County road commissions say tax vote is crucial

By COLLIN KRIZMANICH
Capital News Service
LANSING — Across northern Michigan, county road commissions struggle to repair roads, replace old bridges and plow fresh snow with what they say is a serious shortfall in funding. “Overall, our roads are failing,” said Jesse Campbell, manager of the Alcona County Road Commission. “Over the last 10 years, we have lost about a third of our workforce, and we are also working with very outdated equipment.”
Wexford County is also struggling, and its problems aren’t isolated, said Alan Cooper, the county’s road commission manager. “We’re trying to do the best we can, but funding is sorely needed,” Cooper said. “It’s not just Wexford County that is hurting, it’s the entire state.”
On May 5, Michigan residents will vote on a ballot initiative to raise the state sales tax from 6 percent to 7 percent.