The Center for Michigan » Discussion Archive: Page 8

By The Center for Michigan - June 23, 2007

In February of 2007, we asked "How do we best transform the size and role of government, and how best to pay for it?" We received some great answers and didn't want to lose all the ideas generated when we moved into our new web site.

We've archived the posts here and we ask you to respond with your thoughts on this page.

Dan Brown, DeWitt (guest)

06/23/2007 7:23 AM
Your bias is showing. You've got such a hard on for getting rid of term limits and coming up with "competitive" legislative districts that you don't seem to cite opposing views in your "Fresh Thoughts" pieces. To wit: You don't hesitate to cite Derek Melot, Lansing State Journal, and Nolan Finley, Detroit News, about term limits and a part-time legislature, but you ignore Kyle Melinn's comments in the Lansing City Pulse (See May 2 edition).Let's face it, our present system of apportionment and winner-take-all elections does great harm to the concept of representative government. Statewide, roughly one-third of those voting are not represented in the Michigan House of Representatives. Those are the voters who vote for someone other than the winner. If the Center for Michigan has its way and is successful in achieving a system of "competitive" districts, the portion of the voting population that is unrepresented will increase. Consider the fact that what you're shooting for is more districts in which the result is a 51/49 split. In such districts, roughly one-half of the voters will be unrepresented. Now, if Phil Power were intellectually honest, he would repeat his arguments in favor of some sort of proportional representation.

Roger Edington (guest)

06/23/2007 7:39 AM
I agree that our political system has drifted from the original course set by our founding fathers. We the people our suppose to govern not an elite group or groups. A example of "elite" thinking can be seen by the recent reaction of Michigan state employees to the Lansing State Journal making their compensation available to all of us. We are their true employer but they do not want us to know what they are truly costing us. State employees and the political employees that we the people elect to represent the will of the people need to answer to us and not think of themselves as our bosses. We are in charge not them. It is time for we the people to start behaving better and taking our responsibilities to a higher level of participation by getting personally involved on a daily basis instead of the occassional election or townhall meeting. The Center for Michigan will achieve nothing if it is only a source of talking about it. We the people must get up and do it. We can not let others make the decisions and take actions that we do not support while all we do is complain. Do not let "elite" anybody cow you into thinking your ideas are not correct. We the people have more knowledge about what we truly need but more importantly what we do not need from our employees than any elite person or elite group. We the people do not need Kings, Queens, Chiefs, Stewards or Managers to tell us what we should be doing to make Michigan anything. We the people need to tell our employees what we want and how we want them to serve our best interests. We the people must decide to be actively reaching out to each other and finding agreements and compromises that our employees can use to reduce waste, eliminate duplication of services, lower costs, increase productivity and improve service to "We the People". Do not just talk about it. Be like David Crockett, Andrew Jackson, Robert Lee, or thousands of other citizens that did what they thought best when their friends and neighbors needed help. They were not always right or the best or the brightest but they were honest and willing. That is all anyone can hope to be or needs to be. HONEST and WILLING! Thank You for your time.

Roger Edington (guest)

07/07/2007 6:10 AM
Has everyone in Michigan gone on vacation? It has been 2 weeks without any comments! I do not think Phil Powers has a clue what is good news. The United States is a service based economy and needs all of the low wage earners it can get. The fact that Government, a non-producer, Manufacturing and Construction are the leading cause of Michigan's decline in GDP is a good indicator that Michigan will be very healthy once the post industrial / big government era completes it's end. We in Michigan should be moving not out of state but into the 21st Century era of Information, Education, Research, Inovation and Service.

Dan Noutko-Kennedy (guest)

07/13/2007 10:00 AM
At last a simple solution to Michigan's economic downturn has been clearly articulated: send all those undocumented workers packing, the ones without college diplomas that is. A workforce armed with the old sheepskin will provide the prophylactic scrubbing our flaccid economy needs. Perhaps Mr. Power can orchestrate this Diaspora of the Degreeless. He could act as a Pied Piper who leads these uneducated underachievers (who couldn't possibly start businesses or create jobs) to the border as he sprinkles the path to some neighboring state, preferably a red one, with lottery tickets and six-packs. A stampede of double-wides would certainly follow the trail of knuckle-draggings made by these unlettered speed bumps who litter the road to economic progress. The stray higher learning challenged ne'er-do-well can be directed to a Promised Land filled with non-stop Nascar and bottomless chaw by carefully placed billboards emblazoned with lots of pictures and single syllable words.Once we have certified that every job holder in Michigan has earned his or her treasured piece of white paper from a taxpayer supported institution that rewards excellence over the congenital apportionment of melanin levels and values all voices regardless of political persuasion, as we know all Michigan schools do, each graduate will possess a virtual guarantee that he or she will produce countless stacks of green paper. Prosperity will be just around the corner. Only then when we take our Rolls or Bentley to a mechanic can we discuss the impact of a dearth of durable goods on a third world economy. Only then can we be certain the wait staff in the executive dining room knows the derivation of the words elitism and snobbishness. Only then when workmen are installing gates around our ivory tower can we toss off a Shaw inspired ironical epigram that does not misfire. With more college graduates running our corporations, our state and our country for that matter (the highest elected office in the land is currently occupied by its first MBA) we can expect nothing but the finest leadership and decision-making acumen, abilities that our lettered betters have routinely employed to shape the world we now inhabit. Dan Noutko-Kennedy Blue Collar Worker Brighton

