Gov. Rick Snyder to take questions from public radio listeners on state budget issues, education reform

The call-in program will air on stations of the Michigan Public Radio Network from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m, including on 89.1 WEMU, Ypsilanti, and 91.7 WUOM, Ann Arbor.

Listeners can phone in their questions during the broadcast or e-mail them in advance to askthegov@mprn.org.

MPRN State Capitol Bureau Chief Rick Pluta is expected to focus on several current topics related to the budget, the economy and the governor’s policies.

"Gov. Snyder has proposed an ambitious and sometimes controversial agenda that includes tax and education reform, altering the state’s relationship with local governments and promoting the growth of small business. This will be a chance for listeners to query the governor on his plans," according to a press release relayed to AnnArbor.com by Molly Motherwell, WEMU's general manager.

Snyder today announced the appointment of Roy Roberts as emergency manager of Detroit Public Schools. Roberts is managing director of private-equity investment firm Reliant Equity Investors LLC and is the former group vice president of North American Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing for General Motors Corp.

Roberts will transition into the role of emergency manager in the coming weeks.

“The number one priority is providing the children of the Detroit Public Schools with a quality education and for that to happen the school district must be financially sound,” Snyder said in a statement. “Roy Roberts’ problem solving skills, expertise and strong management and leadership skills will be of tremendous benefit to the students, teachers, administrators and families of the Detroit Public Schools.”