Tracking the 2010 Michigan Governor's Race

The Michigan League of Conservation Voters will be tracking the 2010 governor's race by watching what candidates Rick Snyder and Virg Bernero say (and don't say) about plans for protecting Michigan's environment. 

Check back here at least once a week for the latest updates, in chronological order. 

You can also check out our comparison charts for the two candidates.

Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2010

Rick Snyder Wins

Well, you’ve seen it by now. Rick Snyder will be Michigan’s next governor. Now, he must work to conserve the nature that Michigan’s citizens love. Rick Snyder, the ball is in your court; don’t drop it.

Monday, Nov. 1, 2010

Wind Energy/Election Day Looms

Rick Snyder and Virg Bernero spoke about wind energy and its potential future in Michigan. It seems that the candidates have slightly different views on the issue, so check out the report here.

Sunday, October 31, 2010

It's All About Get Out the Vote (GOTV)

At this point, the focus is entirely on getting out the vote. With only three days left in the campaign, Virg Bernero spent the morning in the Detroit Metropolitan area today talking with voters at an array of churches, pushing to mobilize what most call “the base” of the Democratic Party. Whether at the 8,000-member mega-church Greater Grace Temple in Detroit or the International Gospel Center in Ecorse, Teri and Virg Bernero were there, partaking in the services and speaking to the voters. Bernero told the crowds, "We need a Governor who is going to work with the President, not against him."

Bernero also spent Saturday night (Devil's night) in Detroit, touring neighborhoods with Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon.

Rick Snyder, who is still coasting with an 18-point advantage, spent Sunday in a host of cities, including Cadillac, Big Rapids, and Grand Rapids. Monday will take Synder to Portland, Lansing, Grand Blanc and Ann Arbor. This statewide tour followed a GOP rally, which took place on Friday at the Oakland County International Airport where Snyder proclaimed that he “… wants Michiganians to hold him to a higher standard than previous governors if he is elected Tuesday to the state's highest office.” (Could the debate of calling ourselves "Michiganians" as opposed to "Michiganders" become a last minute wedge issue on the campaign?)

Lots of promises, but very little substance on the how, what, where and when. Michigan citizens want and deserve more from those who intend to lead this state to a robust future.

Friday, October 29, 2010

Mackinac Bridge (Still) for Sale?

Sell the Mackinac Bridge, a Michigan icon and major cornerstone to Michigan tourism? The rumor that Rick Synder would consider such a thing continued to circulate widely across the state this week leading Mr. Snyder to address the issue head-on at a stop in Plymouth at Panera Bread. “We’re not selling the Mackinac Bridge,” Snyder said this morning.

As his Nerd Mobile continued westward today, Synder made stops in Jackson, Coldwater, and Niles telling “…voters how much Indiana loves the way its neighbor to the north taxes and regulates businesses, because it drives companies out of Michigan and into the Hoosier state.” Significant talk of tax overhauls and regulatory reform, but little talk or recognition of tourism as Michigan’s second most important economic driver. One wonders about decreased regulation at a time when our State’s environmental police force (the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment) has been decimated by budget cuts. Those dots need connecting and voters should be asking Snyder to answer such questions (like, "How can we expect to protect our Great Lakes and other incredible waters when we have fewer enviro police on the beat?") in these final days of the campaign.

Virg Bernero, too, is criss-crossing the state as the days wind down in the campaign. Today, Bernero spent time in Benton Harbor, Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, Muskegon, Grand Rapids, Lansing and Detroit, speaking to voters about "Mainstreet" issues and promising to fight for the workers of the state. With polls showing a double digit spread between the candidates, Bernero is focusing on both mobilizing the base, as well as those voters who define themselves as "independent", many of whom make up their minds on candidates in the last 48 hours before the polls open.

Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2010

Time to Press the Issues

Virg Bernero has a busy day planned for Thursday, Oct. 28. He will be at the Savoy Bar and Grill at 3:30 p.m. He will then speak at the UAW in Bay City at 5 p.m. Finally, he will be at the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Flint at 7 p.m. These visits are a great opportunity to press Bernero on questions about the environment.

Rick Snyder was to hold rallies at the Ottawa County Republican Headquarters in Holland at 1:30 this afternoon. Following that, he was to speak at the Fix Michigan headquarters in Muskegon at 3:30 p.m. Snyder visited the Choate Family Farm on Monday, stating that agriculture will play a strong role in rebuilding our economy.

