the consortium’s efforts played a large role in the 2008 passage of a measure that would require residential approval before any millage increase was levied by the city, necessitating this February special vote.
“We weren’t the only ones involved in getting that issue on the ballot, but you can say we were one of the main reasons this millage hasn’t already been levied.”
Although Howrylak said there have been no formal discussions between any of the more than 300 coalition supporters and city leaders, some of the group’s recommendations such as privatizing the city-owned Sanctuary Lake Golf Course and professionally managing the city’s $100 million-plus pension fund have been communicated to city leaders and are being considered.
Additional steps, such as decreasing the multiplier percentage used to calculate pension fund payments, should also be considered to help save future costs, Howrylak said.
If the city takes on a number of the recommended steps made by the consortium, Howrylak admitted there is a possibility that a millage increase will be required — but at a later date.
“We’ve made these recommendations by taking the (financial) numbers the city has provided to its residents,” Howrylak said. “We’re using their numbers.”
Informative meetings opposing Troy’s millage
— Troy Virtual Town Hall Meeting (live teleconference) at
8 p.m., Friday. Dial-in: 218-936-4700, participation code: 47578. The meeting is hosted by former Troy councilmen David Eisenbacher and Dave Lambert. Questions submitted via e-mail to OaklandCountyTeaParty@gmail.com.
— Troy In-person Town Hall Meeting at 3 p.m. Feb. 21 at Northfield Hills Baptist Church at 1800 W. Long Lake Road, Troy. The meeting also is hosted by Eisenbacher and Lambert.
http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2010/02/15/news/local_news/doc4b761a0e70def636059378.txt
Published: Monday, February 15, 2010
136 comment(s) | Email to a friend | Print version | ShareThis| RSS Feeds
By MIKE SCOTT
Special to The Oakland Press
Opponents of a proposed 1.9-mill increase set for a Feb. 23 vote in Troy will be hosting two informational meetings about city finances and possible alternatives Friday and Sunday.
Former Troy councilmen David Eisenbacher and Dave Lambert will be giving Troy citizens their insight on the city’s budget and financial situation, as well as some viable options to balance the budget without a tax increase. It is expected that Eisenbacher and Lambert will have views similar to that of a group of Troy residents who reformed a coalition known as Troy Citizens United.
That coalition has proposed an alternative plan that will help the city save millions of dollars per year, and will make it unnecessary for the city to increase any taxes within the next two fiscal years, said Troy Citizens United member Frank Howrylak.
The two main ideas the coalition hopes city leaders will consider is to limit or adjust the city’s employee benefits package and to cut a variety of costs ranging from pension fund management consulting to Brownfield Revolving Loan funds.
“This is not a question of layoffs, but controlling costs,” Howrylak said.
Troy Citizens United believes that no tax increase is necessary for the next two years, using the city’s projections, through June 30, 2011. Any shortages can be made up from a variety of reserve funds, including the city’s Undesignated and Unreserved fund and the Brownfield Revolving Loan fund.
“Projections beyond this period are just guesses and can go any way based on the economy and whether property values will (stabilize),” Howrylak said. “So let us wait and evaluate the situation after we follow (our recommended) process. This process would allow us to get Troy’s expenditures under control.”
Troy Citizens United has been formed in advance of high-profile city elections and votes in the past 10 years, including a vote 10 years ago to address city pensions and before discussions of building a large convention center in the city were permanently scrapped.
Howrylak said the consortium’s efforts played a large role in the 2008 passage of a measure that would require residential approval before any millage increase was levied by the city, necessitating this February special vote.
“We weren’t the only ones involved in getting that issue on the ballot, but you can say we were one of the main reasons this millage hasn’t already been levied.”
Although Howrylak said there have been no formal discussions between any of the more than 300 coalition supporters and city leaders, some of the group’s recommendations such as privatizing the city-owned Sanctuary Lake Golf Course and professionally managing the city’s $100 million-plus pension fund have been communicated to city leaders and are being considered.
Additional steps, such as decreasing the multiplier percentage used to calculate pension fund payments, should also be considered to help save future costs, Howrylak said.
If the city takes on a number of the recommended steps made by the consortium, Howrylak admitted there is a possibility that a millage increase will be required — but at a later date.
“We’ve made these recommendations by taking the (financial) numbers the city has provided to its residents,” Howrylak said. “We’re using their numbers.”
Informative meetings opposing Troy’s millage
— Troy Virtual Town Hall Meeting (live teleconference) at
8 p.m., Friday. Dial-in: 218-936-4700, participation code: 47578. The meeting is hosted by former Troy councilmen David Eisenbacher and Dave Lambert. Questions submitted via e-mail to OaklandCountyTeaParty@gmail.com.
— Troy In-person Town Hall Meeting at 3 p.m. Feb. 21 at Northfield Hills Baptist Church at 1800 W. Long Lake Road, Troy. The meeting also is hosted by Eisenbacher and Lambert.
http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2010/02/15/news/local_news/doc4b761a0e70def636059378.txt
Bloomfield Twp. & Troy Vote No Efforts United!!
OAKLAND COUNTY TEA PARTY
TEA PARTY RALLIES/PHONE BANKS PLANNED TO DEFEAT MASSIVE BLOOMFIELD TWP. & TROY MILLAGE HIKES
Citizen Action Events to Tap Voter Outrage of Out-of-Control Government Taxing and Spending
MEDIA ADVISORY CONTACT: Glenn Clark
02-19-2010 OaklandCountyTeaParty@gmail.com
On Sunday, February 21st and Monday, February 22nd citizens from Bloomfield Township & Troy will be holding a series of tea party rallies and phone banks to defeat the massive 1.3 (Bloomfield Twp.) & 1.9 (Troy) millage rate hikes which amount to huge new tax increases. Frustrated residents who understand that the current Bloomfield Township Board & Troy Council majorities who are pushing the tax hikes need to hear a resounding clear message: You cannot tax your way out of a recession. Thus, two separate events have been organized to show support for a ‘no’ vote on Tuesday, February 23, 2010, in both communities.
