SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Protesters are planning on bringing a giant pig to certain areas of Southwest Michigan in order to picket against a bipartisan Federal lawsuit over Michigan term limits.
The campaign is entitled “Don’t Touch Term Limits!” and the 18-foot pig “symbolizes the gluttonous attempt by the Michigan legislature to keep feeding at the public trough on the taxpayer dime,” according to the group.
“Nothing makes lobbyists squeal like losing legislators to term limits,” said Scott Tillman, State Coordinator for Don’t Touch Term Limits! “We want politicians to know the people of Michigan love our term limits. Term limits were introduced by citizens not politicians. It is a conflict of interest for our politicians to meddle with the people’s term limits.”
Currently, term limits are set at 6 and 8 years in Michigan. Tillman believes that it is being done for personal gain.
“Lee Chatfield, Mike Shirkey and the Chamber of Commerce are only coming after term limits to get more time at the trough,” Tillman said. “Reps Miller and Paquette should make it clear they are citizen legislators not career politicians by standing up for the voters. We will do everything in our power to stop this undemocratic power grab and defend the will of Michigan citizens.”
Others say that the term limits are not long enough to make a difference in Michigan law.
“What they would tell you is that six years in the house, eight years in the senate and then a lifetime ban from that chamber, which incidentally, are the shortest, harshest term limits that any state has anywhere in the nation, simply isn’t enough time for someone new to the institution to come in, learn everything that they need to know, develop expertise, and make a real difference,” Former Michigan Solicitor General John Bursch said. “They thought that just as they were starting to hit their stride and make significant policy changes that would benefit Michiganders, all of a sudden they were out and they had no ability to ever come back again, and they see that as hugely problematic.”
Bursch argues that having new people on a constant basis is not healthy for Michigan law.
The protests featuring the giant pig will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 18th at the following locations:
- 8:30 AM – New Buffalo, Corner of Merchant & N Whittaker St
- 10:30 AM – Niles, Near E Main & N 4th St
- 12:30 PM – Three Rivers, Downtown, Near Main & Portage Ave
- 3:30 PM – Sturgis, Near West & N Nottawa St
The term limits were previously voted into law in 1992. More information about the lawsuit will be reported as it becomes available.
