By John Bebow - October 19, 2007
"If we let the state be governed by small groups of people who go around threatening and intimidating legislators, I don't think that bodes well for democracy in the state of Michigan," Republican State Rep. Dick Ball told the Gongwer News Service this week. Ball is gathering support among fellow legislators to fight off the one-issue demagogues who are seeking to recall legislators for recent tax votes.
Phil Power writes this week with the perspectives of some of those legislators targeted by the recalls. Power concludes the recall movement is pure poison in an era when the state has intense need for tough, independent decisions by legislators.
And as Representative Chris Ward lost his Republican leadership post over his recent tax votes, Center for Michigan Steering Committee Member Jack Lessenberry called Ward "an unlikely hero" and Ward's Republican peer, Rep. Lorence Wenke, shook his head in disgust and declared to Gongwer that Ward's fall was "another indication of the narrowness of what the Republicans have become with bitter partisanship and a small tent."
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The Sunday October 14 Lansing State Journal lead editorial regarding the SALES TAX claims: "It's not the best plan in the world, but it's one that finally drew support from majorities in the House and Senate and the backing of Gov. Jennifer Granholm." Please, a little truth-telling: the Senate divided evenly 19 to 19 with Democrats and Republicans joining together on both sides of the question. But for the tie breaking vote of Lt. Governor Cherry we would still be looking for "the best plan".
On November 22 1983, then 8th District Senator Phillip Mastin was recalled from Office. 26,700 of his voting constituents from Oakland County voted YES to recall while 15,990 voters opted to keep him in office. Of the total 42,690 voters who ventured to the polls approximately 63% of his heavily Democratic District recalled him. Shortly thereafter Senator David Serotkin was recalled by the voters of his historically Democratic Macomb County District by 25,995(69%) of the 37,766 votes cast. Only 11,771(33%) voters wanted him to stay in office. And, then there's Gray Davis' precipitous downfall…….Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it!
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