Comments for The Center for Michigan

Comment on Keeping Michigan tourism top of mind by oddfishman

oddfishman — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 03:24:45 +0000

I agree that Pure Michigan has to be pounded into the ears of Michigans neighboring states and its citizens.

The feeling of getting away to the relaxing, natural surroundings of Michigan in contrast to the state that did not diversify properly in time and keep it's eyes open to the obvious dead end future.

Fortunately we still have much to offer in our natural resources. Let everyone know this.

Comment on Big Ideas for Business Growth by Neil Karl

Neil Karl — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 18:36:25 +0000

Why not set the goal? End the Michigan recession now.

How? Make all of Michigan an Aerotropolis zone. Stop picking winners and losers. Make everyone a winner. Make every business a winner. Let the remaining state tax revenues grow to balance the budget.

Comment on Keeping Michigan tourism top of mind by Jeffrey Poling

Jeffrey Poling — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 16:28:11 +0000

If anyone is following public opinion from across these United States, you must realize the negative impression people have regarding anything related to Michigan. Detroits political scandals tied to crime in general, our record setting unemployment and the contempt for Detroit's auto industry have made Detroit and by extention, Michigan, the nations favorite object of scorn.

There is only one voice heard nationally singing our praises and that is Tim Allens Pure Michigan ads. Spend what ever it takes to keep them going. It's the best means we have to counter those who would take this state down.

Comment on Big Ideas for Business Growth by Mike Anthony

Mike Anthony — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 11:56:40 +0000

"You cannot love jobs and hate jobs creators," Jack Kemp used to say. While I applaud the progress made toward the Aerotropolis, I am mortified by the "jobs first-profits-second" rhetoric surrounding it. I am sympatheric to the hunger of our elected officials so show progress in helping truly needy Michigan citizens. But JOBS-JOBS-JOBS headlines represent a kind of cart-before-the-horse mentality that reveals that Michigan still has not shaken the entitlement mentality that has so damaged our reputation in the world. May I pause a moment to tell you how bad it is? This from "THE ECONOMIST"...It was written by John Kao, a business consultant who published a book entitled, "INNOVATION NATION", which was reviewed in the Book Review section of THE ECONOMIST. RE: The US becoming the fat, complacent “Detroit of Nations” "I see a crisis brewing, and it makes me angry. We should be doing better than we are. We have the talent, money, track record and infrastructure necessary for continued success. But we are rapidly becoming the fat, complacent Detroit of nations. We are losing a collective sense of purpose along with our fire, ambition, and determination to achieve." The fact that this pull quote resonated with the world is disturbing. We must acknowledge at least an iota of truth it the author’s metaphor as we press forward on this Aerotropolis. To conclude with helpful suggestions: 1. Call it Great Lakes International Aerotropolis, or something like this. We may only have a short window of time to make this Aerotropolis thing work. In my opinion, as someone who grew up in Detroit and who travels internationally, we must break free from anything that sounds "Detroit-Like" 2. Get someone from Canada on that Board. I found nothing on the Aerotropolis web site that even aknowledges the proximity of Canada. How well do you think that goes over with the internationalists at the universities along I-94? 3. Focus on safety and logistics rather than the health care industry (health care is going to be nationalized anyway and, in the long run, the profit motive will be removed). The Netherlands, a small country with a 700-year old middle class, is an example of how to prosper with trade as its main source of income. We can be that way, too. But we're going to have to sharpen our pencils logistics-wise. Someone ought to be studying the success of hubs like Memphis to see how our Aerotropolis could improve upon them. 4. Develop the real estate along I-94 between Ann Arbor and DTE/GLI. Mimic the dramatic, deep thinking 50 years ago that resulted in the City of Troy today. Hope this helps.

Comment on Stealing from the poor and the taxpayers by Mark Lezotte

Mark Lezotte — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 19:30:58 +0000

The overall point about attacking scams is OK, but your article is sloppy. The announcement this week was MEDICARE fraud, not MEDICAID. 'Care is federal money; 'Caid is fed-state shared and affects the state budget as you indicate. But when the feds attack Medicare fraud it won't have any affect on state budgets. Please be careful in how you write about this--there's already a lot of misunderstanding on health care financing and budgets overall.

Comment on Two ways to get at roots of prison problems by Ed Boettcher

Ed Boettcher — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:45:25 +0000

We need to explore privatizing the prison system and in the privatized contract make a portion contingent on nonreturning prisoners. Otherwise pay 95% of the rate today, and if 10 years from now this person has not reurned to prison pay the 5% and an additional 10% OR similar. Our current system has incentive built in for the employees of the prisons to want the prisoners to not be paroled and to return to prison.

Comment on Two ways to get at roots of prison problems by Ted Wilson

Ted Wilson — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:50:15 +0000

Has anyone ever thought about putting prisoners on probation for one year if they get an employer to supervise them and pay the employer the $40,000 plus that the state spends on the prisoners incarceration. The MEDC spends lots of tax credits to create jobs and maybe the two programs could be mixed and a great solution could be made solving 2 problems.

Comment on Big Ideas for Business Growth by Tom Dolembo

Tom Dolembo — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:28:58 +0000

I inititated a successful multi-million dollar investment in medical device inhjection molding in Michigan 1n 1998. My group was in Kansas and Massachusetts, and I sold Central Michigan to them (I was not a resident at the time). Your VC comments are very true. But Michigan was a tough sell to my VC's. None of my investor's fears were realized. Unions never successfully intruded, quality was superb, people were great, costs were fine, and injection molding technologies were state-of the art. I wish I could help you. Michigan's manufacturing and tech potential is huge, it is in a "sweet spot" for growth, and the investor story can be told.

