LANSING -- Michigan’s state government is operating on its fourth Constitution, but could see a fifth through a Constitutional Convention or “Con-Con” if Proposal 1 on the November ballot passes. Michigan residents have a chance to decide what, if any revisions should be made to the 1963 Michigan Constitution, if they decide not to scrap that 52-page version entirely.
Governor Jennifer M. Granholm supports a convention. Her office released the following statement Friday:
“Our current state Constitution was built for the 1960s and much like the Cash for Clunkers program, it’s time for the people of the State of Michigan to turn in their Constitution for a better, more efficient model for the 21st Century world in which we must compete.”
If voters approve a convention, delegates would be elected from legislative districts to participate in a two-year process of revision. The issue comes before the voters every 16 years.
Many like Democratic State Senator John Gleason see both sides of the issue, but question whether the current political climate could sustain an overhaul. “There’s a lot of volatility in government, and in the citizenry today. I don’t know if the Constitutional Convention would be as civil for such an undertaking,” Gleason said.
Republican candidates for governor are also weighing in on the issue. “If you do a convention, you get a massive document,” said Oakland County Sheriff and Republican candidate Mike Bouchard.
“So much of it is difficult to intelligently digest for the voter who has a very busy life of their own, without having a huge document and be told to vote yes or no,” he added.
“I think in theory it’s a good idea but in practice, my real concern is it will be a special interest circus,” said Ann Arbor businessman Rick Snyder. Drafting for the current Constitution started back in 1961.
