While discussing the topic of term limits with some colleagues, I discovered that much of the support for term limits arises from issues which could be addressed by campaign finance reform. It got me thinking about campaign finance reform, especially at the local and state level. For example:
-Can individual states regulate campaign financing on the national level? More specifically, could campaigns for Congress be regulated at the state level?
-There isn't an incentive for campaign finance reform by current politicians, so meaningful reform would most likely come from citizen ballot initiatives. What would it take to make this happen?
-Can we end self-funded campaigns? How?
-What kind of changes does there need to be?
-What role should individuals, political parties, PACs, companies, organizations, etc. play in the funding of campaigns?
-And so on...
Naturally, I began some research into the topic. I need to do some more, but I'm starting to believe that campaign finance reform could be achieved through a citizen initiative.
Do you know more information that you would like to share about this?
Do you want to join me in my research?
Email me or post a comment.
12.23.2009
Compromise or buying votes?
"I don't know if there's a senator that doesn't have something in this bill that was important to them," he said. "And if they don't have something in it important to them, then it's — doesn't speak well of them. That's what this legislation's all about: It's the art of compromise."
Senator Harry ReidAs far as I'm concerned, compromise would have been finding a way to get even one Republican on-board with the legislation. Instead, this bill rewarded Democrats for toeing the party line. I've listed some of the deals that were struck below the jump. Personally, I feel that Reid's comments are a slap in the face to taxpayers. I wonder, how much we could reduce the national deficit if every piece of pork was line-item vetoed from Congressional bills?
Chilly returned safely!
Chilly, the deaf American Bulldog puppy that was stolen from the Huron Valley Humane Society, has been returned safely to resume her medications and be prepared for adoption. A tipster called in the location of the puppy after hearing the story through local news broadcasts. The tipster declined the reward of $600, saying the money should be used for the animals. Information on the case has been forwarded to Washtenaw County Prosecuters to determine if charges will be filed. I hope the person(s) responsible will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. A pic of Chilly is below the jump.
12.21.2009
Proposed parking changes in A2 raise questions
This morning on WEMU I heard of Sandi Smith's-Ward 1 proposal to extend metered parking hours from 6pm until 10pm. The resolution was offered as an alternative to extending parking meters outside of the downtown area. Between the coverage on AnnArbor.com and some reader comments on a2politico, I realized there is more to the proposal than meets the eye.
12.18.2009
Taking Aim at Auto Insurers: www.frumforum.com
Taking Aim at Auto Insurers
November 30th, 2009 at 2:00 pm by Eli Lehrer
Some background: In the 1980s, rising tort costs coupled with state-imposed price controls made auto insurance increasingly expensive and difficult to get. In response, states experimented with different regulatory schemes and politicians gained votes bashing auto insurers. Ultimately, however, leaders in both parties couldn’t help but notice that states like Illinois, Virginia, and Ohio that lacked price controls, subsidies, and the like actually had lower rates and greater levels of consumer satisfaction. Most states followed their lead and, by the late 1990s, the crisis ended and auto insurance dropped from public view.
November 30th, 2009 at 2:00 pm by Eli Lehrer
Some background: In the 1980s, rising tort costs coupled with state-imposed price controls made auto insurance increasingly expensive and difficult to get. In response, states experimented with different regulatory schemes and politicians gained votes bashing auto insurers. Ultimately, however, leaders in both parties couldn’t help but notice that states like Illinois, Virginia, and Ohio that lacked price controls, subsidies, and the like actually had lower rates and greater levels of consumer satisfaction. Most states followed their lead and, by the late 1990s, the crisis ended and auto insurance dropped from public view.
Giving the old college try: Round two at the city level
I've just applied to the Mayor's office for three appointments: the Economic Development Corporation Board, the Local Officer's Compensation Commission, and the RFP Review Committee. Currently, there's only a vacancy on the LOCC (which decides City Council pay,) but terms for the other two are expiring in 2010 so some vacancies might open up. I wrote a letter to Mayor Heiftje providing more details about myself and what I hope to bring to the positions.
12.17.2009
Rick Snyder says MEDC incentives 'out of control'
Snyder's plan:
• Calls for the state to implement and publicize performance audits detailing whether its economic development programs are working. "Incentive programs that do not add value to economic development or aren't worth the cost should be discontinued," the plan says.
• Calls for the MEDC to reduce its level of staff and rely more heavily on small business people for leadership on its board. The plan suggests that the board should be "led by an executive team of business professionals, not political appointees."
