Semscope Winter 2003
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SEMSCOPE A quarterly publication of SEMCOG, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments Winter 2003 SEMCOG’sSEMCOG’s 20032003 legislativelegislative policypolicy platformplatform Commentary The strength of SEMCOG’s voice Maps U.S. Congressionalcongressional districts State Senatesenate and houseHouse districtsdistricts SEMscope 2002-2003 Officers R. LaMar Frederick Chairperson Supervisor, Bedford Township Southeast Michigan Council of Governments Maryann Mahaffey 535 Griswold Street, Suite 300 First Vice Chairperson Detroit, Michigan 48226-3602 Council President, 313-961-4266 • Fax 313-961-4869 City of Detroit www.semcog.org Mary Blackmon R. LaMar Frederick, Chairperson Vice Chairperson Paul E. Tait, Executive Director President, Wayne County Regional Education Service Agency Publication Staff Susan L. Stetler, Communications Manager Joan Flynn Glenda Marks, Graphics Coordinator Vice Chairperson Nick Friedrich, Graphic Designer Commissioner, Macomb County Please direct any questions about this publication to Sue Stetler, 313-961-4266 or [email protected] Gregory Pitoniak Vice Chairperson SEMscope is a quarterly publication of SEMCOG Mayor, ISSN#03061-1310 City of Taylor Cover photo: September 11, 2002 memorial service at Hart Plaza in Detroit. Dante J. Lanzetta, Jr. Immediate Past Chair Commissioner, City of Birmingham Paul E. Tait Executive Director Preparation of this document was financed in part through grants from and in cooperation with the Michigan Department of Transportation with the assistance of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration, Federal Aviation Administration and Federal Transit Administration; the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality with the assistance of the U.S. Department of Commerce; the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; the Michigan State Police Office of Highway Safety Planning; and local membership contributions. Printed on recycled paper. SEMscope – Winter ‘03 Contents Commentary 2 The strength of SEMCOG’s voice benefits Southeast Michigan R. LaMar Frederick, Chairperson; Supervisor, Bedford Township 3 SEMCOG goals drive legislative policy 4 Some tips for effective advocacy 5 U.S. Congressional districts map 6 State Senate districts map 7 State House districts map 8 Maintaining roads, enhancing transit top priorities 9 Our environment is an important regional concern 10 Grappling with growth, redevelopment challenges 11 Ensuring that quality local governments serve citizens Information 12 Just the Facts SEMscope – Winter ‘03 1 A Commentary from R. LaMar Frederick Commentary SEMCOG Chairperson Supervisor, Bedford Township The strength of SEMCOG’s voice benefits Southeast Michigan These words from the U.S. Constitution are a powerful reminder of the several freedoms upon which the United States was founded — “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” The first amendment gives all of us a voice. As citizens, we all have the right and responsibility to express our thoughts to our elected officials at the local, state, or federal levels. The voice becomes stronger when we do that together. That is the strength of SEMCOG. With our approval, SEMCOG, representing Southeast Michigan, advocates in Lansing and Washington as a single, strong voice for its 150+ local member governments. There are successes to report from 2002. SEMCOG advocacy had a positive effect on passing the following state legislation: •Basement flooding liability protection, •Water quality bond proposal, •Transportation asset management, •Timely removal of abandoned vehicles from state trunkline highways, and •Brownfield redevelopment. As 2003 begins, we’ll be facing many complex issues in a very uncertain environment. At the state level, we will have to learn to work with a new governor and staff. At the federal level, we will be competing with international challenges such as terrorism, uncertain world economies, and perhaps even war. And everything we do will be done with the knowledge that all governments face financial challenges. Now more than ever, a partnership is needed between local and state and federal governments. Now more than ever, local government needs allies at the state and federal level. Now more than ever, we need SEMCOG. This special issue of SEMscope details the issues that SEMCOG will be advocating for on our behalf in 2003. SEMCOG’s local government members approved the legislative policy platform that we detail here. As we face these immense challenges at this critical time, it is important that our voice be strong and that we continue to work through SEMCOG on those issues that transcend community boundaries to enhance the quality of life for all citizens in Southeast Michigan. 