Detroit unemployment means that nearly 3 in 10 in Detroit need a job. Pause for a moment, and imagine what local life would be like if nearly 3 in 10 needed a job in Boston, or Lowell, or Springfield.
It may be that part of the terrible financial situation in Michigan is related to over reliance on one industry – if so, that is surely a reminder that diversity in local industries and sources of income and employment is critical.
But Michigan leads in another area, as well. Michigan remains one of only three states that does not require ANY financial disclosure for Any elected officials. NO financial disclosure required in Michigan
For those who argue that less disclosure or regulation would improve our local economy, Michigan is again an object lesson.
In Michigan, even the Supreme Court Judges are elected – and not one needs to disclose how much money was received from a corporation or lobbyist – nor is there any limitation on political donations.
My own observations indicate that the rule of law, and regulation such as limitations on political donations and lobbyists in fact are linked to a better financial environment.
Could it be that transparency and the rule of law are not just window dressing, but, in fact required for sustained economic growth – and the elimination or reduction of looting by financial predators? I don’t just mean economic sociopaths like Bernie Madoff – I mean Enron, Merrill Lynch, and Bank of America need transparency and regulation, and watchdogs and it is not happening.
By the way, how about having our own Open Meeting Laws apply to OUR legislature and Executive – and Freedom of Information Act laws? Could it be that financially, our children would be better served with that change on the local level?
After all, the “freedom” that Michigan’s elected officials enjoy has certainly NOT translated into prosperity.
Reporting first hand from Michigan this week.
open disclosure with no campaign limits. I don’t think however you can link Detroit’s woes with campaign finance regulations.
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p>The failure of Detroit is a failure of left wing policies. It is the microcosm of that. Newt has the following to say on the subject.
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Four minutes and sixteen seconds just to get to the point that Detroit is failing because it doesn’t have enough charter schools.
Gennifer Granholm, Gov, DEMOCRAT
Andy Dillon, Speaker of the House, DEMOCRAT
Pam Byrnes, Speaker Pro Tempore, DEMOCRAT
Kathy Angerer, Majority Floor Leader, DEMOCRAT
John D. Cherry, Jr., Senate President, DEMOCRAT
Randy Richardville, President Pro Tempore, DEMOCRAT
Alan Sanborn, Assistant President Pro Tempore, DEMOCRAT
Don’t forget the UAW.
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p>It ain’t the election laws.
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So Michigan’s fault isn’t that it’s economy and workforce are largely tied to a sector which is barely surviving in this country, it’s DEMOCRATS, the type of which weren’t in power while President Bush engineered the current depression?
The Republicans control the Michigan Senate and have for a long time. Randy Richardville is a Republican. Alan Sanborn is a Republican. John D. Cherry is only Senate President by virtue of his position of Lieutenant Gov.
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p>The Republicans also controlled the Michigan House until 2006. It was because of the failed policies of the Republican Legislature that the voters gave them the boot then. So nice try, but check your facts please.
I think it’s a single-industry issue and all-too-common urban mismanagement from the 1960s to now.
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p>White flight in Detroit was worse than Boston or sections of NYC. The schools stink, parents who care about their kids education and have the means to move out, which sinks the schools even lower. Lack of neighborhood stability reduces quality of life and increases crime. Poor urban planning with respect to housing density, non-auto transportation options, and parks exacerbates the problem. Delayed infrastructure repairs result in a desolate urban landscape.
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p>Now, take away the biggest source of jobs and look what happens.
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p>Even with strong investment from MI and USA, Detroit is going to suffer for a while. They need more stable jobs in Detroit. They need to develop sections of the city which are livable now — that means safe, clean, with local amenities like grocers and movie theaters and cafes, and it’s got to be walkable because people on the street is what keeps cities enjoyable. How to do that? It’s terribly difficult.