The events will be held on:
Take Back Bloomfield Township & Troy – Vote No Tea Party Rally/Phone Bank
Sunday, February 21st
6 – 9 PM
Cornerstone Village Office Complex (in front of L.A. Fitness)
700 E. Big Beaver Road, Suite “C”
Troy, Michigan
&
Take Back Bloomfield Township & Troy – Vote No Tea Party Rally/Phone Bank
Monday, February 22nd
6 – 9 PM
Cornerstone Village Office Complex (in front of L.A. Fitness)
700 E. Big Beaver Road, Suite “C”
Troy, Michigan
The rallies and phone banks are open to credentialed members of the press, but limited to Bloomfield Twp. & Troy citizens who oppose the Troy tax hike. Volunteers are encouraged to attend with cellular phones to assist with the phone banks. Members of any political party are welcome, as well as independent voters.
Paid for by: 9th District Republican Administrative Account, P.O. Box 4553, Troy, MI 48099
TEA PARTY RALLIES/PHONE BANKS PLANNED TO DEFEAT MASSIVE BLOOMFIELD TWP. & TROY MILLAGE HIKES
Citizen Action Events to Tap Voter Outrage of Out-of-Control Government Taxing and Spending
MEDIA ADVISORY CONTACT: Glenn Clark
02-19-2010 OaklandCountyTeaParty@gmail.com
On Sunday, February 21st and Monday, February 22nd citizens from Bloomfield Township & Troy will be holding a series of tea party rallies and phone banks to defeat the massive 1.3 (Bloomfield Twp.) & 1.9 (Troy) millage rate hikes which amount to huge new tax increases. Frustrated residents who understand that the current Bloomfield Township Board & Troy Council majorities who are pushing the tax hikes need to hear a resounding clear message: You cannot tax your way out of a recession. Thus, two separate events have been organized to show support for a ‘no’ vote on Tuesday, February 23, 2010, in both communities.
The events will be held on:
Take Back Bloomfield Township & Troy – Vote No Tea Party Rally/Phone Bank
Sunday, February 21st
6 – 9 PM
Cornerstone Village Office Complex (in front of L.A. Fitness)
700 E. Big Beaver Road, Suite “C”
Troy, Michigan
&
Take Back Bloomfield Township & Troy – Vote No Tea Party Rally/Phone Bank
Monday, February 22nd
6 – 9 PM
Cornerstone Village Office Complex (in front of L.A. Fitness)
700 E. Big Beaver Road, Suite “C”
Troy, Michigan
The rallies and phone banks are open to credentialed members of the press, but limited to Bloomfield Twp. & Troy citizens who oppose the Troy tax hike. Volunteers are encouraged to attend with cellular phones to assist with the phone banks. Members of any political party are welcome, as well as independent voters.
Paid for by: 9th District Republican Administrative Account, P.O. Box 4553, Troy, MI 48099
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Today's Successes, Tomorrow's Plans
1. Tonight's 9th. Congressional District Republican Party's 'Show & Tell @ Starbucks' vote NO on Troy 29% tax hike was a whopping success. It was a standing room only event packed with tea party activists who are getting the word out: Vote NO on this massive tax hike.
2. Our tea party in front of Congressman Peters' congressional district office was successful as well. It was windy and cold but those who came out had spirit. We sent a message: The hard working families of Oakland County don't want your big spending, big government, massive debt creating liberalism Mr. Peters. We will protest in horrible weather to get our message out time and time again.
3. Exciting news tomorrow to be announced: Tea party movement gains ground and builds a wider working coalition to defeat area massive tax hikes. Stay tuned!
2. Our tea party in front of Congressman Peters' congressional district office was successful as well. It was windy and cold but those who came out had spirit. We sent a message: The hard working families of Oakland County don't want your big spending, big government, massive debt creating liberalism Mr. Peters. We will protest in horrible weather to get our message out time and time again.
3. Exciting news tomorrow to be announced: Tea party movement gains ground and builds a wider working coalition to defeat area massive tax hikes. Stay tuned!
Tea Party in U.S. Rep. Gary Peters' Precinct
Protest permeates Rep. Gary Peters’ precinct
Published: Sunday, January 31, 2010
By DAVE PHILLIPS
Of The Oakland Press
Going door-to-door in the neighborhood of U.S. Rep. Gary Peters, D-Bloomfield Township, organizers said a group of about 60 people handed out information and protested Peters’ stance on multiple issues Saturday morning.
Organized by Glenn Clark, chairman of the 9th congressional district for the Republican Party, the event also featured a speech from former state Rep. Jack Hoogendyk.
“It’s really good to see the growing interest in recognizing the government is out of control,” Huntington Woods resident Steve Zimberg — who described himself as an independent voter — said during the event.
“We need to reduce the size of government, we need to control mega-corporations, and we need to have three separate divisions of government. Lawyers have taken over.”
Zimberg said the No. 1 goal of the country should be to “stop the entitlements.”
“Creating jobs should not be the No. 1 issue if they think we’re gonna fund it all,” he said. “Everyone who is entitled to something cannot continue to get handouts. If the government is gonna spend that money, they’ve got to (use it on) services that everybody wants.”
Zimberg added that corporations should not be able to donate to political campaigns or to pay lobbyists.
“Those companies are controlled by one guy, and that’s the chairman,” Zimberg said. “An individual can’t compete with those guys.
“If they want to give to pure charity, fine, but not for lobbyists and politicians,” he said.
Clark said the protesters were concerned that their health care options would be taken away if current legislation passes.
“(The protesters are not) some wild-eyed, rabid Republicans,” Clark said. “We have a new message here. We want everyone to know how bad this (health care) bill is and how badly their representation has been misrepresenting them in Washington.”
