Craig Ruff, one of Lansing's prime movers and one of the bipartisan leaders who helped found the Center for Michigan two years ago, has a challenge for Michigan's most ambitious politicians...

First, he advises, read the Center's new Michigan Scorecard. Ruff says it's the "gold standard of standards and deserves to become the primary report card on our wellbeing."

Next, Ruff tells pols: "Alas, more than half (19 of 36) of the determinants of how we’re doing point down. Then again, if more than half pointed up, why would we be down? Self-help types might entitle these 'opportunities to improve.' Examples include college affordability, crime, efficiency in government pay and benefits, and road conditions. If I were a state or local public official, I’d glance at the thumbs-downers, pick a topic that I find personally interesting, stake that out as my territory and play the change agent."

Former state schools superintendent Tom Watkins echoes Ruff's plea in calling on citizens to "get off the couch" and take part in the Michigan's Defining Moment Public Engagement Campaign."