The Center for Michigan hosted community conversations and town hall meetings with 10,000 residents from Escanaba to Detroit and summarized those findings in Michigan’s Defining Moment: 10,000 Voices.
They recently published an analysis of the gubernatorial candidate’s take on issues beyond job creation and found interest in transit to be lacking:
"Michigan citizens want to get back to work – but they’re also anxious to see the state’s new leader address quality of life issues . . .
Most candidates say they “support” quality of life investment, but their platforms, with a couple of exceptions, are vague on specifics if they even mention issues like the state’s cultural institutions and mass transit. . . .
It’s clear that most candidates feel more public transport investment is something out-of-work Michigan can’t afford right now.“Mass transit isn’t a lure to business,” said Bouchard. “What really drives it is low taxes and competitive regulation.”
George points to his track record supporting light rail along Woodward Avenue through a private/public funding structure, and adds that when funding permits, he’d like to see all of the state’s rails-to-trails routes interconnected as part of a physical fitness initiative.
Cox wants to ensure that no road dollars from gasoline taxes are diverted to other uses. . . ."
Next time a candidate asks for your vote, ask them to support transit investment!