Michigan in Deep Trouble Without Mass Transit

User from Northville, MI — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 19:07:50 EDT

[CROSS-POSTED FROM MICHIGAN YOUTH POLITICAL ALLIANCE]

Michiganians are stuck on automobiles in more than one way. Not only is our economy dependent upon the Big 3 automakers, we rely solely on automobiles to get around our state–and now it is taking its toll.

A task force appointed by Governor Granholm recently released a report declaring that Michigan must double spending on roads and bridges otherwise “many will keep deteriorating and become unsafe.” The state spends about $3.2 billion a year on road and bridge maintenance, and now the task force recommends it to spend $6.1 billion a year for “good” conditions or $12.6 billion a year for “better” conditions. It is ridiculous how much taxpayer money goes towards fixing roads. The main propagator for this crisis? The lack of an adequate mass transit system anywhere in the state.

It’s Finally Over: Kwame is Out of Office

User from Northville, MI — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 18:35:35 EDT

[CROSS-POSTED FROM MICHIGAN YOUTH POLITICAL ALLIANCE]

And it’s finally time for Detroit to start making some progress (or at least reverse the tumble downhill under Mayor Kilpatrick).

Yesterday, Kilpatrick pleaded guilty to two felony counts of obstruction of justice and pleaded no contest to a felony count of assault on a police officer. As punishment, he must “pay restitution to the city of $1 million; [...] surrender his law license, forfeit his state pension to the city and be barred from elective office for five years; and [...] serve 120 days in the Wayne County jail, followed by five years’ probation. The other charges were dismissed”(NYTimes). He also resigned.

What is Detroit going to do?

Michigan Youth Connection

Michigan in Deep Trouble Without Mass Transit

It’s Finally Over: Kwame is Out of Office