Articles of Interest 3-22-07
593 Days until election day.
MORNING SUMMARY:
Having lunch with your daughter at the Olive Garden is nice…but not when you lie to the Municipal League and others…oh my?!?
RNC Chairman Mike Duncan appointed me to the RNC Executive Committee. This is a big honor and I was appointed a the State Chairman’s representative on the committee.
Lt. Governor Dick Posthumus wrote an Op-Ed piece published in the Detroit Free Press:
http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2007/03/posthumus_free_.html
Congressman Mike Roger’s office was vandalized by “anti-war” protestors:
http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2007/03/congressman_rog.html
In case you missed it, what if Dick DeVos were elected Governor…what might he do?
http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2007/03/if_it_were_gove.html
Legacy Brick Fund…join us build the party: www.migop.org/legacy
THE REST OF THE STORY:
Governor Granholm rushed in and out of the Municipal League meeting where she told elected officials from all around the state that she couldn’t stay as planned because she was in the middle of “closed door” meetings on the budget. She then headed back to the office and “closed the door” on others participants (her own Lt. Governor Cherry) and then snuck out the back to the Olive Garden to have lunch with her daughter.
Taking some family time is a noble thing to do…for all of us. By lying to the Municipal League, lying to other participants who are working on the budget and after her grandstanding on Monday with her cheap shots at Senator Mike Bishop for being in his district…unbelievable, unacceptable…politics as usual for this Governor.
The story was broken by bloggers at the “rightmichigan”…check out the story and more:
RNC Chairman Mike Duncan appointed me this week to the Republican National Committee’s Executive Committee.
“I look forward to continuing to work with this great team as the RNC grows our party and helps to ensure that we have the resources we need to be successful in 2008 and beyond,” RNC Chairman Mike Duncan said.
The primary purpose of the Executive Committee is to serve as each region’s representatives in the event the Chairman needs to call an immediate meeting of the RNC. The Executive Committee has the authority to perform all executive and administrative function of the full committee in between meetings of the RNC. The Executive Committee is also asked to “encourage and solicit the advice and counsel of Republican groups and organizations.”
Lt. Governor Dick Posthumus wrote an Op-Ed piece in the Detroit Free Press discussing the Republican coalition. He lays out an argument that we have missed an important part of our “majority coalition”. Food for thought:
http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2007/03/posthumus_free_.html
Congressman Mike Roger’s office was vandalized by “anti-war” protestors:
http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2007/03/congressman_rog.html
In case you missed it, what if Dick DeVos were elected Governor…what might he do?
http://migop.blogs.com/blog/2007/03/if_it_were_gove.html
The Michigan Republican Party is proud to announce its new Legacy Brick Fund site! In 2006, the Michigan Republican Party moved into a new headquarters and are installing a legacy site this spring to honor those who have served the party and the citizens of Michigan. This site will create a well-deserved tribute to honor Michigan’s Republican’s through personalized bricks. Buy one for yourself or to honor someone else. Be a part of the Michigan Republican Party Legacy – purchase an individualized brick that will last a lifetime! Visit www.migop.org/legacy to order your brick today.
Saul Anuzis
STATE STORIES
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070322/OPINION01/703220337/1008
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Granholm estate tax plan drives away job creators
State shouldn't punish wealth by creating tax on success
James L. Howlett
G ov. Jennifer Granholm's regressive proposal to impose a new Michigan estate tax -- to be paid in addition to the federal estate tax -- is contrary to the best interests of Michigan's future.
The reason: The new estate tax will drive away entrepreneurs, job creators, successful individuals and people destined for financial success from beleaguered Michigan. Michigan needs to attract and retain human and financial capital, not drive it away.
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070322/METRO/703220391
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Wayne population skids
Only 4 Gulf Coast counties hit by Katrina lost more people between 2005 and 2006.
Mike Wilkinson / The Detroit News
If not for Hurricane Katrina, Wayne County would be No. 1 in the nation.
But hold the cheering.
Wayne County lost more people than any other county between 2005 and 2006 except for four Gulf Coast counties pummeled by the hurricane, according to census data released today.
Metro Detroit's losses were inflicted by an economic storm that is ravaging the region: unemployment higher than most of the nation triggered by massive layoffs, buyouts and job relocations.
http://www.mlive.com/news/statewide/index.ssf?/base/news-8/1174509604185930.xml&coll=1
Lack of jobs sends people packing
Thursday, March 22, 2007
By Sarah Kellogg
Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON -- Half of Michigan's counties lost population between 2005 and 2006, leading to a decline of about 5,200 people statewide, according to a U.S. Census Bureau report released today.
