MACOMB COUNTY — A ballot proposal asking residents if a commission should be put together to write a charter that would allow for a county executive form of government was approved on May 6, with 56.1 percent voting in favor of the measure. 

Results reveal that 39,103 Macomb County residents agree with the idea and 30,609, or 43.9 percent disagree.

Over the past several months, both sides of the issue have feverishly debated. Those in favor feel that the initiative would make government run much smoother, among other benefits, and those opposed believe the new form of government will end up costing taxpayers more.

Bob Cannon, the supervisor of Clinton Township who has always been in favor of the measure, said he was pleased with the outcome.

“I’m glad it passed,” he said. “I think it will put Macomb County on a more equal footing to our other competitors.”

Sterling Heights Mayor Richard Notte has also been a big supporter of the initiative.

“I thought it came out good,” he said of the election results.

Notte takes the same stance as Cannon, stating that he believes a county executive could give Macomb County equal clout with other counties.

“I think it’s the first step in making the change,” he said.

County Commissioner Peter Lund has been against the idea from the beginning, but said he was willing to accept the final vote.

“That’s what the people who voted wanted and we move forward from there,” he said.

Lund, who represents the northern portion of Shelby Township, said that he believes that those in favor of the measure had a lot more money to put forward in the campaign, so voters heard their side of the debate more often.

“The people who were running the pro side were the ones that had the money … and I think that was the main difference,” he said.

Cannon said that the next step is for interested Macomb County residents to apply to be part of the charter commission. He said that 26 people will be elected to the board. After the charter is written, it will have to be approved by the governor.

“There is a good checks and balance to the whole process,” he said.

County Commissioner Phil DiMaria appeared to have some reservations about the idea of a county executive, but remained pragmatic concerning the issue. DiMaria said he has decided to wait to form an opinion on the matter until he sees what the charter says.

“In order to see if this might work … I supported it on the May 6 election and I want to see what the charter [commission] puts together and whether or not I think that charter will work for the benefit of the people,” he said.

DiMaria, who represents Eastpointe, said that he is worried that reducing the number of commissioners will cause tax increases, something he is vehemently opposed to, but added that many people are waiting, like him, to see what the actual language will be.

“The caveat to our support is we will give them the opportunity to write this charter. Let's see if it will be an effective one and bring about change,” he said.

Lund agreed with DiMaria and said he will be eager to see what the charter commission comes up with.

“It’s really hard to say anything until we see what the charter looks like,” he said.

You can reach Staff Writer Sarah Cormier at scormier@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1095.