The national economy tanked. The manufacturing industry exited Michigan in mass. The unfunded legacy costs for retired public employees continued to pyramid. The state’s portion of Medicaid continued to rise at rates substantially above inflation. We put too many people in prison….

You could go on and on listing the things that have roots to previous administrations.

But the facts are that these circumstances did occur while your wife was governor. As governor, it was her duty to deal with situation she was confronted with. Instead, she dug her heals in, and protected the base, which were the public employee unions. And she avoided any new proposals to cut the cost of Medicaid, prisons, or public employee retirements.

She will leave her term limited office with the state nearly bankrupt, and in need of massive budget cuts. She kicked the can down to the next administration, and as a result history will probably judge her as a bad governor.

Senator Bishop as you well know has been 100% ideologically opposed to any tax changes and remains so. That is indisputable. The report you reference documents in huge, long detail how Michigan’s tax revenue has declined year over year (even without the recession). Senator Bishop seems to want no part of understanding this.

Governor Granholm proposed a tax shift – one much like the Business Leaders for Michigan are today talking about, and which she and Dillon are meeting on – about 4 years ago. It was quite consistent with the report you say she “disgracefully” ignored. She continues to call for a shift to services that will be more tenable and fair. Am I wrong?

The report you laud also calls for corrections reform which she has been doing consistently for years, balancing safety with budget issues. Who fights this year after year? It’s not Dems in the legislature, Phil. Is she afraid to take a stand? Against the soon-to-be-fear-mongering opponents? NO. Against correction workers who do very hard jobs? No. So how about a little of that truth here?

Jennifer has made numerous cuts to the state budget. There are about 10,000 less employees since 2000. So, Phil, maybe a little truth. I think your opinion is the real disgrace here. You’re smarter than that.

Why are you so afraid to admit what is so obvious: that it takes two to tango, and Senator Bishop has steadfastly refused to take any position than the one described above by T. Allen? Do public workers need to sacrifice – as they have with furloughs and pay freezes? Yes, everyone needs to pay a price. But it’s not like they’re not, Phil.

You may have noticed that auto sales went from 17 million a year to about 9. Perhaps you also noticed that GM and Chrysler and Delphi and Lear? and….went bankrupt. So, revenues have gone down and will be a long time returning. Suggesting that we’re back in the situation we’re in SOLELY or even primarily because of Lansing – as opposed to a Great Recession is also just a bit misleading, no?

My wife has never been an ideologue, but has been a pragamatist. She appointed that bi-partisan group. She works well with many many republicans. Ask Hillegonds. Oh, for the days of Sikkema. Ask most in the business community.

Bring on the reforms. Put the heat where it belongs . . . on those who refuse to approach the table or dance floor.

Your admiring and disappointed friend (in all honesty),

Dan

Let’s face it. We need more than “good smart people” in Lansing. We need sincere and courageous, unselfish, dedicated Leaders who actually care about the People of Michigan. We need some politicians with the GUTS to step up to the plate and do “the right thing for the right reasons.”
Who knows, maybe after this election, we’ll find more than a handful who appreciate the fact that it’s the People they serve, not the political Parties or Special Interest groups.

Good article…..thanks for all you do!