While agriculture will certainly play an important role in Michigan, it is important that Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) are held to the same environmental standards as other farms. The allowance of pollution and runoff by these large farms could lead to damage to our water and other natural resources, as well as an economic disadvantage to smaller farms.

Tuesday October 26, 2010

Sell the Mackinac Bridge?

Democrat Virg Bernero says his Republican rival Rick Snyder might sell the Mackinac Bridge to raise money if elected. In response, Bernero held a rally Tuesday at the bridge to denounce the idea.

Monday, Oct. 25, 2010

Free Press Endorses Snyder, Clinton For Bernero

The Detroit Free Press has announced its endorsement for gubernatorial candidate Rick Snyder, stating that he “offers the most hope for the transformation Michigan desperately needs.”

The Free Press also noted that Snyder “favors more coal plants for Michigan and would like to apply his quick permitting to them.”

This raises an issue with conservation voters. Michigan does not need more coal plants. We need to be moving toward alternative, environmentally safe energy sources if we truly plan to protect the state. We as voters need to continue to push candidates and show them why it is so important to take an environmental stance.

Rick Snyder will be speaking in Quincy today at Paragon Metals Inc.

Former President Bill Clinton appeared at a rally for Virg Bernero on Sunday. He gave his public support for the gubernatorial candidate, stating that Bernero is the only candidate who will be able to fix our state’s economy. Be sure to check our candidate comparison chart to see who has plans for protecting Michigan’s environment.

Friday, Oct. 22, 2010

Virg Bernero spoke at Detroit Renaissance High School Thursday night. The event was intended to be a debate between Bernero and Rick Snyder, however Snyder did not accept the invitation. Instead, an empty podium with a name card stood on stage next to Virg Bernero. Bernero felt that this sent a message about Snyder and his campaign. He says that debates are essentially "interviews for the job."

Snyder will be holding two rallies on Monday, Oct. 25, one at the Niles Fix Michigan Center at 3 p.m. and another at the Portage Fix Michigan Center at 5 p.m. 

Bernero will hold a town hall at Eastern Michigan University's Student Center at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct 25. 

Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2010

Snyder/Bernero on the trail

Rick Snyder is answering questions on WJR Radio this morning. Snyder will have a town hall meeting tonight at 6 at the Ukrainian Cultural Center in Warren. He will be speaking at the Pro Care Health Plan Center in Detroit at 1:45 p.m. Thursday.

Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2010

From this week's PWIR:

It seems that the gubernatorial debate was as inspiring to other voters across the state as it was to us here at Michigan LCV. Despite a poll before the debate that showed Bernero narrowing Snyder’s lead, a more recent one shows Snyder still ahead by 21.4%. With two weeks left to go, it is difficult to see the path to a Bernero victory, especially with the headwinds against all Democrats this cycle.

Friday, Oct. 15, 2010

Bernero on manufacturing, Snyder receives Detroit News endorsement

The candidates still have yet to address the environment.  Today, Virg Bernero announced he will hold a pubic forum at Muskegon Heights High School at 6 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 18 and answer the public's questions.

Hopefully, we can get some responses to our eight questions. Meanwhile, Rick Snyder has received the endorsement of the Southeastern Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police. Snyder maintains his 20 point lead in the polls over Bernero.

Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2010

Snyder/Bernero: Answers, please

The November elections are less than three weeks away, and Michigan continues to wait for answers from the gubernatorial candidates. Both candidates have failed to address the Eight Questions proposed by MLCV. Both candidates continue to play political games, rather than answer questions for the public.

These candidates barely discussed a single environmental issue, or any of our Final Eight Questions. See our Political Week in Review for more, and a link to newly edited video of a May 12 forum put on by the Michigan LCV Education Fund. How refreshing to see Bernero and Snyder talking about renewable portfolio standards and the like. The discussions have gone downhill since then.

Friday, Oct. 8, 2010

Both Rick Snyder and Virg Bernero spoke at the Detroit Economic Club on Thursday, addressing among other things, the issue of funding for Pure Michigan. Both candidates expressed concern for the program, and stated that they will support it. However, neither candidate gave an explanation of how they will find the funding to support it. Even though the Pure Michigan campaign brings in over twice as much as it costs ($2.23 for each dollar, to be exact), the State Senate denied funding recently. We hope to learn each candidate's plan for funding this successful promotion for our state during the debate on Sunday.

