Delivered by Chuck Stokes, Editorial Director
The Macomb County Charter Commission has taken an historic step forward. The 26-members completed their work writing a constitution that brings bold and needed changes to the county’s current form of government. The document is now in the hands of Governor Granholm. If she accepts it, and she should, Macomb voters will ultimately have a chance to vote it up of down. That vote would most likely come in November.
The biggest change in the charter would create a county executive and streamline the board to 13 seats. This would put Macomb on a more even political par with Oakland and Wayne. Both have strong county executives balanced by independent county commissions.
A controversial part of the proposed charter might bring the Road Commission under county executive control. Voters will rightfully decide that issue as well as any future tax increases. A sentence that would have prohibited commissioners from changing retirement benefits was also eliminated.
Macomb is one of Michigan’s fastest growing counties facing a $10 million deficit for next year. The county needs a more balanced form of government and an independent executive who can speak for it with one voice. Thankfully, Macomb voters are now one step closer to deciding what kind of government will guide their future.
Broadcast: June 26 - 29, 2009