2 SEMscope – Winter ‘03 Legislative2003 Policy SEMCOG goals drive legislative policy EMCOG IS A BIPARTISAN ASSOCIATION OF elected officials, as well as the private sector and 150 local governments in the seven-county advocacy groups to develop policy. Local elected SSoutheast Michigan region. SEMCOG’s officials adopt all major SEMCOG policies. mission is twofold: collaborative problem solving SEMCOG’s member-approved policies in the among local governments and long-range areas of transportation, community and planning, specifically on infrastructure issues economic development, environment, land use, such as roads, transit, sewers, and community and education govern its legislative agenda. development, to enhance the quality of life for These policies fall under a number of broad the region’s 4.9 million residents. overarching goals, below, which guide reviews of Our staff of 85 combines technical expertise all federal and state legislative and regulatory with the political insight of our member local proposals. Quality of life 1 The ultimate goal is to enhance quality of life for all residents of Southeast Michigan. Federal and state proposals should further the ability of local governments to improve their constituents’ quality of life. Local control It is our fundamental belief that, whenever possible, problems should be addressed 2 at the level of government closest to citizens. SEMCOG’s member governments strongly defend their duty to shape and manage their communities and school districts in the individual manners their constituents’ desire. Regional cooperation 3 Many issues transcend community boundaries. Federal and state proposals should support local governments’ ability to work together to solve regional issues. Financial resources Southeast Michigan communities, constituting the state’s most highly urbanized 4 and populous area, must obtain the financial resources necessary to meet their constituent needs. Federal and state governments must fully fund all mandates on local governments, return to the region its fair share of tax revenues, and support local governments’ ability to raise funds locally. Local tools A common thread throughout SEMCOG policies is that the federal and state 5 governments should support and foster local communities’ discretionary use of multiple tools and programs to accomplish their missions. SEMscope – Winter ‘03 33 Legislative2003 Policy Some tips for effective advocacy ETTING INVOLVED IN THE LEGISLATIVE Correspond with a legislator process can be a challenging, rewarding, •A personal letter or e-mail message may be the G and sometimes frustrating experience. most effective way of contacting your As local government leaders, you and your legislator, whether in Lansing or Washington, citizens are often directly impacted by decisions D.C. How to properly address made in Lansing and Washington, D.C. Here •Address it properly (see sidebar). are some tips for you to effectively advocate via letters to legislators •Time your letter so that it arrives while the bill either a face-to-face meeting with a legislator or is still in committee and there is still time to For a U.S. Senator: a written request. take effective action. Sometimes a bill is out The Honorable (full name) United States Senator Meet with a legislator of committee, or has been passed, before a Address •It is best to meet informally or socially with helpful, informative letter arrives which could Begin the letter: legislators even before making a specific have made a difference in the way the bill was written or in the final decision. Dear Senator (last name): legislative request. Friendly, personal acquaintance forms a strong basis for •Identify the bill or issue of concern to you. For a personal, or group lobbying efforts. Provide reasons why your request is in the U.S. Representative: •It is usually a waste of time to lobby legislators state/national interest, in a form legislators The Honorable (full name) who already support your position. However, can be proud to circulate among colleagues. United States Representative they may be helpful in making suggestions Many bills and resolutions are introduced Address for your lobbying efforts. each session. If your letter concerns a specific Begin the letter: •A crowd is not necessary to effectively bill, try to give the bill number or refer to it Dear Congressman/woman advocate. One or two well-informed by a popular title, such as “Clean Water (last name): representatives can be effective (and less Bond.” confusing). •Be brief, presenting your opinions, facts, For a State Senator: •In presenting your