Roger Edington (guest)

07/21/2007 8:25 AM
Thank you Dan! What a wonderful post. I agree with you about the "white piece of paper" being overly valued. I know from personal experience how MBAs, Masters, and PhDs can be very bad decision makers. I do agree that education is very important and that is why I feel that our Michigan schools are doing a very poor job of using the money they are given to operate on. Time and again we have graduates of High School and even our Universities that can not do percentages, make change correctly, fill out their own Income Tax Forms, avoid bouncing their checks, balance their Bank Statements or Manage their 401Ks. Time and again we see young drop outs open businesses that take off and make them very wealthy, new americans open businesses that fill service niches that were ignored by our graduates and Doctors from around the world come here to fill the empty positions in our Hospitals. Everyone one is valuable and capable of being good productive workers. The policies of government need to promote balanced budgets and self control. "We the People" need to find the middle ground that we can agree is best for all and talk to our elected representatives that work for "We the People". Michigan needs to accept that the past is past. What do we do now to change the future? What do "We" agree on? I urge everyone to check out the information at www.mlui.org. I found it useful. Thank you for your time!

Elaine (guest)

07/25/2007 11:55 AM
We allow input from the holders of positions in government besides the appointed Directors. All levels of government should be heard. Government workers care and we put our heart and soul into our work. We can give suggestions to be more efficient. We want to be more efficient. The tools to do our jobs more efficiently are denied to us because of budget constraints. I don't see Elected Officials, Politically appointed Directors and Managers denied Blackberry's, Palms or laptops. Meanwhile the staff that actually get out each day to do work are without the latest technology. We even have to use our own cell phones to get work done. Give us a no holds barred allowance towards our personal phones so we only carry one phone too. The GM plant in Pontiac that builds pickup trucks will be laying off workers. See how few trucks have been bought by government the past seven or so years. It is getting to crisis mode in cities & townships in Mid Michigan. Five year replacement cycles have gone to seven, ten or who knows when replacements. Most city and township service garages are not equiped to repair and maintain beyond 50,000 miles.

Elaine (guest)

07/25/2007 12:06 PM
I have a commnet about the prison crews working and replacing everyday workers. The true real cost of government is not apparent when any level of government uses prison labor. Cities, townships and MDOT need to hire real staff who pay taxes, buy groceries and return the money they earn to their communiites. The Prison workers aresn't even properly trained so they can return to the workforce. How dare we use people like that. We wonder why felons return to crime when they have to return to where they came form and there is no safety net to help them. Government is allowed to hire felons, yet government keeps reducing their workforce. What a mess. We have politicians that only react, no planning for the future going on.

mark.clevey (guest)

07/27/2007 12:03 PM
RE: Innovativion and Higher EducationPhil's article on Innovation and Higher Education was excellent and could not have been more on target and timely. 3M was right in saying that research and development is the conversion of money into knowledge; commercialization is the conversion of the knowledge back into money. Each year roughly $1 Billion in tax-payer dollars flows into our universities and colleges in the form of research and development grants and contracts. We need public officials that will hold the higher education system accountable for these dollars - just doing quality research in not good enough! Published articles about the research results should include commercialization results as well. Successful research that is not commercialized should be a key factor in the Tenure Process. Higher Education funding should be based on a formula that accounts for the percentage of their annual budget that comes from the commercialization of tax-payer funded research (Technology Transfer). If we're going to throw tax-payer dollars at the problem, let's at least throw them at the right target: commercialization of our substantial investment in research and development. Universities that actually generate real economic development through the transfer of their successful research results to Michigan businesses should receive a higher percentage of State Higher Education dollars. I know that our smaller universities and colleges can out Tech Transfer the big ones if given the chance. Sol, let all of our universities and colleges compete in a new Technology Transfer Rose Bowl. Now that would be innovative.

