For Immediate Release: February 3, 2010
Mike Bouchard: Michigan needs chief executive
who leads from Day One, not just in Year Eight
Oakland County – Mike Bouchard, Republican candidate for governor, said tonight’s State of the State address by Gov. Granholm underscores the void in leadership that is plaguing Lansing.
“Michigan needs a chief executive who leads from Day One, not just in Year Eight,” Bouchard said. “Families continue to struggle with economic pain and uncertainty. Yet tonight is the first time we saw any sense of urgency from the Governor’s Office. Only now is the governor offering any substantive proposals to rein in state spending, including several that mirror my initiatives.
“But, we need more than words. We have heard her eloquence before only to see our hopes dashed on the rocks of inaction.
“With Michigan again leading the nation in unemployment, it is clear we need to chart a new course. But doing so demands an aggressive, hands-on governor to change our course. That’s what a Bouchard administration will bring to Lansing.”
Restoring Michigan’s financial footing requires a comprehensive strategy, Bouchard said. Curtailing state government spending is essential, Bouchard explained, but creating an economic climate that encourages job creation and expansion will be the engine that drives Michigan’s recovery.
“We heard little from the governor about bold, innovative ways to replace the tens of thousands of jobs lost during her administration,” Bouchard said. “While cuts in government spending are necessary and overdue, we also need to focus on tax relief and ways to more effectively target our limited resources. Our state can turn the corner but only if we fix Lansing and get Michigan back to work.”
Bouchard, an experienced leader and accomplished innovator, has numerous proposals on the table, including:
· Generating jobs in the construction trades by providing homeowners and job providers with tax incentives for construction and remodeling. This will also spur long-term investment in the state.
· Pursuing public-private partnerships that ease state spending and create jobs. For example, Bouchard is calling for such partnerships to turn Michigan’s 81 rest areas into service centers. These service centers would provide travelers with a greater array of conveniences while generating additional revenue for the state.
· Competitively bidding for prison food services, similar to what Bouchard does in his role as Oakland County sheriff. Bouchard’s successful initiative saves local taxpayers $1.6 million annually.
· Reforming the way Lansing does business. Long before Gov. Granholm’s speech, Bouchard has called for switching to a two-year state budget cycle based on a three-year outlook, setting a May 15 deadline to approve a budget, and docking the governor and legislators a day’s pay for each day the May 15 deadline is missed. He also is a longstanding proponent of a part-time Legislature.
“It’s time to roll up our shirt-sleeves and get down to business,” Bouchard said. “We can’t afford to waste eight more years. That won’t be an issue in my administration. I’ll hit the ground running on Day One.”
Visit www.BouchardforGovernor.com for more information about Bouchard’s commitment to bring jobs to Michigan.
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Paid for by Mike Bouchard for Governor
P.O. Box 1433
Royal Oak, MI 48068
I absolutely support Mike Bouchard’s reform ideas, most especially where “Bouchard has called for switching to a two-year state budget cycle based on a three-year outlook, setting a May 15 deadline to approve a budget, and docking the governor and legislators a day’s pay for each day the May 15 deadline is missed. He also is a longstanding proponent of a part-time Legislature’.
Knowing the budget is key to governing. I strongly suggest Mike get into contact with Prof. Klemanski at OU to enlist the help of former mayor of Rochester Hills who is a budget genius and can be a strategic asset to the Bourchard for Governor campaign.
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http://www.detnews.com/article/20100207/OPINION03/2070308/Virg-who?-Bernero-s-ready-to-make-his-pitch-for-Michigan-governor
07 Feb. 2010
Detroit News,
Letter to the editor;
Re:Virg who?? Bernero’s ready to make his pitch for Michigan governor
Laura Berman’s commentary on Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero possible gubernatorial candidacy was welcomed comic relief on a cold Sunday morning. This candidate reminds me of one from the 1960′s trying to make the impossible happen it in a 21st century economy. I suppose Bernero’s signature campaign song will be the classic Bachman Turner Overdrive tune Blue Collar.
Ms. Berman is absolutely correct in stating ‘Michigan voters in 2010 aren’t likely to be pushovers for any Democratic candidate’ in referring to Pres. Obama’s use of the internet to attract campaign support. I second her opinion and feel that Virg Bernero’s adaptation of Obama campaign model is DOA because the informed electorate knows Michigan needs much more than a fastalking, telegenic, You-Tube sensation when it comes to leading this state and formulating pro-active public policy that will get our economy back to work in an aggressive and expedient time frame.
The only noise Bernero should be concerned about cutting through is the sound of the many of us traditionally Democrat leaning voters who are sincerely committed to voting for the loyal opposition in the upcoming election cycle. Bernero needs to wake up to reality and understand We Won’t Get Fooled Again!
Kenneth Hreha
Dryden, Mi