Thursday, Oct. 7, 2010

Our "Final Eight Questions" continue to push both candidates toward answering key questions on conservation issues that have yet to be answered. Yesterday we posted that Rick Snyder answered one of our questions at a town hall after being asked by an attendee in Sault Ste. Marie; we were happy to hear him state his support for the state's renewable portfolio standard. But it looks like hearing future answers is going to be a slower process than we hoped.

The Detroit News is reporting today that we "shouldn't hold our breath" waiting to hear back from Rick due to his campaign's policy of not filling out questionnaires. That is disappointing, as we believe that these questions deserve answers before voters head to the ballot box. Nonetheless, we are going to stick to our plan of having these questions asked at town halls across the state.

The same Detroit News article, however, has Bernero spokesperson Cullen Schwarz saying he will fill out the questionnaire because "Virg wants voters to know where he stands on all the issues." That's what we - and Michigan voters across the state - like to hear. We will be sure to quickly share the Bernero campaign's answers as soon as we get them.

Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2010

Final Eight Questions: Snyder on Renewables

On the same day that we released our Final Eight Questions, Rick Snyder was asked one of them at his town hall in Sault Ste. Marie. Asked about the Renewable Portfolio Standard in Michigan --- 10% by 2015 --- Snyder noted that he supported the law in that was in place. We've yet to hear if he'd be in favor of increasing it. Regardless, we will have more members and allies out at the candidate town halls across the state continuing to ask these important questions.

It should be noted, though, that as mayor of Lansing, Virg Bernero implemented a more ambitious goal for his city by requiring 10% renewable energy by this year and 15% by 2015. We would love to hear Snyder's thoughts on that kind of renewable energy schedule. To our friends on the campaign trail and in these town halls: Thank you for asking the hard questions, and keep up the pressure.

Bernero/Snyder: Green Energy and Tourism Priorities

Virg Bernero visited Kellogg Community College in Battle Creek. The college is home to a wind turbine, two solar panels, and a curriculum on green energy manufacturing. Their Regional Manufacturing Technology Center is offering a Renewable Energy Certificate Program, which strives to educate individuals on green energy, in order to successfully incorporate it in Michigan.

Virg Bernero said via Twitter, “At KCC, I'm excited about their Renewable Energy Program and MI's green energy future!” Check out Virg Bernero as he speaks in front of the school’s solar panel to a crowd at Kellogg Community College. Bernero will be addressing voters at the Detroit Economic Club on Thursday.

Rick Snyder toured in the Upper Peninsula early this week, and made it a priority to discuss natural resources and the Pure Michigan Campaign. He announced that if he were to be elected, he would reinstate and ensure funding for Pure Michigan. Snyder will speak in Washington (MI) Friday at a town hall meeting.

Seeing both candidates with conservation issues on their minds is exactly what Michigan needs. As the election draws near, let’s keep these issues on the agenda. Both candidates have been making it clear that green energy and environmental protection are keys to restoring our economy. Please see our Eight Final Questions for these candidates, as we strive to have all of Michigan's environmental issues addressed. The Eight Final Questions are a way for voters to engage candidates in these issues before the election.

Monday, Oct. 4, 2010

Bernero/Snyder: U.P. Needs Attention

Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Snyder is making stops this week in the Upper Peninsula, speaking to Michigan residents in town halls, small campuses, and restaurants. He has visited with families in Escanaba and Houghton, and heads to Marquette and Munising today.

Democrat Virg Bernero is speaking at Kellogg Community College in Battle Creek today. He recently took a similar tour to Snyder’s, speaking to families in the Upper Peninsula in Marquette and Escanaba.

It is important that these candidates are taking time to learn about the Upper Peninsula, and hopefully they will realize the importance of this area of our state. With decreased manufacturing, tourism is now vital to the economy in Michigan, especially the Upper Peninsula and northern areas of the Lower Peninsula. We need to secure funding for the promotion and the preservation of these areas so that people can continue to come to Michigan to enjoy them.

This is the aim of the Pure Michigan ad campaign, in order to continue to bring families to enjoy the great nature of Michigan, and to sustain our economy simultaneously. Unfortunately, a vote in the State Senate recently denied $10 million in funding for the campaign, which will leave it unable to run advertisements for the fall and possibly the winter. The measure was denied by one vote. See this Detroit Free Press story on how Michigan tourism was up this summer. Shouldn't we keep the momentum going? 

Friday, Oct. 1, 2010 

It's all in the details...