The loss is due in part to Michigan's troubled economy, population experts say: More Michigan residents went looking for new jobs in other states than came looking for work in Michigan.
"It's a rough patch, there's no question about it," said William Frey, a demographer and professor at the University of Michigan Population Studies Center. "The biggest impact is that you're not attracting new migrants to Michigan. The cumulative effect of the difficult news (about Michigan) gets planted in people's brains. It kind of creates a stigma for moving there."
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070322/NEWS06/703220327
89,000 left Wayne County, census data show
Suburbs benefit: Macomb, Livingston among hot destinations
March 22, 2007
While Michigan's population held steady in the last six years, Wayne County lost more residents than any other county in the country, save for hurricane-ravaged Orleans Parish, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates to be released today.
Wayne County's loss of more than 89,000 residents from 2000 to 2006 represents an ongoing slide, fueled by the steady number of families leaving Detroit and high job losses and foreclosures. But that loss has meant rapid growth in places like Livingston, Washtenaw and Macomb counties.
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070322/NEWS06/70321057
Michigan census comparisons for 2000 to 2006
March 22, 2007
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070322/NEWS06/703220328
Michigan facing loss of seat in U.S. House
March 22, 2007
Michigan is likely to lose one of its 15 seats in Congress after the 2010 U.S. census -- meaning the possibility of a little less clout in Washington, a little less attention from presidential candidates and the smallest delegation from Michigan in about 100 years, based on census numbers released today.
Even though the state's population grew by 1.6% over the last six years, it did so a lot more slowly than in states like Texas (13%), Arizona (20%) and Nevada (25%). That means reapportionment of the 435-member U.S. House will send seats from slow-growing or backsliding Northeast and Midwest states to the South and West.
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070322/OPINION03/703220371/1348
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Laura Berman
Definition of 'style' simplified
T he April edition of Style magazine, a glossy bi-monthly that celebrated the good life in Oakland County, is also its last.
Unlike other relocations, bankruptcies, foreclosures and just plain business closings in recent months, the death of Style, which showed up in the mailboxes of 39,000 affluent households, is most painful to its small staff.
But considering that the magazine's tagline was "Living Well in Metropolitan Detroit," it also speaks to the current status of the local good life -- that is, not so good.
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070322/OPINION03/703220392/1001/BIZ
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Daniel Howes
Karmanos lets loose on his company, his city, his governor
In the wake of Comerica Inc. bolting to Texas and word that Compuware Corp. is embarking on a three-year "A-to-Z" efficiency drive, could the exemplar of Detroit's New Economy future be the next to go?
No way, Chairman Peter Karmanos told me this week: "Absolutely. I can tell you there's nothing going on that would affect us being in Detroit -- at all. Our business is in good shape. No one is trying to take us over, and no one is suggesting that we sell the company."
http://www.mlive.com/news/grpress/index.ssf?/base/news-35/1174479942304040.xml&coll=6
Meijer plans to create another 900 jobs in state
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
By Chris Knape
The Grand Rapids Press
GRAND RAPIDS -- Meijer Inc.'s president embarked on a cross-state tour Tuesday to remind Michigan the $13.5 billion retailer is still growing, still hiring, still investing and still based here.
The family-owned business will pour $123 million into land and construction this year in Michigan, creating 900 retail and distribution jobs and employment for more than 1,000 construction workers, President Mark Murray said.
His tour was inspired, in part, by mountains of negative news about the state's economy -- including job cuts at Pfizer Inc. and the auto industry, as well as Comerica Bank's announcement it will move its headquarters to Texas.
http://www.southbendtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070322/News01/703220362
March 22. 2007 6:59AM
Granholm, lawmakers huddle on deficit fix
Executive order may be next step to deal with $900 million shortfall.
KATHY BARKS HOFFMAN
Associated Press Writer
LANSING -- Gov. Jennifer Granholm and legislative leaders spent a second day negotiating how to resolve the state's $900 million deficit, although it was unclear Wednesday evening if they were close to an agreement.
She then had a lengthy lunch at the Olive Garden with her daughter, who turned 16 on Tuesday. The governor returned to the budget negotiations about 4 p.m.
The move was criticized by Michigan Republican Chairman Saul Anuzis, who said in an e-mail that it was ironic that Granholm would spend time away from budget to be with her daughter after criticizing Bishop for not sending someone to represent him in budget talks when he had to attend another event on Monday.