• Would require MEDC to rely heavily on a network of "regional economic development partners" -- such as SPARK, Kalamazoo-based Southwest Michigan First and Detroit-based TechTown -- to attract businesses and talented workers.
• Create a statewide program via a new Web site, startup.mi.gov, to help grow Michigan's entrepreneurial community. This organization would foster the creation of business incubators and other economic development groups.
• Form an MEDC-led initiative to help small companies secure financing such as government grants, microloans and venture capital funds.
Perhaps it is time for SPARK to be given a performance audit?
• Calls for the state to implement and publicize performance audits detailing whether its economic development programs are working. "Incentive programs that do not add value to economic development or aren't worth the cost should be discontinued," the plan says.
• Calls for the MEDC to reduce its level of staff and rely more heavily on small business people for leadership on its board. The plan suggests that the board should be "led by an executive team of business professionals, not political appointees."
• Would require MEDC to rely heavily on a network of "regional economic development partners" -- such as SPARK, Kalamazoo-based Southwest Michigan First and Detroit-based TechTown -- to attract businesses and talented workers.
• Create a statewide program via a new Web site, startup.mi.gov, to help grow Michigan's entrepreneurial community. This organization would foster the creation of business incubators and other economic development groups.
• Form an MEDC-led initiative to help small companies secure financing such as government grants, microloans and venture capital funds.
Perhaps it is time for SPARK to be given a performance audit?
12.15.2009
About this blog
This blog began as a way for me to collect my thoughts and opinions about state and local politics. In late September 2009, I attended the Michigan Republican Leadership Conference because I wanted to find something to believe in (politically speaking.) I’m not a Democrat--that much is clear. I identify with many Republican tenets, but I don’t feel at home in the GOP. I was hoping the conference would show me another side of the party, a side that I could identify with. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen.
12.14.2009
Why I do not support the smoking ban (and it's not because I'm a smoker...)
I distinctly remember in 2007 visiting my good friend Genie in DC; it was the first time I had spent time in a place with a smoking ban in restaurants and bars. After a few trips out to bars and nightclubs over the weekend, I realized that I liked coming home and not smelling like smoke.
Because I was forced to smoke outdoors, my clothes never picked up the smell which typically comes with a night on the town. I’m sure my clothes still had the faint smell of smoke, but nothing like the stench which accompanies one home after a night at the bar.
On a more personal note, the “smoker stigma” wasn’t as apparent. Being a single young lady, I am more than aware of the stigma attached to smokers. Because smokers were relegated to the outdoors, it was less obvious to others whether one was a smoker or not.
Another side-effect of the smoking ban? I noticed I smoked a lot less during a night out. Since lighting up required me to leave the group conversation, I naturally did it a lot less.
Overall, after my experiences in DC and subsequently after, I am in favor of the consequences as a result of smoking bans.
Does this mean I am in favor of smoking bans? Perhaps surprisingly, the answer is no, I am not.
Because I was forced to smoke outdoors, my clothes never picked up the smell which typically comes with a night on the town. I’m sure my clothes still had the faint smell of smoke, but nothing like the stench which accompanies one home after a night at the bar.
On a more personal note, the “smoker stigma” wasn’t as apparent. Being a single young lady, I am more than aware of the stigma attached to smokers. Because smokers were relegated to the outdoors, it was less obvious to others whether one was a smoker or not.
Another side-effect of the smoking ban? I noticed I smoked a lot less during a night out. Since lighting up required me to leave the group conversation, I naturally did it a lot less.
Overall, after my experiences in DC and subsequently after, I am in favor of the consequences as a result of smoking bans.
Does this mean I am in favor of smoking bans? Perhaps surprisingly, the answer is no, I am not.
Voting record for workplace smoking ban
Below the jump I've listed the voting record on the bill that was enacted last week to ban smoking in nearly all workplaces in Michigan, including restaurants and bars. For your convenience, I've boldfaced Reps and Senators representing districts within Washtenaw County.
Last week, the State House and Senate approved a workplace smoking ban. It will affect all workplaces except "cigar bars" and the Detroit casinos. (Tribal casinos are not affected as they are governed by their own laws.) 37 other states have similar bans already on the books.
I'm currently working on a post regarding this new legislation, which will include my thoughts on the ban.
Last week, the State House and Senate approved a workplace smoking ban. It will affect all workplaces except "cigar bars" and the Detroit casinos. (Tribal casinos are not affected as they are governed by their own laws.) 37 other states have similar bans already on the books.
