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Dear Colleagues; 

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On Thursday, those in
attendance at the Board of Canvassers session witnessed something that
shocked and horrified all.  The event at 10am was to officially certify
the signatures submitted to repeal Public Act #4, also known as the
“Dictator Act.”  The review of the process revealed that the appropriate
number of valid signatures were indeed collected, some 40,000 more than
was needed totaling 206,000 Michigan signatures from all parts of the
State. 

There were two Board members who were declared Democrats, and
two who were declared Republicans for a total of four persons.  The Tea
Party sent a lawyer who argued that the “font size” of the declaratory
portion of the petition was the wrong size therefore the signatures
could not be certified.  The issue is that in MCL/Michigan Compiled
Law, the statute calls for a size 14 font to be used at the top of the
petition that explains the rationale for the initiative. Then, it was “our turn.”

Our atty. was
brilliant as he went point-by-point to dismiss the Tea Party lawyer’s
allegation. Atty. Hank Sanders was brilliant
as he discussed the font size challenge: depending on
which print style you use, a size 14 font in one font style may be
different in height from another, a fact.  He introduced an engraver who
reviewed the print size and validated that the print was a size 14, as
did the other witness, the actual printer
of the petitions who conclusively validated the size 14 font as a fact.

With all that being said, the first two Democrats recommended
acceptance and certification as suggested by their staff. Both
Republicans cited the conclusions of the Tea Party lawyer while they
declared their need to follow the law — both denying certification. The
Board rules declare that three members must agree to pass anything, so a
vote of two to two did not pass. Next step, court!

There were lovers of
democracy in the room and they were all dismayed by this incredible
breach of the right to vote played out. The room exploded with outrage with the voters not willing to calm themselves. The two Republican
Board members left the room for a while, not willing to incur the
people’s wrath. So incredible was this obvious stalling tactic, that the
most steeled among us were speechless. Those
who thought righteousness was possible were stunned. 

The question now
is what to do about elected/appointed officials who act against us with
no threat of repercussions. How do we interrupt their “business as
usual” attitude and replace it with the fear of  reprisals should we be
betrayed?

What is the answer…

Maureen D. Taylor

State Chairperson –
MI Welfare Rights Org.

P.S. This post was typed in a 14 pt font.