The city of East Lansing has two proposals on the general election ballot this year. They regard the sale of a city-owned parking garage and land, both beneath the East Lansing Marriott at University Place, 300 M.A.C. Ave. If city-owned land has a market value of $4 per East Lansing resident, or almost $200,000, the city needs registered voters to approve the ability to sell it by more than 60 percent. The land in question is currently pegged at a market value of slightly more than $1 million.

CATA millage

Capital Area Transportation Authority, or CATA, is asking for a millage increase this election of .787 mills per year on property owners during a five-year period. According to CATA, if the millage is approved, it will bring in $4.75 million in 2008. If it does not, in addition to cutting jobs, the company will have to cut service on Saturday and Sunday and after 6 p.m. on weekdays. However, campus routes would remain unchanged.

Statewide proposals

Proposal 1

Proposal 1 would legalize the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes in Michigan. Only adult patients with doctor approval would be allowed to grow up to 12 plants for personal use, and to posses up to 2.5 ounces. The marijuana would have to be kept in a locked area. Proponents of this proposal say it would help those suffering from diseases such as Crohn’s disease, and opponents say the proposal could possibly lead to more recreational drug use.

Proposal 2

Proposal 2 would allow the donation of leftover embryos from in vitro fertilization by Michigan families to be used in human embryonic stem cell research. The research is allowed in Michigan, but researchers cannot get the cells from inside the state, because it currently is a felony. Proponents believe passing this proposal could help lead to cures for diseases such as cancer and diabetes, and opponents say this proposal is ethically wrong and is taking a human’s life.