Who: Democratic 3rd Congressional District candidates Steve Pestka and Trevor Thomas What: Television ads, candidate websites and candidate debate Truth Squad call: Technical fouls on Pestka and Thomas Steve Pestka, a former state representative, Kent County commissioner and Kent County circuit judge, is battling Trevor Thomas, a former staffer in ex-Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s administration, to […]
Bridge Staff
Bridge’s mission is to inform Michigan citizens about their state, amplify their views and explore the challenges of our civic life.
Posted inMichigan Government
Mysterious outside group earns foul in Genesee Co. primary from Truth Squad
Who: Michigan Liberty Project, 48th House District Democratic primary What: Mailings of “How Much Cash Is Too Much?” and “What Do You Call Politicians That Promote Public Schools for Your Children But Private Schools for Theirs?” Truth Squad call: Foul The ads take aim at Pam Faris, a candidate for the 48th House District seat […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Liss uses bologna, but her factual claims aren't baloney, rules Truth Squad
Who: Lesia Liss for state representative, 28th District What: YouTube video Truth Squad call: No foul Rep. Lesia Liss is facing a challenge in the Democratic primary in House District 28, which covers part of Macomb Township and Warren, and all of Center Line. Rep. John Switalski, currently representing the 25th District, and Liss were […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Pension vote claims don't hold up in legislative primary, Truth Squad finds
Who: Michael Shmina for State Representative, 32nd District What: mailer, robocall Truth Squad calls: Foul, Technical fouls and no foul In a mailer and robocall, challenger Michael Shmina makes various claims about incumbent state Rep. Andrea LaFontaine, whom he faces in the Republican primary for the 32nd House District in Macomb County. Shmina touts himself […]
Posted inGuest Commentary
Guest column: Legal barriers create Michigan’s doctor shortage
By Mark D. DuBay In “Michigan gets med-school boom, doctor bust,” the author correctly points out that a doctor may not be fully licensed in this state unless a period of post graduate education, also known as a “residency,” is first completed. Under section 333.17031 of the Public Health Code, a doctor is to “complete […]
Posted inTalent & Education
Join school discussions in Wayne County, online
Detroit and Wayne County residents concerned about the future of K-12 education in Michigan are encouraged to attend the next Center for Michigan Community Conversation, to be held at The Children’s Center of Wayne County on Saturday, Aug. 4. The session, co-sponsored by Michigan Radio and The Children’s Center, will be a town hall format, […]
Posted inGuest Commentary
Guest column: Rules on wine shipments confuse vintners, hurt consumers
By John Wilson/Winestyr.com One element of Michigan’s regulatory framework surrounding alcohol that gets a lot of attention is the recent movement to allow direct-to-consumer (DTC) wine shipments. Such sales take place when a winery sells and ships their wine directly to a Michigan consumer, without going through traditional distribution channels. Until the last decade or […]
Posted inGuest Commentary
Where will Michigan get its energy in 2030?
Michigan citizens may be hearing a great deal of power-plant technology, carbon emissions and renewable energy standards this fall if a ballot proposal to require a larger share of state electricity come from renewable sources makes the statewide ballot. Prior to that determination being made, Bridge Magazine asked representatives of a large Michigan utility and […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Truth Squad issues flagrant foul to Schmidt, foul to Bolger on election scheme
MICHIGAN TRUTH SQUAD ANALYSIS: What: Public statements concerning state Representative Roy Schmidt’s political party switch. Who: Schmidt (a Grand Rapids Republican) and House Speaker Jase Bolger, R-Marshall. Truth Squad Call: Flagrant foul against Schmidt; foul against Bolger. In May, at the filing deadline for this year’s state House of Representatives elections, Schmidt switched parties, from […]
Posted inGuest Commentary
Guest column: 'Doctor shortage' doesn't affect everyone in Michigan equally
By Marianne Udow-Phillips and Josh Fangmeier/ Center for Healthcare Research & Transformation Ron French’s recent piece in Bridge highlighted concerns about the supply of primary care physicians in Michigan, today and into the future. In 2014, assuming the Affordable Care Act takes full effect in Michigan, the state’s primary care system will be further strained […]