Comment on Two ways to get at roots of prison problems by rev. aaron Cobbs

rev. aaron Cobbs — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:08:07 +0000

many people in prison made a mistake and if given a chance will abide by all the laws ,what if bill clinton had got caught when he tried marijuana ,or opra when she tried cocaine,or pres obama when he tried drugs ,many would turn their life around if given a second chance before they get institunilized

Comment on Early childhood education will have to wait by Michele Strasz

Michele Strasz — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 02:15:43 +0000

It is too bad that children have to wait for the legislature to invest in a quality early childhood system because their early childhood will be over so quickly. Research has shown time and again that public investments in early childhood give taxpayers some of the best outcomes and return on investment of any government funded programs. Reductions in early childhood programs including child care, parent education, and health care, will mean more families will struggle to make ends meet, and more kids will come to kindergarten unprepared to learn. We will spend $7 more trying to fix the problems in future years instead of finding the revenue to invest $1 now!

Comment on State Workers in the Cross Hairs by gazbo

gazbo — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 21:23:20 +0000

State Worker Sam and JG,
I would encourage you to, suck it up, step up to the plate and take a walk on the wild side. Try starting and operating your own small buisness in this great state of Michigan. I gaurantee you many more hours, real stress and far less appreciation for your college diploma.
It's pretty rough out here right now and things are only getting tighter! If small buisness does not get some relief soon there will be even less revenue to the State. The "golden goose" is not looking to chipper. I wish I had the luxury of an increased family contribution for my health insurance. Instead, I was forced to exact the internal budget cut of eliminating all benefits for my remaining employees and my own families as well.
It's bare bones in the private sector boys. The State keeps leaning harder and sking for more.
Get a real job or shut up.

Comment on Six Bright Spots in Michigan's Economy by Cindy Larsen

Cindy Larsen — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 19:17:21 +0000

We are still open for business over here in Muskegon! Most of our hits came years ago and we have been rebuilding ever since with a new very diverse economy that includes food processing, healthcare, alternative energy and of course tourism. Who wouldn't want to start a new business while sitting at their own boat slip on beautiful Muskegon Lake? So count us in when it come to being a part of the new Michigan.

Comment on Keeping Michigan tourism top of mind by arnold weinfeld

arnold weinfeld — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 19:03:07 +0000

There is no doubt about the emotional strings that come attached to the Pure Michigan campaign. I have my out of state relatives from Illinois tell it to me all the time and they say it with feeling. But, sales tax revenues are meant to be shared with local governments so our communities that thrive on tourism are safe and can provide essential services. Important as the Pure Michigan campaign is, we ought not be siphoning off sales tax money to pay for it, until such time that the state lives up to its initial promise and fully funds revenue sharing.

Comment on WWDD: What Would Doug Roberts Do? by Todd J. Anson

Todd J. Anson — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 18:52:31 +0000

I agree wholeheartedly with Mr. Roberts. As a California venture lawyer and businessman raised/educated in Michigan the State has missed it's opportunity to capture venture businesses in the 1990's. Now, with the entire venture capital community on its backside, this may only be a partial solution to the Michigan challenge. Obviously, Michigan can not tax its way to prosperity. It deperately needs to find the will to invest in incentives attractive to new and expanding companies. As one who has recruited Michigan talent away from the state for nearly 30 years I can tell you that Michigan generates some of the most highly educated, earnest, grounded and dedicated workers in the country. This is its major asset- a workforce that is talented, hard working and realistic. A single venture backed company such as Qualcomm can generate more than 14oo additional companies once it starts to flourish. Michigan's challenge should be to find those things (incentives, tailored educational programs, etc.) required to atract these jobs. The entire country is pulling for the state!

Comment on Keeping Michigan tourism top of mind by Dave Johnson

Dave Johnson — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:16:43 +0000

This should be a pay to play program. If golf is going to be featured, there should be a golf tax to pay for it. If Frankenmuth gets a commercial, there should be a Frankenmuth tax. Same thing for Grand Rapids, ski resorts, Port Huron to Mackinaw, etc.
By the way, the last time I was in Frankenmuth all I saw were Michigan license plates. Makes you wonder id Pure Michigan is purely for Michigan???

Comment on New tax rumblings by fred akers

fred akers — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 14:34:17 +0000

I firmly believe we need some adults in Lansing who are able to reduce spending. If I lose my job I have to reduce my spending. When legislators lose their income (i.e. Tax revenues) They think they can just raise their income by taking ours. That is an immature outlook as it is not sustainable. We and our jobs will just continue to leave.

I will vote no on any tax changes unless there are real meaningful reductions in our states spending habits.

Comment on New tax rumblings by Ian Repley

Ian Repley — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 23:48:09 +0000

Yes, Jim, I was concerned about the FactCheck article until I actually got there and read it! FactCheck's credibility dropped in my eyes, as I read misleading, or just plain false, representations about the FairTax proposal. FairTax.org's David Polyanski wrote an Open Letter to FactCheck.org which they ignored. Read it for yourself to determine whether you feel, with us, that "Unspinning the FairTax" was, in Fact, spun with a decidedly anti-FairTax bias!

