WANTED! Media Publicity

In December 2004, the Michigan legislature passed Public Act 495 as part of an overhaul of the Michigan Vehicle Code. At a point when passage was imminent, and in relative secrecy, new requirements for auto dealers were added to Bill 4231, which became P.A.495. These new mandates were responsible for eliminating hundreds of small businesses throughout the state. We were one of those unable to renew our licenses because of the new mandates.

 Research shows that procedural requirements were bypassed in the passage of P.A. 495, and it appears the actions of legislators violated Michigan Constitution. We were told the law was paid for by large auto dealer associations to limit competition in the marketplace. I authored a book based on our findings and experience.

“Under Color of Law” is the story of our journey as small business owners and entrepreneurs, and the devastating effects of P.A. 495 on those caught in its crosshairs. It’s a compelling true story of our search for justice and an enlightening account of what can happen when government operates without parameters or accountability, and at the behest of those with money and power.

“Under Color of Law” has won the Aspiring Writers Association of America’s 2015 Manuscript Critique Award, and is slated for publication later this year on Amazon.com, and in paperback. It exposes how legislators sidestepped critical mandates and procedural guidelines to accomplish what it appears lobbyists and big businesses desired; and highlights how devastating laws can be when legislators are allowed to conduct business in such a reckless and egregious fashion.

I am looking for media publicity to promote “Under Color of Law,” and forums in which to address these actions. It is our desire that the book and publicity surrounding it will help to open dialogue and illicit changes in the legislative process to prevent the devastating results P.A. 495 had on businesses in our state, as well as the customers who depended on them.

 

If you have any ideas, please contact me at undercoloroflaw@gmail.com, or leave a post.