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070322/POLITICS/703220356/1022
Thursday, March 22, 2007
State budget talks make progress
LANSING -- Closed-door talks between Gov. Jennifer Granholm and top state lawmakers dragged though another day Wednesday with both sides saying progress was being made in finding a way to deal with the state's $900 million budget deficit.
"Talks have been ongoing since Tuesday and they are productive and we are hopeful that we will have a resolution soon," said Granholm's press secretary Liz Boyd, said shortly after talks broke off at 6 p.m.
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070322/OPINION01/703220339/1069
IN OUR OPINION
GOP should spell out its cuts
March 22, 2007
The people of Michigan are privy to only half the critical debate underway about the state budget that their tax dollars provide. If Republicans are as confident as they say about making ends meet through spending cuts, then it is past time for them to say what they want to whack.
Gov. Jennifer Granholm set out a package of tax increases and spending cuts and Republicans trashed it. That is their political prerogative, but how about their practical alternative? If the state needs to be run more like a business, where is the business model that says you can cut your way to prosperity without also investing in avenues of future growth?
http://www.mlive.com/news/flintjournal/index.ssf?/base/news-3/1174485163199190.xml&coll=5
Pandering on taxes
With Michigan facing crises, lawmakers focus on gimmicks
FLINT
THE FLINT JOURNAL FIRST EDITION
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
The calendar says March, but Lansing lawmakers are trying to carve up the state's property tax system like a Halloween pumpkin.
And their ideas exhibit a frightening degree of shallow opportunism when the times we're in demand statesmanship of the first order.
First, House Democrats came up with a tax-break gambit in a bid to spur one of the worst home-sales markets in memory.
http://www.mlive.com/news/grpress/index.ssf?/base/news-2/117448859928730.xml&coll=6
No taxes for Tulip City
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Anew governing board for Holland's Tulip City Airport took wing last week, and its final destination is pretty clear: more taxes and a poor use of the area's resources.
Citizens in and around Holland should refuse to get on board. The best course, whether in government, schools or airports, is regional cooperation. Raising local taxes to catapult Tulip City to greater heights would take us in the opposite direction.
The eight-member West Michigan Airport Authority, as the Tulip City board is called, had its first meeting a week ago Monday. The board consists of two people each from the cities of Holland and Zeeland and Holland and Park townships. Organizers wanted to make the body even larger, originally courting seven governments. The panel's future depends on its success in securing a property tax increase, or possibly general fund support, from member communities. Tulip City has been owned and operated by Holland since the early 1980s, when the city took it over from private companies. Holland continues to own the airport but will lease it to the new authority.
http://www.mlive.com/news/flintjournal/index.ssf?/base/news-1/1174485217199190.xml&coll=5
Big Money Bingo game aims for state coverall
OWOSSO
THE FLINT JOURNAL FIRST EDITION
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
By Dan Fearson
dfearson@flintjournal.com • 810.766.6249
In the bingo world, this is B-I-G.
Two area bingo halls are part of a statewide pilot project introducing a new bingo game that involves players across the state. That means big jackpots, which could reach $100,000.
Big Money Bingo is an electronic bingo network, in which thousands of players within the state play at the same time, thus building bigger jackpots.
It's part of an effort to stop bingo fans from crossing the border to Canada, a favored bingo locale.
http://www.mlive.com/news/bctimes/index.ssf?/base/news-9/1174490182107170.xml&coll=4
Police, fire agencies brace for job cuts
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
By SCOTT E. PACHECO
TIMES WRITER
Bay City's budget isn't due for another month, but already city leaders are bracing for what could be a contentious battle: cutting police officers and firefighters.
City Manager Robert V. Belleman has said he is leaning on the public safety departments to balance the 2007-08 general fund and its $1.2 million deficit. He has requested that both the fire and police departments slice $500,000 out of their budgets.
That leaves few options, the chiefs say.
http://www.mlive.com/news/citpat/index.ssf?/base/news-20/1174059390112920.xml&coll=3
Group hopes state can pony up $6.9M
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Money could help bring jobs to area
By Chris Gautz
cgautz@citpat.com -- 768-4926
There's no shortage of energy and enthusiasm among members of the newly formed Jackson Citizens for Economic Growth.
What's in short supply is money, and group members are hoping the state can come through with the dough to get its first project off the ground.
All that's needed: $6.9 million.
Sparton Corp. President and CEO David Hockenbrocht said he needs the money to help guarantee a contract with an unnamed aerospace customer that initially would create about 50 jobs.