Peters’ communications director, Cullen Schwarz, said Peters “has always been committed to finding bipartisan solutions to lower health care costs for families, seniors and small businesses.”
“At this point, it’s unclear whether or not another form of health care legislation will come before the house, but if so, congressman Peters will thoroughly review it before deciding how to vote,” Schwarz said.
Clark accused Peters of misrepresenting his constituents and of voting along party lines.
“There’s no doubt in my mind that people will rise up and vote him out of office,” Clark said.
Schwarz disagreed with those accusations.
“Congressman Peters remains focused on fighting for jobs, middle class tax cuts and reducing the deficit, not partisan politics,” Schwarz said.
“This is a protest staged by the Republican Party,” Schwarz said. “This is the same small group of Republicans who protested a few weeks ago at our office and now at Congressman Peters’ home.”
Schwarz said protesters stopped at Peters’ home Saturday, where they left “anti-Gary Peters literature.”
Clark said the protests included “kind of a collage of people,” including “pieces and parts of the old Reagan coalition.”
“We have won the hearts and minds of independent voters,” Clark said. “We have won over conservative Democrats which are very important. These people are all coming out in huge measure.”
Contact staff writer Dave Phillips at 248-745-4631 or dave.phillips@oakpress.com.
http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2010/02/01/news/doc4b64fdba57665095208921.txt
Published: Sunday, January 31, 2010
By DAVE PHILLIPS
Of The Oakland Press
Going door-to-door in the neighborhood of U.S. Rep. Gary Peters, D-Bloomfield Township, organizers said a group of about 60 people handed out information and protested Peters’ stance on multiple issues Saturday morning.
Organized by Glenn Clark, chairman of the 9th congressional district for the Republican Party, the event also featured a speech from former state Rep. Jack Hoogendyk.
“It’s really good to see the growing interest in recognizing the government is out of control,” Huntington Woods resident Steve Zimberg — who described himself as an independent voter — said during the event.
“We need to reduce the size of government, we need to control mega-corporations, and we need to have three separate divisions of government. Lawyers have taken over.”
Zimberg said the No. 1 goal of the country should be to “stop the entitlements.”
“Creating jobs should not be the No. 1 issue if they think we’re gonna fund it all,” he said. “Everyone who is entitled to something cannot continue to get handouts. If the government is gonna spend that money, they’ve got to (use it on) services that everybody wants.”
Zimberg added that corporations should not be able to donate to political campaigns or to pay lobbyists.
“Those companies are controlled by one guy, and that’s the chairman,” Zimberg said. “An individual can’t compete with those guys.
“If they want to give to pure charity, fine, but not for lobbyists and politicians,” he said.
Clark said the protesters were concerned that their health care options would be taken away if current legislation passes.
“(The protesters are not) some wild-eyed, rabid Republicans,” Clark said. “We have a new message here. We want everyone to know how bad this (health care) bill is and how badly their representation has been misrepresenting them in Washington.”
Peters’ communications director, Cullen Schwarz, said Peters “has always been committed to finding bipartisan solutions to lower health care costs for families, seniors and small businesses.”
“At this point, it’s unclear whether or not another form of health care legislation will come before the house, but if so, congressman Peters will thoroughly review it before deciding how to vote,” Schwarz said.
Clark accused Peters of misrepresenting his constituents and of voting along party lines.
“There’s no doubt in my mind that people will rise up and vote him out of office,” Clark said.
Schwarz disagreed with those accusations.
“Congressman Peters remains focused on fighting for jobs, middle class tax cuts and reducing the deficit, not partisan politics,” Schwarz said.
“This is a protest staged by the Republican Party,” Schwarz said. “This is the same small group of Republicans who protested a few weeks ago at our office and now at Congressman Peters’ home.”
Schwarz said protesters stopped at Peters’ home Saturday, where they left “anti-Gary Peters literature.”
Clark said the protests included “kind of a collage of people,” including “pieces and parts of the old Reagan coalition.”
“We have won the hearts and minds of independent voters,” Clark said. “We have won over conservative Democrats which are very important. These people are all coming out in huge measure.”
Contact staff writer Dave Phillips at 248-745-4631 or dave.phillips@oakpress.com.
http://www.theoaklandpress.com/articles/2010/02/01/news/doc4b64fdba57665095208921.txt
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Obama-Peters' Stimulus Has Utterly Failed!
In Case You Missed It:
"The Failure of a Stimulus"
From The Daily Caller
By RNC Chairman Michael Steele
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
“Over a year ago, the American people placed an enormous amount of trust in President Obama to make good on his promises of renewed responsibility and a new era of political bipartisanship. However, when faced with an extreme economic downturn he used the crisis as a means to his liberal ends and with the help of his Congressional allies forced his failed $862 billion stimulus package on America.
“Today marks the one-year anniversary of this failed stimulus package, something the president still claims as one of his signature achievements and which he proclaimed would “create or save” 3.5 million jobs and keep unemployment below 8 percent. Since those early heady days of the Obama administration the American people have seen behind the curtain of rhetoric and watched as millions of jobs were lost and unemployment rose into the double digits.
“While the Democrats spend their President’s Day recess celebrating their stimulus bill, something Speaker Nancy Pelosi called “a hallmark achievement of this Congress,” the American people are faced with the daily consequences of broken promises and fiscal irresponsibility. The fact is over 20,000 Americans lost their jobs in the month of January, meaning more than 2.8 million Americans have lost their jobs since the stimulus passed. And let’s not forget the 136,000 workers whobecame discouraged last month from seeking work, bringing the total number of workers who have given up hope of finding a job to over 1 million.
“President Obama promised 3.5 million jobs would be created by December 2010 which means Democrats need to create 6.3 million jobs over the next 10 months to meet their own rhetorical standard, a level of job growth that has never been achieved in American history. The president might call his fiscal and job creation plans a “new foundation for prosperity,” but in reality his binge spending agenda sets the stage for the type of economic stagnation that would make even Jimmy Carter blush.”
