Utility companies have a financial interest in maintaining a system that works in their favor, but Michigan residents deserve better from their lawmakers.
Guest Commentary
At Bridge, we believe in listening to voices from all over our state. Got something to say? Contact us and join the conversation (details below)
How to submit a Guest Commentary
What to know:
Bridge welcomes a diversity of voices and perspectives from readers on issues important to Michigan. Guest commentaries reflect the views of the author(s), and are independent of the nonpartisan, fact-driven reporting of Bridge’s newsroom staff.
Commentaries must be the author’s original work and preferably will not have appeared first in other publications. Bridge reserves the right to decline submissions at our discretion.
We reserve the right to edit commentary for grammar, clarity, brevity or to address legal or factual concerns. We may offer editing suggestions, but in the service of making your work more accessible, not to alter your views.
We do not pay for guest commentary.
Here are some guidelines:
- Columns are usually 500-700 words
- They generally focus on a Michigan topic or policy and should avoid ad hominem attacks
- The more direct, distinct and/or intimate your perspective, the more effective your column will be
- The best columns do more than identify problems; they also offer solutions and facts to back them up
- Please include a one- or two-sentence bio, including the writer’s organization or relevant background.
- Authors must show their work, by backing up facts with links to reports or studies
- Bridge does not publish self-promotional columns or candidate endorsements
- Send a good quality, large headshot of the writer(s) as an attachment
- We also ask that, in return for publishing a guest commentary, the author(s) and their organizations generously promote the link to the published column through your Facebook, Twitter and other social or professional networks.
That’s about it. Keep the writing clear, conversational and free of jargon, and sell our smart and receptive readership on the argument you are trying to make.
Who to contact:
Email your submission or idea to guestcommentary@bridgemi.com. Please briefly describe who you are and what you would like to say and put the words “guest commentary” in the email subject line.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Make pension details for public employees public, again
A campaign to get Lansing to reverse course and make public how pension benefits are determined for public workers
Posted inGuest Commentary
Helping vulnerable children early is key to closing achievement gaps
Research shows that a host of programs, from parental coaching to helping children deal with traumatic environments at home, will help elevate Michigan to a top 10 education state.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Lansing should raise energy efficiency and renewable energy standards
It’s the responsibility of lawmakers to hold utilities accountable for keeping utility costs low
Posted inGuest Commentary
Michigan’s public universities already operate openly
Universities push back at amending state Constitution to open more of their board deliberations to the public.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Michigan businesses: Embrace company culture to attract Millennial talent
It’s not all free snacks and dog-friendly offices — young workers want their employers to embrace flexibility, change and work-life balance.
Posted inGuest Commentary
An early childhood home visitation program blooms in Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo’s “Parents as Teachers” program gives critical support to parents who may feel isolated
Posted inGuest Commentary
Go green and save green, or how using less energy helps Michigan municipalities
Homeowners think nothing of making their houses more energy-efficient. They should ask the same of their public buildings, too.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Middle-class families need a fairer tax system to get ahead
A graduated income tax would give working families a toehold, and make the wealthiest pay more, say two Michigan state senators.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Support energy measures that eliminate mandates
Continued surcharges and subsidies skew the market in Michigan and provide government-chosen special treatment for certain technologies.