Comment on New tax rumblings by Tim Bartik

Tim Bartik — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 20:13:07 +0000

Some quick responses:

On comment number 1, by Jon: Most states with an income tax have modestly graduated rates. This includes above-average growth states such as Georgia and North Carolina. Also, it should be pointed out that a progressive state income tax would merely try to offset the regressive nature of sales and property taxes. At best, we might get a state and local tax system that overall is proportional to income.

On comment number 2, by Neil Karl: The fact that the business community lobbies against business taxes suggests that the business community does not believe that 100% of the business tax is shifted forwards to consumers or shifted backwards to workers. It is also not so easy to figure out how one could realistically make up for forgoing 100% of the revenue lost from eliminating the Michigan Business Tax. The question is whether some business tax reform option can have some of the same incentive effects for business expansion while not giving up as much revenue.

On comment number 3, by Tom: The long-term structural budget deficit of Michigan, documented by the Citizens Research Council in a 2008 publication you can easily find online, is so severe that the state will have to take dramatic actions both to cut spending and raise revenue. The question is how to do so in the most efficient way possible that will best promote long-run growth.

On the various comments posted on the Fair Tax: It seems to me that the burden of proof should be on the Fair Tax proponents to show that the proposed 9.75% rate will raise the needed revenue. Many researchers looking at the national Fair Tax have concluded that the national proponents of this tax have overstated the revenue raised from the proposed rates. A realistic revenue calculation needs to reflect: political realities of what tax bases are likely to be taxed or exempted; tax evasion possibilities. There are lengthy debates on this topic that can easily be found online, for example from William Gale of the Brookings Institution. The Fair Tax proponents dispute his claims. On the whole, I think Gale has the better of the argument.

Comment on Moving target: where's the strategy in Michigan's budget? by ERIC WINKELMAN

ERIC WINKELMAN — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 19:49:43 +0000

It's about being compettive and survival !

Until Michigan revises its outdated, non-competitive, business unfriendly taxing policies, we will remain in a depression long after the rest of the nation is on its way to economic recovery !!

It means everyone and every municipality who receives state funding will have to do a lot more with a lot less !!

Comment on New tax rumblings by cy

cy — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:06:06 +0000

If we follow Bartik's "findings" we should all be prepared to invest in any company that provides out-bound moving services. They will be booming--and it won't be the poor who are moving, it is those with education, wealth, income and prospects--those who shoulder the load in MI.
Atlas-shrugged Mr. Bartik. Atlas shrugged.

TN is only 8 hours away and is filled with Michigan transplants already

Comment on Endurance by cy

cy — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 14:58:21 +0000

why is she quitting the farmer's market but continuing to farm? where is her produce going? Is there some regulatory principle here that is discouraging her from the farmer's market? Is she reducing production and why? Lot of unanswereds here.

Comment on Moving target: where's the strategy in Michigan's budget? by Steve

Steve — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 14:17:14 +0000

"Where's the strategy?" Ask Governor Emerson....

Comment on New tax rumblings by Ron

Ron — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 11:19:56 +0000

After admitting the positives, Mr. Bartik makes statements about the MI FairTax assumptions not being feasible without giving any reasons as to why! Perhaps his assumptions are wrong? It's not about the rate, it's about the method!

The MI FairTax is the way to go!

Comment on Endurance by Mike Anthony

Mike Anthony — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 11:05:07 +0000

Thanks for this, Phil. It reads like a parable: “…Just straight-out hard work and fair dealing….” The line that hits me between the eye is, “..Sad, damaged, troubled but magnificent state…”

Last night I got back from an energy conference at Crystal Mountain Resort at which I was a speaker, having cut a diagonal across Michigan, in my "American" Chevy Impala. Being mid-summer and sunny, I indulged myself by taking the smaller, less-traveled county roads, adding a couple of hours to my trip. I saw economic decline: mostly mobile homes and hovels (as compared with the McMansions of Livingston and Oakland County). The train tracks have long since been removed from Thompsonville, leaving a town, sad, damaged, troubled but magnificent in its modesty.

I couldn’t help making the comparison with the open land of south Central Denmark which is rather similar to mid-Michigan’s -- the Slesvig-Holsten of Bismarcks desiring. (Denmark is also a low country peninsula). Not much has changed in the farm land since, say 1863. You see barns and small outbuildings a hundred years old but the fields look like they haven’t been farmed in decades. Where are the cows? Are they all in the barns now on robot-milking machines? If the EU allows them to exist at all, they get government subsidies for the machinery so that the farmers can produce the same amount of milk with fewer workers. (The machinery manufacturers lunch frequently with the Eurocrats in Brussels) Farmland without cows is disturbing on many levels…And the beautiful children of farmers have long since fled the farms for cities like Flensborg and Copenhagen.

I get home to find that my Danish farm-girl-PhD-wife just bought three containers of tasteless Green Giant strawberries (“at a great price”) -- not the strawberries we could have bought from the local farmers in Belleville. It was a matter of convenience given how little time we have to pick our own.

So we have two stories of globalization. And globalization is a long, broadening discussion in Michigan and in the world at large. Do we go with it, or resist it? Shall we re-invent ourselves, or do we need to first re-invent invention? Mixed with the feeling of heartbreak for the people left behind in Michigan, I had a fleeting thought that our Department of Education ought to require a half-semester course in preparing a patent application for an invention of any student's choosing. (Because of the legacy of the auto industry, there are a lot of people in Michigan who hold patents) But I guess there are a lot of other political agendas competing for the hearts and minds of our high school children.

So I, like you, simply contemplated the moment of divinity I saw in the mother working the cash register of the gas-station-video-store-grocery at Evart Junction.

