Voter Voice for GOs

A group of Ann Arbor residents is pushing a proposal to amend the city charter to require voter approval on all general obligation bond issues.

If successful, the proposal, which is being organized by a group calling itself GO Ask Voters, would make Ann Arbor the first city in Michigan to require voter approval on GO debt issuance.

Under current law, voter approval is required if the city intends to increase taxes to pay for the debt. Voters can also require a referendum if they gather enough signatures.

The proposed amendment would require more than 50% of voters to approve all GO issues. Revenue bonds and special assessment bonds are exempted from the measure.

To change the city charter, the group needs to gather 5% of registered voters' signatures and have the city clerk approve the petition for the ballot. The group hopes to have the issue on the November ballot.

"Ann Arbor is a city of political, social, and environmental firsts, and this charter amendment would be yet another proud achievement for Ann Arbor's voters, and this hub of progressive politics we call home," proponents wrote on their Web site.

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