State road repair proposal on Tuesday’s ballot

Next Tuesday voters will be asked to pass a sales tax increase to fund road repairs throughout the state.

By Charles Sercombe
Next Tuesday voters across the state will decide whether to agree to a sales tax hike to pay for road repairs.
According to numerous polling services, it looks like voters will reject what’s called Proposal 1.
In Hamtramck, that will be the only proposal on the ballot. Turnout here is expected to be low.
If voters do the unexpected, Hamtramck is in line to receive a huge financial boost. According to a study by the Michigan Municipal League, the tax increase will result in a yearly influx of $782,678, starting in 2018.
That money would be slated for road repair. The city would also receive an additional $211,000 a year starting in 2016.
City Manager Katrina Powell relayed that information to city councilmembers and the mayor and urged them to cite this when talking to the public.
Voters we talked to were divided on the issue, including many who are confused by the ballot proposal and remain undecided.
The bad news, however, is that for the average car owner, the Associated Press reported recently the tax will cost a little over $500 a year.
Kevin LaPointe definitely has his mind made up against the proposal.
“It’s a vote of spite because the people we elected to do their job couldn’t, and now they expect us to do it,” LaPointe said.
The Republican majority legislature has shot down a number of proposals that even Gov. Rick Snyder had endorsed. Snyder, who is a Republican, is supporting this proposal.
Richard Hyska said his distrust of Snyder has him second guessing how he will vote. At this point, he is undecided, but concedes “They have us over a barrel.”
If the proposal is shot down there is no other proposal in place to fund road repairs.
Former City Councilmember Scott Klein said he went from opposing to supporting the proposal.
“Something has to be done with the roads,” he said. “If you don’t vote yes the legislature will do nothing and it will only get worse.”