Major organization representing townships is latest to raise alarm bells if Michigan’s Constitution is opened up
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Townships Association (MTA) announced its opposition to a Constitutional Convention (Con-Con), joining a broad array of organizations and advocacy groups working together to urge Michiganders to vote NO on Proposal 1 on the Tuesday,
Nov. 3 ballot.
The Michigan Townships Association is a nonprofit representing the largest community of local government officials in the state, serving the state’s 1,240 townships and more than 6,500 elected township officials.
“Michigan’s townships need a stable and predictable constitutional framework to effectively serve our local communities and residents across the state,” said Tom Hickson, executive director of the Michigan Townships Association. “Our state constitution is working well, and the ability exists to make specific changes to be through voter referendums. Opening the entire constitution to a total rewrite without guardrails poses a huge risk to Michigan’s communities at a time when we need more stability and support.”
The Michigan Townships Association is working alongside Protect MI Constitution from Special Interests (PMCFSI) to encourage Michiganders to vote NO on Proposal 1, which asks whether to call a Constitutional Convention. The question appears on the ballot every 16 years and asks voters whether to convene a Con-Con, which would open Michigan’s constitution to a complete rewrite.
“Townships know their communities best and local officials need the flexibility to respond to the unique needs of the people they serve,” said Kevin Beeson, president of MTA Board of Directors and supervisor of Pine River Township in Gratiot County.
“A Constitutional Convention could put community-based decisions at risk by opening the door to sweeping changes that have little to do with the issues facing Michigan’s communities today. Michigan already has a process in place for making targeted constitutional changes, and we believe that process should remain in place.”
Protect MI Constitution from Special Interests is continuing to grow its supporter network. To join the list of supporters and find ways to help, visit protectmiconstitution.com.
Paid for with regulated funds by Protect MI Constitution from Special Interests, https://www.protectmiconstitution.com/.
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