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Should the Upper Peninsula become its own state?
The topic has arose numerous times throughout the years, even going back to the 1800’s with names suggested such as Sylvania or Superior.
Though the likelihood is slim, there are those who are still pushing for the U.P. to break off from its neighbors below the bridge, such as the Yooper Law Reform and 51st Statehood Advocacy Group, a web-based organization.
Crystal Falls native Philip Bashline is part of that group and says it would be a tough road.
Bashline said, “The official process is that they would have to do a petition and gain so many signatures for a ballot referendum. At least 65 percent of voters must vote YES for the separation. The general assembly of Michigan must then give its approval. The U.S. Congress must give initial approval. A state constitutional convention is held, the constitution is drawn up and the convention must approve. The Congress must give final approval of statehood then special elections would be held and the state would become a member of the Union.”
The pros and cons of statehood have been debated over the years with most people concluding that it’s in the U.P.’s best interest to stay part of Michigan.
Bashline admits that it would be difficult…but the dream lives on.
Bashline said, “We would have to improve the economical situation. We would have to form an organization. We would have to get an action committee and a petition group created and get all of that started and we might go somewhere, hopefully. We might not win but we might get close. Who knows? They got close in the 1970’s, so we might get close again or we might win. I don’t know”
