Proposal 1 is not perfect but it’s the only choice we have

There is one thing that folks from all sides of the political spectrum can agree on:
Our roads need to be fixed. Now.
But how we should go about funding this huge repair program is what divides many. Our state legislators have proven to be massive failures when it comes to solving this challenge.
And now, we are being asked to pay for this through a sales tax increase. Next Tuesday, May 5, voters will go to the polls to decide whether to pass what’s being called Proposal 1.
In Hamtramck, it will be the only proposal on the ballot. Many other cities have piggybacked their own proposals.
This is no ordinary proposal. Instead, it’s a complicated mess that appears to have no end date. If it’s passed road repairs won’t actually begin until 2018. What we’re supposed to do in the meantime is unknown.
If we were to consider this proposal purely on how Hamtramck would benefit we would urge voters to pass it. According to a study by the Michigan Municipal League, the city would receive over $700,000 a year for local road repairs and over $200,000 in additional revenue, presumably to be spent any which way the city chooses.
According to an analysis by the Associated Press, the average car owner will be billed over $500 a year in increased taxes and fees.
That alone is probably a deal breaker for many voters.
But rest assured, if the proposal is defeated, and recent polls show that it will be overwhelmingly rejected, our state legislators will find a way to sock it to us. Or maybe they will continue to punt this issue because, you know, no one wants to be blamed for increasing taxes.
What a cluster of cowardice and incompetence.
So, it all comes down to us — the voters. Do we reject this proposal and continue to drive indefinitely on our crumbling roads? Or, do we bite the bullet and fork over the extra money?
It’s tempting to vote this down and let the legislators continue to squirm. But then you must realize just how truly craven they are.
As one local media pundit observed, it’s time for someone to stand up and be the adult in the room.
Hamtramck sure could use this extra money, and it would go a long way in keeping the city financially solvent.
Based on this reason, we reluctantly urge voters to vote YES on Proposal 1. But you may want to hold your nose while doing so.