Stopping loss of local control over mining permits

I appreciated your editorial “Please Take Just 10 Minutes Before Monday to Stand Against the Loss of Local Control over Gravel Mining in Michigan“ and wrote to the legislators as requested. When I lived in Scio Township, we faced a similar situation when a company wanted to frack near aquifers we depended on.

That convinced me that unregulated money in politics was as much a local issue as a national one. Mining companies, even those that are substantially foreign corporations, can overwhelm local races with money attacking those councilmembers who stand in their way. Since then, I’ve learned that thee companies and others, such as DTE, are funding the campaigns of the overwhelming majority of Michigan legislators. We need more control over money in politics, especially from corporations, and I suggest Sharon Township pass a local resolution calling for campaign finance reform. Michiganders for Fair and Transparent Elections can be contacted through Facebook to help with a resolution.