EDITORIAL: Vote no on Proposal 6
Michigan voters have less than a month to make up their minds on plenty of issues.
On Nov. 6, voters will decide on six ballot proposals. Most of these proposals are complex and could have important, long-lasting impacts on the state and its citizens.
But Proposal 6, which would require a vote on any new international bridge project in the state, is not one of those proposals, and this editorial board endorses a no vote.
Why?
Simply put, it's all about money. Matty Moroun's money, specifically.
Moroun is the owner of the Ambassador Bridge, Detroit's only bridge over to neighboring Windsor, Canada. He enjoys enormous profits from pay tolls and his duty-free gas station just off the bridge, so it's no wonder at all why he would be so vehemently opposed to competition.
That competition is set to come in the form of the New International Trade Crossing. In June, Gov. Rick Snyder signed a deal with the Canadian government approving construction of the multi-million-dollar bridge and ensuring that outside of tolls coming back, Michigan taxpayers will pay nothing for the bridge.
It's a win-win deal for Michiganders.
Not only will construction jobs be added for the project, providing a small but needed boost in the state economy, but it will also create new trade within the state as more businesses are likely to ship goods back and forth over the border, giving the entire state a chance to further rebuild economically.
The ads against the new bridge have been petty and vague all while lacking any substantial reason why people should vote yes on the proposal.
A no vote makes perfect sense for the state of Michigan.
New jobs, a new bridge all while paying nothing makes complete sense.
That reality has been distorted by Moroun and his backers through advertisements insinuating Michigan taxpayers will see their taxes rise while funding gets taken from education and fire departments.
Once again, while there are plenty of big decisions to make this November for voters, this is a no-brainer.
Vote no on Proposal 6.
