Pam Mazich, has been Groveland Township clerk since 2000. She is responsible for elections that include about 4,200 registered voters in three precincts for township ballot issues. She also coordinates elections for voters that live in Groveland Township that are part of the Holly, Brandon and Goodrich school districts.
‘It’s our responsibility to get the fair facts out there for our constituents,? she said. ‘I do agree, however, that in the past school districts have tried to shove elections through, but our lawmakers in Lansing do that every day to us. I do not see that ‘stealth elections? are a problem today or ever in our community.?
Mazich is disappointed that neither Rep. Joe Graves or Senator Dave Robinson (R-14th District) have been into the township office to visit in a long time.
‘How is a school district or municipality going to get information out to the people?? she added. ‘If we need to use a private group it’s even more shady. Lansing is just taking away more local control.?
Mazich said that she is still required by law to file a legal notice regarding the election which will be published in a newspaper.
Becoming an informed voter may be tougher in 2016.
Gov. Rick Snyder will consider a bill before the end of the year that would prohibit a public body from using public funds or resources for ‘communication by means of radio, television, mass mailing, or prerecorded telephone message if that communication references a local ballot question? 60 days before the local election.
Senate Bill 571 would halt school districts, municipalities and libraries across the state from appealing to voters on local tax initiatives such as millages, millage renewals or bonds.
The bill passed the Senate 25-12 and the House 58-48 in late December. The bill is on Snyder’s desk as of presstime.
Rep. Joe Graves, R-Linden, who supported the bill in a vote said it’s not a gag order as some called the proposed law.
‘It’s simple? local governments cannot use tax dollars 60 days before an election to beg for more tax dollars,? said Graves. ‘There is no gag order on anything, there can be discussion during public meetings for school boards or councils. If they want to use private funds to push for a millage they can still do that. Reporters or any media can go to a meeting or ask any question they want’that has not changed. But using tax dollars to promote passing a millage is prohibited.?
Graves said the bill passed the House with very little or no discussion.
Under current law, school administrators and staff already are prohibited from using public funds or resources to urge a positive or negative vote on a ballot issue.
Matt Outlaw, Brandon Schools superintendent, said factual information is key to bond issues.
‘I completely support the prohibition of tax dollars to support any sort of bond issue, but I believe that it is the responsibility of school district or municipality to provide unbiased, factual information to the voters,? he said. ‘Without this factual information, voters will likely lack the necessary information to make an informed decision either way.?