Serving People, Not Politics

Collin & Sassy

Property Tax Town Hall

Meetings a Success

Over the last month, Senator Cropsey and I held a series of Town Hall meetings on Property Taxes.  Hundreds of people came out to learn how to successfully appeal their assessment, or to just learn more about how the system works.  Thanks to all who participated.

 

During these meetings, legislative changes were discussed that benefit the tax payer and make the system work better.  These reforms included a bill that would require assessment sales studies to consider the foreclosure effect in determining property values. 

 

Also, discussed was a House Joint Resolution that seeks to amend the Michigan Constitution, disallowing increases in property taxes when property values fall.

 

I am proud to have sponsored and drafted each of these proposals.

Campaign Finance Reports Filed

I am humbled and thankful for the substantial amount of financial support that came from the citizens of the 33rd district.  There were few Senate candidates in the state that enjoyed such strong support from both business groups and citizens.  In fact, I outraised (excluding campaign loans) my opponent $84,600 to $3,150!

 

However, he was easily able to make up for his lack of support from within the district with his substantial personal wealth.  He told me last summer that, if need be, he would spend all of his millions of dollars of wealth to “annihilate” me.

 

He will learn soon enough that the people of this district do not take kindly to attack politics or rich guys desperately trying to pass off their money as a qualification for office.

IONIA, Mich.—Successful fair organizations such as the Ionia Free Fair Association could bid for the rights to the now-defunct Michigan State Fair under legislation sponsored today by state Rep. Brian Calley.

The state could lease the state fair to any individual, partnership, association, or other public or private entity through an open bid process under the bill. The measure also eliminates the state fairgrounds authority and board, allowing the fair to take place anywhere in Michigan.

"Similar to the auctions we've seen at county fairs across the state, the Michigan State Fair itself should essentially be put up for public auction," said Calley, R-Portland. "Ionia would be a great fit for the state fair if our local board chose to pursue it. Allowing organizers of the nation's largest free fair to take the reins of the country's oldest state fair could be a homerun for Michigan families."

State funding for the Michigan State Fair, which took place in Detroit, was eliminated last October. The fair was the oldest state fair in the United States. The Ionia Free Fair is the nation's largest free fair.

"Michigan taxpayers should no longer be responsible for the Michigan State Fair, but we can pursue other opportunities to keep this vibrant agricultural tradition alive," Calley said. "A location that is more centrally located and near Michigan's agriculture base, such as Ionia, certainly makes more sense."

 

Up For Auction:

Could the State Fair move to Ionia?