A promise of beauty and wisdom amid the wonders of Michigan.
Phil Power
Former newspaper publisher and University of Michigan Regent Phil Power is a longtime observer of Michigan politics and economics. He is also the founder and former chairman of the Center for Michigan which publishes Bridge Michigan and BridgeDetroit.
Posted inPhil's Column
The time is now to reform prisons, save taxpayers money
Momentum is building among conservative policymakers to reduce costs in the state’s expensive prison system
Posted inPhil's Column
After preschool gains, Michigan should now turn to 0-3 child policies
Programs that help vulnerable families with pregnancy and infant care, as well as child-care options, are shown to pay dividends for early learning.
Posted inPhil's Column
A roads solution for Michigan
Like the aftermath of a sudden spring snowstorm, the ground is blanketed with various proposals to fix Michigan’s roads. And most have something else in common with spring snow: They’re likely to have melted into the ground once the sun comes out.
Posted inPhil's Column
Proposal 1 crash shows lawmakers out of touch
In today’s digital world, old school political leadership mechanisms don’t work well anymore.
Posted inPhil's Column
Finding a haven for the moderate middle
Common-sense solutions should constitute a third force in Michigan politics, which could move our two entrenched political parties toward collaboration for the public good.
Posted inPhil's Column
Leaving elections in the hands of plutocrats
There is something deeply disgusting when a very few people dominate financing of our ostensibly “democratic” political system without even the pretense of public engagement.
Posted inPhil's Column
A broken back, polio and the test of character
A book recounting how FDR’s struggles with polio helped shape his worldview reminds the author of a turning point in his own life.
Posted inPhil's Column
Early learning summit in June could impact Michigan’s children
The CMU event, open to the public, will bring experts on early childhood development from around the world to Michigan.
Posted inPhil's Column
Could a public boarding school model work in Detroit?
A program in Washington D.C., Baltimore and Miami holds promise for low-income students, but going big with this reform carries its own risks.