Vote No On Proposal 1 - It Will Cost You Less

Know What Proposal 1 Will Really Cost? 

 

Do you hate driving on our lousy Michigan roads? What's more, do you hate having to pay big repair bills caused by our lousy Michigan roads?

I do. Last year I spent hundreds of dollars on each of two vehicles to repair damage directly caused by hitting potholes on my local roads. Passing Prop. 1 is supposed to stop that cost with smooth roads all over the state. Really?

In fact, a well researched report cited by The Michigan Transportation Team (MTT) states that Michigan drivers pay an annual average of $357.00 in bad-road-related repairs. 

Now an AP report has come out saying that the average cost to taxpayers in Michigan if Proposal 1 is approved can be as high as $545.00 per household next year.

If voters approve a measure on Michigan's May 5 ballot to improve roads and bridges, the $2.1 billion tax hike would average $545 per household in 2016 — or $45 a month — according to calculations by The Associated Press.

The number is an average of course, however it is one that can not be ignored. There is going to be a cost to fix our roads. Just seems the lawmakers we hired do not want to be the ones to do it, raise the money themselves. Not good on their resume when they to go be re-elected.

And related to whats real and what's not, A new 60-second ad supporting the Proposal 1 road funding plan has several exaggerated claims, according to a Detroit Free Press analysis.

A proposal to raise the state sales tax and dole out the money where ever is not a solution to the problem we are talking about. Lousy Michigan roads. What is needed is a well thought out solution. Not one thrown together hours before the end of a fruitless legislative session on the important subject. I am still frustrated that there is no REAL talk about a "Plan B". A road plan, not a money grab.

So before you vote on Proposal 1 on May 5th, make sure you get all the facts. I have and I know how I will vote, you know :~) ?

More in a bit. The voluptuous lady has not sung yet.

Drive Careful,
Will

What Will May 5th Mean For Us In Michigan ?

Will Proposal 1 spell the end of the World?

Do you believe in fate? Even if I did, I would not know how to translate this. One of those things that could mean one thing or another.

World Ending? Or Another Session In Lansing?

I recently found out that the lease I have on this website name, "www.potholeparadise.com" ends on, you guessed it, May 5th.

Of course I have made sure to renew it for a few more years, but that is a funny and interesting fact. When I got it, I certainly had no idea that a lame duck legislature would pass the buck of fixing our roads to the people they work for, especially in a complicated proposal with all sorts of special interest goodies added on and for nothing less than a permanent sales tax increase! All to be voted on May 5th.

So then, is May 5th the last day anything needs to be said about fixing Michigan roads? Will all things be as they should be as we drive around our beautiful state, and we'll never have to worry about the issue again? All after May 5th?

Let's face it. There is no Santy Clause, Easter Bunny or Man in the Moon. Get it?

Now it seems that polls are showing that the proposal is doomed. All the while people like Roger Martin with the Safe Roads Yes campaign says, “We’ve never had a May, off-year, single-ballot-issue election ever in the history of Michigan,” and so “For that reason and other reasons, we put absolutely no stock in any of the polls taken so far.”

Yeah, OK. Polls don't mean a thing. Not even several. One after the other. Still it seems like a "Plan B" would be in order about now.

And that is another thing. Even when the proposal was first approved to the dismay of so many, no "Plan B" was discussed. As if the lawmakers just laid the egg and then stuck their heads in a hole. I think that was and is a bad decision.

But some are talking about a Plan B, especially with the probability of defeat of Prop. 1. One web article I read discussed some options: There is no Plan B? Here are four viable options…

Get this. That article is on a web site called 'SayNoToHigherTaxes.org' . Talk about a great web site name. What with all the tax issues in all the states in the U.S.A., and they got that name!? And, it seems to deal mainly with the Michigan Road Issue. They better check and make sure That name doesn't run out on May 5th !! That's all I can say.

Anyway, there is certainly more to come on this subject which we all face every day we drive. How to Fix Our Roads in Michigan. May 5th will not fix anything.

And - don't forget to get your FIX OUR ROADS bumper sticker. I'm sure they will still be good and meaningful after the 5th :~)

Drive Careful,
Will

The More I Know, The More I'll Vote No

It's Not Just A Road Repair Bill

How much do you know about the Michigan May 5 ballot proposal to raise the Michigan sales tax from 6% to 7% ?

If you know as much as I do, than the people that want it passed are probably afraid of you.

That's because in a recent poll commissioned by the political news service MIRS, it stated. “Fifty-five percent of voters say if today the election was held they would vote ‘no’ against it,” said Ed Sarpolus with Target Insyght. And what's more, “When we actually read the ballot language, how it will appear on the ballot, the support drops from 55 percent to 65 percent ‘no,'” Sarpolus said.

