Susan Schwartzenberger

Tue, Nov 9, 2010 : 8:44 p.m.

The State of Michigan has long had a system in place for the safety of the Governor. Superior Township, as a government, will feel very little negative impact from having Mr. Snyder working from home rather than from Lansing. The Michigan Governor has a security detail, staffed by seven officers of the Michigan State Police. Their job is to see to the safety of the Governor and his/her immediate family at all times. By necessity, they keep it very low-key, and most people never know they are there. Check out the MSP website for more information. While secretaries/assistants set up meetings and travel schedules, it's up to the security detail to get the Governor "to-and-from" safely. Drive- time for the Gov is usually just office time on wheels, thanks to cell phones and wireless internet service. I doubt the Governor will ever have to drive him/herself home after a late meeting. If you think seven is too high a number for the security detail, think about their job. It's a twenty-four hour duty, so the officers are on shifts. They have families, get to take some vacation time, and hopefully have a bit of private life of their own, like we all do. Currently with a Governor and a Governor-elect, all the members of security team must be putting in long hours until Innauguration Day. I wish them all well.

blahblahblah

Sun, Nov 7, 2010 : 10:19 a.m.

Unless the governor elect is going to be flying to work every day, he will soon have a far greater appreciation of the daily struggles of the thousands of commuters along US-23 and I-96. Driving northbound on US-23 in the morning he will see the southbound traffic jam of stop and go traffic trying to get to work. He will also see the short entry ramps and the dangers created with the merging traffic. Once he merges onto I-96 however, he will notice a marked difference: three smooth lanes of traffic and no shortened entry ramps. He will notice the three lanes extend far beyond Brighton to Howell and the Tanger outlet mall. He will also notice the finishing roadwork between Okemos and I-496. Ultimately, he will see the "pavement difference" the closer he gets to Lansing. Then as he comes home in the evening, he will know he's getting closer once the car starts shaking from the potholes. Upon experiencing the plight of the common commuter, he will therefore not overlook the deteriorating highway infrastructure needs of the state. Our state can not afford to lose matching Federal highway dollars (use it or lose it). Although politically unpopular, increasing the gas tax must be considered if no other budget solutions can be found. Yes, tax increases hurt during a recession, but this usage tax can be avoided and/or minimized by buying a smaller more fuel efficient car. Hopefully the governor elect will soon draw this same conclusion.

eastsidemom

Sun, Nov 7, 2010 : 6:43 a.m.

His home is really much closer to Ypsilanti than Ann Arbor, just sayin

Ray D. Aider

Sun, Nov 7, 2010 : 12:05 a.m.

I didn't really believe Virg Bernero a couple of weeks ago when he said that his "....opponent is measuring for curtains in the Governor's mansion".... I thought maybe his wife was, but look how wrong you can be!

JSA

Fri, Nov 5, 2010 : 11:18 a.m.

Be honest, why would anyone want to live in Lansing.

skfina2

Fri, Nov 5, 2010 : 11:09 a.m.

If Rick Snyder really wants to impress us, he will offer to pay for his commuting expenses, and that of the accompanying state troopers, out of his own, deep pockets. He can afford it more than the state can!

Cash

Fri, Nov 5, 2010 : 10:23 a.m.

God Loves Us All, So God loves us all....except the residents of Detroit and the UAW membership? Oh brother.

Peregrine

Fri, Nov 5, 2010 : 10:01 a.m.

According to the Detroit News the governor's residence in Lansing is maintained through private donations. So if anything the regular commute along with any infrastructure that needs to be built at his Superior Township home will cost the taxpayers of Michigan money. Nonetheless, I think it's his right to decide where within the state to live. Too many politicians exert a cost on their families in support of their careers. This, however, is a decision to support his daughter. So I have no trouble with those funds being spent provided they're not excessive.

DFSmith

Fri, Nov 5, 2010 : 9:10 a.m.

@sbbuilder- i think U-M's current president lives in the Presidents home on South Univ Ave.

non2574

Fri, Nov 5, 2010 : 8:49 a.m.

