Questionable statements:
"The bridge to Canada. $500 million just in interest payments. And with hidden costs — up to $8 billion."
The source of these claims is an Aug. 12 study commissioned by the Detroit International Bridge Co., owned by Manuel "Matty" Moroun. Moroun interests are spending millions of dollars on ads in an attempt to scuttle the proposed New International Trade Crossing bridge linking Detroit and Windsor.
A Moroun-financed ballot proposal group, The People Should Decide, released an executive summary of that study, performed by O'Keefe & Associates of Bloomfield Hills.
The summary doesn't explain the $500 million in interest payments or who is responsible for making them.
Although a June 15 agreement between Michigan and Canada to build the bridge calls for Canada to pay the entire cost of the bridge, including Michigan's $550 million share for building a connection to the bridge from Interstate 75, the O'Keefe report warns that Michigan taxpayers should be wary of getting a "free lunch" and that the project should be scrutinized for potential "hidden costs."
"But the real price isn't just in dollars. It's what we're giving up: high quality teachers for our kids; more cops on the beat; firefighters and EMTs; reduced pension taxes for seniors. Real cuts hurting real people."
Michigan isn't giving up anything because Canada is responsible for the cost of the bridge.
The claim that there will be "reduced pension taxes for seniors" makes no sense.
This appears to be some sort of a scare tactic, warning seniors that their financial security is somehow threatened by building the bridge.
Nearly every claim made in these ads is a distortion, exaggeration or a twisting of facts.
Moroun wants to maintain his near monopoly on serving traffic traveling between Detroit and Windsor via the Ambassador Bridge.
His blizzard of television ads shows he will not let facts and fair play get in his way.
Opinion
Truth Squad: Moroun won't let facts get in way
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Letters to the Editor: 05/25/2013
Appearance enhanced; Must act together.
Continued ... -
Another View: Attack on press is attack against all
It’s hard to think of any justification for the Justice Department to have snatched up thousands of phone records from the Associated Press, but there had better be a forthright explanation coming.
Continued ... -
Fact Check: IRS officials misled Congress, public
IRS officials gave false or misleading information on numerous occasions regarding its now discredited practice of targeting conservative groups that sought nonprofit status.
Continued ... -
Editorial: Fairness in enforcement must apply to meters
The issue: TC increasing Saturday parking meter enforcement. Our view: This can’t be a sometimes proposition.
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Letters to the Editor: 05/24/2013
Not listening?; We have been duped.
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Forum: Time to act now on military sexual assaults
America is facing an epidemic of sexual assaults in our military. The facts are truly frightening.
Continued ... - Thursday, May 23, 2013
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Editorial: Investing in roads, schools will help Mich. recovery
The issue: State surplus to go mainly to roads, schools. Our view: Both areas need major new investment.
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Letters to the Editor: 05/23/2013
Proud of veterans; Allow flexibility.
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Forum: Two numbers about climate change we ignore
At Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii, scientists are charting the passage of a milestone that, if ignored, heralds a future for civilization both tragic and chaotic.
Continued ... -
Phil Power: A route to new road dollars
Finding money to fix our crumbling roads has been by far the biggest (ahem) roadblock in Lansing for many months.
Continued ... - Wednesday, May 22, 2013
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Editorial: Sewer investment could pair with road repairs
The issue: TC is considering a road bond. Our view: Marrying road and sewer work may be best investment.
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Letters to the Editor: 05/22/2013
Rules violate the law; Send some to jail.
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Another View: Abusing authority inexcusable
When people talk about government posing a threat to citizens, a common topic these days is unmanned drones.
Continued ... - Tuesday, May 21, 2013
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Editorial: Earnings-based tuition an artificial construction
The issue: Some NMC programs to see stiff tuition hikes. Our view: Don’t base tuition on artificial ‘earnings’ projections.
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Letters to the Editor: 05/21/2013
Who awarded contract?; Who could want more?
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Forum: State gets ‘F’ for hidden campaign money
Just how much money was spent independently of candidates on elections for Michigan state office last year?
Continued ... - Monday, May 20, 2013
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Cheers: 05/20/2013
To the late Bill Russell, a businessman who broke barriers all his life, including opening the region's first Indian-owned manufacturing plant in 1975.
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Letters to the Editor: 05/20/2013
In decline ever since; What I didn’t know.
Continued ... - Sunday, May 19, 2013
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Editorial: Airport should give vets prominent recognition
The issue: Cherry Capital relegates veterans sign to luggage area. Our view: Either do it right or not at all.
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Letters to the Editor: 05/19/2013
Franz unresponsive; No Russian roulette.
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Forum: Clean energy, energy forums crucial
Developing a long-term energy plan and investing in clean energy is crucial to Michigan’s future. Gov. Rick Snyder’s recent energy forums are important first steps in developing such a plan.
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Jack Lessenberry: Pleasing voters not a priority
Once upon a time, legislators felt they had to try to give voters the laws they wanted. True, once in a great while. some took stands on principle that risked angering their constituents.
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George Weeks: Camp, Levin address IRS scandal
As Washington deals with cascading scandals, Michigan lawmakers are among leaders seeking bipartisan solutions.
Continued ... - Saturday, May 18, 2013
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Letters to the Editor: 05/18/2013
A positive revision; What a legislature.
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Another View: Work to bring region together
It seems state Rep. Kurt Heise, R-Plymouth, doesn’t understand the meaning of “regional cooperation.”
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Letters to the Editor: 05/25/2013
Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse
Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored
Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse
American Held in Grisly Czech Murders
Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer
UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
