State Representative Offers Lansing Update
Ed Gaffney Addresses November Forum
With Legislative Accomplishments/ChallengesState Rep. Ed Gaffney, left, visits with audience members Harry Kurtz and Cheryl Costantino after speaking to November ERC Forum
Upbeat, yet realistic.
These two words described the outlook of newly re-elected State Representative Edward J. Gaffney in his talk to the Eastside Republican Club Forum on November 16, 2004.
ERC chairman, Ed Joseph, introduced Gaffney saying, “He has been a good voice in Lansing for all of us on the eastside.”
Recognizing the campaign assistance he had received from volunteers, Gaffney began by saying, “Campaigns are a team effort and I'm touched by all of the dedicated volunteers.”ERC Chairman Ed Joseph introduces Rep. Gaffney at Grosse Pointe War Memorial
“You can be sure that our community will be heard from and well represented in Lansing,” he continued. He said his votes in the legislature would be guided by the principles of fiscal conservatism and local control.
“It is a privilege and honor to be your State Representative in Lansing,” said the upbeat Gaffney. >>See election tally, below.
Challenges Ahead for State
Gaffney was realistic as he explained that in view of pressure for increased appropriations and the prospect of steady or declining revenue, State budget issues would continue to be the primary challenge for the legislature.
Gaffney expects the State will face its fifth straight year of resolving budget deficits. He noted that instead of increased outlays for items such as revenue sharing, taxpayers are demanding the State hold the line on taxation and spending.
He said, “The challenge is to find ways to live within current income, instead of constantly seeking new sources of taxation--we must learn to live within our means.”
As to the remaining portion of the current legislative session, Gaffney said the House Speaker has promised a “short, limited, unexciting” lame duck session.
Rep. Edward J. Gaffney Defeats Two Challengers 
Wins November Re-election to Second House Term
Finishing first in the three-way race for District 1 Representative, Republican Edward J. Gaffney of Grosse Pointe Farms earned 58 percent of the November 2 vote, and was re-elected for a second term in the Michigan House of Representatives.
Following a hard campaign that included his door-to-door efforts to meet prospective voters, Gaffney earned 25,945 votes in the district which spans a portion of Detroit and six suburban east side communities. Contributing to Gaffney's success at the polls were more than 1,000 Gaffney votes from within the City of Detroit. >>ERC-backed slate showing election winners.
Candidate
Party
Detroit
Votes
Out-County
Votes
Total Votes
Wayne County
%
Total
Gaffney, Edward J.
Rep.
1,089
24,856
25,945
58%
Harrison, C.J.
Dem.
7,916
9,930
17,846
40%
Lavigne, Andrea
Green
229
833
1,062
2%
All Candidates
9,234
35,619
44,853
100%
Gaffney's Future Legislative Goals
Gaffney outlined five of his priority goals for the next session of the legislature.
1. Protect Michigan's greatest natural resource, water, by doubling fines for habitual polluters.
2. Impose a cap on property tax for residents who move within the same community. Today they are faced with paying higher taxes for a smaller house.
3. Preserve 20J funding for our schools. Gaffney said that education is a top priority, and he aims for our community to obtain its share of funding. Last year, the Governor attempted to cut this State funding for our public school district, but then retreated under pressure.
4. Provide for library board accountability by requiring boards to be selected by the voters, not appointed.
5. Require that public schools resume classes after and not before Labor Day, recognizing that “summer is too short as it is,” and as a boost to Michigan's tourism industry.
Gaffney-Sponsored Bills Enacted
Gaffney highlighted three bills sponsored by him that were enacted during his first term.
1. Direct supervision by a licensed physician now required for the use of a laser for dermatological purposes in Michigan.
2. Requirement for schools and day centers to provide advance notice of planned pesticide use.
3. Streamlined process for resolution of existing zoning ordinance violations, particularly those involving pollution or the blight of abandoned or junked vehicles.
Some 2003-2004 Legislative Accomplishments
Gaffney said, “You can be proud of your Republican-led legislature.” He said that the next session will begin the fourth consecutive term (spanning eight years) in which Republicans have held the majority. Following the November 2004 balloting the Republican advantage in the State House stands at 58 to 52.
Gaffney also highlighted these achievements of the last legislative session.
1. Enacted a consolidation of school board and millage elections. Locally, the next such election is scheduled on February 22, 2005, to consider approval of a Grosse Pointe public school system millage proposal.
2. Saved Michigan Merit Scholarship program, $6,700 per-student grant.
3. Suspended utility shut-offs for any Reservist called to active duty.
4. Proposed reform of Detroit Water & Sewerage Board (vetoed by Gov. Granholm).
5. Exempted new businesses from certain taxes.
6. Assisted Michigan tool and die industry with tax breaks, incentives.
7. Imposed regulations on the use of cell phone cameras in private places.
8. Increased penalties for identification theft, making it a felony, and providing victims the right to obtain a police report.
The November Forum concluded with audience questions about such topics as charter schools, job out sourcing and the single business tax phase-out, and also included questions about prospective GOP gubernatorial candidates and Michigan Republican State Committee leadership.
The Eastside Republican Club Forum is held on the third Tuesday of the month from September through June. Admission is free and the public is always welcome. For more information, contact chairman Ed Joseph at (313) 343-2900. >>More events.
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