I'm currently working on a post regarding this new legislation, which will include my thoughts on the ban.
12.11.2009
Reversal of opinion: An argument against term limits
When I first started this blog, I had a reader challenge my support of term limits. I had promised to write a defense of term limits but, as you know, it has never appeared. I think seriously about anyone who questions my viewpoints with well-constructed arguments. And after a lot of research and months of pondering the issue, I have changed my mind; I am not longer in support of term limits for legislative bodies.
12.09.2009
Updated: Thoughts about labor unions...
Two stories on annarbor.com recently caught my attention. Both centered around labor unions and the decision between job cuts or pay cuts. I am often surprised and dismayed by the decisions made by unions in this regard. An "all or nothing" mentality on both sides of the bargaining table is hurting our economy and endangering the jobs of many.
12.08.2009
CNN op-ed on entrepreneurs and job creation
As an employee of a company started by an immigrant, I LOVE the second suggestion!
12.04.2009
I'm sorry everything ended this way
Today I received a response from the Ann Arbor Chamber of Commerce regarding their recommendations for the Workforce Development Board. Speaking with Kyle Mazurek, I was told that he was in attendance at the November 18 meeting of the BoC. As you may remember, this is the meeting where I chastised the Board for their behavior during Tom Partridge's commentry. This is where it all comes together...
12.03.2009
My protest and commissioner responses
Please check out the video recording of the Ways and Means Committee to see my protest of the "germane" rule and Commissioners' reactions. The meeting was incredibly long because of protests against funding of pre-natal care at Planned Parenthood, so here's the relevant time-stamps if you're not interested in watching almost 3 hours in footage.
http://video.ewashtenaw.org/boc/showtime.pl?2009-12-02-WM=video
My first three minutes: 0:22:25
Comm. Smith's response: 1:24:25
My second three minutes: 2:30:00
Comm. Judge's response: 2:49:05
http://video.ewashtenaw.org/boc/showtime.pl?2009-12-02-WM=video
My first three minutes: 0:22:25
Comm. Smith's response: 1:24:25
My second three minutes: 2:30:00
Comm. Judge's response: 2:49:05
BoC appointments lack transparency
Curious about how appointments are made to county boards and commissions (or not made, as the case may be,) I called Jason Brooks at the County Clerk’s office. More specifically, I was wondering why I wasn’t chosen for either of the boards I applied for, the Community Action Board and the Workforce Development Board.
12.02.2009
Zero for two
Unfortunately, tonight I was not appointed to either the Community Action Board or the Workforce Development Board. I had applied for both several months ago. Last month I received a phone call from the Ann Arbor Chamber of Commerce (their recommendation is needed to be on the WDB) and was told that it was their general assumption that if they nominate someone, that person is approved.
Needless to say, I'm a bit disappointed by the turn of events, especially regarding the Workforce Development Board. Given the flight of young professionals from Michigan, the desire of restructuring our economy to a knowledge-based one, the push for high-tech businesses, etc. etc etc. As a young professional, I truly believe I have something to offer the board. So I'll say goodnight and wait until tomorrow for my report on the Ways and Means Committee portion of the Washtenaw Board of Commissioners meeting.
Needless to say, I'm a bit disappointed by the turn of events, especially regarding the Workforce Development Board. Given the flight of young professionals from Michigan, the desire of restructuring our economy to a knowledge-based one, the push for high-tech businesses, etc. etc etc. As a young professional, I truly believe I have something to offer the board. So I'll say goodnight and wait until tomorrow for my report on the Ways and Means Committee portion of the Washtenaw Board of Commissioners meeting.
Bouchard calls for part-time Legislature, end to benefits
Gubenatorial candidate Mike Bouchard has rolled out some of his campaign platform, calling for a part-time legislature and a restructuring of the government on the state level.
What all is included? Eliminating benefits and pensions for legislature, creating a two-year rolling budget, reducing term limits to 12 years, and having the legislature meet for 120 days every other year. I agree that our state government needs an overhaul, but these proposals are not the solution.
What all is included? Eliminating benefits and pensions for legislature, creating a two-year rolling budget, reducing term limits to 12 years, and having the legislature meet for 120 days every other year. I agree that our state government needs an overhaul, but these proposals are not the solution.
12.01.2009
The first (and likely, last) time my name and "throw down" occur in the same sentence
After the jump read the post on local blog, A2Politico.
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