I to am a member of the DIA, and believe everyone should help pay for the museum. But I do not support forcing my neighbors to pay for something just because a majority of voters think it is something worthwhile. If the proposed mileage will raise about $15 per home, and it takes a majority to approve it, then why cannot the DIA expect that a majority of people will voluntarily pay $30 per home to support the museum. In a free society we should respect the choices our neighbors make about what arts institutions they are willing to support. We should not be using the force of government.

Vote "NO" unless they move the DIA out of Detroit and into the suburbs, preferably Oakland County, because Detroiters do not know how to respect and take care of what they have. I moved out of Detroit and stay in West Bloomfield because of how Detroit is.

Rod reinforces a compelling case, as does a Detroit Free Press editorial about the value of "accepting the shared responsibility of this legacy and accepting that taxpayer money, then and now, is needed to keep the artwork available to the people who were meant to benefit from it. The DIA request of metro Detroiters is a small price to keep operations going in a place with huge cultural and economic significance for the entire region."
-- 'Don't let the DIA shut down,' July 22 [http://on.freep.com/MFhDxT]

More than 1,800 readers so far have responded to an online poll with that editorial. The tally is 70.5% to 25.5% in favor of the Aug. 7 millage, with 4% undecided.

The art at the DIA is OWNED by the City of Detroit, who can do anything they want with it, including selling any or all part of it and doing whatever they want with the money, including paying their trash collectors or street light electric bill.

I am tired of subsidizing Detroit and as a suburbanites not feel welcomed there on top of that.

Vote NO. Let Detroit auction the art collection at the DIA, and the suburbs could buy it and build new, safe museums.

I support the DIA but am having trouble getting behind this. There is just too long of a history of funds that are in anyway connected with Detroit being misused or stolen. They were able to take millions from the Water Department while it was being monitored by a federal judge.

The DIA is one of the jewels in our area! It needs sustainable funding and this millage helps lay that foundation. I am voting "Yes".

'That is pretty good return for about $15 per year.' It is NOT about $15, it is $15 per $150,000 fair market value. If it was $15 per household I would support it, but it is not!

Please vote for the millage, where the DIA is located is a moot point. Art is meant for all not just the more privileged in Rochester. Consider Pericles a role model in this regard.

My daughter will be starting in the fall at College for Creative Studies. The DIA is very important to that college. Please support. My paycheck, pays your paycheck, and your paycheck pays my paycheck.

4x4 driver,

"I've been to the DIA twice. Once in grade school and once when we took our kids there 2 years ago. It was boing then and is still boring. We are done. I'd rather take my wife and kids to a Lions or Tigers game; they'd probably like that better too." ...4x4 driver

Love your honesty -- just thought I'd share this with you. I'm a Kansas City Art Institute graduate class of '77.  KCAI is still one of the top 4 art colleges. http://suite101.com/article/top-10-art-schools-compared-a53521

Those four years were anything but boring... LOL

If the DIA really wants to 'stay open', why doesn't it dedicate every penny of millage money to an endowment for operations? Then I could see a beginning and end to this millage. Instead, the entire $23 million is being dedicated to every day operations and the DIA says that it will then raise funds for an endowment for Operations.
Why should I believe them now when for 130 years the museum, under various management, has chosen to ignore the future and spend when the cash flowed and hold out their hand to taxpayers when times get tough? There is nothing in the service agreement between the county and the DIA that requires the DIA to raise operating endowment funds. I fear that once they have taxpayer money in hand, they will once again forget about the future.

If the DIA burned down today, it would not affect my life in any way. There. Art. Let the museum be subsidized by those who patronize it. Not me. I'd rather levy more taxes to specifically subsidize the college tuition of the kids of those relatively few of us who actually pay property taxes. I'm tired of paying for things that I don't, can't or won't use.

I would like to point out to those who feel that it should be publicly funded by area residents that the DIA already accepts public funding from area residents via contributions. I suggest they increase their contributions to the DIA and let others decide personally if they would like to contribute to the DIA instead of mandating contributions.

