BoC meeting-Part 1

It was my first Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners meeting and it was definitely a learning experience. High marks go to Kristin Judge, who seemed throughly attentive and engaged throughout the meeting. Also, I would like to commend Ronnie Peterson and Ken Schwartz, who brought up some excellent points during the debate on a targeted homeless program for families.

First I should mention, I attended the meeting because I was up for appointment to the Community Action Board and the Workforce Development Board. This was to occur in the regular meeting following the Ways and Means Committee meeting. Unfortunately I had to leave before the regular meeting because the Committee meeting lasted until around 8:30. I was told that the appointments were tabled until the next meeting on December 2nd.

The primary topic discussed was the appropriation of Supportive Housing Services funds to a targeted program for homeless families. $175K would be appropriated to support families facing homelessness, providing them with housing (including utilities) for one year. Ten families would benefit at a cost of $17,500 per family.

Comm. Schwartz started off the questioning, his primary concern being the large sum to be spent on individual families. Comm. Peterson joined in, repeatingly identifying himself as a "liberal." However, his comments reminded me of my brand of "conservatism." Further strains on the county budget are inevitable, resulting in further cuts to programs. Peterson requested data be provided on the impact and success of county programs to ensure that the county allocates money more effectively and efficiently.

After the meeting, I had the opportunity to speak with Peterson about his comments. "Mr. Peterson, you say you're a liberal but I think you're a conservative in disguise!" Mr. Peterson seemed to think I disagreed with his comments, when in actuality I couldn't agree more. Unfortunately, we didn't have much time to talk before I had to leave. I would like to say his comments reminded me of my favorite part of the GOP Convention on Mackinac Island this summer.

Governor Pawlenty was speaking about the current state of the GOP and how to expand the GOP's voter base. He spoke of the plight of urban schools, remarking that as a civil rights issue, as a human rights issue, this should be a GOP issue. He called for Republican's to rally and state the state of urban schools is "Not OK!" Instead of complaining about those on the public rolls, Republicans should be championing solutions to the problem of social welfare. He cited Democrats propensity for doleing out money while Republicans ignore the issue. Instead, the GOP should have a comprehensive plan to end poverty as we know it.

Comm. Peterson's remarks gave me the same warm-fuzzies that I had during that part of Pawlenty's speech. It is not that I am opposed to social welfare. I am opposed to indiscriminately handing out taxpayer money that doesn't help solve the problems. Everyone has the right to succeed in life. It is important that the government ensures that people are able to take advantage of that right. Social welfare programs should function as a stepping stone to a better life.

Next up: A more personal account of my perceptions of the meeting.