Two Statewide & Two Countywide Proposals On November 4th Ballot

IRONWOOD, MI - Thursday, October 16, 2008 - Two statewide and two countywide proposals will appear on the November 04, 2008 ballots.

Proposal 08-1 is a legislative initiative to allow, under state law, the medical use of marijuana. More information on this proposal can be obtained by contacting the Michigan Coalition for Compassionate Care, P.O. Box 20489, Ferndale, Michigan 48220. Dianne Byrum (517) 333-1606.

Proposal 08-2 is a proposed constitutional amendment to permit, with certain limitations, stem cell research in Michigan. More information about this proposal can be obtained by contacting Stem Cell Research BQC, P.O. Box 20216, Lansing, Michigan 48901. Mark Burton (517) 974-4004.

Listed below are the proposals as they will appear on the November 04, 2008 ballots:

PROPOSAL 08-1

A LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVE TO PERMIT THE USE AND CULTIVATION OF MARIJUANA FOR SPECIFIED MEDICAL CONDITIONS

The proposed law would:

  • Permit physician approved use of marijuana by registered patients with debilitating medical conditions including cancer, glaucoma, HIV, AIDS, hepatitis C, MS and other conditions as may be approved by the Department of Community Health.
  • Permit registered individuals to grow limited amounts of marijuana for qualifying patients in an enclosed, locked facility.
  • Require Department of Community Health to establish an identification card system for patients qualified to use marijuana and individuals qualified to grow marijuana.
  • Permit registered and unregistered patients and primary caregivers to assert medical reasons for using marijuana as a defense to any prosecution involving marijuana.

Should this proposal be adopted? YES OR NO

PROPOSAL 08-2

A PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE STATE CONSTITUTION TO ADDRESS HUMAN EMBRYO AND HUMAN EMBRYONIC STEM CELL RESEARCH IN MICHIGAN

The proposed constitutional amendment would:

  • Expand use of human embryos for any research permitted under federal law subject to the following limits: the embryos --
    • are created for fertility treatment purposes;
    • are not suitable for implantation or are in excess of clinical needs;
    • would be discarded unless used for research;
    • were donated by the person seeking fertility treatment.
  • Provide that stem cells cannot be taken from human embryos more than 14 days after cell division begins.
  • Prohibit any person from selling or purchasing human embryos for stem cell research.
  • Prohibit state and local laws that prevent, restrict or discourage stem cell research, future therapies and cures.

Should this proposal be adopted? YES OR NO

PROPOSAL FOR RENEWAL OF SEPARATE TAX LIMITATIONS

SHALL SEPARATE TAX LIMITATIONS BE RENEWED OR CONTINUED FOR A PERIOD OF FOUR (4) YEARS (2009-2012 INCLUSIVE) FOR THE COUNTY OF GOGEBIC AND THE TOWNSHIPS AND THE INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT WITHIN THE COUNTY, THE AGGREGATE OF WHICH SHALL NOT EXCEED NINE (9) MILLS AS FOLLOWS:

GOGEBIC COUNTY - 6.68 MILLS

GOGEBIC-ONTONAGON INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT - 0.32 MILLS

TOWNSHIPS:

Bessemer Township - 1.63 MILLS Erwin Township - 1.00 MILLS

Marenisco Township - 2.00 MILLS

Wakefield Township - 1.63 MILLS

Watersmeet Township - 1.77 MILLS Ironwood Township Chartered

Should this proposal be adopted? YES OR NO

SCHOOL CONSOLIDATION PROPOSAL

SHALL THE TERRITORY OF THE FOLLOWING SCHOOL DISTRICTS BE UNITED TO FORM 1 SCHOOL DISTRICT?

BESSEMER AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

IRONWOOD AREA SCHOOLS OF GOGEBIC COUNTY

WAKEFIELD-MARENISCO SCHOOL DISTRICT

Should this proposal be adopted? YES OR NO