The DIA is not like the schools or roads, which almost everyone uses and even provides strong benefits to those who do not use them. It is not like the military, required by the Constitution. It is a noble institution, well-deserving of the voluntary support of many, but not of mandatory support by taxpayers.

Some of these comments are heartbreaking and are surely from many of the same people who spent 7x the amount of money this millage would cost them on a barrage of fireworks this year - an "artistic" display that I certainly didn't sign up for, yet it has still affected me every night this summer at my home in those oh-so-superior suburbs. Just because art and culture don't have a place in YOUR world doesn't mean they don't have a place in THE world. Just because you see the city of Detroit a a place to guzzle down 10 Bud Lights while you watch the Tigers doesn't mean the rest of us don't enjoy it for theater, dining, Belle Isle, and yes, even those museums that apparently have no place in a post-Idiocracy society.

So vote how you wish on August 7, but if you can't come up with a better argument than "art is stupid and Detroit is scary," I suggest you just stay home that day - wouldn't want to accidentally miss a Two and a Half Men marathon.

I cannot support this. I don't trust the City of Detroit with my money or anyone else's money.

If taxes shouldn't support the DIA, then taxes shouldn't pay for Comerica Park, Ford Field, the Silverdome or any other professional sports stadium. They should be able to pay for themself.

I grew up downriver, and never once stepped foot in the DIA. And I would not take my children downtown to a museum either, I just don't feel it is safe enough. So why not charge a higher admission so that the people who wish to use the DIA pay for the DIA?

Well, Alan, at least Metro Times based their editorials on fact in the old days -
You Paying? Managerial skeletons in the DIA’s closets.
http://www2.metrotimes.com/editorial/review.asp?rid=16581

The DIA is not in danger of closing, this is a total exaggeration, it's an institution worth saving I feel that exposure to art is an important part of a child's education but don't school groups already pay a fee to visit the museum? I'm voting no, the museum should expand its programme funding through private donations not public funds...

Only the boring people get bored.

I'm voting yes for the DIA funding in hopes that my granddaughter and others of her generation will be exposed to the wonders of the offerings there - as far as being safe, we just had a car stolen this summer in downtown Ferndale from a private lot before 11pm so safe isn't an issue - everyone should have a chance to an art educational experience and if we don't save the DIA there will not be that availability in the metro area here.

I can remember taking my younger sister to the DIA and her joy in experiencing the DIA and delight in the spiral staircase and seeing the suits of armor and special traveling exhibits from time to time as well - my own children were exposed to the DIA as well, one loves it and visits periodically and the other couldn't care less - to each their own opinion but to feel it is't worthwhile to have around for people to make their own decisions about its offerings is something I hope doesn't happen

Since the art at the DIA belongs to Detroit, as well they have $100 Million in the bank another 75 Million in monies that are donated, I see no reason for a millage to support the DIA. If they want one, let Wayne County fund them. They can charge an admission just like others do in the area. Get rid of the free stuff. We have great museums in Oakland County, some charge some don't. Same applies to Wayne County.

I'm sick of supporting Detroit anything. They can't run the Detroit Water Department, City Services, or their museums, or the Detroit Zoo. If it has to close then let it. Detroit owns the art, let them store it some place or sell it off to pay off their debts. I'm voting NO! My taxes are high enough! At some point in time someone has to shut the funnel, and say no. Now is the time to start!

I can't believe the level of ignorance from some these post. This attitude seems to be pervasive in this area and this country lately. We should not wonder why we, as a nation, have been in a steady decline for about 13 years now. The selfishness and just outright ugliness is mind boggling. So sad. Right thinking people, save the DIA no matter where it may be.

....why dont they just raise the admission price for the people that love art and get your hand out of my wallet (a no-brainer) I live in Chesterfield where they are about to jack my property taxes up for Fire and Police millage (a tax hike worth going along with) just like my car insurance goes up every 6 months without fail but these are things we need. Like the earlier post, I haven't been there since 1972.

....and I agree with the comment above "how are they paying for the commercials saturating television?" They spend money to sway the vote in their favor so they think its money well spent.

