This year's election ballot contains a question regarding the city of Saginaw, Michigan's Charter. A city charter is similar to a state or federal constitution. Voters will be asked if they'd like to open the entire Charter for a review.
The following candidates believe a NO vote on the ballot question is the proper response. They ask you to vote NO. However, should a "yes" vote prevail, they would like your vote so they may serve on the Charter Commission.
Slate of: Joseph M. Turner, Bruce E. Petrick, Floyd P. Kloc
Individual Candidates: Ben Cable, David A. Cable, Christopher Fox, Pamela Pugh, Joyce J. Seals, R. Earl Selby, and Carolyn A. Surles
It is important that you vote in two ways the Charter. First, you must vote "NO" or "YES". Secondly, each voter should select the nine candidates you would be most comfortable with should the Charter be opened for a complete re-write.
There are many differences between those who would urge a "NO" vote and those who would urge a "YES" vote. While each candidate has their own specific point of view, most candidates urging a "NO" vote generally believe the costs to the public for a Charter Revision Commission are not necessary (because any part of the Charter can be revised through a very simple procedure); they are also concerned that because some "YES" candidates want to change Saginaw's form of government to an "assembly" that adds many more politicians; finally, they are concerned a full revision would lead to a long time period of uncertainty as Charter Revision Commissioners debate what basic form of government should control Saginaw. The concern is that business leaders and others have pointed out that during this period of uncertainty, firms which might create new jobs will hold off until they can be certain of the political and economic environment they'll be required to deal with.
Once again, please vote "NO" on the Charter question, but vote for the following candidates in case the Charter Revision question should be approved.
Slate of: Joseph M. Turner, Bruce E. Petrick, Floyd P. Kloc
Individual Candidates: Ben Cable, David A. Cable, Christopher Fox, Pamela Pugh, Joyce J. Seals, R. Earl Selby, and Carolyn A. Surles
Below are tables created from a 2002 survey of local governmental units. They are believed to accurately approximate current conditions.
|
City Tax only - For $100,000 Home |
|
Annual Millage Rates |
|
| Community |
Tax |
Community |
Millage Rate |
| Bay City |
1,070 |
Bay City |
21.4000 |
| Flint |
805 |
Flint |
16.1000 |
| Frankenmuth |
580 |
Frankenmuth |
11.6000 |
| Midland |
600 |
Midland |
12.0000 |
| Saginaw |
427 |
Saginaw |
8.5343 |
|
Costs per Employee
|
|
|
| Community |
FIRE |
POLICE |
Total Budget Divided by All Employees |
| Saginaw Twp. |
$188,469 |
$100,064 |
$224,212 |
| City of Frankenmuth |
$237,238 |
$86,712 |
$193,845 |
| City of Midland |
$79,388 |
$83,618 |
$185,801 |
| City of Saginaw |
$108,171 |
$91,518 |
$181,917 |
| Buena Vista Twp. |
$72,284 |
$78,100 |
$73,448 |