What plans do the candidates for governor have for the future of Michigan's environment? Both candidates have information on their respective campaign websites referring to the actions they plan to take in order to ensure the safety of our natural resources. Snyder posts comprehensive pages about both protecting the environment, and more specifically, protecting the Great Lakes from aquatic invasive species like asian carp. Bernero, on the other hand, posts a few paragraphs about the environment and alternative energy solutions. 

Snyder details his plan to both secure funding and create green jobs, two of the most important factors in working to preserve our natural resources. He mentions what he calls a "Systematic Approach For Managing And Safeguarding Natural Resources Against Environmental Threats." 

Bernero, on the other hand, gives a shot page explaining legislation that he worked on as mayor in Lansing. He states that he "will bring a powerful commitment to protecting Michigan’s air, water and land resources as our next governor," however he fails to detail how he will bring that commitment. We would like to see more details here. 

Snyder also has a page dedicated solely to aquatic invasive species. He details the history of invasive species in the Great Lakes, how we are working to protect the Lakes, and how he plans to do so more effectively. 

Snyder spoke on WDET radio today, taking questions from callers on a wide range of issues. When asked about how he wishes to handle environmental issues if he is elected to office, Snyder said, "too often we treat the economy and environment as separate issues. I view it as all tied together, and we need that right balance." Listen to the full radio conversation here.

Antics and advertisements:

Antics continue, as the Republican Governors Association just produced an advertisement attacking Virg Bernero's spending while mayor in lansing. The facts have not been confirmed from the mayor's office, but the ad represents the political tactics that are being taken by both campaigns. 

On the other hand, a recently produced an ad attacking Snyder's practices while working at Gateway is also on the air. 

These ads are another example of how distractions are keeping us from the real issues. So much money is spent on advertising and attacking opponents that really should be put to better use. The more energy that is put into things like this, the less we voters can hear about conservation issues. 

Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2010

The candidates discussed Michigan’s budget this week, both claiming that they will try to put budgets in place more efficiently. This is something that has been a serious issue in recent years. Will the new governor propose a budget that takes care of natural resources in Michigan? This fiscal year's budget is due to arrive, and we will see just how much money is put toward this priority.

The fact of the matter is, we do not have adequate funding for our environment. Between 2001 and 2008, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Environmental Quality experienced a 62 percent cut in funding, losing more than any other state department. Funding for these departments now accounts for only about 1 % of the annual general fund budget. 

Monday, Sept. 27, 2010

Virg Bernero spoke on Michigan Public Radio today, addressing water extraction and sulfide mining. When asked how he plans to address commercial water usage, Bernero said, "If the whole world is gonna be coming after our water, I guess we ought to start taking a look in Michigan at how we protect that resource; protect also means preserve the resource, for Michiganders."

This is the goal that we all have in mind, Mr. Bernero. However, what we need from you is a solution. How will you go about protecting and preserving our natural resources? How will you prevent outsiders from taking our water? We know that you want the environment to be protected, but we need to know how you will act to protect it.

When asked if he would try to prevent sulfide mining in the Upper Peninsula, Bernero responded vaguely, saying he would allow it as long as it caused no harm to the environment. He then went into a conversation about how he understands that the environment and economy can go hand in hand. "I am not going to choose to harm the environment for short term economic gain," Bernero stated.

It seems as though Bernero would support action to create a green economy, but would he actually do anything to promote this action? Bernero seems a bit inconsistent for the time being.

The audio from the interview is posted online.

Saturday, Sept. 25, 2010

Quality of Life

Clean energy jobs alone will not bring new workers to Michigan. To attract new talent and families to our state, we need to improve our quality of life. Although the idea of "quality of life" is difficult to quantify, it is incredibly easy to identify. It includes elements like public safety, culture, and good schools. However, an essential component of quality of life is also whether your community is a green one that features public parks, clean streets, mass transit, safe paths for joggers and bikers, and sound urban planning. All of these are conservation goals and issues that must be part of any candidate's platform.

The Center for Michigan, which has been doing excellent work in this election by maintaining the "Truth Squad" and issuing intermittent reports on issues, just released another special report on quality of life. The article gets both Snyder's and Bernero's campaigns on the record on these particular policy elements. Some points to note: Bernero credits his time as Mayor of Lansing for prompting the "Complete Streets" legislation recently passed by the Legislature; Snyder's spokesman highlights the campaign's consistent focus on "core cities" as an indication of Snyder's commitment to urban planning that allows for public spaces; Snyder's platform includes a plan to generate $2 billion in arts- and culture-based growth; Bernero wants hunters and fishermen to be more prominently featured in the Pure Michigan ad campaign.