I don't see how the DIA, with $100 million of unrestricted funds and a total fund balance of $175 million, can claim they they'll fail (close their doors) without these millages. Part of their operating plan is to increase their fund balance to $400 million by the time the millages expire in 10 years. Doesn't sound like they're going broke to me. It just looks like they want the tri-county taxpayers to bail them out from the tax cuts they received from the state. If this was such a good plan why don't the ballot proposals mention that the County Art Institute Authorities will be turning over the monies they collect to the DIA? Why do they say an Institute Services Provider instead? Was this done to confuse voters into thinking the millages were going to support Art in their own county? Very shady.

Most of the comments regarding voting no on the DIA millage are stupid and misinformed reactionary Tea Party rabble. That being said why should homeowners in Lincoln Park, Taylor and Dearborn who are struggling to keep their homes pay for a luxury that is primarily used by the leisure class. I think a millage supporting art and music classes in k-12 schooling would certainly be a better idea. Russ M also brings up an interesting issue about the severity of the supposed DIA finances. The DSO and DIA have been lazy and dependent on manufacturing endowments and foundations. Now that that well has dried up they feel entitled to tax payer money. Don't cut art and music classes in Dearborn Public schools and then come to me to support programs for college art students and hipsters.

Vote NO on the DIA and Rochester Police Millage. Both deserve to fail, simply because the ballot proposals are not honest with voters. The proposal for the DIA doesnt even mention the DIA....It talks about Oakland County Arts...How many people will vote yes thinking they are helping the local art institute.

The Rochester Hills Police Millage is just as bad. The city spent $25K on mailers claiming this is an even swap renewal. That is simply not the case. It creates a NEW 2.5 mill police tax which leaves 2.5 mills free in the General fund they can spend anytime they want, without a vote....

I cannot understand how anyone could support such obvious attempts to fool the voters. And I support both the DIA and Police. Just not bad proposals....

primarily used by the leisure class - REALLY!!!!

I've found three sets of numbers for who visits the DIA. The orginal list was sent out by the DIA to the media and said that 19% of the visits were from Oakland County, then I found numbers based on paid admission that said that 28% or the payers were from Oakland, and now, they say that it's always been 34%? Come on DIA people, I know that you've tried to clean your old numbers off the web but you weren't successful. Now you have the nerve to basically call the one brave writer who hasn't sided with you and me liars?
Remember the old adage: Figures never lie, but liars figure.
And, here's another one: If the shoe fits, wear it!
DIA Tax Face-off: The Museum vs.Walker
http://www.michiganview.com/article/20120726/MIVIEW/207260494

I for one am tired of the rhetoric that a taxpayer it is expected to pay for everything.I would like to ask these "non essential" entities why they expect us to work hard, not be able to save, not be able to retire & why they think $15.00 or $20.00 is nothing..a paltry sum? This is about choice. I do support the DIA, but that is my personal choice it should not be forced on anyone. The DIA has more money than Detroit.They need to budget, be transparent, show integrity, quit using children as their pawn--nice yellow school bus arrived in the mail today along with misleading facts in support of the DIA--that was so low, so very very low. They have already wasted a lot of $$ in their campaign. They are not hurting. t Take aloof at the salaries. They need to be honest. My gosh, the DIA used kids as their pawns instead of being factual and honest.

People are saying that they NEED fewer taxes. Obviously, you NEED to fund the DIA - so, fund it. The DIA has spun numbers and deliberately titled unrestricted funds as an endowment to confuse and deceive voters. There isn't, never was and at the rate they're going probably never will be an endowment for operations.
It is simply a voluntary budget set-aside and the DIA board can use it for anything they want to use it for by simply voting to use it for something else.
They keep changing their numbers on who uses the facility and lately attacked a writer who didn't agree with them, and me, on the source of the number that 19% of their visits were from Oakland County people. It was from THEIR OWN FACT SHEET and was used by all of the media in May and early June until they started fudging the numbers and now they have almost doubled them for Oakland. Never do they say what they base their numbers on but remember one important thing - each visit does NOT equate to different person. One person could go 100 times a year and they would count as 100 visits.
Also, if they really wanted voters to have their say they would have put it on the November ballot. Whichever way this election goes it will be determined by a majority of the minority of voters. Voter turnout in a primary can be less than 10% in some communities and as high as a whopping 25-30% in very few communities. Most fall in the 15-20% range. So, a majority of the minority will decide this.