To View The EntireArticle, Please Visit: http://dailycaller.com/2010/02/17/the-failure-of-a-stimulus/
###
Republican National Committee | 310 First Street, SE | Washington, D.C. 20003
p: 202.863.8500 | f: 202.863.8820 | e: info@gop.com
Paid for by the Republican National Committee.
310 First Street, SE - Washington, D.C. 20003 - (202) 863-8500
www.gop.com
Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee
Unsubscribe
Copyright 2009 Republican National Committee
"The Failure of a Stimulus"
From The Daily Caller
By RNC Chairman Michael Steele
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
“Over a year ago, the American people placed an enormous amount of trust in President Obama to make good on his promises of renewed responsibility and a new era of political bipartisanship. However, when faced with an extreme economic downturn he used the crisis as a means to his liberal ends and with the help of his Congressional allies forced his failed $862 billion stimulus package on America.
“Today marks the one-year anniversary of this failed stimulus package, something the president still claims as one of his signature achievements and which he proclaimed would “create or save” 3.5 million jobs and keep unemployment below 8 percent. Since those early heady days of the Obama administration the American people have seen behind the curtain of rhetoric and watched as millions of jobs were lost and unemployment rose into the double digits.
“While the Democrats spend their President’s Day recess celebrating their stimulus bill, something Speaker Nancy Pelosi called “a hallmark achievement of this Congress,” the American people are faced with the daily consequences of broken promises and fiscal irresponsibility. The fact is over 20,000 Americans lost their jobs in the month of January, meaning more than 2.8 million Americans have lost their jobs since the stimulus passed. And let’s not forget the 136,000 workers whobecame discouraged last month from seeking work, bringing the total number of workers who have given up hope of finding a job to over 1 million.
“President Obama promised 3.5 million jobs would be created by December 2010 which means Democrats need to create 6.3 million jobs over the next 10 months to meet their own rhetorical standard, a level of job growth that has never been achieved in American history. The president might call his fiscal and job creation plans a “new foundation for prosperity,” but in reality his binge spending agenda sets the stage for the type of economic stagnation that would make even Jimmy Carter blush.”
To View The EntireArticle, Please Visit: http://dailycaller.com/2010/02/17/the-failure-of-a-stimulus/
###
Republican National Committee | 310 First Street, SE | Washington, D.C. 20003
p: 202.863.8500 | f: 202.863.8820 | e: info@gop.com
Paid for by the Republican National Committee.
310 First Street, SE - Washington, D.C. 20003 - (202) 863-8500
www.gop.com
Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee
Unsubscribe
Copyright 2009 Republican National Committee
Join us Thursday - 'Show & Tell @ Starbucks' - Troy
9th Congressional District Republican Party
TROY LEADERS TO HOST MILLAGE INCREASE COFFEE QUESTION & ANSWER SESSION
Show & Tell @ Starbucks to Address Concerns of Troy Citizens
MEDIA ADVISORY CONTACT: Glenn Clark
02-03-10 mi9thgop@gmail.com
On Thursday, February 18, 2010, two well-known and highly regarded Troy citizens will address the concerns of Troy residents over the February 23rd millage increase ballot election. Former Troy Councilmen David Eisenbacher and Dave Lambert will be co-hosting a coffee gathering called ‘Show & Tell @ Starbucks’ in which they will show residents the facts as related to the city’s finances and they will tell residents their perspective on the need to make hard decisions now and in the future related to city services and personnel.
The event, which is open to the public, is planned for:
Thursday, February 18th
7 – 8 PM
Starbucks Coffee
Big Beaver and Crooks Roads
1434 W. Big Beaver
Troy, MI 48084
Residents are welcome to attend to have their questions answered. Eisenbacher and Lambert will draw on their vast experience within Troy government to address their concerns over the proposed 29% tax increase on property within Troy.
Paid for by: 9th District Republican Administrative Account, P.O. Box 4553, Troy, MI 48099
TROY LEADERS TO HOST MILLAGE INCREASE COFFEE QUESTION & ANSWER SESSION
Show & Tell @ Starbucks to Address Concerns of Troy Citizens
MEDIA ADVISORY CONTACT: Glenn Clark
02-03-10 mi9thgop@gmail.com
On Thursday, February 18, 2010, two well-known and highly regarded Troy citizens will address the concerns of Troy residents over the February 23rd millage increase ballot election. Former Troy Councilmen David Eisenbacher and Dave Lambert will be co-hosting a coffee gathering called ‘Show & Tell @ Starbucks’ in which they will show residents the facts as related to the city’s finances and they will tell residents their perspective on the need to make hard decisions now and in the future related to city services and personnel.
The event, which is open to the public, is planned for:
Thursday, February 18th
7 – 8 PM
Starbucks Coffee
Big Beaver and Crooks Roads
1434 W. Big Beaver
Troy, MI 48084
Residents are welcome to attend to have their questions answered. Eisenbacher and Lambert will draw on their vast experience within Troy government to address their concerns over the proposed 29% tax increase on property within Troy.
Paid for by: 9th District Republican Administrative Account, P.O. Box 4553, Troy, MI 48099
Detroit News Agrees: Vote NO Tuesday, Feb. 23rd!
The Detroit News agrees with the 9th Congressional District Republican Party! Vote NO on Tuesday, February 23rd. in the Berkley School District (Berkley, Huntington Woods and a section of Oak Park), vote NO in Bloomfield Township & vote NO in Troy.
http://tinyurl.com/yhvbute
Editorial: This is wrong time for schools to ask for tax hikes
The Detroit News
A number of Metro Detroit school districts and municipalities are looking for extra funds in next Tuesday's elections. Given the financial stress confronting the region's families, this isn't the time for tax hikes. Officials say they have cut their budgets, but given our high rates of home foreclosures and unemployment, it is easier for government and its workers to make more sacrifices than it is for taxpayers to do so.
