ELECTION 2006

We have two goals this election:

• To provide you and your employees with valuable election information. 
• To stand up for the interests of our members on important election issues.

Please read what we have put together below.  If you think these are worthwhile services that benefit your company and you are not a member, please consider joining the Chamber.  You can call us at (734)665-4433.

IT’S TIME TO VOTE

Even if you are voting in a few hours, you can get the information you need online:

• www.annarborareabusinessvotes.com  We invited local candidates to answer questions about the single business tax, downtown development and other important issues.  Their answers are located under ‘Local Election Resources’ on this site. 

• www.ewashtenaw.org  Washtenaw County has a very easy to use, informative ‘Elections’ webpage.  This is where you can read what is on the ballot before you get in the ballot box, see a full list of all the candidates, and get the election results.  
• www.crcmich.org  If you need more information on issues, then you need to visit the Citizen’s Research Council’s website.  They are a non-partisan, nonprofit group that exists to help inform voters.  CRC has conducted a full analysis of all 5 of the state ballot proposals you will be voting on Tuesday, November 7th (that’s right, 5).  If you are pushed for time, they provide a handy summary analysis on each issue as well. 
• Google Your Candidates  When I googled City Council Member Joan Lowenstein, who is running unopposed in the 2^nd Ward, I found out that she is a local attorney who is actively involved in several community organizations. Many local candidates have their own webpage.  I haven’t seen any local candidates on YouTube yet, but it is only a matter of time. 

 Don’t forget to block off some time in your schedule on Tuesday, November 7 to cast your ballot.  Nobody is too busy to vote.  

CHAMBER POSITIONS ON ELECTION ISSUES

Vote NO on Proposal 5 (Mandated Education Funding)
The Chamber opposes this proposal to legally mandate inflationary increases in education funding in Michigan.  Education is very important to the future economic success of the Ann Arbor area, our members and our state.  However, it is inappropriate to provide automatic annual inflationary increases in education funding without requiring accountability. 

Vote NO on Proposal 4 (Eminent Domain)
The Chamber does not support this proposal because we do not believe amending the Constitution of the State of Michigan is the appropriate means to rectify deficiencies that may exist in the use of eminent domain.  Although we are sensitive to public entities taking private land, this proposal will place constitutional restrictions on public entities that may be against the best interests of business and a community.

Vote NO on the City of Ann Arbor Parks Millage
The Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce does not support the 2006 Parks Millage that will be on the ballot Tuesday, November 7. The proposal raises the millage rate for parks maintenance and capital improvements by 20%, from .91 mills to 1.1 mills. The Chamber recognizes the importance of the parks system to the quality of life and economic success of the Ann Arbor area, but we do not think a 20% increase is appropriate given current economic conditions.

Proposal 2 (Michigan Civil Rights Initiative)
The Chamber has decided not to take a position on Proposal 2.  We are providing our members with information on the issue.  Please visit annarborchamber.org/business to see our full analysis. to get read our full position statements on each of these issues…and if you aren’t a member, consider joining.  Together we Profit.

Why so many ‘Vote NO's?  The Chamber fully analyzes each issue separately and often meets with stakeholders on both sides of an issue to make an informed decision.  This “work” is done by our Public Policy Committee, which consists of 24 Chamber members.  The “decision” on where we stand is ultimately made by the Chamber Board of Directors, which is made up of 25 Chamber members.  We take this process seriously and look out for the best interests of our members. Visit annarborchamber.org/business