The charismatic, outspoken Brooks Patterson had been rather quiet regarding Proposal 1. I was curious to hear his take on the controversial proposal designed to fix Michigan’s crumbling roads.
Proposal 1 is on the May 5, 2015 ballot as a proposal that will supposedly repair Michigan’s dilapidated roads. It’s been a highly controversial proposal as many are finding out that nowhere near 100% of the funds will go toward the repairs. Additionally, it has been estimated that the average household in Michigan will pay as much as $525 more in taxes in 2016 if Proposal 1 is approved, according to a study by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. The study estimated that increasing the sales tax from 6 percent to 7 percent would cost a typical Michigan household $389 and the change in the fuel tax would cost between $88 and $136.
Proposal 1 is complex. However, voter trends are indicating that people are seeing it for what it is and are concerned that their money won’t be going towards road repairs.
Just as I thought Brooks was being pretty hush about all of this, I saw a Brooks quote with regard to Proposal 1 on Sue Ann Douglas’ (Oakland County Retired County Commissioner) facebook page. The Free Press erroneously posted that Brooks was in favor of Proposal 1. When Sue Ann Douglas inquired about this statement with Brooks, Brooks replied “Not true. I am not a supporter. Where does this bullshit come from?”
After this quote, I contacted the Oakland County gov offices. Brooks’ reps confirmed his stance by further stating Brooks doesn’t think it’s a good use of legislation. He thinks there are “too many ornaments on the tree.” There’s so much, so many people who will be getting money from this proposal. He thinks the proposal should just be focused on a solution for repairing the roads.
Oakland County Moms has been told that Brooks is not officially and formally opposed, but he certainly doesn’t support it. He is not actively campaigning against it. He wants voters to do their will. He thinks they will vote for what’s right. He may not be officially campaigning in opposition to Proposal 1, but it’s quite clear what Brooks Patterson’s stance is.