Jim (guest)

07/27/2007 12:26 PM
Given the explosion of technological capabilities occuring as I write, is it not practical to develop and deploy "Martha Stewart type" ankle bracelets, or some similar non-removable body attachment, and offer that as an option for much earlier parole for many convicts? I envision that such a device would include gps technology, so that the individual's whereabouts would always be documentable anyplace, anytime 24/7. This would be a tremendous deterent because the probability of capture would be hugely increased. Are there privacy issues? Absolutely! But if this were voluntary, an exchange for prison time, I see that as doable. This would certainly go a long way to reduce many temptations. As a citizen, I would be much more comfprtable knowing that ALL parolees' whereabouts could be determined in short order. And what of the accused parolee? The police could check out any suspect in the initial investigation. If the parolee were "home alone" or out for a drive, or whatever, that would be easily verifiable. Perhaps this "device" does not currently exist, but I suspect that all of the component capabilities do exist, and what is needed is the will and the incentive to put them together. Where am I wrong?

Roger Edington (guest)

07/28/2007 9:32 AM
When our elected officials spend their time running for re-election instead of bipartisian decisions we all suffer. Voters have the ablity to re-elect those that put party politics aside in favor of good decisions but unfortunately from what I have been reading it seems that those that choose the middle ground often get targeted by their own party for replacement. Former U.S. Senator Bill Bradley once said that politics are broken. If a person is a moderate, middle-of-the-roader they often draw the ire of the party officials that control the money and primaries of their party. How do "We the People" over come this type of behavior within the 2 party system? How do we elect and re-elect those people that truly sponsor and vote for programs that benefit the majority of us instead of the special interest groups? How do "We the People" get Jennifer Granholm and Mike Bishop to agree to co-operate on every issue they face? In our lives we have to find ways to reach agreements everyday from what we will share with our families to who will complete which assignments at work. It is normal. How do "We the People" get Lansing politicians to do the same normal thing? I would apreciate your thoughts on this! Thank You!

Chuck (guest)

07/28/2007 4:24 PM
Mr. Power is correct regarding the focus of energy in Lansing, and Washington. All are seeking a fulcrum upon which to leverage their futures or their pet issues. All are looking either inward or backward. None seem to be looking forward.And what activity will spawn a brighter future? The ability to communicate effectively individually and in groups and convert that communication into progress toward a shared goal. Does this mean we should identify a goal we can all share and focus our energies upon? Like putting a man on the moon (been there; done that), providing effective health care services and disease solutions, affirming the goal of education (a $750 Billion annual industry in the US) as creating joy in learning and producing effective problem solvers; there's two worth the effort. Unfortunately both are broad in scope with very fragmented constituencies. A small and personal goal then. Such as visiting a public school once a month. Attending a public meeting and expressing an opinion based on factual information. Or making an effort to learn something new every day on a matter of public interest that you really care about; if you care about the public good and the future beyond your own life span. Or just practice asking the question "Why?" five to seven times for any proposed public action such as SB 0395-6 & 7 which defines the creation of a commission to study and create "efficiencies" in government (my random pick). The web makes it easy - just define your criteria at www.legislature.mi.gov and you will receive an email every time a subject of your choice is considered for action by your elected representatives! Why? Because your opinions will be supported with knowledge. Why? Because each proposal is supported by a fiscal analysis summary and effect. Why? Legislatures seek the advice and counsel of civil service specialists that attempt to provide that advice and counsel. Why? Its their job? Why? Maybe you should ask them. (Most would like that) Why? Because you will begin a dialogue with the real movers and shakers in government - the civil service. Why? Because you desire to have a meaningful impact and care about your community. Get the picture? Tedious and annoying at times, contradictory approach to problem solving, but it works: as long as you remain focused on the future. Or just sit back and read the "Ominvores Dilemma" - a start on the path to ending the obeisity epidemic (and your appetite); or have fun reading "The Dangerous Book For Boys" and imagine a simpler time and place.

Walter Grace
Posts:1

07/30/2007 6:15 PM
No, I don't know the answer to this one folks. The only thing that anyone can say is that we're going to need to raise taxes across the board to help close the gap. The other is to cut salaries for State givernment, and start at the top. If people that underperform or if times aren't so good, they have to take a pay cut. It should be the same for our elected officials as well. Then we need to re-evaluate other things the state provides in a clear and dignified manner.