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070321/OPINION02/703210345/1068/OPINION
GOP must win back full conservative coalition
March 21, 2007
We've had six months to absorb the results of the 2006 election and all the evaluations of what happened. There are those who believe the country no longer has a majority of people with conservative views. There are those who think the Republican Party was too conservative, and others who think the Democrats had a better idea.
This is the view of a simple farmer -- now also a manufacturer -- who spent 20 years in public service and loves this country and the state of Michigan.
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070322/OPINION01/703220314/1008
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Editorial
Detroit should link education to careers
Board should scale back theme schools to ensure they work
The Detroit News
Detroit public school officials are correctly being aggressive about proposing the creation of career-themed schools that make the connection between work and education. But the school board needs to scale back the number of such specialty schools to ensure they succeed.
District officials want to create 23 specialty career-based schools -- in fields like science and technology as well as fine and performing arts -- to attract students to a system that has been hemorrhaging about 10,000 students a year and millions of dollars in state aid. "We have to work aggressively to reinvent ourselves," district spokesman Lekan Oguntoyinbo says.
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070322/NEWS01/703220437/1003
Plan to close 37 schools moves ahead
March 22, 2007
Parents of about 20,000 Detroit students are one step closer to seeing their children's schools close or merge under a realignment plan that would shutter 37 of the district's 225 school buildings by the fall.
The Detroit Board of Education's facilities committee voted 3-1 Wednesday to recommend the schools -- including four high schools -- close. The full board is to vote on the plan in a special meeting at 6 p.m. Friday.
Committee members Marvis Cofield, Carla Scott and Jimmy Womack voted for the closures.
"This is a very difficult day for all of us," Cofield said. "No one wants to close schools. We do not have the money to make it happen."
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070322/NEWS01/70322001/1003/NEWS01
List of schools under the realignment, closure plan
March 22, 2007
Here is the breakdown under the realignment and closure plan that the Detroit school board is to consider Friday.
Closing this year:
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070322/OPINION01/703220342/1069
Get repeat offender off school board
March 22, 2007
The last thing the embattled Detroit Public Schools need is a board member who flagrantly breaks the law. Jonathan Kinloch has got to go.
According to a Free Press report this week, Kinloch has been recklessly driving without a license; his has been revoked since 2003 due to arrests for drunken driving. Records show he continued to drive even while facing two warrants for his arrest in Allen Park over unpaid fines for driving in 2006 with a revoked license and an expired plate.
http://www.mlive.com/news/jacitpat/index.ssf?/base/news-2/1174404985289310.xml&coll=3
ISD Medicaid issue: How to inflate costs
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
A dispute between the Jackson County Intermediate School District and local school districts over Medicaid reimbursement sheds light on why taxpayers spend so much on education: The delivery of educational services is inflated by layers of bureaucracy.
The dispute involves $600,000 in Medicaid funds for a federal outreach program in which local school staffers help to identify potential health problems in at-risk children. It came to notice in November when the East Jackson School Board asked the ISD for nearly $30,000 in Medicaid funds that the ISD owes the district. Last week the Jackson School Board authorized its own letter to the ISD asking for at least $145,323 in Medicaid funds for the same program.
http://www.mlive.com/news/grpress/index.ssf?/base/news-35/117448841928730.xml&coll=6
Group offers $1 million for Oakdale school
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
By Dave Murray
The Grand Rapids Press
GRAND RAPIDS -- A nonprofit group headed by Board of Education member David Allen has made a
$1 million bid for Oakdale Elementary School with hopes of converting it into housing.
Lighthouse Communities, an urban renewal organization, wants to turn the 52,000-square-foot school into "cutting-edge loft-style" condominiums that will preserve the historic character of the building.
http://www.mlive.com/columns/aanews/index.ssf?/base/news-1/11744880834020.xml&coll=2
Students show they have the write stuff
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Wow - there's a lot to like about a recent student project by seniors at Huron High School and a third-grade class at Thurston Elementary.
First of all, it was a book project - and what can we say? We love anything that encourages love of the printed word.