Comment on Moving target: where's the strategy in Michigan's budget? by David Hockenbrocht

David Hockenbrocht — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 10:57:17 +0000

The State needs a new generation budget unconnected to the current 1950.s budget currently in place

Comment on Endurance by Vraig Anthony Thomas

Vraig Anthony Thomas — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 05:51:54 +0000

Bravo, Phil, for painting a wonderful portrait of Katherine of the farmer's market. I could taste the strawberries on a homemade shortcake from your description of the produce. I could feel Katherine's courage and fortitude in the challenge of her daily existence in your recitation of her narrative, her voice.

I have known many Katherines in my life and I will cherish them as you do. For they represent the brave, the strong, the best in us all.

Cheers,
Craig

Comment on New tax rumblings by Jim

Jim — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:24:07 +0000

With Fair Tax being mentioned so much I think it is informative to read the FACTCHECK investigation into it.

http://www.factcheck.org/taxes/unspinning_the_fairtax.html

"We reiterate, however, that those earning between $15,000 (or perhaps as much as about $24,000 – see our addition to the “Who Really Pays” portion of our article above) and $200,000 per year – virtually all middle-class Americans – would pay a higher share of the tax burden under this proposal. Those earning more would see their share drop, as even AFT economists admit."

Comment on New tax rumblings by Ian Repley

Ian Repley — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 22:09:37 +0000

The Michigan FairTax is far and away the preferable choice for Michigan, but not, of course, if you listen to the "Lansing elite." Simply put, by taxing retail consumption, ownership of the family paycheck is restored to the family, paying for government only when families benefit through purchases. No more, double taxation - used goods are exempt. No more, hidden taxes paid by Michigan families in higher prices, thanks to an end to taxing corporate income. The Michigan FairTax is uniformly applied, UN-taxing every legal resident's spending to the poverty level, while ending a tax code via use of an ingeniously simple monthly tax prebate check to legal residents. Thanks to the prebate, the Michigan FairTax is automatically progressive without need of legislators' meddling to favor one segment of society over another. The more you purchase, above the poverty level for your family's size, the greater your effective tax rate. And if you don't have an income tax code, you send a good many Lansing lobbyists to other states where they can make a buck at the peoples' expense. Can you imagine the influx of business, jobs, and families if we enact the Michigan FairTax? It will be huge, and most likely will not end until the region and the country eventually implements a FairTax. Missouri has now passed a FairTax proposal through their state House, as has South Carolina. The first state to successfully implement the FairTax, wins big. Michigan FairTax would like you to schedule a date for a presentation to your family, friends, associates. It's up to us citizens to take action. Taking action will enable the MFTA to stage a successful ballot drive next year, and give us the chance to tell Lansing - it's over. Implement the FairTax, and get out of our way!

Comment on New tax rumblings by Amadeo Lese

Amadeo Lese — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 20:40:05 +0000

Sounds very good now get it done, but don't forget the residential property taxes which are way out of the picture and they keep adding onto them. Pay more local taxes than the wife and I pay to the Federal and State Income tax.
That is not right in my book.

Comment on Prison guards make big bucks by Melinda

Melinda — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 19:29:49 +0000

I think most of the people who are commenting negatively about the overtime have no experience with the prison system. They have to have overtime in order to maintain the proper staffing levels needed on the shifts. If they don't have these staffing levels then the guards are working in an unsafe in environment. Even with a fully staffed shift they are grossly outnumbered. The way I see it, it is actually costing the state far less to pay these guards overtime then to hire more guards. As they would have to pay these new guards benefits such health ins , life ins, and dental. Also everyone keeps on complaining until someone gets hurt or killed due to low staffing levels, please think about this. I appreciate all of the time and energy these guards put in to keep us safe!! Thank you!! Please stop taking more and more money from the prison system!! There has to be other ways to create more revenue!

Comment on New tax rumblings by Tommy Brann

Tommy Brann — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 18:26:49 +0000

The Mifairtax.org is the answer. It protects the poor and creates more jobs. No business taxes more businesses coming to out state and one of the most compassionate things you can do is offer someone a job. I know I am a job creator. The Michigan Fair tax gets illegal immirgrants in the system, drug dealers and tourists in our system paying their fair share instead of nothing. Prebates back to protect our Michigan citizens staples and the prebate which goes through a bank might even give the poor a chance to save money when they see a bank account with a deposit at the end of the month. The big reason is to have less poverty and that is with people working. Our state can not be pro jobs when it taxes businesses so much and this says anti business. Thanks Tommy Brann

Comment on New tax rumblings by Linda Jolicoeur

Linda Jolicoeur — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 17:53:46 +0000

The MI Fair Tax is the answer to Michigan's high cost, lost jobs, lost manufacturing plants and a way to insure revenues to run critical government programs. It modernizes the tax system by appling a sales tax to all purchases of "new" goods. It is progressive by giving a "Prebate" to all families up to the poverty level. (A refund of money you will spend for taxes on items not previously taxed.) All other plans just increase taxes on Michigan citizens.

Comment on New tax rumblings by Tom

Tom — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 17:37:16 +0000

While it may be necessary to consider tax increases at some point, the primary effort should be to reduce the size and cost of government. We need to recognize we are not the the same State that we once were - population declines, business foreclosures, etc. should cause us to recognize we need a new more efficient model of governance. Simply adding more taxes will just hasten the population departure and exacerbate the budget problems.