Richard Thibodeau (guest)

08/03/2007 11:26 AM
As the State deliberates on controlling bottlers of our water from aquifers/whatever, I'm wondering if there is a way to do an "integration of problems resolution".....Let's see if a project could be worked out to bottle Detroit's tap water, perhaps in cooperation with Coca Cola, and have all of this bottled water marketed at our gas stations, party stores, grocery stores, etc. with large portion of the profits going to support the arts community and our museums, and such things as the Detroit Zoo. It would be a win-win for everyone. Each bottle could have a label that would say something like:'WATER FOR THE ARTS". As we all know, Detroit tap water is as good or better than many bottled water products. Am exploring it with Coca Cola.

John K. Harrison (guest)

08/03/2007 11:44 AM
What's your reaction to the California ballot initiative that would end the practice of granting all fifty-five of California's electoral votes to the statewide winner? Instead, it would award two of them to the statewide winner and the rest, one by one, to the winner of each congressional district. How about Michigan?The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service data released mid-June indicates 87 million Americans said they hunted, fished or observed wildlife, and they spent more than $100 billion pursuing those activities. Is Michigan working to be a player in that action?

Susan (guest)

08/03/2007 1:06 PM
The North Coast edition doesn't go far enough. The issues raised by our inability to manage Michigan's 'water, winter, wonderland' extend to public lands throughout the State. Some of the most unique geology in the world likes in Southern Michigan, and we treat it, the land and the water surrounding it, as 'poor step children' to the 'north coast.' We must protect the natural beauty of our state whereever it lies.4.5 million increasingly less wealthy Michiganians live in Southeast Michigan. Access to lands that are accessible to those families is critical, even while we protect the AuSable, the Yellow Dog and the Sleeping Bear.

Dave Smethurst (guest)

08/05/2007 12:21 PM
A great "North Coast" edition. We need to keep putting that label out there. It's a good name to rally around. The energy article is the tip of the iceberg. While clean coal is a better answer than dirty coal, and there is a new one planned for Rogers City, the M and M Energy folks talk about solar, biofuels(not corn) and hydrogen. Those are all better "parts" of the answer. The question is whether our politicos can look past short term gain and focus on the long term. NOT HERE, NOT NOW is the answer to the Kennecot Eagle mine. I use nickel and other metals. If I do, I need to support responsible mining. But we should never try Michigan's new mining law and it's processes, already revealed to be flawed, for the first time under the Salmon Trout River. It it fails, and the mine causes a depression on the surface, we'll have the Salmon Trout Pond. Let's do the first couple of mines on sites that don't impact surface water. Dave Smethurst

robo (guest)

08/07/2007 12:28 PM
We are an under taxed and fiscally abused state. The problem is the greed of those who do not care to understand that a quality of life means more than being overweight and smoking ,two skills that Michigans people lead the nation.To get the majorities attention, we need to increase hunting and fishing license fees to $500, tax cigarettes to the nations highests and undersize all cheap food. When the revolt occurs have a taxation and financial package ready to put in front of the folks who choose to ignore the plight of this once great state that is now a third world country amongst many states who have chosen a more progressive path

Dale Westrick
Posts:1

08/08/2007 3:27 PM
A bargain to good to be true. At the present time we have a oversupply of deer in lower Michigan causeing a danger on the roadways. Increase the fees to a reasonable amount but also try to involve more out of state hunters to come and hunt. Some things that we might try. 1. Sell 3 day liciences for deer,small game,and fishing at a reasonable rate.(This would get people from other states to visit and possibilty come back for other vacations.) 2. Have private industry provide facilities to accomadate visitors on there own land or next to state land or just advertize existing facilities better.

zee (guest)

08/10/2007 1:19 PM
Everybody keep talking about a budget crisis while spending money on useless Research efforts, planning to bring meetings for, the cost of rentals and consultant fees could pay for a rapid transit system that could and would link MI to JOBS and at the same time create jobs, The Auto Industry is GONE to stay, and Guess What, MI can have more than ONE Basket. Develop MI, even if everybody goes to college and get a Degree, Would you stay if you couldn't find WORK? Economic DEVELOPMENT even small business developement would create JOBS stop Thinking Cant' the Same people would and could help to pay for it that Keep giving MONEY to useless projects along with the Transit Systems in cities and Banks and Developers and the same people we go to for money to fund a WORKSHOP.

Dale Westrick (guest)

08/10/2007 3:18 PM
I feel you wrote a very interesting artical. One thing I have done to learn more is to purchase a set of DVD from the teaching company. Their is 48 30min lectures on the american revolution. To this point in my life I never understood much about our countrys history.(I am 65 years old.)I play a 30 min lecture when I am rested and can enjoy it. I have 4 more lectures to go and them I will start on the civil war DVDS. My intention is to purchase several of these and pass them on to our grand children so they might be able to enjoy them. SincerlyDale Westrick

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Discussion Archive: Page 8