High school students in a graphic arts class taught by Ann Hendrick started working earlier this school year with third-graders in Jessica Anderson's class at Thurston. Together, they studied about books and the printing process, then the third-graders wrote stories for a book of their own, and made illustrations for the stories. The high schoolers printed the book, a project funded by the Freeth Family Fund of the Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation. The compilation is titled, "Room 4 Saves the Books.''
http://www.mlive.com/news/flintjournal/index.ssf?/base/news-42/1174486808278330.xml&coll=5
Fenton schools ready to cut
Revenues fall short by $1.6-$2.3 million
FENTON
THE FLINT JOURNAL FIRST EDITION
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
By Christofer Machniak
cmachniak@flintjournal.com • 810.766.6304
FENTON - A financial crisis fueled by declining enrollment is forcing school officials to consider between $1.6 million and $2.3 million in cuts, Superintendent Peggy Yates told a crowd of more than 70 residents during a community forum Tuesday night.
Yates said ideas to save money include teacher and staff cuts, privatizing support staff, increasing class sizes and moving fifth-graders from the 5-6 school back to several elementary buildings.
"These are desperate times, and they are calling for desperate measures," said Yates, who called the financial situation the district's most significant challenge in years. "We have some really tough decisions to make over the next month."
http://www.mlive.com/news/citpat/index.ssf?/base/news-2/1174491329158670.xml&coll=3
Textbook inflation
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
If you are the unlucky person -- parent or student -- who is picking up the tab for a higher education, consider two outrageous trends: 1) College textbook prices have risen at twice the rate of inflation for the past 20 years; and 2) college tuition costs, incredibly, have been rising at an even higher rate.
Tuition rates, being more visible, get the lion's share of attention. However, a growing number of states and universities are taking a serious look at textbook inflation, one factor in the rising cost of a degree.
In Minnesota, legislators are weighing whether to more tightly regulate the textbook industry and require professors to be more cost-conscious in their selection of course materials.
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070322/NEWS06/703220435/1008
Challenge to Proposal 2 under study
Judge to decide on request for a trial
March 22, 2007
A federal judge could decide in September whether a case intended to determine the constitutionality of Michigan's ban on race and gender in university admissions and government hiring will go to trial.
U.S. District Judge David Lawson met with attorneys Wednesday behind closed doors in his Detroit chambers to determine a time line for how the case on Proposal 2 will proceed. He stopped short of saying whether there will be a trial, but set dates for two hearings that will help him decide.
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070322/NEWS01/703220322/1003
Congress to honor the Tuskegee Airmen
March 22, 2007
More than 60 years after fighting in World War II, the Tuskegee Airmen are finally receiving one of the highest honors their country can give.
America's first group of black fighter pilots will be awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor bestowed by the federal legislative branch, in a ceremony March 29. The medal is awarded to individuals or groups for singular acts of exceptional service and for lifetime achievement.
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070322/COL03/703220330/1081/COL
Sexism still tops my list of struggles
March 22, 2007
I was born on the cusp: The cusp between Black History Month in February and Women's History Month in March.
It was poet Audre Lorde who once said that there's no hierarchy among oppressions. But having labored under both racism and sexism my whole life, I can't help but do some comparisons. And I'm here to tell you that while enduring racism is no picnic, it's sexism that really sticks in my craw.
http://www.mlive.com/news/citpat/index.ssf?/base/news-2/1174491365158670.xml&coll=3
Nighthawk: Parolee tracking a good plan
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
In the best of all worlds, the governor would not feel forced by a budget crisis to parole 5,000-plus state prisoners prematurely. However, since she is moving in that direction, Jackson County law-enforcement officials are smart to think of how to minimize problems such a drastic release plan might create.
Last week Jackson County Sheriff Dan Heyns announced Operation Nighthawk as a joint effort by law enforcement and parole agents to provide more intensive scrutiny for an expected surge of parolees. The aim is to provide additional supervision.
http://www.mlive.com/news/grpress/index.ssf?/base/news-35/117448839828730.xml&coll=6
State's first torture trial on hold
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
By Barton Deiters
The Grand Rapids Press
GRAND RAPIDS -- Michigan's first domestic torture trial came to a sudden halt Tuesday as attorneys argued over how much of the alleged victim's past will be heard by a jury.
Lester Wakefield is accused of keeping his 43-year-old girlfriend locked in a Greenville trailer where over two days he is accused of threatening, abusing and debasing her.
The 44-year-old Ionia County resident is being tried on Michigan's year-old torture statute in the first case to make it in front of a jury. He faces life in prison if convicted and also is charged with kidnapping and several assault charges.
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070322/SPORTS10/703220395/1058/SPORTS03
Best saltwater ship policy is ban
March 22, 2007
Great Lakes United, an advocate for environmental preservation of the world's biggest freshwater reservoir, wants a moratorium on allowing saltwater ships into the lakes until we have an effective way to prevent exotic species from arriving in their ballast water.
Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., is co-sponsoring a couple of bills that would tighten ballast control regulations on ships entering the Great Lakes from the Atlantic Ocean and ban the transport of live Asian carp that are threatening the Great Lakes from the Mississippi River drainage at the other end.
http://www.mlive.com/news/annarbornews/index.ssf?/base/news-8/11744881874020.xml&coll=2
Lawmaker's Lansing office defaced
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
BY ART AISNER
News Staff Reporter
Authorities are beefing up security around U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers and his family after his congressional office in Lansing was vandalized, apparently by anti-war protesters, officials said.
Livingston County Sheriff's deputies are watching Rogers' Brighton home due to the vandalism at his district office in downtown Lansing overnight Monday and a similar incident outside another Michigan congressman's home Saturday, officials said in written statement.
The vandals splattered red paint on signs with Rogers' name and a "support the troops'' slogan on the building, and plastered a sign saying the four-term congressman has blood on his hands. They also spray painted the outline of a body with the words "no more deaths'' on the sidewalk, glued the door shut and destroyed security cameras.
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070322/OPINION01/703220306/1008
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Opinion: Capping global warming gases will cost Michigan jobs with little cooling
Margo Thorning
"All of us can do something in our own lives to make a difference," thundered former Vice President Al Gore, while speaking about climate change at last month's Academy Awards when "An Inconvenient Truth" won best documentary Oscar. On Wednesday, Gore continued his call to action against global warming on Capitol Hill as he testified before House and Senate committees.
The frenzy surrounding the former vice president will no doubt lead many lawmakers to suggest that individual states or the whole country should adopt a cap and trade system similar to that in place in the European Union.
Through a system called "cap and trade," many members of Congress and governors from both coasts expect to reduce greenhouse gases by expanding this program to every sector of the U.S. economy. That's an option few businesses can afford because of its well-documented drain on jobs and economic growth.
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070322/POLITICS/703220424/1022
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Obama camp to kick off Michigan campaign Saturday
Charlie Cain / Detroit News Lansing Bureau
Even though the star of the show won't be here, supporters of Sen. Barack Obama will kick off his Michigan presidential campaign Saturday.
Obama, the rookie Democratic senator from Illinois who has been gaining support in his presidential bid, will likely personally campaign in Michigan in May.
In a poll released earlier this week, Obama placed second to Sen. Hillary Clinton among Michigan Democrats. The poll by Lansing-based EPIC-MRA showed Clinton with 45 percent support among Democrats, while Obama placed second with 29 percent. Former Sen. John Edwards, running mate of John Kerry in his unsuccessful 2004 campaign for president, was favored by 16 percent. No other Democrat hit double digits.
http://www.mlive.com/news/grpress/index.ssf?/base/news-35/1174479903304040.xml&coll=6
Chiara slid from 'capital leader' to liability
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
By Ken Kolker
The Grand Rapids Press
GRAND RAPIDS -- On the day she was told to resign, U.S. Attorney Margaret Chiara sent an e-mail to the attorney general's office in Washington, D.C., suggesting she already was given the likely reason for her firing: politics.
"The unwelcome news is not unexpected because (Deputy Attorney General) Chief of Staff Michael Elston advised me that it was a likely consequence of the recent election," Chiara wrote to Deputy Attorney General Paul McNulty on Dec. 7.
The White House and the attorney general's office have denied politics played a role in the firings of Chiara and seven other federal prosecutors.
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070322/POLITICS/703220418/1022
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Rep ripped for Detroit-Iraq remark
DETROIT -- A Michigan Republican lawmaker who said parts of Iraq are no more dangerous than Detroit is drawing criticism.
In an interview Monday with WILS-AM, Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Tipton, said returning troops he has talked with "indicate to me that 80 to 85 percent is reasonably under control, at least as well as Detroit or Chicago or any of our other big cities."
Host Jack Ebling remarked, "I've never heard Iraq compared to Detroit before." Walberg responded: "Well, in fact, in many places it's as safe and cared for as Detroit or Harvey, Ill. "
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070322/NEWS06/703220424/1008
Detroit likened to Iraq
Violence equal, lawmaker says
March 22, 2007
A Republican congressman representing rural southern Michigan is taking heat for saying that most of Iraq is at least as under control as Detroit is.
Freshman Rep. Tim Walberg's comments, made Monday on WILS-AM in Lansing, didn't sit well with Democrats -- who issued a news release Wednesday -- or the office of Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick.
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070322/POLITICS/703220389/1022