Why is a taxpayer-funded lobbyist promoting the spending of more tax dollars?

In a recent column the executive director of the Michigan Municipal League (MML), Daniel Gilmartin, tells of his conversation with a young woman abandoning Michigan for Portland, Oregon. Gilmartin laments the conditions which have brought this abandonment. He proceeds to mention he has read at least a dozen studies which make it “crystal clear” that the recipe for success includes “significant public investment”, a euphemism for more government spending.

Since no disclaimer was presented in the column, readers should be aware that according to its website, the MML spends time “promoting state and federal legislation helpful to local governments.” In other words, the organization acts as a lobbyist on behalf of cities and villages encouraging legislation that provides more cash for its members to spend. Further, readers should know that the MML is supported by membership dues from these cities and villages. These dues come from local taxes. This means that taxpayers fund the MML which in turn lobbies for the spending of more tax dollars. Not a bad gig if you can get it.

Certainly, some level of government spending is necessary to maintain police and fire protection, the courts, and public infrastructure. Beyond that and we enter the realm of government officials acting as investment speculators who use tax dollars rather than private monies. Detroit is a perfect example. For decades, a “significant public investment” has been made to fund Detroit’s renaissance. Billions of dollars have been used to fund projects such as the Renaissance Center, the People Mover, Comerica Park, and Ford Field, yet the city continues its downward slide.

Although it runs counter to his role as chief lobbyist for cities, Gilmartin should consider another factor in Portland’s success. Every year since 1996, Oregon’s state and local tax burden has been lower than Michigan’s. In 2005, Michigan ranked 17th while Oregon was 35th. Michigan can retain and attract people by lowering taxes and eliminating regulations. Remove the obstacles that keep business away and Michigan will become attractive once again.

[Letter to the Editor - Farmington Observer. Published 11/30/2006.]