Sick and tired of the status quo in Michigan? A Constitutional Convention next year could change things.
To explain how, Henry Woloson of Independence Township hosts two informational meetings, 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., May 12, at Independence Township Fire hall, 6500 Citation Drive.
‘The people that are sitting back saying ‘this is terrible, Michigan is falling apart and there is nothing I can do.? This is a call for them to say ‘how would you like to get involved,? Woloson said. ‘You don’t have to stand on corners collecting petitions, you don’t have to spend a lot of money all we’re saying is the first step of the process is just say ‘yes.?
It has been 50 years since the last Michigan Constitutional Convention was spearheaded by former Governor George Romney, which finally led to an amendment of the 1908 State constitution in 1963; however, Woloson said it actually took four efforts to revise the 1908 constitution.
‘It took somebody of George Romney’s stature who was the president of an automotive company at that time to be leading the charge along with other individuals,? he said. ‘Even then it was such a close vote that it required a recount.?
If a State Constitution is called 148 delegates will be elected, which is based upon legislative districts for both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
But just like other elections, Woloson said there will always be people in opposition to keep things the same, due to fear that people with ‘extremist? viewpoints might get elected, which Woloson says if people with radical viewpoints get elected ‘it’s because the voters didn’t take adequate time to scrutinize who they were voting for and allowed them.?
‘I have a lot more confidence in the voters than these people who are opposed to the process,? he said. ‘If what they say is true and we should not open this process up because of who might get elected, then aren’t you indicating that you have serious doubts about the entire premise of democracy??
Others he said are afraid certain amendments that are considered by many to be good will be eliminated; however, Woloson said the focus should not be getting rid of the good, but instead ‘to make the good better.?
‘These people that are defending the 1963 constitution should recognize there is a reason as to why article 12, section 3 was put in there. That automatically put the issue in front of the voters every 16 years,? he said. ‘As good as they thought their work was they still recognized periodic review would be of value.?
Woloson said the campaign will be an internet campaign and he hopes to encourage ‘the next George Romney to come out of hiding.? But his main goal is to demonstrate there is a widespread interest as well as to educate people that the vote is coming up because many are not aware the vote is automatic.
‘We have no agenda other than to make sure voters understand why a ‘yes? vote for a Michigan Constitutional Convention could be an important step towards revitalizing our state,? he said.