Rep. Driskell Introduces Election Reform Bills in Ethics, Transparency Package

The bills would prohibit elected officials from lobbying for two years after they leave office in Michigan.

State Rep. Gretchen Driskell , D-Saline, announced that she will be sponsoring two bills in a package of ethics and accountability legislation. "This legislation is necessary to ensure that politicians are held to a higher standard." Driskell said in a press release. "Our citizens should have full faith and trust that their elected officials act with integrity and accountability." If enacted, Driskell's bills will prohibit elected officials from lobbying for two years after they leave office and strengthen the Campaign Finance Act to require additional financial disclosure. Other bills included in the package will: "I believe that by ending the revolving door between the Capitol and lobby firms as well as strengthening campaign finance …

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Where are the Biggest, Baddest Potholes Around Saline?

Here's how to report them so they can be fixed, how to tell your neighbors about them and how to (possibly) get paid back for the damage they cause.

Recent weather has frozen, thawed and cracked the pavement in some places, and melted snow and pouring rain have rearranged the pieces. Help friends and neighbors in Saline avoid the big ones by locating the offending holes on the map above (just hit the "Add" button). And if your vehicle has been damaged by a pothole, a state transportation agency may pay you back.  The Michigan Transportation Team has launched a "Pothole Pocketbook Contest;" through April 5, one randomly selected person each week will win a check to cover the cost of pothole-related repairs. To enter, visit justfixtheroads.com/contest and upload a photo of your repair bill and a photo of the pothole damage.

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Kwame Kilpatrick Ordered to Federal Prison in Milan

The former Detroit mayor was convicted Monday by a jury on 24 of 30 charges related to racketeering, bribery and extortion.

Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick was found guilty on federal corruption charges Monday and ordered to the Federal Correctional Institution in Milan. U.S. District Judge Nancy Edmunds denied bond and ordered that Kilpatrick be directly transported to prison following his conviction by a jury on 24 of 30 charges related to racketeering, bribery and extortion, according to the Detroit Free Press. The former mayor was sent to the Federal Correctional Institution in Milan, a low-security facility for men, annarbor.com reports. Kilpatrick previously spent time at the prison in 2010 when he was transferred there from the Oaks Correctional Facility near Manistee, the website notes. The Federal Correctional Institution has basketball and …

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Rep. Zemke Introduces Bill to Help Improve School Safety

Legislation would give school districts more flexibility to tap into sinking funds for student safety programs.

State Rep. Adam Zemke, D-Ann Arbor, introduced legislation Thursday that would remove restrictions on certain state funds, allowing school districts to invest in safety and security equipment. "Recent years of painful funding cuts from state government have resulted in instability and unpredictability for schools, making it increasingly difficult for districts to take the steps necessary to keep students safe," Zemke said in a press release. "This change will maintain local control while giving our schools the ability to raise the money to make schools safer." House Bill 4368 would affect sinking funds, which are voter-approved pools of money intended to maintain the liquid assets of a school district or other public entity. The …

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Rep. Driskell Denounces Bill to Limit Paid Sick Leave for Michigan Workers

House Bill 4249 would bar municipalities from enacting paid leave policies greater than those of the state or federal government.

A new bill moving through the Michigan Legislature is receiving significant push back from Democratic lawmakers. House Bill 4249, sponsored by state Rep. Earl Poleski, R-Jackson, would bar municipalities from enacting paid leave policies greater than those of the state or federal government. Reps. Gretchen Driskell, D-Saline, and Henry Yanez, D-Sterling Heights, members of the Michigan House Commerce Committee, heard testimony Thursday on the bill. Driskell said she believes the bill is meant to restrict the ability of local communities to support the health and well-being of their workforce. "As a former mayor, I believe that local governments know best how to meet community health issues," Driskell said. "Over 1.5 million workers in this…

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Carl Levin Won't Run for Re-Election in 2014

The Michigan senator won his first seat in 1978.

U.S. Sen. Carl Levin, who has been in office for more than 30 years, won't run for re-election in 2014. Levin, 78, released at statement Thursday afternoon stating “I can best serve my state and my nation by concentrating in the next two years on the challenging issues before us … in other words, by doing my job without the "distraction of campaigning for re-election," according to the Detroit Free Press. Levin first won a senate seat in 1978 and is the longest-serving senator in Michigan history, according to Click on Detroit. Michigan Republican Party Chairman Bobby Schostak issued the following statement regarding Democratic Senator Carl Levin retirement: “Michigan families are frustrated due to the lack of leadership and failed …

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Saline Won't Pay Special Levy for Fire Protection

The City Council decided against a special assessment during a meeting Monday night.

Smart Meter Opt Out Legislation Would Eliminate DTE's Proposed Fees

The utility offers customers an opportunity to decline the new wireless meters, but plans to charge one-time and monthly fees. Leave a comment to tell us what you think, Saline!

A Michigan lawmaker has introduced legislation to stop a proposed DTE Energy plan to charge customers who don't want new wireless "smart meters." The Oakland Press reported Thursday that state Rep. Tom McMillin (R-Rochester Hills) has introduced legislation that would allow DTE customers to opt out of the new meters without paying a proposed $87 one-time fee and $15 monthly fee.  [What do you think about DTE Energy's new wireless "smart meters," Saline? Leave a comment!] “I have spoken with residents of our communities who say they have had serious health issues caused by smart meters, and I believe these apprehensions are legitimate," McMillin told the newspaper, adding he believes the meters also raise "privacy concerns." DTE is …

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Road Commission Sets Seasonal Weight Restrictions for Trucks on All-Season Roads

Speed, in conjunction with weight, contributes to road damage including the creation of potholes, the Road Commission says.

The Washtenaw County Road Commission imposed seasonal weight restrictions for trucks traveling on all-season roads this week. For vehicles that weigh more than 10,000 pounds, there is a maximum speed limit of 35 miles per hour, regardless of the posted limit. "Road damage caused by heavy vehicles during winter and spring thawing periods is a problem that affects all northern states," the commission wrote on its website. "Speed, in conjunction with axle and wheel loading, contributes to road damage including the creation of potholes." The restrictions went into effect on Feb. 25, and will remain in effect until further notice. For more information regarding the weight restrictions, including a map of the road restrictions, visit the …

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