A REPRIEVE: A $20,000 donation by the president of the Irish Hills Historical Society may help these historic viewing towers stave off the wrecking ball. (courtesy photo/Mlive) *Homeowners know what July means … property tax bills. While it might not feel like it, Michigan is not at the top when it comes to taxing property. […]
Land O Links
Posted inGuest Commentary
Wayne County’s economy is doing better than you think
(courtesy photo/used under Creative Commons license) There has been an unrelenting dose of bad news in local newspapers and on national television about the city of Detroit’s financial difficulties, but one measure of business establishment employment in Wayne County is showing relatively healthy growth. And if the city of Detroit gets its financial problems under […]
Posted inBrunch with Bridge
Detroit’s EM should surround himself with fresh faces, fresh thinking
RIGHT MIND-SET: Emergency manager Kevyn Orr, far right, and Mayor Dave Bing flank Gov. Rick Snyder at a press conference to discuss the city’s financial straits. (courtesy photo/city of Detroit) Detroit Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr came in with an impressive resume and a seemingly razor-sharp focus and determination to right the city’s finances. He is […]
Posted inBrunch with Bridge
Down-and-dirty Tough Mudder lures athletes with warrior mystique
ARE YOU TOUGH ENOUGH? The grueling obstacle course known as Tough Mudder draws participants eager to test themselves against it, most of them in teams. (courtesy photo/Tough Mudder) At this war, everyone is wearing running shoes. We’ve just climbed an eight-foot wall to get onto the battlefield. “Come in, come in here, bring it in,” […]
Posted inTalent & Education
One-two punch for Michigan students: more loans, high interest rates
AND AFTER COLLEGE?: All the money being borrowed by college students in Michigan — $1.9 billion in one year alone — poses a significant threat to future economic growth says Mitch Bean of Great Lakes Economic Consulting. (courtesy photo/used under Creative Commons license) Michigan’s student debt problem is getting worse, with college kids borrowing almost […]
Posted inBusiness Watch
With Michigan costs rising, rail group proposes surge in seats for high-speed Amtrak line
SUCCESS NOW, CHALLENGES AHEAD: More people are choosing to ride Amtrak lines in Michigan these days, but the state’s subsidy for passenger rail will increase significantly starting in October. A group of rail advocates is offering a plan to boost the number of seats available on Michigan rails to help the state defray those costs. […]
Posted inTalent & Education
After merger, school districts bet on longer days, longer calendar to revive fortunes
NEW LOOK, COURSE: The Ypsilanti and Willow Run school districts merged July 1 to form Ypsilanti Community Schools, a new district that’s embarking on a variety of operational reforms, including a longer school day and longer school year. (courtesy image/Ypsilanti Community Schools) Two Washtenaw County communities are taking a marriage born out of necessity […]
Posted inGuest Commentary
With tough decisions, GOP lawmakers put Michigan on path for better future
DOING GOOD WORK: House Speaker Jase Bolger applauds a colleague in the Michigan House. The Republican from Marshall argues that the GOP majorities in the Legislature have been making tough decisions that will result in a better future for Michigan. (courtesy photo/Mlive.com) Why won’t politicians tackle tough issues? Why won’t the Legislature look long-term? […]
Posted inGuest Commentary
Republicans hold the wheel, are driving Michigan into the ditch
WRONG WAY: The Republican majorities in the Legislature have enacted policies that harm Michigan families, schoolchildren and workers, argues House Democratic leader Tim Greimel. (courtesy photo/Michigan House Democrats) Republicans hold an absolute monopoly on power in the state of Michigan. With majorities in the House and Senate and with a Republican in the governor’s office, […]