Let the recall begin

Background: A news article announced the recall effort against State Rep. Aldo Vagnozzi. In case Observer readers were wondering what I thought of the effort, I thought I'd let them know.

I commend Farmington resident Bruce Lilley for initiating the recall of State Rep. Aldo Vagnozzi. Even though Rep. Vagnozzi is in the last year of his term, this recall will serve two purposes.

First, it serves as a warning to future politicians that foolishly raising taxes during an economic crisis will not be tolerated. How important is this warning? Consider the following. On January 17, Democrat State House Speaker Andy Dillon participated in a question and answer session at the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association Conference held in Mount Pleasant. When asked by the moderator Tim Skubick if a vote on raising the gasoline tax will take place after the November election, Dillon replied, “It is probable.” Every state candidate seeking election this year needs to be clear about how they intend to vote on such a tax increase proposal and the threat of recall needs to be held over their heads.

Second, a recall punishes Rep. Vagnozzi for his vote which endangers the prospects for reversing our state’s financial death spiral. If Rep. Vagnozzi’s only ideas for cutting spending focus on education and police, he is unfit to serve during this critical time.

The Mackinac Center, a think tank based in Midland, published a long list of reforms which could save the state billions and negate the call for a tax hike. None of the reforms would hurt or diminish police protection or classroom education. However, some of the key reforms would require Rep. Vagnozzi and his colleagues to stand up to union leaders who demand lucrative and unsustainable benefit packages. Unfortunately, Rep. Vagnozzi believes overburdened taxpayers are less worthy than the labor lobbyists standing outside his door.

[Letter to the Editor - Farmington Observer. Published 01/27/2008.]