Watch CBS News

Ruling On Emergency Manager Repeal Petitions Expected Soon

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - Judges on the State Appeals Court say they will rule as soon as possible after hearing arguments on petitions intended to put a repeal of Michigan's emergency manager law on the November ballot.

Dozens of people opposing the law picketed outside the court Thursday morning as attorneys for Stand Up for Democracy and Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility presented their arguments inside.

Stand Up for Democracy wants the law repealed and collected enough signatures to have voters decide its future.

At Thursday's hearing , the Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility pointed to a so-called "Printer's Rule" -- saying the type size on the petition is 40 percent smaller than the state requires.

Stand Up for Democracy attorney, Herb Sanders, gave an emotional rebuttal.

"This case is about philosophy and how we're going to govern ... whether we're going to adhere to their philosophy or whether you are going to uphold your oath to the Constitution and allow us to govern by the people, of the people, and for the people," Sanders said.

Sanders' group also cited graphics experts who say the print size is, in fact, large enough.

The state Board of Canvassers voted 2-2 on the issue last month. The tie vote kept the measure off the ballot.

Under the emergency manager law, state-appointed emergency managers have the power to bypass collective bargaining and restructure union contracts as an avenue to civic cost-cutting. Opponents say the law is unconstitutional.

The Appeals Court ruling is expected within days.

Professor: EM Petition Had Correct Font Size

(TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.