After two May 12 meetings on a statewide constitutional convention, Henry Woloson said he was ‘extremely encouraged? at people’s response.
‘Numerically, it may not have been a tremendous amount of people, but certainly the people who have attended have been very positive,? he said. ‘Enough so, that we’re going to move forward and send out the information, as I have said before this going to be very, very much a grassroots effort.?
Woloson said at least four people within the Clarkston area are interested in running as delegates.
‘If I had that kind of response from the entire state, we’re home free,? he said.
If a convention is called, 148 delegates would be elected, based on legislative districts for both the House of Representatives and Senate.
‘How many times are we scrambling for somebody to run for school board,? asked Woloson. ‘Here is a one-shot deal that you can’t run realistically for reelection and we got four people running for one spot.?
In addition, Woloson attended a session in East Lansing with more than 100 leaders from throughout the state, where some school board members showed an interest in getting involved, along with a school district superintendent, who was considering running as a delegate.
‘This, obviously, is something that is timely and for those people who are looking for a reason to get involved will be given that opportunity,? Woloson said. ‘That is the critical issue. It’s very easy to say ‘all is bad,? all we’re trying to say is ‘yes we know it’s bad, here is an alternative.??
Those skeptical of statewide constitutional convention ‘have valid concerns,? which he shares alongside them, he said.
‘It’s incumbent on the individuals that want to make sure there is good representation to participate both as candidates and voters,? he said. ‘I’m very convinced that there are so many levels of checks and balances that I’m certainly willing to engage in the process. I think it’s a phony argument by individuals that are grasping for straws.?
Woloson said the next year and five months will be spent educating people on the issues and encouraging them to vote ‘yes.? Meanwhile, a group name and website are being finalized.