Politics

End Game: Detroit-Bashing Tactic Wraps Up Prop 6 Push By Moroun Group

November 03, 2012, 8:11 PM

In a move one local office calls "desperate," the committee backing the Proposal 6 bridge measure tries to use anti-Detroit sentiments as a way to win votes.

The postcard above, which reached some voters this weekend, shows a run-down city street and provocative text about "more pork projects and ‘special giveaways’ for the new bridge.”

Detroit Free Press writer John Gallagher and Paul Egan tell what's behind the mailing, sent by a Moroun-financed group called The People Should Decide Ballot Committee:

The flyer -- one of many pieces of mailed literature in favor of Proposal 6 arriving at homes almost daily -- attacks the idea of “community benefits” for the Delray neighborhood in southwest Detroit where the U.S. side of the proposed New International Trade Crossing public bridge to Canada would be built.

Proposal 6 aims to stop construction of a new bridge between Detroit and Windsor by mandating a statewide vote on any such project, as well as a vote in the affected municipality. Proponents say a new bridge is crucial to economic development in southeast Michigan.. . .

Moroun, whose [Ambassador] bridge company has put $33.2 million into the Proposal 6 campaign, had steered clear of the Detroit issue until this weekend.

The paper quotes state Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Detroit, as saying “this company is desperate.” Her district includes the Delray neighborhood.

The reporters lay out the context and a bridge company spokesman's comment. They note:

Moroun, whose bridge company has put $33.2 million into the Proposal 6 campaign, had steered clear of the Detroit issue until this weekend.


Read more:  Detroit Free Press


Leave a Comment:

Photo Of The Day