Do former mayors and councilmembers forget the challenges of local government once they’re elected to state office? To answer that and other tough questions, we assembled four such people, now serving as Michigan State Representatives.

Previously, Michael Webber (R-Rochester Hills) served on the Rochester Hills City Council for seven years. Rob VerHeulen (R-Walker) held the office of mayor of Walker for 11 years. Sam Singh (D-E. Lansing) spent three terms on the E. Lansing City Council and one term as mayor. And Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield) served one term on the Southfield City Council – the youngest person ever elected to that body.

Dayne Walling, mayor of Flint, posed a variety of questions to the panelists and solicited their input.

Q. In making the transition from local government to Lansing, how much do you think other legislators understand the issues faced at the local level?

Rep. VerHeulen emphasized that legislators like him who have served in local government have a much better understanding of local tools, such as Downtown Development Authorities and Renaissance Zones. That makes it important for local officials and residents to share their needs and concerns with their legislators. They want to serve you, but they need your input.

Rep. Singh also stressed the need to educate legislators about what’s going on in your local community. In particular, he said that revenue sharing is sometimes looked at as a handout by newer legislators. They don’t realize that it’s a long-term compact between the state and local governments for providing services to their residents. He also mentioned that the current administration has made changes to local tools such as tax credits and brownfield credits, making it important for legislators to monitor the local effect of any such changes.

Rep. Moss concurred with the need for legislators to interact with their constituents and encouraged them to provide regular updates through in-person means. Presentations on programs and policies coming down from the state in venues such as city council meetings can be invaluable.

Rep. Webber mentioned the effect that term limits have on the legislature. As new people are elected, they need to be educated on the issues by the people in their home communities.

Q.  What could or should change regarding revenue sharing for local communities?

Rep. Singh brought up the revenue sharing recommendations of a recent report from the Citizens Research Council of Michigan. He indicated that a larger conversation about local financing is needed and hopefully that report will be a good beginning step next year.

Rep. Webber realizes that many city budgets rise and fall with revenue sharing, so he understands the focus on that number. But we need to be mindful of the bigger picture to make sure that all the necessary items get funded.

Rep. VerHeulen described revenue sharing in terms of a pie – how large is the pie and how is it divided? As things have changed over the decades, it becomes critically important to find a better, more balanced formula with which to divide that pie.

Rep. Moss stressed the need to escape from the culture in Lansing of fixing holes in the state with revenue sharing dollars meant for communities.

NOTE: Rep. Webber had to leave after this question.

Q. What are your views on Proposal 1?

Rep. Moss, who is in favor of Proposal 1, said that increasing the sales tax is good for local communities because a portion is dedicated to revenue sharing. It’s not just a safe roads issue. Investing in roads also leads to increased economic development opportunities.

Rep. VerHeulen reminded the audience that there simply aren’t enough funds in the state budget to cover needed road improvements. He’s convinced that we need to invest more money in our roads, and Proposal 1 accomplishes that, in addition to providing funding for schools and local governments.

Rep. Singh stressed that there is no real Plan B if Proposal 1 doesn’t pass. The only other option he has seen would take $1.2 billion out of schools and local governments and put it toward roads.

Q. Do you think Proposal 1 will pass or fail?

Reps. Singh and VerHeulen are concerned that the proposal will fail, but hope it will pass. Rep. Moss thinks it will pass and that it will be the actual condition of our roads that gets it passed.

Q. What is the next big issue facing Michigan?

Rep. VerHeulen thinks funding health care is Michigan’s next big issue. Rep. Singh believes it’s our disinvestment in K-12 and higher education. And Rep. Moss thinks we need to address our state’s population loss and promote policies that grow our population as well as retain and attract talent.

Q. What items on the MML agenda need to be promoted?

Rep. Moss reiterated the need to attract young talent to Michigan, and League initiatives like placemaking are essential to this process. Rep. VerHeulen concurred, emphasizing the state’s role in helping communities have the resources they need to attract young talent. And Rep. Singh stresses the need for a higher government investment level in long-term workforce development.

Q. Where do you see the opportunities for local and state government to work together?

Rep. VerHeulen indicated the need to identify priorities and creative ideas in local communities and find ways to free up that creativity. Rep. Moss stressed the need to keep the communication flowing back and forth with your legislators to keep an eye on partnership opportunities. And Rep. Singh brought up the example of the state helping the 22 communities that have local income taxes collect those funds, as in the current project in Detroit.