Lame-duck Gov. John Engler is using what’s left of his political weight in Lansing to grasp onto control of the state government - and trample the rights of the state’s residents in the process.

On Thursday, Engler vetoed more than $850 million in state payments to local governments for the 2003 fiscal year, threatening to nearly bankrupt local governments if three November ballot initiatives are approved. Engler says the three proposals - one that would constitutionally set aside tobacco settlement money for health care, another that would require treatment for drug offenders and a third that would mandate arbitration for some state workers - would ruin state finances.

So to keep these proposals from passing, the governor has decided to hold the state hostage, heavy-handedly trying to force the people of Michigan to do his bidding.

The money the governor is threatening to take away is money that local governments need - money they base their core fiscal policy around.

This is funding that cities such as East Lansing use to provide basic trash pick-up, police coverage and fire protection - both to city residents and the university.

Without this money, East Lansing may not be able to operate its on-campus fire station.

Engler’s move is akin to a spoiled child taking his toys and going home because he didn’t get his way. The governor knows he is term-limited - and apparently doesn’t expect to have a future career in politics - so he intends to go out doing whatever he can to get what he wants.

His excuse for the decision is noble in theory, claiming the proposals effectively rewrite the state constitution and limit the power and flexibility of Michigan’s future governors and legislators.

What Engler isn’t realizing is that’s the point. The state constitution expressly gives Michiganians the right to overturn the Legislature’s decision or make new laws by proposing and passing ballot initiatives - it’s simple democracy at its best.

That is the beauty of our state’s government - if the citizens don’t like what their lawmakers are doing, a ballot proposal can reverse the damage.

Engler and other lawmakers would do well to remember they are elected by the public to represent the people, not to do whatever they like. And the governor, no matter how big and powerful he may be, is no exception.This is merely an example of a man awash in power throwing his political weight around to pressure people into following his will.The Legislature should remind Engler of his mistake and overrule his ill-thought veto.

Although numerous state legislators also are term-limited, many are seeking other offices, and shouldn’t want to be associated with such a disgusting political maneuver to silence the wishes of the people.

This attitude by our soon-to-be ex-governor is revolting and speaks volumes about the respect he has for the people of Michigan he’s supposed to represent.

At least in this case, thank goodness for term limits.