Oakland County
The Berkley School District will ask voters to support a massive, seven-year rebuilding and remodeling program for the district that will result in a total of $168 million in spending. The revenue for the spending would come from a tax levy -- 4.27 mills in the first year -- that would support a series of bond issues lasting up to 30 years. (One mill equals $1 for every $1,000 in a home's taxable value) A spokeswoman for the district notes that it has a particular problem in that all of its schools were built in the middle of the last century and all are in need of rebuilding, replacing and upgrading at the same time.
But this, frankly, is poor planning. This is a bad year to seek such a large tax hike. The district undoubtedly needs to rebuild and repair its schools, but it should break the millage down into smaller increments and stage it in more affordable amounts. Vote no .
Troy is seeking an additional 1.9 mills for five years to shore up its operating funds. The city's property tax base is shrinking with the decline in the region's property tax values. The city has trimmed staff and won pay reductions from supervisors and health coverage concessions from rank and file workers. And the city argues that homeowners would still see a lower tax bill because of falling assessments. But residents themselves are facing declining incomes and rising health care costs, if they still have their jobs. Perhaps the millage would expire before property values rebound, but we're skeptical that the additional tax would be repealed early if that happens.
Vote no.
Bloomfield Township is in the same situation as nearby Troy, and is seeking 1.3 additional operating mills for 10 years. Supervisor David Payne notes that the township has trimmed staff and cut other expenses. Payne, like his Troy counterparts, contends that homeowners would still see a reduction in their tax bill compared with last year. But our argument is the same -- particularly with a 10-year levy. Vote no.
Macomb County
The Chippewa Valley Schools district, headquartered in Clinton Township, is seeking an extension of a 7.65-mill levy for an additional five years, from 2026 to 2031, for a rebuilding and improvement program that amounts to about $89 million. Since it's not a net increase in the current tax burden, vote yes.
Wayne County
In Van Buren Township, Supervisor Paul White, Clerk Leon Wright and trustees Albert Ostrowski and Denise Partridge are facing a recall election. The issue is their appointment of a new public safety director. White has only been in office since the 2008 election and supervisors should have control of the management of the Public Safety Department. Unhappy residents can always turn him and the others out at the next regular election. Vote no on the recall.
From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20100217/OPINION01/2170314/1008/opinion01/Editori#ixzz0fpOwNujb
http://tinyurl.com/yhvbute
Editorial: This is wrong time for schools to ask for tax hikes
The Detroit News
A number of Metro Detroit school districts and municipalities are looking for extra funds in next Tuesday's elections. Given the financial stress confronting the region's families, this isn't the time for tax hikes. Officials say they have cut their budgets, but given our high rates of home foreclosures and unemployment, it is easier for government and its workers to make more sacrifices than it is for taxpayers to do so.
Oakland County
The Berkley School District will ask voters to support a massive, seven-year rebuilding and remodeling program for the district that will result in a total of $168 million in spending. The revenue for the spending would come from a tax levy -- 4.27 mills in the first year -- that would support a series of bond issues lasting up to 30 years. (One mill equals $1 for every $1,000 in a home's taxable value) A spokeswoman for the district notes that it has a particular problem in that all of its schools were built in the middle of the last century and all are in need of rebuilding, replacing and upgrading at the same time.
But this, frankly, is poor planning. This is a bad year to seek such a large tax hike. The district undoubtedly needs to rebuild and repair its schools, but it should break the millage down into smaller increments and stage it in more affordable amounts. Vote no .
Troy is seeking an additional 1.9 mills for five years to shore up its operating funds. The city's property tax base is shrinking with the decline in the region's property tax values. The city has trimmed staff and won pay reductions from supervisors and health coverage concessions from rank and file workers. And the city argues that homeowners would still see a lower tax bill because of falling assessments. But residents themselves are facing declining incomes and rising health care costs, if they still have their jobs. Perhaps the millage would expire before property values rebound, but we're skeptical that the additional tax would be repealed early if that happens.
Vote no.
Bloomfield Township is in the same situation as nearby Troy, and is seeking 1.3 additional operating mills for 10 years. Supervisor David Payne notes that the township has trimmed staff and cut other expenses. Payne, like his Troy counterparts, contends that homeowners would still see a reduction in their tax bill compared with last year. But our argument is the same -- particularly with a 10-year levy. Vote no.
Macomb County
The Chippewa Valley Schools district, headquartered in Clinton Township, is seeking an extension of a 7.65-mill levy for an additional five years, from 2026 to 2031, for a rebuilding and improvement program that amounts to about $89 million. Since it's not a net increase in the current tax burden, vote yes.
Wayne County
In Van Buren Township, Supervisor Paul White, Clerk Leon Wright and trustees Albert Ostrowski and Denise Partridge are facing a recall election. The issue is their appointment of a new public safety director. White has only been in office since the 2008 election and supervisors should have control of the management of the Public Safety Department. Unhappy residents can always turn him and the others out at the next regular election. Vote no on the recall.
From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20100217/OPINION01/2170314/1008/opinion01/Editori#ixzz0fpOwNujb
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
CNN Shock Poll: No 2nd. Obama Term
The Hill's Blog Briefing Room
http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/81213-52-say-obama-doesnt-deserve-reelection-
CNN poll: 52% say Obama doesn't deserve reelection in 2012
By Michael O'Brien - 02/16/10 01:35 PM ET
52 percent of Americans said President Barack Obama doesn't deserve reelection in 2012, according to a new poll.
44 percent of all Americans said they would vote to reelect the president in two and a half years, less than the slight majority who said they would prefer to elect someone else.
Obama faces a 44-52 deficit among both all Americans and registered voters, according to a CNN/Opinion Research poll released Tuesday. Four percent had no opinion.
The reelection numbers are slightly more sour than Obama's approval ratings, which are basically tied. 49 percent of people told CNN that they approve of the way Obama is handling his job, while 50 percent disapprove.
