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"Michigan Matters:" Brooks Patterson Will Explain Why He Gave Regional Transit Millage Plan The Thumbs Down

By CBS Detroit

Despite growing pressure from business leaders and others in favor of a new regional transit millage tax plan, Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson steadfastly refuses to support it as written.

He explained his decision during taping of CBS62's "Michigan Matters."

Patterson appeared on the round table, along with Charlie Beckham, Group Executive of Neighborhoods, City of Detroit, Susy Avery, former Michigan GOP Chair,  and Carol Cain, senior producer and host.

Oakland is refusing to  support the plan, which would  raise $700 million in taxes from 40 communities over 20 years and, Patterson says, provide only $79 million worth of services.

Patterson added the plan also excludes some municipalities in his county, which is another stumbling block for him.

Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel is also against the transit measure as written.

Representatives for  Oakland and Macomb counties on the RTA board voted Thursday against putting the tax proposal before voters.

Beckham, who has worked for every mayor of Detroit since the late Coleman Young, said regional transit has been a thorny issue for 40 years.

Patterson said another vote with the RTA  board is likely  next week in a bid to find a compromise.

If one is reached, the measure would then find its way onto the November ballot.

On another topic, Avery, who just retired from her job as head of  the Michigan Women's Commission, discussed the role of gender in the presidential race.

Hillary Clinton is now the nominee of her party and will face what some say could become a tough contest against Donald Trump.

On other issues, Thomas C. Shafer, president of Talmer Bank, appeared on the show to discuss its pending merger with Chemical Bank. The marriage would make it one of the largest banks in Michigan.

You can hear more by watching "Michigan Matters" 11:30 Sunday on CBS62.

 

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