Snyder: Many constitutional proposals 'bad public policy'
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By Robin Schwartz FOX 2 News Reporter
TRENTON, Mich. -- Governor Rick Snyder made a stop at a firehouse in Trenton to sign a new law he hopes will prevent fake 911 calls.
The governor also stopped to talk about the six ballot proposals up for a vote in November, which address emergency managers, collective bargaining, renewable energy, taxes and building bridges and tunnels.
"Many of these constitutional proposals are largely bad public policy in my perspective, and beyond that I don't think they belong in the constitution anywhere. That's the point of having a legislature," said Snyder.
The governor said he plans to vote no on all of them except the emergency manager law. He also said he is disappointed in the UAW's neutral position on Prop 6, which could interfere with a plan to build a new bridge between Detroit and Canada.
"Essentially we have a contract with Canada, and there's long-standing law long before a constitutional amendment to say that could be an impairment of contract," Snyder said.
The governor said if Prop 6 passes, there will be a lawsuit that could drag on for years. The initiative is backed by Ambassador Bridge owner Matty Moroun, who wants to build his own bridge and has been locked in a battle with the state.
The governor will also be keeping a close eye on Tuesday's town hall-style presidential debate. The stakes are high with polls showing a tight race between President Obama and Mitt Romney.
"The first debate, I thought Governor Romney did very well in. And so the question is... how's the president going to respond? I would expect Governor Romney to continue on that path," Snyder remarked.
Snyder said he hopes the candidates won't waste time arguing about the past and instead will put proposals on the table to reinvent our country. The big election is now just about three weeks away.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:46 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:46:26 GMT
Bugs are important to our environment and can even tell us about our water quality. That's why dozens on local students have been taking part in bug hunts.
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A Detroit-based startup is taking off and installing green energy systems across the globe. They are taking a unique approach using a network of expert "freelancers."
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The New York City Police Department says it is beefing up security at the British consulate, military recruiting stations and other locations due to an apparent terror attack in London.
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An Army soldier has been charged with secretly photographing and videotaping women at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, including in a bathroom.
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Jersey shore town is celebrating a milestone as it rebuilds from Superstorm Sandy. Belmar officials will reopen their 1.3-mile boardwalk that was destroyed by the October storm.
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Innuendo, sexual advances and an overnight stay in Lansing -- a politician's former aide claims he had to endure a nightmare on the job. Now a sexual harassment lawsuit has been filed against Rep. Brian Banks.
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Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:46 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:46:26 GMT
Bugs are important to our environment and can even tell us about our water quality. That's why dozens on local students have been taking part in bug hunts.
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13 dogs were rescued from a house on Ewers in southwest Detroit. The three most emaciated dogs were taken to the VCA in St. Clair Shores. They are being held in isolation for at least a week.
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Prosecutors have now filed charges against Myron Williams, a next door neighbor to a woman found strangled in Grosse Pointe Park, but the counts do not include murder.
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Neighbors said he threatened them with a shotgun, then opened fire wounding two people. Now one of the victims has said he's angry the man accused of pulling the trigger is already out of jail.
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Wednesday, May 22 2013 1:44 PM EDT2013-05-22 17:44:18 GMT
Today at 2 p.m. 100 community leaders, union officials, concerned residents and Northwestern High School Alumni will protest the closure of the high school.
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