Curbing “Pop-up” Tax a High Priority
Victorious Representative Ed Gaffney
Offers Election Analysis & Legislative Goals
“Although I received only 10% of votes cast in the Detroit part of District 1, I represent them all 100%,” said a victorious Ed Gaffney, speaking to the Eastside Republican Club Forum on November 21, 2006, at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial.
The District 1 State Representative, now term-limited after his November 7, third-term victory, received 19,500 votes, or 52% of district votes cast. The district includes the Grosse Pointes, Harper Woods, and a portion of Detroit. By comparison, his closest challenger received 46%.
Addressing grassroots workers and voters in attendance, a grateful Gaffney said, “I couldn't do what I do without you doing what you do to support Republican candidates. I am humbled to serve the people of District 1.”
Also introduced at the meeting was newly reelected Court of Appeals Judge Kirsten Frank Kelly. She was first elected to the post in 2000.
Independent judicial candidate Wanda Evans was also introduced. She surprised observers by receiving 49% of November 7 votes cast in her race for Third Circuit Judge. This was her first bid for public office.
In his analysis of the 2006 General Election, Gaffney observed that while voter turnout in Detroit was just 37.5%, the straight party line vote there was 97%. He said that compared to the 10% of Detroiters who voted for him, DeVos received 4% of the vote there in his bid for governor.
Underscoring his support for citizens of Detroit, Gaffney noted that he sponsored the bill that resulted in real estate tax relief for homeowners in numerous Detroit neighborhoods.
State-wide Races
Gaffney said, “With high Michigan unemployment and mortgage foreclosures, we knew the [other party] would have to put a lot of money in the governor's race, but we didn't count on a certain financier from Kalamazoo.”
Despite the GOP's loss in the 2006 race for governor, Gaffney was quick to remind the audience, “Voters reelected Cox, Land, a GOP Senate, and a number of Republican-endorsed judges.”
Legislative Accomplishments
Gaffney recited an impressive list of legislative accomplishments during the last session.
He included successfully stopping a $600 million tax increase, limiting budget increases to less than the inflation rate, passing drug testing guidelines for welfare recipients, and increasing per-pupil funding for students attending a public school.
Gaffney has also been a strong proponent of protecting Michigan water resources. Speaking of the lakes, he said, “They are a legacy to pass on to our children and grandchildren.”
Future Legislative Goals
Gaffney said one of his top priorities will be to pursue hearings and support in the fight against the “pop-up” tax that results in depressed home selling prices, as some potential buyers find their real estate taxes will be double the taxes paid by the seller.
Rep. Ed Gaffney
Wants to Meet with You
Representative Ed Gaffney regularly holds local office hours to meet with area residents from 9 until 10 a.m. on Monday mornings.
Find out when and where. >>Details.
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He also noted that he is a strong backer of good public schools. Gaffney said, “The challenge will be to balance the state budget in the face of revenue shortfalls.”
“I oppose tax increases,” he said.
Gaffney listed some Republican legislative priorities during the next term, including the business regulatory climate, embryonic stem cell research, merit scholarships, and breaking the cycle of welfare by limiting the number of years a person can receive welfare payments.
Prior to his election to the Michigan House of Representatives, Gaffney served on the Grosse Pointe Farms city council from 1991-2002, and as Farms mayor from 1999 to 2002.
