March 3, 2011 - 4:44pm
Blogging Blue: Mr. Snyder goes to Detroit
BY WILL BUTLER
Detroit is a place known for its cars, music and television shows with Michael Imperioli, but it isn’t a place that Republican candidates usually visit. With its strong union presence and history of progressive struggles, Detroit is certainly a Democratic stronghold. But according to an article in the Detroit Free Press, Republican candidate for Governor Rick Snyder has had three town hall visits in Detroit. While Snyder discussed a multitude of issues, including his hesitancy to keep the state’s film tax incentives, he also used this town hall to tout his platform on poverty and urban renewal in Detroit.
I have to admit that I'm quite impressed. Snyder’s willingness to discuss urban renewal in Detroit is not only quite out of the ordinary for a Republican, it's also quite admirable. Snyder is one of the few Republican politicians acknowledging Detroit’s importance in revitalizing Michigan, a rare issue that he and Democratic gubernatorial nominee Virg Bernero agree on.
However, I do have my concerns. In typical CEO style, Snyder’s plan relies heavily on making the city more business-friendly for private sector growth. These plans are plagued by a lack of detail and a little bit of ignorance as well. While being business friendly is certainly part of the solution, it isn’t the whole cake. Snyder’s ideas for Detroit reek of someone who hasn’t actually governed a city. In this way, Bernero and his running mate, both of whom are mayors, may have a leg up. For one solution, Bernero called on cities to consolidate city services between municipalities in exchange for an end of unfunded mandates.
Michigan can't grow without a better focus on Detroit. While I appreciate Snyder’s willingness as a GOP candidate to recognize how vital urban renewal is, I am unconvinced he honestly has the ability to help it turn around. Gateway is nothing like Detroit. Just ask a mayor.
