A letter from the field...why DeVos

From a friend who lives south of Milan.

This is long, but please read before Tuesday.

Governor Granholm is one of the most outstanding communicators we have ever had in state government. But the job is more than making you feel good.

In 1997 I traveled to China with Michigan State University on an International study program. It is a communist country which is opening its borders and growing its economy. To do business there you must be located here. I have been past the Amway plant there which we continue to hear about in political ads. It is right next door to the Kellogg's plant producing cereal in Guangzhou which I was invited to tour!

Amway produces soap, detergent, shampoos and cosmetics, among other things. Most of these products are purchased by women. The United States populationjust hit 300 million: that's about 150 million potential women customers. China has 1.4 billion people and that's 700 million potential women customers.

If you are leading a company and growing a company where would you locate aplant? So why does the Democratic ads belittle an individual for havingforesight to create jobs here in Michigan and around the world, exportproducts, and import dollars back to Michigan's economy? Is this not thetype of vision, business foresight, ability to make hard decisions for thefuture of Michigan we are looking for?

If we are the victim of globalization, would it not make sense to electsomeone who understands the world economy? Someone who firsthand knows thebarriers abroad as well as the barriers right here in Michigan? Someone whoknows where to start making changes here to attract new companies and retainand strengthen existing ones in Michigan?

Michigan's economy

Over 7% unemployment, highest in the nation.

National average 4.4 % and going down.

Second worst state economy in the country.

Lost jobs. This is real. we all know of someone who has lost a job, moved, had to find another position somewhere else.

How bad is the plan working?

Look at the OMB projections numbers.

The state revenues from income tax is down.

Tax revenues from corporations is down.

Sale tax revenues are down.

Expenses are rising.

The dollars are not meeting budget expectations.

The state will no doubt have to cut the budget again.

Programs and jobs which families depend will be curtailed.

$4,000 per student scholarship to go to college. Great sound bite.

I agree, anything to help get students to further their education is a great thing! But how do you pay for it? Washtenaw county has 10 school districts.

The Milan school district graduates about 200 students a year. Give or take about 38% go onto college or secondary training. Plug in the numbers . At $4,000 dollars per student. That's just under one half million dollars for one school district per year. Where is this money coming from? We have challenges funding the current k-12 structure.

It is an election season of sound bites. Please look farther.

I respect your decision on who ever you choose to elect as Governor. Please
do vote for your choice. I thank you considering the observations I have shared.

Later,

Doug.

Vote for the future of Michigan. Vote for Dick DeVos.