For example did you know that the money raised by the increased sales tax will not all go to to future road repairs?:

• The package, as intended, is projected to pay down $865 million in debt in fiscal year 2016 while increasing funding for state and local road agencies by $368 million.
• In fiscal year 2017, $467.5 million would be used for debt payments while $764 million would go to roads.

Not until 2018 will the full intended amount go to new roads and ongoing road repairs.

Quick - Get Me The Number To 911 !

Only In Michigan Is A Pothole A Crime

Is it entropy, karma or something else? Just a few days ago Sam Simon, co-creator of 'The Simpsons' died. Then I heard a TV report saying that, when it comes to potholes, Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel wants drivers in his county to report them to 911. That made me think of a great Simpsons scene where Homer, in an emergency holler's "Quick - get me the number to 911 !". Typical Homer.

So what's the deal? I thought 911 was only for emergencys. Well Hackel did say, "If it's one (a pothole) that just blew somebody's tire out ... it's going to blow out somebody else's,". A real emergency in his eyes I guess.

Once a report about a dangerous or damaging pothole is made to 911, Macomb County's Department of Roads would assess and address the issue within an hour, Hackel pledged.

Still, what about the reason for the 911 service? Can't we get in trouble if we use it for reporting a pothole? Here's what the Michigan State Police had to say late Thursday. They sent out an alert which reads in part,

"Please, do not direct the public to tie up 911 lines to report potholes, period. Whether Macomb wants you to or not."

Didn't matter to Hackel. He stands behind his instructions to Macomb county drivers. But is he willing to stand behind bars? According to one source:

The number is intended for use in emergency circumstances only, and to use it for any other purpose ( such as prank calls ) can be a crime in over 98 percent of locations in the United States.

Is A Pothole A Crime?

What I am certain of is this; I consider it a crime that a duly hired Michigan Ledgislature did not and will not do the job they were hired and paid to do. That is, budget funds to provide safe - driveable roads for citizens. But don't call 911 to report that !
 

Reminder: Still no Plan B. Get a Bumper Sticker.

• (For a "Fix Our Roads" bumper sticker, go to the top of the page and click on the "Bumper Sticker" tab.)

Drive Careful,
Will

What Causes Potholes ?

Two Very Real Explanations Why Potholes Exist 

 

Even though you may live in a State - or a Country for that matter that is plagued by dangerous potholes, maybe you have wondered just why those things are there and why they seem to grow bigger and more populous each year.

Well wonder no longer because I am going to give the two the Actual Reasons why so many of us live with so many potholes, and just bad roads in general.

 

The first reason is a simple matter of weather and physics which I have explained on this blog in the past in "Reasons Our Roads Are Lousy" . And yesterday, the CBC News website for local Windsor readers has posted a very informative article with an interactive illustration you can use to understand one of the causes. It seems they are having this same problem we have here in Michigan. Go figure. You can click on the image to see it.

Interactive: How Potholes Form

If you visited the link above (thermometer is centigrade), you noticed that the interactive demonstration is actually quite simple and easy to understand. However do not be complacent and feel that this is the Only Explanation why we have potholes - So Many Potholes!

In reality there is one other very important reason for the explosion of the problem of potholes that seems to get worse every year - year in, year out. As I mentioned, I have discussed this before here and feel it is important that you be reminded, less you forget and think the reason will just go away. In fact this other reason really has a life of its own - It Will Not Go Away if we just leave it alone. No, action must be taken to force the reason to go away.

So what is the other, insidious reason for so many terrible potholes that seems to have a life of their own? The reason that must be dealt with soon, and with determination if we will ever make the Great State of Michigan a state of Great Roads?

It is this plain and simple truth: Michigan is littered with... 

Self-Centered Career Politicians With Only One Thought 

 

Yes it is true. This is a BIG one. When tough decisions need to be made to take money from corporate tax breaks, unnecessary programs, eliminate waste, or whatever - to plan ahead - to Really Fix our Infrastructure, our lawmakers in Lansing won't do anything that will jeopardize their chances of getting re-elected. But what about the average voter you may ask? Don't politicians care about us?

They seem to think so, after all they have put their confidence in us, the average voter to do their job. The one they have refused to do. The one they are apparently unwilling or incapable of doing. They have given US the job of fixing our roads. Michigan career politicians have shirked their responsibility and are forcing the issue on us in a May 5th ballot claiming if WE don't vote for it - a raise in our sales tax of nearly 12% - then our roads will simply not get fixed. They will only get worse. All because they are afraid to raise taxes themselves or do anything that will harm their chances of making a career out of politics.

