"A strong commitment by both city leaders and active community members has helped Marquette to become one of the nation’s premier cities. Marquette’s efforts towards continuous improvement have been rewarded through a series of national recognitions. These awards include Marquette’s designation as one of “America’s Most Livable Communities,” its involvement in Michigan’s “Cool Cities” initiative, and its receipt of the “All-American City” award." http://www.mqtcty.org/awards.php

However, healthy communities rely on tax revenue to maintain essential publicly funded services that make our community our community of choice! The MI Tax Tribunal has ruled in favor of decreasing property taxes paid by businesses resulting major budget cuts in community services and programs.  The Peter White Public Library has already been charged $30,000 to be reimburse Duke Lifepoint, with further cuts expected due to an estimated $10,000 owed to Lowe's. Those budget cuts resulted in cutting hours and closing on Sundays.  Township operations, fire, roads, outdoor recreational facilities, county operations, public transit, schools including desperately needed special education programs all will have to make budget adjustments cutting funding to vital services.

Legislation is needed to prohibit the MI Tax Tribunal from allowing unfair tax assessments.