Comment on New tax rumblings by Neil Karl

Neil Karl — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 17:33:05 +0000

One tax option not considered was:
6. End the recession. What are the changes to business taxes to make business competitive with other states, NAFTA, and the global economy?

MBT ZERO
Business Personal Property Tax ZERO
Sales and use tax on business purchases ZERO
Business school district tax ZERO
Business insurance proceeds tax ZERO

These are not 12 year tax abatements or Renaissance Zone tax adjustments, but are tax changes forever. Business taxes are levied by the state, but business does not pay taxes. Taxes are a cost of doing business. The business must pass taxes through to its prices for goods and services, leave the state, or go out of business. These are the business tax changes proposed by the Michigan Fair Tax.

Comment on New tax rumblings by Jon

Jon — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 17:23:24 +0000

The "Graduated Income Tax" concerns me. When we raised taxes on MI businesses, we forced MI business out of our state. If we raise taxes on the business owners, we will also force the owners out of our state and several of them will take their businesses with them. We need to look at reducing spending, not trying to get more blood from a rock. Florida and Tennessee have no state income tax, and they are beautiful states. A tax increase on the wealthy will lure more job providers to those states.

Comment on Getting up to speed on mass transit by Mark R again

Mark R again — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 12:05:26 +0000

Speaking of Michigan and rail mass transit, the almost-former Ann Arbor News updates us all on a Whitmore Lake company which is willing to build a true 21st Century system, including utilities:

Here's the mlive link:

http://www.mlive.com/news/ann-arbor/index.ssf/2009/05/whitmore_lake_companys_maglev.html

Comment on Getting up to speed on mass transit by Mark W. Rummel

Mark W. Rummel — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 03:24:17 +0000

I posted a link describing California's statewide effort to establish true high-speed rail elsewhere this week, following a fascinating (but long) story in this past Sunday's New York Times Magazine.

Most fascinating is the fact that the Sunshine State would operate this massive system itself, rather than work through the federal Amtrak system.

Rather than repeating myself, here's the NYT link:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/14/magazine/14Train-t.html

Comment on More evidence of diversification by Mark W. Rummel

Mark W. Rummel — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 03:19:38 +0000

Speaking of diversification, there's a fascinating (but very long) story in this Sunday's New York Times Magazine about California's efforts to establish high-speed rail lines throughout the state.

One of the many interesting facts is that California the state would run this rail line, not the federal Amtrak system. Good rail could replace regional airlines and eliminate the need for highway growth, to actually cost less than those future expansions, where growth would be piece-meal.

Michigan also could imitate Japan, France and Germany, as California foresightedly is attempting. Here's the link:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/14/magazine/14Train-t.html

Comment on The Divided Middle Class by Janice Mashon

Janice Mashon — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 19:03:08 +0000

After receiving my letter today that my vision, dental and hearing were no longer covered under Medicaid (I am disabled), I decided to check where other cuts could be made instead. I don't begrudge anyone their pensions and health care packages after retiring from a lifetime job. What I don't think is necessary is these same benefits given to our legislators who work part-time for a maximum of 6 or 8 years. Cutting their pensions and health care would provide the funding to allow the poor to get their dental, vision and hearing benefits returned to them. Some employers are willing to hire those who can't see or hear, but there are few who will hire a toothless person.

Comment on Getting up to speed on mass transit by Kevin McLogan

Kevin McLogan — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 18:11:05 +0000

Very misleading and disappointing work John!
You are almost always better than this.
The House is NOT conducting hearings, Rep. Rogers is on his own, and the distinction is significant.
This plan by the "Hydrogen Brothers" is untenable, both financially and technologically. There has been no demonstration of any aspect of this system, no test track built, no investors revealed, and no reputable supporters have come forward.
I appreciate Rep. Rogers' enthusiasm for transit and his willingness to work with other transit advocates in the House, but this whole charade detracts from the real work that needs to be done, both in the time that is devoted to it and the distractions (see above) that it presents.

Comment on Taking stock of Kalamazoo's Promise by Joe

Joe — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:48:30 +0000

Advanced education is being pushed as the savior for all high school grads. In reality, not everyone is cut out for the college challenge.
Many will do better in a trade while many others won't or can't go on to any higher learning. Then there is the large percentage that won't even finish high school. It's like a death threat for a decent job.

Comment on Special Report: New slices to the revenue-sharing pie by Amadeo Lese

Amadeo Lese — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 20:31:16 +0000

Stop taxing property owners would be a good start. Let us own our properties out right.
Put a progressive income tax in place.
Do you job.

Comment on Special Report: New slices to the revenue-sharing pie by Chuck Fellows

Chuck Fellows — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 18:33:55 +0000

569 school districts exempt from scrutiny?

One of the the biggest items in the budget held harmless and all this virtual "ink" dedicated to the little budgets least able to defend themselves.

Challenge: Cut 15% accross the board from all school districts and ISDs WITHOUT cutting teachers, counselors or services for special needs.

Comment on Budget cuts without vision don't add up to prosperity by Henry S. Woloson

Henry S. Woloson — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 17:16:22 +0000

I would hope that responding to citizens' inquiries would be one function Lt. Governor Cherry could address with his Commission on State government. His staff has never seen fit to respond to any of my multiple calls to his offices to learn his position on various issues. Is this an indication of what mere citizens could expect if he were elected Governor? I seriously doubt labor union leaders are ignored by he and his staff.
As for Cherry Commissions and Dillon "far-reaching" ballot proposals, why is there no mention by these and other "leaders" of the upcoming vote in November, 2010 on if Michigan should convene a State Constitutional Convention? It is already on the statewide ballot thanks to our State Constitution. We have the opportunity to elect 148 Convention delegates who will review the Constitution and recommend amendments to the general public. Why do elected officials presume that only they are capable of performing that function? Are there not tens of thousands (or more) of highly qualified people in this State who would welcome the opportunity to assist in an effort to revitalize Michigan? A State Constitutional Convention would provide them that chance. Vote YES for Michigan in November, 2010.

