Michigan Governor Rick Snyder spoke to the Michigan Municipal League Board of Trustees Friday about his desire to partner with Michigan communities. The governor said he understands there cannot be economic development unless Michigan has great communities. He said quality of life and place are intertwined with Michigan's economic recovery.
Snyder told MML board members that he intends to introduce a broad package of reforms that will help communities deal with the financial crisis facing their municipalities and the state. He asked the League to work with him to get ideas and suggestions. The League is committed to helping and next week will discuss its ideas during a media round table event 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 26, in the League's Lansing office, 208 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing. Media interested in attending should contact Matt Bach, director of League communications, at (734) 669-6317 or mbach@mml.org.
"The fact that the governor, two days after his State of the State address came to the Michigan Municipal League Board meeting says volumes about the credibility of the board and the reputation of Michigan cities and the League," said League President Carol Shafto, Alpena Mayor. "We're realistic in that we understand that each organization has budget priorities and we're pleased the governor is giving attention to cities and that he's listening and seems to understand the issues we're faced with."
Municipal leaders attending, including mayors and council members from all corners of the state, said his remarks on Friday were encouraging.
"He showed what seemed to be a true willingness to understand our challenges and opportunities and to work with us in creating the kinds of places where people and businesses want to live and work, said Robin Beltramini, council person for the City of Troy, and former president of the League.
Governor Snyder also took questions from those attending, including Shea Charles, Howell City Manager; Jeff Jenks, Huntington Woods Mayor Pro Tem; Ray Anderson, City Manager for the City of Norway, Larry Nielsen, Paw Paw Village Manager; Linden Mayor David Lossing; and Alan G. Vanderberg, Ottawa County Administrator and President Michigan Local Government Management Association.
More than a dozen members of the media attended the governor's talk with the League board so look for articles about it in the Detroit Free Press, Detroit News, Lansing State Journal, Gongwer and MIRS news services, Lansing area TV news (view story by WNLS TV) as well as the Associated Press and Michigan Public Radio. League CEO and Executive Director Dan Gilmartin talked to the media.
Matt Bach is Director of Communications for the Michigan Municipal League. He can be reached at mbach@mml.org or 734-669-6317.
Alpena Mayor Carol Shafto, Michigan Municipal League Board President, talks with Michigan Governor Rick Snyder Friday afternoon.
