So the election is almost here, and if nothing else, we will all enjoy a blissful end to the overbearing attack ads on TV. Regardless of who wins, I think we’ll all be happy to stop hearing candidates complaining about each other.
As with previous elections, I’m going to try my hand and predicting the outcome. As in the past, my choices here are not necessarily an endorsement.
Locally, the Independence Township senior center debate seems to be the only real hot issue on the ballot, and sadly this election will put it to rest. The millage will not pass, but those who want a ‘community center? that is available to seniors will continue to push for a new initiative.
Expect Sharron Catello, Mike Rogers and John Stakoe to keep their posts. Even if change is needed in any of these posts, it won’t happen.
On the state level, I don’t see republican men taking the jobs of democratic women either.
Even though around Clarkston it seems nearly everyone is supporting Dick Devos in his bid for governor, Michigan is still a ‘blue state? and I really don’t see a blue state electing someone who has associated himself closely with the Bush administration, supports intelligent design and banning abortion. Even in a close race, Granholm will come out ahead.
Likewise, I don’t think Mike Bouchard will even come close to beating Debbie Stabenow. His campaign seems mostly to be on what she does wrong, but I’ve noticed they have been hard-pressed to find people who are truly unhappy about her last term.
Of the five statewide proposals, only three seem to have generated much controversy. There is no need to explain them since an article on page ?? of this issue does so.
Proposal 1 will pass because the philosophy behind it is a good one. If the government sets money aside for specific purposes, they can only spend that money for those purposes. What a concept. Some fear this proposal could hurt the government in a time of financial crisis, but not likely enough to stop it from passing.
Proposal 2 is not going to pass. In a perfect world, we wouldn’t need laws mandating that we treat each other fairly, but try convincing minorities and women that we live in a perfect world.
Proposal 3 will fail by the largest margin of them all. Other than sportsmen who would enjoy the extra target practice, most people don’t seem to see a point in hunting morning doves, myself included.
Proposal 4 will likely pass because there has been nearly no controversy around it and eminent domain is not something in which the average voter is well versed. Combine that with the likelihood of liberal-leanings states to limit government power, and you have yourself an easily passed proposal.
Lastly, Proposal 5, which we have covered since it was in the signature-gathering stage, will likely fail by a very close margin. Even though everyone likes the idea of supporting education, few like the idea of taking money away from other parts of the budget ? like police and fire protection – to pay for it.