Leaders of Citizens Against Taxes To Buy Vacant Land have a suggestion for those who voted in favor of the ill-fated open-space millage.
Donate your own money.
‘If they feel so strongly that they voted yes, than go ahead and make that tax free donation,? said Michael Powell of Independence Township, who led the campaign against the proposed millage for open space, recreation, and protection of waters and wetlands, along with Henry Woloson.
‘I would encourage individuals who philosophically believe there is a need and are in a financial position to do so, contribute to the organizations that offer tax incentives for their donations,” Woloson said.
Independence Township voters turned down the .45 mill, 10-year millage, with 10,507 votes against, 57.37 percent, to 7,809 votes, 42.63 percent.
The economy contributed to the proposal’s defeat, said Tom Pytel, leader of Independence Goes Green.
‘It’s been a long road. Naturally I am sad we didn’t win, but I don’t think we could control the worst economic time since the beginning of the Reagan administration,? Pytel said. ‘I think maybe we could have had a chance if the economy would have just stayed, but to get 7,800 votes, I think it’s pretty good.?
Though disappointed, Pytel remains optimistic about the future.
‘What I would like to do in the next year is sit down with the township and see what they think about the whole thing and see if it’s something they would consider in the future when things are a little bit better,? he said.
Jim Reed, another member of IGG, said he was also disappointed by the vote, but not ‘totally surprised.?
‘I think the voters made a mistake, but they’re the ones who make he decision. Maybe someone will pick it up and try again in a few years,? said Reed.
However, he is not as optomistic as Pytel.
‘I think the time was now as far as properties go in the township,? said Reed. ‘I figured in another two to four years it will be another academic subject.?
He would be glad to help somebody else if they tried it again, but wouldn’t want to ‘carry the ball? like this time, he said.
Powell and Woloson said they were glad it was voted down.
‘I never thought they (IGG) were bad people,” Powell said. “I just thought they went about things in the wrong way and I didn’t think the proposal was very honest.?
‘I’m very appreciative of the individuals who agreed with us and decided the timing of this proposal, given the economy, was inappropriate,? Woloson said.
Powell noted if a proposal like this ever came up again, he would not hesitate to stand against it.
‘I plan to fight it from the moment it is mentioned at a board meeting until it is defeated.?