"What Roads? What Potholes? Must Keep Job"

 

So remember the two reasons why we have potholes and lousy roads.
The scientific one, and the one that defies science and reason.

That's it for now. And as always...

Drive Careful

Will

A Road Funding Proposal By Any Other Name - Would Still Stink

"This task was impossible to sum up in 100 words," said John Milne of Saginaw

The Board of State Canvassers finally approved official language for Michigan Proposal 1 of 2015, on Thursday, a 'sales tax and road funding measure' set to appear on the May 5 ballot.

Proposal 1 of 2015 has been called by many a Road Funding Bill. REALLY !

Take your pain medication of choice and read it here:

Read the "Michigan Road Funding" Proposal and Weep

Michigan Bureau of Elections Director Chris Thomas was tasked with crafting a "true and impartial" ballot question in 100 words or less. "This is a very complex proposal that is based on an interplay between proposals to change the constitution and the laws of Michigan," he said.

As Dr. Phil would say 'How's that work'n out for ya ?'

It starts out:

A proposal to amend the State Constitution to increase the sales/use tax from 6% to 7% to replace and supplement reduced revenue to the School Aid Fund and local units of government...

Okay. Right from the beginning, it does not even mention Roads, but says 'increasing the sales tax to fund the School Aid Fund and local governments'. Wow. What about the roads ?? Okay, hold on it will...

Give effect to laws that provide additional money for roads and other transportation purposes by increasing the gas tax and vehicle registration fees.

What the F ? I thought this was all about Sales Tax and Roads !! Now we are talking about the gas tax. And what's with the "other transportation purposes" ? That could be anything. Oh wait. It will also...

• Increase portion of use tax dedicated to School Aid Fund (SAF).
• Expand use of SAF to community colleges and career / technical education, and
• prohibit use for 4-year colleges / universities.

 Hello ! Roads !! What about the Roads !!!!! I know it hurts, but lets read on...

• Increase sales / use tax to 7%, as authorized by constitutional amendment.
• Increase gasoline / diesel fuel tax and adjust annually for inflation,
• increase vehicle registration fees, and dedicate revenue for roads and other transportation purposes.

Well finally, the roads. But still the "other transportation purposes". What other ? Those tubes on the Futurama cartoon ? Finally of course it ends up with the expected...

Should this proposal be adopted?
YES [ ]
NO [ ]
HUH ? [ ]

Alright, so I added the last choice. But thats the feeling I get when I read this "Road Funding Bill". And I have still not figured out what the right vote is. If the proposal passes will the roads get fixed ? That after all is the question. Or will the money from another 1% added to the sales tax go elsewhere. After all, those Lansing people we hired are today talking about taking money from education to fill up holes in the general fund. Talk about patching potholes. Will the Road Money from the 1% sales tax increase be used for who knows what before it actually fixes our roads ? This proposal is full of holes if you ask me.

So my feeling right now is that no matter how I might vote, the proposal does not stand much of a chance of passing. And this blog will just go on like a painful Michigan road trip. Just can't think of much more to say.




Oh, did I mention those tubes on the Futurama cartoon ? No potholes there. Just smooth sailing. For the forseeable future in Michigan that's just a dream.

As always...

Drive - And Vote - Careful,
Will 


P.S.      LLAP Leonard Nimoy

Read my Facebook comment on the great actor. He's not really dead as long as we remember him.

Post by Will Branning.

What Do Potholes And Car Insurance Have In Common ?

They Both Suck ! Insurance Companies Will Raise Rates With A Michigan Pothole Damage Claim.

Saw a report on Auto Insurance companies and how they treat us when we file a pothole claim. They raise our rates. So not only will the State of Michigan not pay for pothole damage (statistically speaking), it may be better not to ask your insurance company to pay either. The increase in your rate may cost more over the long run then paying for repairs out of your own pocket. Unless of course it is a very expensive repair. We'll all have to just do the math.

So why do they raise our rates on a pothole claim if it's not our fault ? After all we did not create the pothole (unless you voted for this legislature :~) Well it's simple they say. Its a "one car accident". Okay I can't argue that. But it's still not my fault.

Not so says the insurance company. Because there is no other car involved, it must therefore be your fault. Like backing into a pole in a parking lot or leaving your car in neutral so it rolls and hits a tree. What the hell ?! What if I had no choice but to hit the damn pothole or otherwise swerve and hit another car ? Would that be a two, or a one car accident since the pothole was evil enough to cause the accident ? It's all really stupid.

So Take This Test: Which one below is Definitely NOT your fault ?