Still, the 2012 election is still a long way's away, with this fall's midterm elections looming large. Republicans are hoping to make inroads into Congress, while Democrats are hoping to hold onto gains won in the 2006 and 2008 cycles.
Respondents to CNN were split at 46 percent as to whether they preferred a generic Republican or Democratic candidate in this fall's elections.
At least one retiring lawmaker is confident Obama will sail to reelection, with Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) predicting Monday the president would win "overwhelmingly" in 2012.
The CNN poll, conducted Feb. 12-15, has a three percent margin of error.
http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/81213-52-say-obama-doesnt-deserve-reelection-
CNN poll: 52% say Obama doesn't deserve reelection in 2012
By Michael O'Brien - 02/16/10 01:35 PM ET
52 percent of Americans said President Barack Obama doesn't deserve reelection in 2012, according to a new poll.
44 percent of all Americans said they would vote to reelect the president in two and a half years, less than the slight majority who said they would prefer to elect someone else.
Obama faces a 44-52 deficit among both all Americans and registered voters, according to a CNN/Opinion Research poll released Tuesday. Four percent had no opinion.
The reelection numbers are slightly more sour than Obama's approval ratings, which are basically tied. 49 percent of people told CNN that they approve of the way Obama is handling his job, while 50 percent disapprove.
Still, the 2012 election is still a long way's away, with this fall's midterm elections looming large. Republicans are hoping to make inroads into Congress, while Democrats are hoping to hold onto gains won in the 2006 and 2008 cycles.
Respondents to CNN were split at 46 percent as to whether they preferred a generic Republican or Democratic candidate in this fall's elections.
At least one retiring lawmaker is confident Obama will sail to reelection, with Sen. Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) predicting Monday the president would win "overwhelmingly" in 2012.
The CNN poll, conducted Feb. 12-15, has a three percent margin of error.
Tea Party Thursday @ U.S. Rep. Peters' Troy Office
OAKLAND COUNTY TEA PARTY
TROUBLE THURSDAY
Join us this Thursday, February 18th, as we show solidarity with efforts to stop Obama-Pelosi-Reid's efforts to ram a national healthcare takeover scheme through Congress against the American people's will. Cause some trouble this Thursday by showing up to "Shut Down" U.S. Congressman Gary Peter's (D-Bloomfield Hills) Congressional District Office in Troy by jamming it full of like-minded people who oppose this horrible bill. We are going to peacefully line up and fill out his congressional survey (about three pages) and answer NO on all of his slanted questions on his questionnaire. It takes about ten minutes to fill out all of his left-leaning multiple choice questions. Tell U.S. Rep. Peters what you think and send a message by showing up along with many others who love our healthcare freedoms and liberties.
WHEN: This Thursday, February 18
TIME: 3 - 5 PM
WHERE:
U.S. Congressman Gary Peters' Congressional District Office
560 Kirts Blvd Ste 105, Troy, MI
Maps: Tight View - Wide View
(between Livernois and Crooks Road, south Big Beaver Road)
BRING: Yourself, friends and family
OTHER:
Can't make it to Trouble Thursday "Shut Down" of Peters' office? Then call his office and tell him to VOTE NO on final version of Obamacare. Call either (248) 273-4227 or (202) 225-5802. Jamming up his phone lines sends the same message.
TROUBLE THURSDAY
Join us this Thursday, February 18th, as we show solidarity with efforts to stop Obama-Pelosi-Reid's efforts to ram a national healthcare takeover scheme through Congress against the American people's will. Cause some trouble this Thursday by showing up to "Shut Down" U.S. Congressman Gary Peter's (D-Bloomfield Hills) Congressional District Office in Troy by jamming it full of like-minded people who oppose this horrible bill. We are going to peacefully line up and fill out his congressional survey (about three pages) and answer NO on all of his slanted questions on his questionnaire. It takes about ten minutes to fill out all of his left-leaning multiple choice questions. Tell U.S. Rep. Peters what you think and send a message by showing up along with many others who love our healthcare freedoms and liberties.
WHEN: This Thursday, February 18
TIME: 3 - 5 PM
WHERE:
U.S. Congressman Gary Peters' Congressional District Office
560 Kirts Blvd Ste 105, Troy, MI
Maps: Tight View - Wide View
(between Livernois and Crooks Road, south Big Beaver Road)
BRING: Yourself, friends and family
OTHER:
Can't make it to Trouble Thursday "Shut Down" of Peters' office? Then call his office and tell him to VOTE NO on final version of Obamacare. Call either (248) 273-4227 or (202) 225-5802. Jamming up his phone lines sends the same message.
The Executive Committee of the 9th Congressional District Republican Party passed the resolution listed below on January 19, 2010, by a unanimous vote. It is related to a potential countywide bus tax and a proposed transit center in Birmingham and Troy.
Resolved,
whereas forcing property owners in communities that don't have a
constituency for public transit services to pay a millage to support
such a system is unjust;
that public-transit costs outpaced inflation over the past two decades
and that Mass Transportation Spending is in fact but a False Promises
of Prosperity and Job Creation;
that 38 of 61 communities within Oakland County have already opted out
of the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART)
bus system;
that the SMART bus system is not run on sound business principles as
there is little effort to try to generate compensatory revenues from
users; and
that the SMART bus system will have operating deficits of $5.8; $10.8;
$15.4; and $17.3 million over the next four years of operation;
THE 9TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT REPUBLICAN PARTY, OPPOSES ALL PAST AND
FUTURE PROPOSALS TO FUND THE BUS SYSTEM THROUGH A COUNTYWIDE TAX
Be it further resolved,
that the Obama Administration is pushing a federal “Fair Transit”
agenda as a form of “social justice with the support of ACORN-like
community agitation groups TRU, MOSES, and Gamiel foundation;
that Congressman Gary Peters has facilitated this agenda through
support for a $7 million Detroit/Pontiac bus, train and taxi, “transit
center” in Birmingham/Troy;
that the bus lines have become known as "The Heroin Express" because
of drug buyers who use buses to travel to and from Detroit to avoid
car seizures;
THE 9TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT REPUBLICAN PARTY, OPPOSES THE PLANNED
“TRANSIT CENTER” IN BIRMINGHAM/TROY AS BUT A GLORIFIED “GREEN” BUS
STATION WHICH WILL SIGNIFICANTLY DECREASE OUR PROPERTY VALUES AND
NEGATIVELY IMPACT THE SAFETY OF BIRMINGHAM AND TROY RESIDENTS.