Sue Ann Douglas • Top Commenter • Retired County Commissioner at Oakland County
Representative McMillin is exonerated - the DIA is crying wolf. Furthermore, if the tax passes, the DIA will NOT use the tax revenue for an endowment for operations. The fund that they currently refer to an an endowment for operations is just a voluntary DIA Board-restricted budget set-aside and what the Board restricts, it can use for anything with a simple vote of the Board.
The DIA's plan is to use the requested tax revenue for operations while they raise funds for an operating endowment. Through various management, over almost 130 years, they have not seen fit to drive money into a real endowment for operations so why should we trust them to do it now? The DIA seems to like to play word and number games during this election and the money that Rep. McMillin has referred to - they called an endowment when it really isn't a legal endowment. A real endowment takes permission from the heirs and the court to use for another purposes - a much trickier process than a simple vote of the DIA Board.
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120727/METRO01/207270393/1409/metro/Debate-DIA-s-finances-heats-up

What get's this country in a mess and what allows for financial problems in sustainability is when people "automatically" vote for or against something. People voting on "auto pilot" only add to the problems, not the solutions.
I will vote not on the current proposal and continue to support the DIA on a personal level.That's the way it should be. If this is so good for the country or the State, then the entire State needs to support this-not just a few, every county, every taxpayer--Anybody yet know what those yellow school buses that arrived in the mail using children as a pawn for votes cost the DIA? The DIA has used a lot money in it's political campaign for votes obviously, they still have a lot of money &the director has a $443,000.00 salary if I can beleive what has been printed.Tell that to our seniors stretching thier dollars, the unemployed in this State, those that can't afford to reitre and lost pensions and the families wondering how they can educate thier kids with such rising costs everywhere-tell them $20.00 is nothing, a paltry sum and if they don't pay they are selfish and ruining the socialization of this country and the culture. The DIA should be a choice, not a tax.

Jim, you can vote any you want to for any reason that moves you. Also, there is no police millage on the ballot in Rochester. We pay for our police out of the general fund and not through special millages. You must mean Rochester Hills.

This millage request is nothing more than a a request for socialism at the best. Quit asking taxpayers for money. Charge an admission fee just like every other form of entertainment charges. Why did the DIA mis-manage $158 Million from 2001 to 2007 remodeling and now wants to tax citizens for an entrance fee. Why voting in only 3 counties. How about every Michigan county gets to vote then?

To tater; The DIA does charge admission, but like in every major metro area across the country, is also funded by regional taxes across metro areas to keep alive these wonderful treasurers. Clear thinking communities have a responsibility to help fund these type of institutions for the enjoyment of all at every economic rung of the ladder. I can't think of a better place to spend 20 bucks a year, though it might mean one less big mac for tater

If the attitude is every taxpayer must pay for whatever others like and enjoy, we may find ourselves with a long laundry list. Let them raise admission. Let everyone in the State pay for it--why should we shoulder this for everyone? This DIA tax mess allows a few to pay for a all. This is as ill thought of as the Fireworks Law--only difference is, our wallets are forever effected and there is no choice. How about I give you what I like, I can't afford it, you help pay for it so I can enjoy it...Bad management, untrue facts, costly advertising, using our children as pawns, ( the DIA doesn't even want to respond to those yellow school buses) amounts to a NO when I vote. I will personally support it--this is a choice. This is not essential services. My gosh, will the taxation of the working person never stop? It's out of control to satisfy a few and a mismanaged entity paying over a $ 443,000.00 annual salary to one individual alone who cries poor. Cut the salary, save some money. Raise admission, make appropriate cuts. Bring in new management/leaders for a "fresh look" and I bet the DIA will right itself.
This hands out at every turn is getting to be old and is taking too much away from those that are still employed here--way too much--the govt is chipping away more and more from the paychecks and it has to stop. We work for ourselves and our families first and foremost-not the other way around.