Michigan Governor

[Nym90]

Granholm; I think she's done an excellent job considering the tough times the state has gone through. The fundamental problems with Michigan's economy have existed for a long time, and I feel that her efforts have been concentrated in the right areas in attemping to improve that.

[Nym90]

One thing I don't like about Devos is the fact that he was CEO of Amway, which is essentially a legalized Ponzi scheme.

[Nym90]

The President's economic policies have hit Michigan especially hard. She's had to deal with large budget deficits due to this, and the resulting spending cuts to balance the budget certainly haven't helped the economy. She's managed to balance the budget without raising taxes, which is impressive. I also feel that the focus on encouraging entrepreneuism as well as focus on retention of younger people will have a huge positive effect on the economy in coming years, though it will probably take a while for this to come to fruition.

[Nym90]

Granholm; I think she's done an excellent job considering the tough times the state has gone through. The fundamental problems with Michigan's economy have existed for a long time, and I feel that her efforts have been concentrated in the right areas in attemping to improve that.

She has killed our economy.  We now have the 2nd worst economy behind Louisianna (because of Hurr. Katrina)--if we haven't passed them by now.  She has done nothing to improve our school system.  Dick DeVos has a plan--she's done nothing but ruin our wonderful state.  Thankfully she could never run for President--send her back to Canada.

we are also better then Washington State

OK, I'm sorry--3rd in the U.S.--but that's not a big improvement.  I do have to admit--not all of it is her fault.  Some of it lies with the fact that we have so many unions who are always going on strike and hurting companies.  I would like nothing better than for Delphi to end its contract w/ the UAW, and then see the UAW crash and burn.  They complain that their benefits and pay are getting cut, yet that have some of the best benefits and wages per hour out there!  That said, I would like to see Dick DeVos who is not somebody who has been in bed with all the Unions since he began politics.

Once people get something they dont want to give it up. It is human nature. Unions protect employees from the sometimes greedy, corrupt corporate execs and we need them. Dick DeVos needs to know how to work with the unions or else he would not get anything accomplished.

Exactly.

[Nym90]

Granholm moved out of Canada when she was 4 years old. The idea that she is Canadian is fairly preposterous. Yes, she is technically an immigrant, but she was quite young.

Excellent points about Amway. I can't respect anyone who made a fortune out of running a pyramid scheme like that.

[Nym90]

Granholm moved out of Canada when she was 4 years old. The idea that she is Canadian is fairly preposterous. Yes, she is technically an immigrant, but she was quite young.

Excellent points about Amway. I can't respect anyone who made a fortune out of running a pyramid scheme like that.

My calling her a Canadian was in reference to the fact that she's as socialistic as one, not that she's still a Canadian.

Ok, but given the spending cuts that have been enacted to balance the budget under her tenure, without raising taxes, that still doesn't really seem like an accurate description. You are entitled to your opinion.

[Nym90]

I don't like Kilpatrick either, but a big turnout in Detroit is crucial for any Democrat in a close race.

The roads are a lot better than they were under Engler. Does anyone remember how God-awful I-94 used to be right near and just east of Metro Airport before the recent reconstruction? A lot of Detroit area freeways were in horrible shape, but especially that one.

Engler really neglected Southeast Michigan, especially Detroit, for 12 years.

[Nym90]

DeVos

In four years of Granholm, we've had no plan except "Cool Cities" and blaming John Engler or Bush.

The other states are adding jobs. We're losing them. It's time for a less government conservative here.

As someone who has worked in economic development in the state, I can say that Cool Cities has had a positive effect on the communities in which it has been implemented, though the overall effect of it won't be felt for several years in all liklihood. But it certainly has made a difference in helping communities to attract and retain young talent and avoid "brain drain".

[Nym90]

Straight ticket voting was still in effect in 2004 in Michigan; I don't recall it being eliminated. It still was possible to fill out the entire partisan portion of the ballot with one stroke of the pen (we use optical scan ballots here, not sure what system others might have).

[Nym90]

DeVos

In four years of Granholm, we've had no plan except "Cool Cities" and blaming John Engler or Bush.

The other states are adding jobs. We're losing them. It's time for a less government conservative here.

As someone who has worked in economic development in the state, I can say that Cool Cities has had a positive effect on the communities in which it has been implemented, though the overall effect of it won't be felt for several years in all liklihood. But it certainly has made a difference in helping communities to attract and retain young talent and avoid "brain drain".

If all you can say is that Granholm got us some "Cool Cities," then isn't that kinda sad.  She hasn't done ANYTHING for Detroit (mostly our mayor's fault though).  A Governor should be doing more than making our state look "cool."

Well yes, clearly that in and of itself won't solve everything by any means, but my point was that it is not mere fluff as it might sound, and has had a definite impact.