Resolved,
whereas forcing property owners in communities that don't have a
constituency for public transit services to pay a millage to support
such a system is unjust;
that public-transit costs outpaced inflation over the past two decades
and that Mass Transportation Spending is in fact but a False Promises
of Prosperity and Job Creation;
that 38 of 61 communities within Oakland County have already opted out
of the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART)
bus system;
that the SMART bus system is not run on sound business principles as
there is little effort to try to generate compensatory revenues from
users; and
that the SMART bus system will have operating deficits of $5.8; $10.8;
$15.4; and $17.3 million over the next four years of operation;
THE 9TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT REPUBLICAN PARTY, OPPOSES ALL PAST AND
FUTURE PROPOSALS TO FUND THE BUS SYSTEM THROUGH A COUNTYWIDE TAX
Be it further resolved,
that the Obama Administration is pushing a federal “Fair Transit”
agenda as a form of “social justice with the support of ACORN-like
community agitation groups TRU, MOSES, and Gamiel foundation;
that Congressman Gary Peters has facilitated this agenda through
support for a $7 million Detroit/Pontiac bus, train and taxi, “transit
center” in Birmingham/Troy;
that the bus lines have become known as "The Heroin Express" because
of drug buyers who use buses to travel to and from Detroit to avoid
car seizures;
THE 9TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT REPUBLICAN PARTY, OPPOSES THE PLANNED
“TRANSIT CENTER” IN BIRMINGHAM/TROY AS BUT A GLORIFIED “GREEN” BUS
STATION WHICH WILL SIGNIFICANTLY DECREASE OUR PROPERTY VALUES AND
NEGATIVELY IMPACT THE SAFETY OF BIRMINGHAM AND TROY RESIDENTS.
Bloomfield Twp. Tax Hike - Vote NO Feb. 23rd.
BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP --- On Tuesday, February 23rd. please vote NO on the massive property tax that is being pushed. Say no to the new 1.1 additional millage & please tell your friends/family to get out and vote as well.
WHERE: Your location polling precinct, Bloomfield Twp.
WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 23rd.
TIME: 7 AM - 8 PM
This is a tea party action alert!!
WHERE: Your location polling precinct, Bloomfield Twp.
WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 23rd.
TIME: 7 AM - 8 PM
This is a tea party action alert!!
Vote NO on Massive Troy Tax Hike - Resolution
The Executive Committee of the 9th. Congressional District Republican Party approved unanimously the below listed resolution related to the Feb. 23rd. 29% millage tax hike in Troy. Please vote NO.
January 19, 2010
Resolved,
The 9th District Congressional District Republican Party strongly opposes the February 23, 2010 Troy millage of 1.9 mil or a 29% tax increase as unnecessary and highly excessive. We, the Executive Committee of the 9th District CDRP urge all Republicans, independents and conservative Democrats to vote No on this ballot measure.
The resolution passed unanimously.
Paid for with regulated funds by the 9th District Republican Party, P.O. Box 4553, Troy, MI
January 19, 2010
Resolved,
The 9th District Congressional District Republican Party strongly opposes the February 23, 2010 Troy millage of 1.9 mil or a 29% tax increase as unnecessary and highly excessive. We, the Executive Committee of the 9th District CDRP urge all Republicans, independents and conservative Democrats to vote No on this ballot measure.
The resolution passed unanimously.
Paid for with regulated funds by the 9th District Republican Party, P.O. Box 4553, Troy, MI
Monday, February 15, 2010
Resolution passed by the 9th. Congressional District Republican Party's Executive Committee urging a NO vote on Berkley Schools February 23rd. bond/tax hike.
Resolved,
The 9th District Congressional District Republican Party strongly opposes the February 23, 2010 Berkley School Bond of $168 million plus interest which is a $907 per year tax increase to the average valued house, for 36 years, and is unneccessary and highly excessive. We, the Executive Committee of the 9th District CDRP urge all Republicans, independents and conservative Democrats to vote No on this ballot measure.
The resolution passed unanimously.
Resolved,
The 9th District Congressional District Republican Party strongly opposes the February 23, 2010 Berkley School Bond of $168 million plus interest which is a $907 per year tax increase to the average valued house, for 36 years, and is unneccessary and highly excessive. We, the Executive Committee of the 9th District CDRP urge all Republicans, independents and conservative Democrats to vote No on this ballot measure.
The resolution passed unanimously.
The 9th. Congressional District Republican Party's Executive Committee has passed a resolution unanimously opposing the Berkley Schools bond ($168 million plus interest = $430 million) which amounts to a massive tax hike on residents within school district (Berkley, Huntington Woods & a section of Oak Park).
Vote NO on Tuesday, February 23rd. Please tell all of your family & friends to vote NO.
For more information or to help, please visit: www.berkleybond.org
Vote NO on Tuesday, February 23rd. Please tell all of your family & friends to vote NO.
