KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The Kalamazoo city commission is now unanimously urging city voters to say no to a ballot item that would alter the city charter to create a health advisory board.
They approved a resolution at Monday night’s meeting.
Commissioners argue the ballot initiative was funded by an unknown source, with an unstated intent, forcing the city to take on an expensive chore they have no authority to pursue.
Commissioner Chris Praedel says this kind of initiative sets a dangerous precedent, that anyone with an agenda could do the same.
“Somebody who is a trillionaire could put limitless resources behind something like trying to change our ordinance so that your hands are tied when it comes to things like data centers.”
City clerk Scott Borling says residents who may have already voted absentee and want to change their vote can do so by nullifying their first ballot and filling out a new one.
“Now with just two weeks before the election at this point if someone wanted to do that I would really recommend that they come in person to make sure that we get their voted ballot back in time.”
City attorney Aaron Leal was asked whether it’s legal for the commission to take such a formal position, and he says there is plenty of precedent for doing so statewide.
“In fact, over the last 20 years, the city commission has actually passed four similar types of resolutions.”
Mayor Dave Anderson says he still wants people to vote, and he acknowledges that the healthcare system needs improvements, but he says this measure won’t accomplish that, and if it passes it will just cost the city money it should be spending on something useful.
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