Comment on Getting up to speed on mass transit by Wendy Nystrom

Wendy Nystrom — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 17:08:31 +0000

We need more than just mass transit in the Detroit metro area. We need it for the entire state. We should be able to grab a train to travel within the state and outside the state with ease. Lets stop thinking small but HUGE. This would bring more people into the state to spend. I live in Big Rapids and it would be nice to catch a train to reach Airports with more ease or even take a train that takes less time time than driving to Chicago and Minnesota.

Comment on Getting up to speed on mass transit by Neil Karl

Neil Karl — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 17:07:11 +0000

The Autoblog high speed rail from Detroit to Lansing is interesting, high technology.

It points out one problem, we have now, is getting the right of way for a surface rail or elevated hydrogen powered line. If we had set aside the surface right of way along Grand River when it was all farm land, the rails could have been put down years ago.

If this is what Michigan wants to do, it is time to get started, because land acquisition could take longer than you think. Of course, there must be Federal money for that.

Comment on Out of the RenCen shadow by Steve

Steve — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 11:59:43 +0000

Mark, I agree with your comments totally.
I see a huge problem though.

People generally fear Government contorl and re-organization and favor independance and identity driven self determination of direction.
Thats why its so fragmented now.

Fueling that sentiment, National and state level republicans continue to Strike fear of government and grouping people into the hearts of the common person.
Fear is a weapon and it keeps people divided.

Comment on Get loud on behalf of Michigan this summer by Steve

Steve — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 11:21:41 +0000

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31199972/

Anyone suggest Michigan Build an awesome Supermax prison in northern mid-michigan, maybe underground and take the Gitmo Detainees?

What panzya__es are these other state's that are afraid of these guys as if holding a mass murderer that eats brains isnt as dangerous as it gets?

Couldnt Michigan use the Funding and jobs?
Arent we laying off prison staff and guards?

Wouldnt it add construction jobs?
Wouldnt it add some spotlight to our state's problems?

Just an idea.

Comment on Guest Column: 21st century employers want mass transit by Steve

Steve — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 11:09:24 +0000

I've sent in suggestions and plans to both the Engler admin and Granholm Admins about the needs and benefits of Commuter trains in Michigan for the last decade.

not much progress or recognition of that need has even been discussed.
Elev trains or running between highways would help alleviate issues with land procurement and footprint.

Comment on All Eyes on Prison Reform by patricia

patricia — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 04:37:28 +0000

first of all it shouldnt be an issue about training or educating or healthcare for poeple who are in these prisons they shouldnt get anything my husband was murdered and one of these idiots will probably be considered let go if these prisons are closed they ruined my life and my families lives they dont deserve anything but possibly a bed and crappy food not one other thing and it was your family member you would feel the same way i hope the govenor uses her head and heart before she conciders closing these places and letting go these idiots

Comment on Out of the RenCen shadow by fred akers

fred akers — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 02:47:16 +0000

I think we should all quit our jobs and start renewable/alternative energy companies. It's the future. Go Governor!

Comment on The crisis in newsgathering by thomas McNulty

thomas McNulty — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 21:45:38 +0000

Phil, what you did not share is that the real value of the printed word, is the delivery of issues or positions that the reader did not intend to read. the written paper, gives you the ability to peresue the entire page without regard for a specific topic to read. As a result columns or data show up that causes a response to the reader. In other words, you see more than you wanted. no worry if you are doing it in a place that does not accomedate a computer screen. it is there when you want it to be. Good luck, you are on the right track.

Comment on All Eyes on Prison Reform by Christine A. Miller

Christine A. Miller — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 01:00:05 +0000

Michigan has many reasons for its high prison costs. One of them is the rampant inefficiency of over-crowding. If you look at the appeal of Posting #3, Shannon, above, this is typical. A recent group appointed to investigate and recommend sentencing reform guidelines to cut overcrowding found that clerical errors contributed to perhaps 20% of Michigan's overcrowding. Mainly these errors occur when inmates are violated for things they did not do and the violations are not corrected, thereby impacting their good time and their subsequent ability to achieve parole, not early parole, not sometimes, any parole. Some inmates are held beyond their out date, due to the same bookkeeping backups. The enormous crime against the Michigan taxpayers is that we keep on paying for these bodies, who should be out and walking among us,in many cases working and thriving as productive citizens (especially if you want to count the 20% who took plea bargains but were not guilty of the crimes which they pled guilty to), assuming someone would hire them. So ultimately the conundrum is that there is no incentive to clean up the inefficiencies, because they are revenue producing. Now the governor wants to save money by talking these same convicts who are already overcrowded and stuff them in together with other inmates who are overcrowded. I heard her say something like "The inmates won't mind." What a great attitude. It epitomizes the way society feels about these people, who are people, many of whom made mistakes, often through being born into situations that made them grow up hard. Yes, they made choices. But we don't know what we would have done in those circumstances. But this is not about that. It is about the stupidity of letting out people who might be dangerous when we can let out the people that shouldn't be there in the first place. What Michigan prisons need is an audit of their records and the people's records should be updated, investigated, corrected. Those eligible for parole should get their hearings. Those who should be out should be out. Then let's talk about closing down maximum security facilities or double bunking people who will kill their bunkies in their sleep because they are sociopaths and that's how they roll. Come on gov, get real.

