After the Vote
Detroit is facing a growing divide on fundamental questions of democracy. One of the clear results of last week’s primary election is evidence of how much corporate powers fear efforts that move the city toward justice. In its report of the election, the Detroit Free Press, which opposed the proposal summarized it saying, “Supporters of the controversial ballot question sought to revise Detroit's charter in ways that would push toward a more just and equitable Detroit, including better access to broadband internet, greater water affordability, a task force on reparations and justice for African Americans.”
The proposal was defeated with about 67% voting against it in the primary.
A well-funded campaign under the name Coalition to Protect Detroit’s Future led the opposition. Rather than talking about the substance of the proposed charter, or the motivation behind many of the changes that would have increased public accountability and transparency in government, the Anti-P forces pulled out the fear of bankruptcy and claimed the proposal would hurt pensions and force reduction in public services. While these arguments were countered by those advocating Proposal P, advocates were not able to overcome the fear and disinformation that saturated the air ways. Central to the creation of this fear was the argument that the proposed changes to the charter would cost the city $2 billion. More realistic estimates countered it would be about $7 million in additional costs a year—or less than the city paid Homrich for shutting off water, or the police to implement a flawed facial recognition program, or for what the city pays out in lawsuits for police misconduct.
The substance of the changes proposed in the charter will continue to animate pollical debate over the next few years. The heart of the proposed charter was to increase engagement of citizens and accountability in government. The defeat of the charter only makes the need to organize around these issues more important.
The main policy proposals: establishing a basic right to water, shelter, food and education; a water affordability plan; digital justice and broadband access; accessible transportation; conscious development strategies; and limitations on police technologies and spending are issues that remain with us. People will continue to organize and educate others on them.
The Charter proposal may have been defeated, but the pro charter forces will continue to press for fundamental changes in how our city is governed. They will also continue to advocate for policy changes that ensure that Detroiters lives are enhanced by public policies, not diminished by them.
Efforts to develop a real water affordability plan are already under way. Challenges to police misconduct, over blown budgets, and indiscriminate use of technologies are being mounted at local, state, and federal levels. Access to digital technologies are being incorporated into federal infrastructure policies, and the need for serious, comprehensive climate choices is clear. The current City Council has already empowered commissions to consider reparations and water policies.
The effort to create the new charter engaged thousands of Detroiters, developed a comprehensive vision of a city that embraced African heritage and values, and developed policies that put people before corporate profits. The drive for these changes is rooted in the longing for a just, sustainable city. That longing continues well beyond any single vote.