November Election - Redford voters can go to polls Tuesday, November 6th to vote on a millage increase request brought forward by the Wayne County Community College Board of Trustees.

I urge all residents to get to the polls and vote no on this proposal.

Wayne County Community College currently gets 1 mill for tax support from Redford taxpayers because we are part of the Wayne County Community College District. Last year that millage generated more than one million dollars from Redford residents to support the school. Those dollars supported 40 part-time and 1 full-time student from Redford Township.

By contrast, Schoolcraft Community College had 348 Redford students enrolled last year and Henry Ford Community College 279. Much of this is simply geography. Wayne County has facilities in Detroit and in far western Wayne County communities like Belleville and Taylor. Redford students find it easier to get to Schoolcraft and Henry Ford because they are closer.

Years ago Redford voters turned down the opportunity to join the Schoolcraft College District. Because we were not part of a district, we were put in the Wayne County Community College District. Early in my term, I investigated joining the Schoolcraft Community College District but state law now makes it very difficult and onerous to change community college school districts.

If the Wayne county Community College millage passes, the rate in Redford will go from 1 mill to 2.5 mills, generating about 2.5 million dollars for the next ten years.

These are resources that could be desperately used locally for roads, public safety, library, schools or a new community center.

I am pro education, but the numbers behind this proposal are staggering. If passed, Wayne County Community College budget would increase from 20 million dollars annually to over 50 million dollars for the next ten years. The cost benefit of this proposal simply is not there.

I urge all Redford voters to exercise their constitutional right to vote Tuesday,
November 6th. Please consider these facts and figures before casting your vote.

Thank you Sandy's - Sandy's By The Beech owner Sandy Draffen and her patrons sponsored a spaghetti dinner October 10th with all proceeds going to aid relief efforts in New York City. More than $7,000 was raised by generous contributors. Thank you Sandy and friends. Great job.

As always, I appreciate the opportunity to share my thoughts with you via the Redford Connection. If you have any questions, please give my office a call at 387-2806.