Comment on If knocked down five times, get up six by Thom Ruhe

Thom Ruhe — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 20:23:07 +0000

John,

It's nice to see your optimism and forward-thinking regarding Detroit - especially in light of all the recent (negative) headlines. I believe you're right about the Innovation Michigan finalists; these - and hopefully other - entrepreneurs will lead the way out of our current recession and toward recovery.

Check out what we're doing at the Kauffman Foundation with "E=R," our campaign for increased awareness and support for entrepreneurs in this tough economic climate: http://www.entrepreneurship.org/eequalsr

Comment on Tax loopholes need scrutiny by Neil Karl

Neil Karl — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 18:10:38 +0000

Tax Loopholes. We are really discussing a solution for the $ 1.75B Michigan budget deficit. Fixing tax loopholes is one of the means to fix it.

But, what is the most important thing to consider? How about ending the Michigan recession? One of the signs of ending the recession is increasing tax revenue. The revenue decline would stop.

But, the Governor and the Democrats have done everything that is possible to end the recession the past 6 years. It seems that the policy of picking winners and losers, 12 year tax abatements, and 15 year Renaissance Zones do not work to end the recession. These measures just point the way. Business taxes are not considered a problem, even when winners get tax abatements to move to Michigan. A Detroit News report recently showed that the state is not good picking winners and losers. Four companies researched did not use all the abatement or hire all the employees agreed to.

As a businessman, looking 12 to 15 years out, why would the business want to come to Michigan if the taxes rise in 12 to 15 years, so the business was no longer competive? Especially, why not go to a competitor state where the business taxes are abated 100% forever?

Comment on Guest Column: 21st century employers want mass transit by Neil Karl

Neil Karl — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 17:13:01 +0000

What is the conclusion about the current mass transit design for Southeastern Michigan? Is it that government (SEMCOG) cannot successfully design a successful mass transit that will compete with autos. Among some cities I am familiar with, that is what the Chicago, Cleveland, and Philadelphia systems try to do. Each of these cities is similar to Detroit,in that the city is bounded on one side by a body of water, and widely spread out.

To compete with autos, the mass transit must have dedicated rail with 24/7 service. The choice of transit vehicles is also important. Locomotives with a train of passenger cars should not be used. Instead self-propelled transit cars like the Silverliner, linked in one or more cars together, is much more cost effective. Limiting mass transit to three counties: Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb is very crippling. Mass transit should travel the major 5 corridors out of Detroit to Port Huron, Flint, Lansing, Ann Arbor, and Monroe. Bus systems should not be the center piece of the design, but should link the rail corridors.

A local rail line up Woodward would seem to be less cost effective than buses.

Comment on Out of the RenCen shadow by Eileen Holzman

Eileen Holzman — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:45:16 +0000

One very important factor being totally ignored by Detroit and its surround counties including Oakland is: Now that the Automobile industry may have loosed its lock on the transportation industry in this state it is time to develop the fastest and most efficient means of moving potential workers and customers from one end of the metropolitan area to another. In all directions. To start with: Build vehicles that are cost efficient and avoid pollution, hire drivers, and relieve our dependence on the automobile. Also, make our metropolitan area more user friendly and accessible.

Comment on Out of the RenCen shadow by Mark Rummel

Mark Rummel — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 23:21:48 +0000

Since our beautiful state is an unwilling leader in the perception of national desperation, perhaps we should out-do California and every other state by literally "reinventing the wheel" -- and truly consider how best to operate this state, starting over from the ground up.

How best should government services be set up in a "perfect state" which could become Michigan? A future constitutional convention could allow us to re-design what a 21st-century state needs to operate properly and most efficiently. Do we really need 83 sheriffs, and 549 school districts?

These are disruptive ideas, but we are faced with trying times. When better to start all over, and set the national standard of how to run a state right?

It could (and should) happen right here in Michigan.

Comment on Guest Column: 21st century employers want mass transit by Christopher Currie

Christopher Currie — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 20:38:11 +0000

I live and work in Detroit. In my opinion Michigan bears the greatest burden in light of recent events concerning the automotive industry companies. Unemployment was already a major problem here and now it is worse. Now that the federal government, via taxpayer money, are majority stakeholders in General Motors, I feel that the engineering and mass-production/assembly resources at GM (and if possible, Chrysler) can and should be used to help design and implement comprehensive mass-transit systems like high speed rail, light rail, and alternative-fuel buses for use both regionally and nationwide. Weren’t the auto factories refitted during World War II to build tanks and such? The American auto industry’s backyard of Michigan would be great to start pilot projects connecting cities with 21st century transit systems.
Public Transit systems help to lessen the overall fuel emissions made by the vehicles we drive. It also helps those who currently can't afford their own vehicle meet family, work and school obligations. It would be a means of bolstering America’s workforce, especially Black America, and go a long way toward strengthening the economy. In the midst of public debate on what GM’s restructuring means, I feel that there is a missed opportunity not being explored. The auto companies historically had not supported mass transit if only because it theoretically detracts from their revenue. A governmental “hands off” mantra is not the proper approach to this unique and virtually unprecedented situation.

