Measure to block new bridge failing

http://www.toledoblade.com/State/2012/1 … iling.html

Excerpt:

DETROIT — Michigan voters turned thumbs down on five proposed state constitutional amendments Tuesday, rejecting in the process Ambassador Bridge owner Manuel J. “Matty” Moroun’s expensive effort to prevent a new Detroit River crossing.

With nearly half the vote counted, Proposal 6, which would have prevented any new bridge or tunnel from being built without a statewide referendum, was behind nearly two to one.

Mr. Moroun spent more than $33 million to pay to collect signatures to put the proposal on the ballot, then financed TV commercials to persuade voters a new bridge would cost them. Gov. Rick Snyder denied it.

The governor and the government of Canada announced plans in June to build a second bridge two miles south of the Ambassador Bridge, built in 1929. Canada has pledged to cover Michigan’s costs and would be repaid from tolls.

Comment:

I confess, I do feel pleasure when I see rich people try to buy their politics, and have it blow up in their face.

Sounds like a businessman trying to prevent competition.

I voted "no" because I don't trust politicians these days to properly address the Constitution.

be an interesting day when we see a poor person spending millions to try and monopolize their business

Looking into this story further, it appears Matty spent about 6 months revenue from his bridge in his attempt to prevent a new bridge from being built to compete with his. That seems like a reasonable investment to me.

It does seem strange to me that an important part of the international infrastructure is privately owned.

Seems like a billionaire spending $33 million won't exactly hurt them financially and it could have benefitted him and his family immensely had he been successful.