500 citizens storm capitol for tax rally

When 500 Michigan taxpayers stormed the capitol with an anti-tax rally, it was Leon Drolet leading the efforts to get the word out and unite like-minded citizens and groups.

As it turns out, he’s just getting started.

“We’ll be doing a lot of other things soon,” says Leon of his organization, the Michigan Taxpayers Alliance. “The rally was a kick-off in Lansing. It’s my job to make sure the taxpayers know what’s going on.”

Leon says it’s very important to pay attention to what’s going on in the state capitol—and then to get the word out when something’s not right.

“Too many legislators get a free ride because local newspapers don’t cover state politics,” Leon says. “There needs to be a venue to get the word out to citizens.”

Leon and the Michigan Taxpayers Association are working hard to fill that void.“

Everyday, we hear that government services have been cut to the bone and all that is left are vital government services,” says Leon. “Well, the Detroit Free Press just reported that 80 Michigan politicians are flying out to Hawaii. So they’re saying that vital services, like sitting on the beach in Hawaii, cannot be cut.”

“Also, judges are provided full-time use of automobiles. That’s not common in most states,” says Leon. “But now that the word has gotten out , there’s legislation to take away the cars.”

Although his efforts to defend the taxpayers are time-consuming, Leon doesn’t mind.

 “It is my passion to reduce the size, scope, and cost of government," says Leon. “To me, it’s not work, it’s fun and valuable and important, and it’s what I do.”