The failed Reform Michigan Government Now ballot proposal was a bad attempt to hijack the state Constitution. But it does have one good lingering effect… it has jumpstarted debate on whether a state Constitutional Convention is a good move come 2010, when it’s on the statewide ballot.
The Lansing State Journal opined this week that mostly hollow political posturing continues absent thoughtful debate on transformational reforms…
“What neither major political party has done, however, is step into this breach and offer a cogent reform program… Just last week, the Republican-led Senate passed legislation to speed the phase-out of the Michigan Business Tax surcharge used to resolve the 2007 budget crisis. This surcharge came about only after the Legislature refused to increase the income tax or sales tax to cover spending – or cut spending to conform with available revenue… And, sadly, this surcharge move comes without a replacement tax or specified budget cuts. It is irresponsible posturing – again.”
Down I-96, the Oakland Press argued it’s time to take seriously a constitutional convention…
“Michigan government needs reform but not to favor one party over another… It’s becoming more and more obvious that the best way to reform government is to conduct a constitutional convention in 2010. It would be done openly with both parties participating.”
Yet reforms may be needed even before voters seriously consider a con-con vote. It’s been nearly a half-century since we had a con-con. The rules for how we elect delegates are hazy. So are the rules for campaign finance disclosure for those who run for delegate slots? Who would bankroll the campaigns? Who’s going to make sure those funding efforts are public?
Guidance — soon — from Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land would be very helpful on those questions.
9 Comments
Sorry folks, but you blew it on this one. Given all of the issues we currently face, the absolute last thing we need is to waste time and money on a constitutional convention. Let’s stayed focused on the here-and-now.
Am I the only one frightened by this prospect? It seems that a constitutional convention in the current climate could have the potential to further polarize the state along cultural and geographic lines, rather than focusing on the very real problems of governmental, revenue and expenditures structures.
Is there a middle ground between a bed sheet ballot proposal and a full fledged convention with everything on the table?
Not so sure you blew it. When I think of how many additions to our Constitution have been voted in in previous elections since 1963 (last constitutional convention?) it seems to me that we should take a look at it to see if it fits our needs almost 50 years later. Some of these additions were begun by people and organizations outside Michigan who had the money and the political savvy to get the vote they wanted even though they did not have to live with the consequences. Eunice Burns
Michigan’s governmental structure must come into the 21 century. It is imperative that we hold a constitutional convention. The only appropriate way is to do it through a formal process where issues can be debated and them place into a new constitution that would go before the voters. Placing individual items on the ballot does not make sense.
Oh Jeez, all we need now, another Iraq type situation only here in Michigan. No constitution, no concensus, no agreement, lots of posturing, arguing, fighting, and power struggles.
I see it as the Republicans are the Sunnis who controlled everything for so long.
The Dems are the Shiites who just took control and are Whacking the repubs for oppressing them for so long.
And the Kurds would be anyone from the UP that trys to remain autonomous and stay out of the way.
Are all of us Michiganders going to have a purple thumb too? or was that blue?
If someone thought I was proposing only looking at individual amendments and not the entire constitution, I did not make myself clear. I would propose a full constitutional convention. We must discuss what Michigan needs for the future and how the parts of the Constitution fit with each other. Our main task will be to get thinking, knowledgeable and caring people involved. Yah, I know it will be hard but our state is worth it. Eunice Burns
One simple question must be asked and completely answered, first.
Why? – and ask it at least seven times.
Hard, frustrating and absolutely necessary work which will no doubt conclude in actions other than ripping out the roots to measure a flowers progress.
All these grood intentions flounder and produce unintended consequences when this exercise is not conducted – Two current wars, financial meltdown, state budget held hostage to political ideology, a domestic auto industry non competitive and perceptually failed, schools that don’t educate or train, etc., etc., etc..
Sorry, but a lot of very smart people have done a lot of very stupid things and continue to do so. Your punishment – read “Out of the Crisis” by Ed Deming and pay heed to what he says.
The constitution is fine. Those blaming it for the problems are the issue. There is a lot of slime in Lansing so who would we trust? Anything put on the ballot would be riddled with politi-speak and special interest babble. I assert that it is the people in Lansing that are the problem not the document.
Perhaps actually abiding by the constitution in a strict manner and CUTTING SPENDING would go much further. Put a spending cuts list on the ballot and watch the voters swing the axe.
I believe a new Michigan Constitution is absolutely necessary. The Republican Party and the Tea Party Revolution can combine forces to make a new document that is shorter and easier to read. We need to lower taxes, reduce spending, cut the number of departments to eight, and demand a part-time legislature and judicial reform. There are many pros in a CON-CON! I hope people will support State Proposal 10-1.