| It's very easy for all of us to criticize the other side. It's something that we do time after time, because 9.9 times out of 10, they deserve it and make it so easy for us.
People are used to having the left fight the right and vice versa, and sometimes when those two sides get along, people become confused and forget what you're supposed to do when they aren't fighting.
This is one of those rare times where I would ask you to consider stepping away from the norm. I'm guessing that after you read this, you'll understand why. We're in the middle of a constitutional crisis. We have to come together and make a compromise.
I'm going to pay a very heavy political price for doing this. But I feel some solace in knowing I'm doing the right thing. Those are the brave words from Republican Representative Chris Ward (R-Brighton) as he spoke with the press corps. at 4:30 this morning explaining his vote in favor of HB 5195 to increase the state income tax from 3.9% to 4.6%.
Citing constituent opinion "3 to 1 against tax increase", Ward temporarily stepped aside from his leadership position within the House Republican Caucus because he joined ranks with Speaker Andy Dillon (D-Redford Twp.) and Majority Floor Leader Steve Tobocman (D-Detroit) in voting for this bill.
When asked what reasons within his own district spurred his decision, Ward cited public education. My public schools are feeling a terrible crunch. Cost of public education is skyrocketing, as are retirement, health care costs, etc. Good public schools mean a lot to me.
I abhor taxes, but this is a fair way to do it with the least impact on state services. This is the first of many, many difficult votes necessary for this chamber to move on from this crisis. I find some solace in knowing I'm doing the right thing. It certainly wasn't the most popular thing for Rep. Ward to do, and the fact that he had to temporarily step down from his Caucus leadership position took a lot of guts. I would think that there would be very few people who would want to be in his shoes right now.
I commend Rep. Ward, and I would ask that each and everyone of you, regardless of whether or not you live in his district, would do the same. Positive reinforcement has a longer lasting impact than does the negative. While we always know that doing the right thing isn't always popular, we are much more cognizant of it when we actually witness it.
Thank Rep. Ward by email or by phone 517.373.1784. |
