Getting There Together Weekly: The Annual Trick or Treat Edition

Folks,

Trick or Treat!

The annual parade of candy seeking mendicants is upon us.

Happy Halloween! 

As I went searching for the right costume, I did not see a Governor Snyder mask in the top ten list of the Most Popular Costumes for 2011.  I think the makers of costumes are missing a trend that will likely grow.  

As you have been forewarned over the past few weeks, Governor Snyder rolled out his plan for Michigan's infrastructure on Wednesday.  Click on this link if you'd like to read the entire text of his address. 

Remember what was suggested last week as possible solutions to our current transportation crisis?  In reading what the governor said, I think he was listening to us when we put forth such things as:

• Ensuring that the Michigan Department of Transportation adopts a statewide complete streets policy that is clear, comprehensive, and provides an effective framework for how state and local officials and citizens work together.
• Allocating transportation funding strategically by investing in rail, public transit and non-motorized options to build a 21st century multi-modal transportation system.
• Establishing a Regional Transit Authority that would coordinate and oversee regional public transit service in southeast Michigan.
• Giving regions additional options to increase local and regional revenue for transit.
• Capitalizing on the recent federal award by ensuring that our rail passenger rail infrastructure continues to expand and connect to cities and towns across the state.

He definitely hit some of these more than others.  Check it out and see how well you think his plan will result in a 21st century infrastructure for Michigan. 

Now back to my search for a Governor Snyder mask.  

One of the keys of the governor's message for me is that he did not give us a complete plan ready for implementation.  Rather, he is now standing before every Michigan home, not with a demand, but a question:

"Trick or Treat?"

He is asking each of us to participate in the dialogue over the next few months concerning the types and amounts of infrastructure investments Michigan wants to see and would be willing to pay for: "Snyder calls for public discussion on road funding increase."  

Thus, I am looking for a Gov. Snyder mask to wear as I work to start a conversation or two on this critical topic.  What kind of Michigan do we want to live in?  What kind of infrastructure do we want or need to support that vision?  My discussion theme:

"Trick or Treat?"

Others have already begun the conversation.

Check out this op ed from the Free Press: Good roads cost, and Gov. Snyder's plan faces up to that reality.

And here's a piece from our neighbors to the west in Muskegon: Muskegon County Road Commission director takes wait-and-see approach to Gov. Snyder's road improvement plan.

These two signify only the beginning of the conversations over the next few months at kitchen tables, neighborhood coffee shops and a State Capitol Building near you.

So, what will it be Michigan?  Trick or Treat? 

All for today.

Dave Bulkowski.
Executive Director
Disability Advocates of Kent County
3600 Camelot SE
Grand Rapids, MI  49546
(616) 949-1100, ext. 228; dave.b@dakc.us