www.mybaycity.com November 2, 2010
Rotary Article 5378

County Clerk Talks About Constitutional Convention Ballot Issue

November 2, 2010
By: Stephen Kent



Bay County Clerk Cindy Luczak
County Clerk, and Bay City Rotarian, Cindy Luczak spoke to the Rotary Club Tuesday about the upcoming Constitutional Convention ballot issue. The current Michigan Constitution requires that state voters decide every 16 years if the state should hold a constitutional convention. The proposal, which was ultimately rejected in the in Tuesday's election, was also rejected in 1994 and 1978. The proposal passed in 1963 and resulted in the state's current constitution.

Luczak presented a number of pro and con positions. Governor Granholm supported calling for a convention on the grounds that the state has changed from the manufacturing economy that prevailed when the last convention. Other proponents cited issues that could be addressed with a convention.

Those opposed to the idea take the position that problems with the current constitution can be addressed through the amendment process. They also point to the high cost and the complexity of the process. In today's economic climate the uncertainty while the convention in in session, followed by the ratification process would result in a period of uncertainty that could make hurt the economy more.

Luczak also talked about the election process and the role of the County Clerks. She outlined the rules for absentee ballots and the prospects for allowing absentee ballots for any reason. She also noted that everyone has the right to vote and in an emergency situation, such as hospitalization, the clerk's office will hand deliver a ballot and allow an individual to vote.

Besides being the Chief Election Officer, County Clerks are responsible for filing and maintaining vital records, which go back to 1867. The office also secures military discharge records, verifies notary public applications for the state, passports, and concealed weapons permits.

Two years ago County Clerks were authorized to perform weddings. Last year Luczak performed 70 ceremonies and this year she has already performed 90, including one on Halloween where the wedding party was dressed in costume. Luczak said she work an orange jacket but that was a far as she would go in the way of a costume.

For more information on the County Clerk's office visit www.baycounty-mi.gov/clerk.



CLUB NEWS and ANNOUNCEMENTS

NOVEMBER 9 IS ROTARY HOMECOMING

Wear your school colors. Bring a guests, a former member, or a prospect.

The Dictionaries are in the process of being delivered. If you are scheduled, please make arrangements to make your deliveries.

The next new member orientation will be December 1 at the Atrium.


Upcoming Programs

(See the official schedule at RotaryBayCity.org )
November 9: Rotary Homecoming
Wear your School Colors, Invite past Rotarians and friends.
Eileen Curtis from the Bay Area Community Foundation BACF will talk about their new College Center at the Depot along with projects of the Youth Advisory Committee.

November 16: Rotary Foundation In recognition of Rotary Foundation Month Dominick Galiardi who is our area 7 foundation rep will discuss the importance of the Rotary Foundation.

November 23: Bay County Habitat for Humanity New Executive director Mary Juhnke will be present on BCHFH and the impact her agency is working towards for our community.



DATES TO REMEMBER



LINKS

RotaryBayCity.org Make-up On-Line at RotaryEclubOne.org
District 6310 Web Site rotaryfirst100.org Rotary Global History.
Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholar Tyler Matthews Blog


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