Throughout the report, this Candidate Tracker and our comparison chart ("Charting the Governor's Race") are frequently cited. Both candidates' comments also reflect what we have been saying all along: a healthy environment and a healthy economy are inextricably linked together. They will either improve or decline simultaneously.

Friday, Sept. 24, 2010

Urban Restoration and Green Growth

Rick Snyder spoke today in front of the Michigan Municipal League, addressing one of his top priorities: the restoration of Michigan’s cities. He says that the restoration our cities is a vital issue, but he is still vague on details, and on how he will focus to improve the negative environmental effects of some of our large cities.

Thursday, Sept. 23, 2010

Snyder and Bernero Finalize Debate

Just when we thought another gubernatorial debate was impossible, see our Sept. 22 post, Bernero and Snyder have surprised us with an agreement to face off at least once more before Election Day.

The much debated over debate will take place Oct. 10 in Wixom. According to the Detroit Free Press, most public TV stations will carry the broadcast as well as any commercial channels around the state that choose to carry it.

We hope the candidates use the debate as an opportunity to discuss the pressing environmental issues facing our state. According to our comparison chart, Snyder and Bernero disagree about renewable energy standards, nuclear power, inland water extraction, and more. We also hope to see the two candidates sticking to their positive positions on alternative energy, clean job creation, toxic cleanup and prevention, and safer children’s products.

Michigan LCV will be watching the events leading up to this debate closely and we hope Bernero and Snyder work to please important voters you who care about the environment.

Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2010

If it has been a few days since our last tracker post, it is for a good reason. Neither Snyder or Bernero are addressing one of the biggest question Michigan voters want answered: How will you capitalize on the technology of the future to create jobs here in Michigan? The future of technology is green technology and without a strong signals from our next Governor, cutting-edge companies will pass us by.

Meanwhile, instead of these details, we continue to hear political static. Michigan voters are tired of debating the debates, pundits polling pollsters, and emails advertising television advertisements. It seems that both parties in this gubernatorial election have abandoned the thought of discussing the real issues, and continue to resort to campaign antics.

Granted, the candidates do regularly talk about issues of the economy, of taxes, and of creating jobs, but stump speeches and one-liners only go so far. As the weeks draw on, and as we approach November, it seems as though clean energy jobs and conservation have dropped off both candidates' radars. This is extremely troubling, as any hope for a sustainable economy in Michigan rests on the expansion of our 109,000 job clean energy sector and improving citizens' quality of life in their communities.

It is imperative that these candidates discuss these issues more fully. Please join us as we push to have these issues addressed. No more speeches with one sentence addressing the environment. No more broad strokes; we need you to get down to specifics. Candidates, we expect you to focus on Michigan’s clean energy economy and the proper management of her natural resources. Just over a month remains in this campaign, and it is time to cut the nonsense. 

Friday, Sept. 17, 2010

Green Manufacturing is Key

Virg Bernero and Rick Snyder spoke back-to-back in the West Michigan Policy Forum today, addressing the issue of how to stabilize and improve Michigan’s economy. Although the topics discussed consisted mostly of tax-related issues, Bernero did mention that he will make green manufacturing a priority. He said that our economy rests on manufacturing, and that solar and wind power, as well as the electric car, will be important factors in our future.

How does Bernero plan to install this manufacturing in Michigan? Bernero says that we must bring the wind turbine here, but how does he plan to do this?

Snyder didn't focus on the issue of a green economy. Protecting the environment is currently No. 7 on his “10-point plan." He must make the environment No. 1. 

Thursday, Sept. 16, 2010

Bernero: Taking the Clean Energy Economy for a Test Drive

We are always asking our elected officials to steer our state toward a clean energy economy and the hundreds of thousands of jobs that come with it. That’s why, on Wednesday, we were glad to see one of our gubernatorial candidates actually do it. Literally.

Virg Bernero took the new Chevy Volt out for a test drive with other elected officials, including Governor Granholm, to show support for the new auto, the jobs it brings to the state, and the potential it has for Michigan’s future. The Volt – which has its battery constructed in Brownstown, MI and its body assembled in Hamtramck – is the prototype for what clean energy transportation will look like in the future. We are glad to see Bernero behind the wheel on this, though we certainly hope he doesn’t take his foot off the gas throughout the campaign.

