'Community Conversation' launches
state's 2010 'defining moment'
Local residents came together Monday evening (Sept. 21) to discuss ways of promoting Michigan’s future through a “Community Conversation,” hosted by the Center for Michigan at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial. Representative Tim Bledsoe, D-1st District, and Andrew Richner, ahairman of the University of Michigan Board of Regents, spoke at the event, which discussed “Michigan’s Defining Moment.” “In 2010 we have a very unique opportunity,” said Kim Johnson, outreach coordinator of the Center for Michigan. “The entire executive branch of the state will be turned out. The citizens of Michigan will also get to vote on whether they would like a constitutional convention, just one means of how citizens of the state can decide how their government works.” The Center for Michigan was formed in 2006 in response to this opportunity. The goal of the non-profit, non-partisan organization is to encourage residents to communicate their desires with each other and with their representatives in order to help Michigan prosper in the future. Through meetings with over 2,000 residents, the center has settled on promoting three areas vital to the state: A talented and globally competitive workforce; a vibrant economy and great quality of life; and effective, efficient and accountable government. Throughout the meeting – which was co-sponsored by the Grosse Pointe chapter of the American Association of University Women and the Grosse Pointe League of Women Voters of Michigan – Johnson outlined possible areas of reform in Michigan. She also encouraged the 60 residents present to participate by sharing their concerns and suggestions for making the three goals possible. “We have a lot of work to do to set our priorities – transformation is upon us,” said Johnson. “We had a good 100-year ride on the internal combustion but the train has left the station.” Johnson went around the room and asked each resident to introduce themselves and cite the issues most important to them, and Bledsoe was no exception. When it was his turn, Bledsoe said he had just sent his 18-year-old daughter off to college, so he understands the need for making the state competitive in the workforce. "I want my daughter to find a job back in Michigan one of these days and move back," he said. Among the areas that residents were most concerned with included tax reform for small businesses, the economy and job loss, education funding and holding government programs accountable. Several residents in the real-estate business spoke of the need to reform Proposal A, which makes for inequitable property taxation between old and new residents. The “Community Conversation” was about more than just faults with the current system. It was also a chance for residents to talk about what the Grosse Pointe communities are doing right. Everyone agreed that quality of life is a success for the communities, with exceptional parks, libraries and collection of small businesses as well as services provided, such as snow removal and programs for elderly citizens. Residents also touted the school system and sense of security within the five Grosse Pointes. Johnson, Bledsoe and Richner all encouraged residents to communicate to others about the difficulties facing the state and possibilities for reform, even if the views do not always match up. “We all share the concerns about where our state is headed if we don’t do something to change our direction relatively soon,” said Richner. “In my view reaching consensus doesn’t have to stand for nothing, to compromise one’s principles. “We don’t all have to be milquetoast to get things done. In fact, the process leads to better results when there are divergent views that are part of the mix in a conversation.”
