Comments on: The Michigan Next Governor’s Project

By: Mark Lemoine

Mark Lemoine — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 18:02:15 +0000

More of us realize today, now more than ever, that Michigan is a destination state. Meaning, our fellow Americans do not find themselves passing through our great state as they travel the country; they purposefully have to choose to come here. This truth applies not only to individuals, but often for businesses as well.

As the nation and indeed the world economy changes, we must keep up with the pace, so we can end the perception that Michigan is a place to avoid. The spirit of our people, the natural resources and the skilled work-force found here are some of the traits that make Michigan an exceptional place to invest, if we but only create an environment that will foster such activity.

This project does an excellent job of capturing the broad range of issues facing us all, the solutions of which will be dependant upon the leadership of our next governor. Rather than looking at the election as a popularity contest, let’s all commit to view it as a job interview – and hire the most qualified candidate for the job.

By: James Brazier

James Brazier — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 17:17:19 +0000

This project seeks gubernatorial candidates who are experts on state policies and state government. In short, it appears to want another Engler for governor. Both Blanchard and Granholm have been criticized for their lack of state politics expertise. Only one electable gubernatorial candidate meets these requirements so far, John Cherry. Alma Wheeler Smith is another possible candidate to meet your requirements. AG Cox is only as qualified as Granholm was. Politics that are campaigns about issues important to the state do not always win elections unless the public is made aware of candidate shortcomings. For example, Nixon in the 1962 gubernatorial race failed to be competent on state political issues.

Your compilattion only addresses one facet of gubernatorial political leadership. There are others that may appear to be less meritorius but are still part of the whole assessment because democratic politics will always be far more free-wheeling in debate of issues than just what you think is needed for effective gubernatorial leadership.

By: James Brazier

James Brazier — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 17:14:33 +0000

This project seeks gubernatorial candidates who are experts on state policies and state government. In short, it appears to want another Engler for governor. Both Blanchard and Granholm have been criticized for their lack of state politics expertise. Only one electable gubernatorial candidate meets these requirements so far, John Cherry. Alma Wheeler Smith is another possible candidate to meet your requirments. AG Cox is only as qualified as Granholm was. Politics that are campaigns about issues important to the state does not always win elections unless the public is made aware of candidate shortcomings. For example, Nixon in the 1962 gubernatorial race failed to be competent on state political issues.

Your compliattion only addresses one facet of gubernatorial political leadership. There are others that may appear to be less meritorius but are still part of the whole assessment because democratic politics will always be far more free-wheeling in debate of issues than just what you think is needed for effective gubernatorial leadership.

By: Rich Studley

Rich Studley — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 15:12:25 +0000

Thank you for taking on this project. At the Michigan Chamber we agree: better information should result in better decisions. Both political parties would benefit from a healthy and issue oriented competition for the gubernatorial nomination.

By: Bob Redmond, Bay County

Bob Redmond, Bay County — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 14:29:32 +0000

This is a great idea and a much needed project. A wide open public discussion of state issues and policy has been needed for a very long time. It will definately improve our process of choosing our Governor and other elected officials. I look forward to seeing your progress and in participating. Congratulations.