The Volt is a perfect example of how clean energy is both cost effective and beneficial to the environment. According to the Lansing Board of Water and Light, it would only cost $1.20 to fully charge the Volt to its 40 mile battery-only electric drive time. For some perspective, on average, a single gallon of gas in Michigan today is $2.88. On top of that, the Volt qualifies for a $7500 tax credit. It is this combination of good policies and financial common sense that will continue to grow Michigan’s sustainable economy.

 

Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2010

Both Candidates Need To Avoid Distractions

Recent polling shows Rick Snyder to be ahead in the race by around 20 percent, which is certainly bad news for the Bernero campaign. At the same time, this is a problem for those of us looking to have conservation issues addressed by the candidates. It seems that the election race has developed into name-calling, accusations, and campaign stunts --- like Bernero appearing at Snyder's town hall meeting in Westland on Monday.

If the antics continue, voters will not get a chance to hear proposed solutions to problems facing our environment and natural resources. Rather than discussing whether or not Rick Snyder is afraid, or what the motivation is behind the name-calling from the Bernero camp, we need to be asking questions about the future of our state. We need to get back to what matters, folks, and avoid these distractions.

Rick Snyder will speak at a town hall meeting in Holland on Sept. 23, and will hopefully address important environmental issues. Virg Bernero has not announced any upcoming speaking dates. Hopefully, in their proposed one-on-one coffee meeting, these gentlemen can decide to start focusing on the many problems that need solving in our state, rather than each other's campaigns.

Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2010

Snyder: Let's Debate Right Now

It's important that Snyder and Bernero work out finalized, televised debates in order to create a chance for the audience to hear their positions on issues such as protecting the Great Lakes from future oil drilling and Asian carp. Those, along with other issues such as creating clean energy jobs, are important for securing Michigan's multi-billion dollar boating, fishing, and tourist industries and stimulating the economy. Apparently, Bernero agrees, as he came to Snyder’s town hall meeting last night in Westland, hoping to coax him into at least three televised debates, according to the Detroit Free Press.

Instead, Snyder invited Bernero to debate right there, in front of about 100 people. The candidates ended up talking for a bit, but neither mentioned the environment or protecting our natural resources in a discussion of how to "Fix Michigan." Which leaves us wondering: Will they keep the environment in mind while in office?  

Monday, Sept. 13, 2010

Gubernatorial candidate Virg Bernero spoke Sunday to the College Democrats at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Reportedly calling Rick Snyder a "wimp," Bernero is still frustrated with the failure of the two campaigns to reach an agreement to debate.

Addressing the issue of the state's economy, Bernero says he plans to "diversify our economy through advanced manufacturing" through collaboration with universities. Will this diversification include creating more environmentally safe practices? He says "We need green enterprise zones to reuse those old sites, those old facilities." Hopefully, Bernero intends to make manufacturing that promotes the environment a priority.

Rumors are circulating that Rick Snyder intends to choose current Ann Arbor SPARK CEO Michael Finney as the next CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corp. SPARK supports green initiatives such as the Concentrate Going Green in Ann Arbor event, alternative energy solutions, and has attended the Ann Arbor Green Fair. Finney could bring green initiatives as a priority to the development of our economy. Rick Snyder will speak in Westland at a town hall meeting tonight.

Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010

Sept. 9, 2010

Snyder: More Details, Please

At a town hall meeting in Kalamazoo on Tuesday, Snyder said "Michigan’s next crack at successful reinvention is through creating a globally diverse and competitive economy, maintaining quality of life for its residents through protecting natural resources, and restoring central cities," according to the Gazette.

Sept. 8, 2010

Snyder: On Natural Resources

Rick Snyder spoke in Kalamazoo, preaching that the time has come for a new era, and a new approach to rebuilding Michigan. Claiming that this rebirth rests on the improvement of the quality of life of our citizens, Snyder stressed that we must first act to "protect and enhance" our abundant natural resources.

Referencing the threat of Asian carp and the Great Lakes, Snyder asserted that we must take pride in our water and other natural resources, and work hard to preserve them. As he did in an earlier gubernatorial campaign speech, referencing Minnesota's nickname of "the land of 10,000 lakes," Snyder responded by yelling, "give me a break people! We've got the Great lakes and 11,000 lakes!" Video of Snyder's speech, from WKZO, is below.

Democratic candidate Virg Bernero will speak in the Upper Peninsula in coming weeks, and we look forward to what he has to say in relation to Michigan's natural resources. 

Sept. 2, 2010

Sept. 1, 2010

Aug. 30, 2010

Aug. 28, 2010