Anybody who still thinks Grand Rapids is a stodgy and unexciting city either hasn’t been there lately; is in need of a big attitude adjustment; or both. I got a powerful dose of the new Grand Rapids last week, when I was there for the West Michigan Policy Forum’s annual conference. The town was jumping […]
West Michigan gets serious about global race for talent
Posted inMichigan Government
Truth Squad calls flagrant foul on new round of bridge ads
MICHIGAN TRUTH SQUAD ANALYSIS: “Why People Are Voting Yes on Proposal 6“ “The People Should Decide, As Simple As That“ Who: The People Should Decide What: TV ads Truth Squad call: Flagrant foul The People Should Decide is a ballot question committee funded, according to available campaign finance statements, almost entirely from interests linked to […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Anti-Prop 2 group goes too far with sexual predator claim, Truth Squad rules
MICHIGAN TRUTH SQUAD ANALYSIS: “Protecting Predators in the Classroom? Proposal Threatens Student Safety, Could Overturn Valuable Education Reforms.” (Press release) “Effect of “Protect Our Jobs” on Students, Public Education in Michigan” (Memo) Who: Citizens Protecting Michigan’s Constitution What: Press release and memo to statewide media Truth Squad call: Foul Questionable statements: “Under the proposal, numerous […]
Posted inBusiness Watch
Drooping natural gas prices slow rush to 'frack'
Two years after oil and gas companies spent a record $178 million for the right to drill on state land, the rush to tap deep deposits of natural gas using a controversial drilling technology known as “fracking” still has momentum in Michigan. Even the Chinese government has joined the pursuit of what could be large […]
Posted inPeter Luke: Eye on the Capitol
Michigan, where school is part-time and sports are king
The calendar for the 2012-13 school year began on Aug. 6 and stretches all the way to June 15. Has Michigan finally and dramatically expanded the number of days that students will spend in public school classrooms? And therefore ended an era when a post-Labor Day start and varying degrees of snowfall could result in […]
Posted inLand O Links
Land O Links
“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page” — St. Augustine (Born 354, died 430). * Is this good or is this bad? The House Fiscal Agency found that since the state has scaled back on money for “secondary road patrol” the number of traffic tickets has dropped, but […]
Posted inQuality of Life
Remaking a river
Demolition crews in August took down the old powerhouse at the Brown Bridge Dam near Traverse City. This is part of a larger project to remove two dams and modify a third on the waterway. Bridge photo contributor John Russell reports that the powerhouse was built in 1922; was 33 feet above the waterline; and […]
Posted inTalent & Education
Dexter, Dearborn are among next stops in education townhall series
Michiganians from Grand Rapids to Birmingham, Dexter to Dearborn have opportunities in the next few weeks to discuss K-12 education and reform as part of the Center for Michigan’s ongoing townhall series on the topic: WHEN: Sept. 20, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. WHERE: LINC Community Revitalization, Inc., 1167 Madison SE Grand Rapids RSVP: Emberly […]
Posted inGuest Commentary
Guest column: Michigan, you don’t know everything about manufacturing
By Jim Danielski/Career Planning Specialists What … somebody recognized that manufacturing in the U.S. isn’t dead? That maybe, just maybe, the much touted service sector may actually be a byproduct of manufacturing? Many of us, including me, believe that manufacturing will make a comeback – only it won’t be in the form of the “factory” […]
Posted inMichigan Government
Hoekstra's ad isn't 'worst,' but distortions used earn foul, says Michigan Truth Squad
MICHIGAN TRUTH SQUAD ANALYSIS: “Meet the Parents” Who: Hoekstra for Senate What: Internet video Truth Squad call: Foul Questionable statement: “How about that Debbie Stabenow? Never met a tax increase she didn’t like … worst senator Michigan has ever had. “ These are broad generalizations, including a personal attack on Stabenow, that the video and […]