For more information or to help, please visit: www.berkleybond.org
9th Congressional District Republican Party
TROY LEADERS TO HOST MILLAGE INCREASE COFFEE QUESTION & ANSWER SESSION
Show & Tell @ Starbucks to Address Concerns of Troy Citizens
MEDIA ADVISORY CONTACT: Glenn Clark
02-03-10 mi9thgop@gmail.com
On Thursday, February 18, 2010, two well-known and highly regarded Troy citizens will address the concerns of Troy residents over the February 23rd millage increase ballot election. Former Troy Councilmen David Eisenbacher and Dave Lambert will be co-hosting a coffee gathering called ‘Show & Tell @ Starbucks’ in which they will show residents the facts as related to the city’s finances and they will tell residents their perspective on the need to make hard decisions now and in the future related to city services and personnel.
The event, which is open to the public, is planned for:
Thursday, February 18th
7 – 8 PM
Starbucks Coffee
Big Beaver and Crooks Roads
1434 W. Big Beaver
Troy, MI 48084
Residents are welcome to attend to have their questions answered. Eisenbacher and Lambert will draw on their vast experience within Troy government to address their concerns over the proposed 29% tax increase on property within Troy.
Paid for by: 9th District Republican Administrative Account, P.O. Box 4553, Troy, MI 48099
TROY LEADERS TO HOST MILLAGE INCREASE COFFEE QUESTION & ANSWER SESSION
Show & Tell @ Starbucks to Address Concerns of Troy Citizens
MEDIA ADVISORY CONTACT: Glenn Clark
02-03-10 mi9thgop@gmail.com
On Thursday, February 18, 2010, two well-known and highly regarded Troy citizens will address the concerns of Troy residents over the February 23rd millage increase ballot election. Former Troy Councilmen David Eisenbacher and Dave Lambert will be co-hosting a coffee gathering called ‘Show & Tell @ Starbucks’ in which they will show residents the facts as related to the city’s finances and they will tell residents their perspective on the need to make hard decisions now and in the future related to city services and personnel.
The event, which is open to the public, is planned for:
Thursday, February 18th
7 – 8 PM
Starbucks Coffee
Big Beaver and Crooks Roads
1434 W. Big Beaver
Troy, MI 48084
Residents are welcome to attend to have their questions answered. Eisenbacher and Lambert will draw on their vast experience within Troy government to address their concerns over the proposed 29% tax increase on property within Troy.
Paid for by: 9th District Republican Administrative Account, P.O. Box 4553, Troy, MI 48099
Vote NO on Massive Troy Tax Hike - Tea Party Events
OAKLAND COUNTY TEA PARTY
OPPONENTS OF TROY TAX HIKE TO HOST TWO TOWN HALL EVENTS WITH RESPECTED LEADERS & FACTS
Former Troy Councilmen David Eisenbacher & Dave Lambert to Address Resident’s Concerns at a Virtual & In-Person Town Hall Events
MEDIA ADVISORY CONTACT: Glenn Clark
02-12-10 OaklandCountyTeaParty@gmail.com
On Friday, February 19, 2010, and Sunday, February 21, 2010, opponents of the proposed 29% Troy millage increase will be holding two informational meetings on the ballot proposal which Troy voters will decide on Tuesday, February 23rd. Former Troy Councilmen David Eisenbacher and Dave Lambert will be giving Troy citizens their insight on the city’s budget and financial situation, as well as some viable options to balance the budget without a tax increase.
The first of the two ‘tea party’ inspired town halls will be a virtual town hall conducted live via telephone. The details are:
TROY VIRTUAL TOWN HALL
VIA LIVE TELECONFERENCE WITH
FORMER TROY COUNCILMEN DAVID EISENBACHER & DAVE LAMBERT
Friday, February 19th
8:00 PM (EST)
Dial-in Number: 1-218-936-4700 (midwest area code, out of area call)
Participant Access Code: 47578 (enter this number after connected to call)
Questions must be submitted via email to: OaklandCountyTeaParty@gmail.com
&
The second town hall will be held at:
TROY CITZENS’ TOWN HALL
LIVE IN-PERSON QUESTION & ANSWER SESSION WITH
FORMER TROY COUNCILMEN DAVID EISENBACHER & DAVE LAMBERT
Sunday, February 21st
3:00 PM (EST)
Northfield Hills Baptist Church
1800 W. Long Lake Road (between Coolidge Highway & Crooks Road), Troy
MESSAGE ENDS
OPPONENTS OF TROY TAX HIKE TO HOST TWO TOWN HALL EVENTS WITH RESPECTED LEADERS & FACTS
Former Troy Councilmen David Eisenbacher & Dave Lambert to Address Resident’s Concerns at a Virtual & In-Person Town Hall Events
MEDIA ADVISORY CONTACT: Glenn Clark
02-12-10 OaklandCountyTeaParty@gmail.com
On Friday, February 19, 2010, and Sunday, February 21, 2010, opponents of the proposed 29% Troy millage increase will be holding two informational meetings on the ballot proposal which Troy voters will decide on Tuesday, February 23rd. Former Troy Councilmen David Eisenbacher and Dave Lambert will be giving Troy citizens their insight on the city’s budget and financial situation, as well as some viable options to balance the budget without a tax increase.
The first of the two ‘tea party’ inspired town halls will be a virtual town hall conducted live via telephone. The details are:
TROY VIRTUAL TOWN HALL
VIA LIVE TELECONFERENCE WITH
FORMER TROY COUNCILMEN DAVID EISENBACHER & DAVE LAMBERT
Friday, February 19th
8:00 PM (EST)
Dial-in Number: 1-218-936-4700 (midwest area code, out of area call)
Participant Access Code: 47578 (enter this number after connected to call)
Questions must be submitted via email to: OaklandCountyTeaParty@gmail.com
&
The second town hall will be held at:
TROY CITZENS’ TOWN HALL
LIVE IN-PERSON QUESTION & ANSWER SESSION WITH
FORMER TROY COUNCILMEN DAVID EISENBACHER & DAVE LAMBERT
Sunday, February 21st
3:00 PM (EST)
Northfield Hills Baptist Church
1800 W. Long Lake Road (between Coolidge Highway & Crooks Road), Troy
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