Local Control or Too Much Control? Balancing the Rights of Citizens and State and Local Governments

Increasingly in recent years, local governments have asserted their power by passing occupational licensing requirements, banning the use of plastic bags and scooters, prohibiting short-term rentals, restricting ride-sharing, mandating business offer certain wages and employee benefits, and more. States and even the federal government have responded by preventing local government officials from pursuing these policy options by "pre-empting" local rules and laws with state or federal rules and laws.

This raises a question: What’s the right balance between local, state and federal control? What about the rights of citizens — should these vary widely based on where one chooses to live? This panel will feature a lawmaker, policy expert and local government advocate to talk about what is happening in Michigan and across the nation on these issues.

State Rep. James Lower represents the 70th District in the Michigan House, which includes the counties of Montcalm and Gratiot. He is the chair of the House Local Government and Municipal Finance Committee. Rep. Lower has a bachelor’s degree in economics from Michigan State University and an MBA from Grand Valley State University. He lives in Cedar Lake with his wife Kristen and two children.

Anthony Minghine is the deputy executive director and chief operating officer of the Michigan Municipal League and has devoted his career to the service of local government. Tony is a regular speaker on a variety of topics effecting local government and plays a key role in training local officials. He frequently testifies to the state Legislature on matters relating to local government finance. With over 25 years of combined experience, Tony is an expert in operational and finance issues relating to municipalities and non-profits.

Chance Weldon is an attorney with the Center for the American Future at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Before joining the Foundation, Chance served as a fellow at the Pacific Legal Foundation in Sacramento and the Institute for Justice in Austin, Texas. As a fellow, he worked on cutting-edge litigation involving economic liberty, free speech, school choice and private property rights. Chance earned his J.D. from the University of Houston, where he was awarded the Dean’s Merit Scholarship for all three years. Prior to law school, he received a B.A. in philosophy and political science from the University of Houston.

Brunch is free for attendees who RSVP. Registration is required by May 10. Please register online here. 

If you have any questions or need more information, please contact us at 989-698-1905 or events@mackinac.org.