He called out two politicians whose campaigns were cut short last month — Speaker of the House Andy Dillon, D-Redford, whose run for governor fell short; and Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop, R-Rochester, who failed to win the Republican primary bid for attorney general. He said both men are examples of voters holding legislators accountable — both voted for the Michigan Business Tax, which has been widely criticized by the business community.
"Our message is, 'Paybacks are hell,'" Secchia said. "We think Dillon paid for his position on the MBT."
Funny, that. Could have sworn the CW was that Dillon paid for his position on union benefits, and that they were the ones who took him out. Guess everyone wants to share the glory when it comes to Andy's defeat. And you just have to point and laugh at Mike Bishop, because it was the his party who took out the SBT so they could play political games for DeVos in '06, dragged their feet forever when it come to replacing it with the MBT, and it was Bishop's grandstanding on taxes in '07 in an attempt to use those votes for partisan gain that led to the MBT surcharge. Tangled webs and all, and now to have a high-roller Republican like Secchia indicating that Bishop paid the price for the obstruction and chaos they orchestrated? It's a knee-slapper when you really think about it.
Doug DeVos (little brother to the Dickster) went one better, and indicated that these politicians are bought and paid for, thank you very much, and they haven't performed like they were supposed to. Oops.
"People have had it," DeVos said. "We've had it with the lack of response from people we've put in place to create that environment."
DeVos called on attendees to let their voice be heard by grabbing politicians in "personal spots" by withholding campaign contributions and votes until the issues important to business are addressed.
The rest of you voters of Michigan need not apply. The wealthy want the MBT eliminated (only little people pay taxes, don'tcha know) and they want those unions busted with right-to-work legislation - and they mean to get it this time.
Secchia said the agenda set in 2008, which included eliminating the Michigan Business Tax and making Michigan a Right-to-Work state may have been ignored in Lansing, but it started a conversation that will drive change.
"Right to Work was hardly discussed prior to 2008. It was like a pork chop at a Jewish picnic -- it was ignored," he said.
And it might just be again. The growing consensus is that right-to-work laws don't really make that much difference in our new global economy, and even if they did, the guys running for governor don't have any interest in pursuing the matter.
Rick Snyder and Virg Bernero agreed Friday that making Michigan a right-to-work state is not something they'd pursue if elected governor.
The two candidates said the issue is too divisive and would get in the way of efforts to create more jobs and spur Michigan's economy.
But what if the legislature takes it up? Snyder still says no. No one has uttered the word "veto" though - maybe that's a question some intrepid reporter can ask at the next town hall.
Will DeVos and Secchia make good on their threats should Snyder be elected and not perform as they desire? Since his tax plan may even involve raising taxes on business, they better get those recall petitions lined up. Or, they can stop making these threats, one or the other. Wouldn't want to get to the point where they aren't taken seriously anymore, right?