MSA resolves to support Proposition 1

MSA passed a resolution last night to support Prop. 1, which will be on the Washtenaw County election ballot Nov. 3.

If approved, the proposition would raise Washtenaw County's property taxes by approximately $26 per household yearly for the next 10 years.

The money would be used to prevent what is called "urban sprawl" - the development of additional strip malls, sub-divisions and the resulting traffic congestion.

Fifty percent of the money would be used by Washtenaw County to purchase property development rights from farmers, so that farmers would no longer have the option to sell their land to developers.

Additional money would be used to protect open land and parks and to redevelop urban areas.

Supporters of the proposal are hoping to preserve a way of life that has existed in Washtenaw County for a long time.

"Many of these farms are centennial farms which means they have been in the farmer's family for over 100 years," said SNRE senior Kris Genovese, chair of MSA's Environmental Issues Committee. "I'd rather see them here than a strip mall or another Meijer."

Yet opponents say an economic issue is being overlooked.

Property taxes will increase the cost of living, which includes students' rent, said Jeff Muir, campaign manager for Washtenaw Citizens for Responsible Growth.

"The property tax increase will make it more difficult for people to afford to move from renting to owning a house," Muir said.

Also addressed at the meeting was the appointment of speakers for the Two Days of Action, a rally being held Oct. 21 and 22 by the Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action by Any Means Necessary.

Reps. Aaron Flagg, a Rackham graduate student, and Bram Elias, an LSA junior, will speak at the rally on behalf of MSA.

10-14-98