Michigan Votes Forum

Introduced in the House on March 26, 2003, to require that an officer of the homeowners or property owners association near the most frequently used park in Macomb County (Freedom Hill Park, site of many concerts) be appointed to the county parks and recreation commission. See also Senate Bill 348

The vote was 76 in favor, 29 opposed and 4 not voting

(House Roll Call 126 at House Journal 38)

Click here to view bill details.

Rep. Anderson, having reserved the right to explain his protest against the passage of the bill, made the following statement:

"Mr. Speaker and members of the House:

I voted no on HB 4456 since it would impose a requirement on a county commission to reserve a position for a local neighborhood representative. This is a clear legislative directive that flies in the face of local control."

Reps. Lipsey, Waters and Murphy, having reserved the right to explain their protest against the passage of the bill, made the following statement:

"Mr. Speaker and members of the House:

I voted no on House Bill 4456 (H-1 as amended) because if enacted, it would not honor the sovereign rights of local units of government to manage their own jurisdictions. It appears this bill was introduced because of a dilemma in Macomb County. The problem is that if this bill is enacted what would happen if a county were to fall into that population range in the future? It would be in the best public interest to simply pressure or remove the county commissioners who will not represent the home owner' needs. If state law were to be amended every time there was a dilemma in a locality, state lawmakers would have their workload doubled and there would be no need for local elected officials."