Comment on Guest Column: 21st century employers want mass transit by Mike Anthony

Mike Anthony — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 10:16:23 +0000

I want mass transit to work: for the US generally, and for Michigan in particular. But nothing in my experience supports its economic indepedence apart from massive, perpetual government subsidies. I am suspicious of the claim that mass transit "pays off" when no mass transit system in the world has ever paid off according to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. This does not mean that I am not similarly romanced by the notion, however. I love taking trains. I like someone else doing the driving; talking to new people, snacking or reading, while I'm getting there... etc, etc. At best, I visualize the train system along Milwaukee Avenue running out of downtown Chicago. All those wonderful ethnic neighborhoods and businesses growing along the train terminals....I'd like that for Michigan. At worst, though, I recall the traffic jams in Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Oslo and Stockholm as, by slow degrees every year, train ridership has decreased as more Europeans aspire to the town&country commuter lifestyle of Americans. I have been going to northern Europe pretty much every year since 1980 and I have seen mass transit ridership decline as such. Much of it has to do with projecting social status. Wiser marketing minds in the auto industry know: whether you are riding a mule, or riding in a gold, guilded carriage, how you move yourself is highly personal, and the people will not go quietly into mass transit unless there are radical changes in human nature. (Obama's auto-industry team better get smart about this, pronto, or we risk evisceration of what remains of GM. But I digress.) I regret sounding like a cynic. I think this is all possible as long as we know that economically independent transportation systems are nearly impossible. The airline industry, for example, has -- on average -- never made a profit. Net-net, its never made an industry wide profit since...well...ever....even going back to the Wright brothers. It just pushes numbers around the ledger to effect spot phenomena that looks like profit until the bankruptcy laws permit them to file for relief, again and again. That's socialist mass-transit funding, American-style. If you put the societal and environmental benefit into the equation, however, there is a strong argument; though once again, people will always trend toward projecting social status through their transportation means(just as they do their clothes and jewelry and such). If you're looking for ideas to make mass transit possible then you'd have to make personal transit less affordable and less comfortable and more status projecting. (Some of the Asian countries like Korea have concepts on the table that propose "personal mass transit" that have pods that permit people to purchase 1st, 2nd and 3rd class accomodations.) More draconian, and perhaps silly and unrealistic measures would be a) stop repairing the roads so much, b) placing a massive tax on satellite radio and other conveniences and safety features that make driving automobiles so comfortable and safe, c) taxing every automobile and every gallon of gas into oblivion. Most of European gas tax dollars go to subsidizing the train systems. If Michigan is comfortable with that, then I say, "Go For It" Hope this helps Michigan.

Comment on Tax loopholes need scrutiny by Frank St.Onge

Frank St.Onge — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 20:51:04 +0000

It is great to have our former legislators and bureaucrats talk about the $32 Billion of revenue not taxed. I may be wrong but it seems to me that the period when these two people served is also when we put in motion the tax rules that have put us in the position we are in today. If that be the case, I am not sure I want them to be solving the problem again. The three bullet points above they used to increase revenues does nothing to solve the budget shortfall other than make business do more work to collect and report stuff to the state.

On February 19, 2009, I posted a comment on another article at this site about this issue. Here is a small portion of my thoughts then and they stand today:

"1. Tax all pension incomes until one reaches age 62 to match the social security exemption.
2. Change the exemption amount to a lower amount than $86,800 and eliminate the indexing factor.

That way all all of us would be contributing to support the state budget and we probably could reduce the tax rate of 4.35% for everyone to a lower level. What a novel idea - reduce the tax burden rate to everyone!
Let's get some dialog going that equals the amount of ink and space that is spent talking about where the revenue will be spent."

This is an easy solution to implement, just change the 1040 tax form that everyone files so that these changes are in the form.

Lets work on some real tax equality to help solve our problems instead of finding ways to
exclude more income for some people to not pay taxes and making the tax burden fall on the rest of us who do pay taxes.

Comment on Tax loopholes need scrutiny by Gerald Roston

Gerald Roston — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 20:22:59 +0000

While closing tax loopholes is certainly important, the ones listed here are meaningless. If it is true that there are $32B in lost revenue annually, attention should be focused on those that contribute the most, not three whose combined total is 0.2% of the total.

Please keep your attention focused on important matters, not insignificant ones.

Comment on Guest Column: 21st century employers want mass transit by Charles Ybema

Charles Ybema — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 19:31:58 +0000

So SE Michigan is going to move from producing 16M auto a year to 10M and we still expect to "need" a new mass transit system?

I love these economic studies whereby every dollar taxed and spent by gov't always results in accelerated returns. $3 - $10 per $1 invested, that's the Keynesian multiplier on speed!

Truth is, if every rider saved $ 8,400 per year then they should be willing to fund up to $ 8,399 per year to ride--why should the rest of the state or country subsidize their ridership.

And as for the 77% of riders, why wouldn't they want someone else to foot part of their ridership bill.

Comment on Out of the RenCen shadow by Susan

Susan — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 19:04:35 +0000

My mother always told me, "you dance with the one that brought you." Michigan has danced almost exclusively with the auto industry for too long, only paying lip service to these growing sectors. It will take time for them to catch up with the employment of the automotive sector, but if we are able to adjust our way of thinking, they will. If we don't adjust, they will leave, because they are far more footloose.

We need to change our tax structure that has relied way too long on capital intensive manufacturing, become more creative in our overall approach to both government and economic development, and - somehow - sustain and promote our quality of place while this transition takes place.