Two Car Accident

One Car / One Michigan Pothole Accident

It's not a trick question. Better get a 'Pothole Attorney' like I said last month.



Drive Careful,
and also - Hello Rowan !
Will

Obama Budget Includes Overseas Profit Tax To Fund Infrastructure

How Should I Vote on the Michigan Sales Tax Increase ?

 
The other day I read this article online about the Presidents proposed budget.
You can see it Here. It is supposed to have a part allowing for an increase on some overseas corporate profits for the purpose of upgrading and repairing the nations infrastructure, i.e. roads. So is the rest of the country passing up Michigan when it comes to fixing our infrastructure/roads ? While I am still trying to decide where I stand on raising the Michigan sales tax one percent to seven percent, I read that article and wondered: 'How can you pay to fix anything without money ?'.

Let's say I spend $10,000.00 this year, cash money for things in this state. If the sales tax were 1% higher than it is now at 6%, then it would cost me $100.00 more in sales tax. Now I am just using the amount spent this year as an example in order to wrap my head around what the numbers really are. But consider this: Last year I spent well over $1,500.00 on pothole related repairs to just one vehicle of mine. Would I rather have spent $100.00 for my share to fix the roads and not have had the damage and expense ? Hell ya. But would the money actually have fixed those potholes I hit, or might hit this year ? What about all the other stuff the tax increase is supposed to be spent on ? Just how much and when will the dollars from a tax increase be put into road repairs ?

So you see, I have a lot of questions about a sales tax increase in Michigan before I can make an educated vote. And I worry that many people will not make an educated vote but rather vote based on the propaganda ,either for or against the tax, that they will see on the TV, in print or on the Internet and such. More photos of holes in the roads, busted cars and maybe Rick Snyder standing in his underwear on TV telling us that bumping up the sales tax 'is a win for motorists' (ask me about the underwear ad and I'll tell you).

That is the BIG Question.

Drive Careful,
Will

Pot For Potholes In Michigan

Is 'Pot For Potholes' a Crazy Idea ? Is a Ballot Proposal to Raise the Sales Tax Any Crazier ?

At the end of the lame duck session of the Michigan legislature last year, the lawmakers in Lansing decided to do nothing about a problem that has been making their constituents scream for at least a decade. They decided to let us do the job of funding road repair instead of doing it themselves. So they put a sales tax increase on the ballot in May.

Was it Pot that gave them such a 'lame' idea ? What about taxing pot ?

'Yeah, maybe that would work. But once they fill every pothole, what do you think they would legalize to fix every crack?'

Actually the idea of using a tax on legalized pot in Michigan for road funding is not a new one. I have seen it talked about in the news for at least two years, sometimes as a joke and sometimes not. But for a lot of reasons expecting Michigan voters to agree to a sales tax increase seems to also be a joke. Such a ballot proposal is already getting a lot of opposition. And if it does fail, so much for any other attempt to raise taxes for anything else, needed or not. But back to the 'Pot for Potholes' thing.  

Over a year ago it was reported on NPR news that a GOP state lawmaker wanted to legalize marijuana to pay for roads. One lawmaker admitted the measure probably wouldn't be enough to address the entire problem of Michigan’s crumbling infrastructure. But he said it would at least help while legislators debate a more comprehensive solution. Remember that was well over a year ago. So as Dr. Phil says 'How's that work'in out for 'ya?'.

Even Comedy Central's Stephen Colbert couldn't help but make fun of the idea in a segment on his show. I think he commented 'Yeah, maybe that would work. But once they fill every pothole, what do you think they would legalize to fix every crack?' Again that was over a year ago, you can try the link HERE (The Michigan mention begins at 2:50)


 

Now more recently it has come up in the news again on a page on MLive.com by Politics Columnist Tim Skubick, also host of "Off The Record" on PBS. I like to read and listen to Mr. Skubick - don't always agree but he is informative.

In the article he said '64 percent of the citizens say they would vote to tax marijuana to fix the roads, compared to only 43 percent who would raise the sales tax to do it'. Not sure where he got the info but it sounds about right. On the other hand he quotes governor Snyder, after seeing the poll as saying, “I don’t see marijuana being the solution,” on how to fix the roads. Read the article HERE. But Mr. Governor, it seems that neither do 64 percent of voters in Michigan see raising the sales tax as a solution.

After The Smoke Clears...

So if taxing pot is not a real solution and if raising the sales tax may not solve the problem of Michigan's lousy roads what else is there ? Think I'll go see my relatives in Colorado and just think it over for a while. Then I'll get back and let you know what I think.




















Drive Careful,
Will