Concerned local taxpayers can meet at 7 p.m., May 10, at the Goodrich United Methodist Church, 8071 S. State Road, to discuss ways to force change in their local government.
Brandon Township resident and business owner Tabethia Tiseo-Shell organized the meeting, at which State Rep. Dave Robertson, R-Grand Blanc Township, and a representative on the proposed Michigan Fair Tax bill will speak.
‘We’re trying to change the way the ‘good old boys club? is run,? says Tiseo-Shell. ‘My concern is overextension in local government and unknown spending going on in our own communities. A lot of things passed are slipped in at last minute board meetings. If people get more involved to change things in their own communities, there would be more of a reason for the state to make a change.?
At the meeting, Tiseo-Shell also plans to present results from Freedom of Information Act requests she has submitted to two local municipalities regarding what citizens are contributing toward benefits for employees.
Tiseo-Shell, who owns Premier Employee Insurance Benefits, LLC, says if school teachers and state employees had a defined contribution to their healthcare and retirement plans, more than $400 million could be cut from the state budget without increasing taxes.
‘Individuals can’t afford to pay for health insurance because it’s so expensive, so why should we have to pay for local government to have Cadillac benefits?? she asked. ‘If each taxpayer knew what the local municipalities were spending on items that are not necessary or should be a contribution benefit, we would have a lot more money in our communities. This is a meeting of concerned citizens to motivate citizens to get involved with their local government for the betterment of the community.?
Call Tiseo-Shell at (248) 627-4100.