DATE: August 7, 2007

The Kent County Families for Fiscal Responsibility (KCFFR) helped to successfully defeat the second request by GRCC for a millage increase. The final margin of victory was 361 votes for those opposing the tax hike.

Despite August traditionally having low voter turnout in outlying Kent County areas, voters came to the polls to reject GRCC’s second request. Although the city of Grand Rapids had much higher voter turn out than in May due to their mayoral race, their yes votes were overwhelmed by a larger opposition to the millage request in Wyoming, Walker, and the outlying townships.

Said KCFFR spokesman, Dr. Eric Larson, “We were a small band of volunteers with a very limited budget but we persevered. Despite being outspent by over $100,000 we focused on the smaller townships and prevailed because of their boosted voter turnout. This is a great day for taxpayers in Kent County as they will now have $9.8 million more to feed into the local economy.”

If you would like to schedule an interview with Eric Larson please contact him by email at lpmlarson@comcast.net.

Because the tax hike request was close, officials assume voters just made a mistake and really wanted to pay more in taxes. That’s why they are coming right back with a $150,000+ campaign to convince you of your mistake.

Do you think they would hold another election if it had only passed by one vote? You know the answer to that question.

In fact, officials admitted that the reason they are holding the millage request again so soon is that there is traditionally low voter turnout in the summer in rural communities making the request more likely to pass.

They admit to not valuing your voice – only your wallet!

Be sure to vote again this August 7th. Tell your neighbors and make sure this tax increase doesn’t sneak through.