Why would you want to live in a shack like the Governor Mansion when you live in a Palace like this? http://www.bing.com/maps/default.aspx?v=2&cp=r1c6yd80vqs5&scene=16846985&lvl=1&sty=b&where1=2016%20Valleyview%20Dr%2C%20Ann%20Arbor%2C%20MI%2048105-9588

Terrin

Fri, Nov 5, 2010 : 8:43 a.m.

Some of you guys don't read the article. The State doesn't pay to maintain the property. It is funded by private donations. So Snyder not living there isn't saving the State any money. It probably will cost the State more money because it will pick up his traveling expenses, which will likely be more because he isn't staying close Lansing. Further, the only reason he will not be living in Lansing is doing so would be a step down from his current living arrangements. Snyder also will be less effective then Granholm in bringing money to Michigan. Granholm had the President's ear as well as the State's Congress members. In addition, the Federal government has crippled a State's ability to manage it's own economy. What we really need is a Constitutional Convention to change the federal Constitution to get rid of some things like the Commerce Clause which the Federal government uses to rape the States.

Susanna

Fri, Nov 5, 2010 : 8:37 a.m.

Good for him. I'm glad he is putting his family first. I'm sure he will do a great job from Ann Arbor.

Peter Baker

Fri, Nov 5, 2010 : 8:16 a.m.

I for one welcome our new billionaire overlords. If only all elected officials were so rich they'd rather stay in their own homes, we can scrap that 0.002% of our taxes needed for government infrastructure. And if they build their own roads, and maybe let us use them from time to time, we can scrap the highway commission! And who needs a social safety net since we'll all be rich one day?

a2huron

Fri, Nov 5, 2010 : 7:19 a.m.

Should give him the opportunity to appreciate the poor condition of our roads a bit more.

C6

Fri, Nov 5, 2010 : 7:18 a.m.

sbbuilder: You don't remember Mary Sue Coleman?

mb20fan

Fri, Nov 5, 2010 : 6:39 a.m.

Why not our tax dollars will pay for his fuel bill at $4.00 a gallon.$4.00 Times what 1 maybe 2 state troopers to run escort car`s.Looks like another tax raise to make sure theres enough cash in the general fund to pay the fuel bill once a month.Just like a republican how long will it be before there is no middle class left in Mi.

Basic Bob

Fri, Nov 5, 2010 : 6:17 a.m.

@GettingBluer, I agree with you thoughts in diversifying the economy. Many of the manufacturing businesses in Michigan build systems which traditionally has gone into automotive plants. The companies that have survived the recession are the ones who have found alternate markets for their products and services. We don't need the governor to take trips to Chinese manufacturing plants to make this work. We need to see improvements in Detroit if we want to get this state running on all cylinders. This is hard enough to see from Superior Township, but nearly impossible from Lansing or West Michigan. I hope Snyder staying at home makes a difference.

skigrl50

Fri, Nov 5, 2010 : 6:05 a.m.

If you have seen the governor's mansion in Lansing you would know that it is not exactly a mansion but a residence in a regular neighborhood. It's not even in a gated community. It's a nice house overlooking the river, I'm sure it's bigger than it looks, but definitely not pretentious. Cudos to Rick Snyder.

Cash

Fri, Nov 5, 2010 : 5:02 a.m.

Ann Arbor area? Since when is Superior Township the "Ann Arbor area"? Since Rick Snyder lives there? Because I've not seen Superior Township reported as Ann Arbor area before.... Hmmm......

God Loves Us All

Fri, Nov 5, 2010 : 12:47 a.m.

See he is in one day and already saving the state money.

Marshall Applewhite

Fri, Nov 5, 2010 : 12:17 a.m.

sbbuilder, I know Bollinger lived in the house on South U, and I am fairly certain that Mary Sue stays there while in Ann Arbor as well.

Jason

Thu, Nov 4, 2010 : 10:07 p.m.

that is a smart matter of fact i wouldnt move to the gov mansion bottom line and i would stay in the Ann Arbor area. cause if you dont do well you wont get voted in for another term so i would live in a condo or a smart affordable place not the gov mansion.

Joe Hood

Thu, Nov 4, 2010 : 9:49 p.m.

Well, my mantra has always been to move the state capital back to Detroit, to fix Detroit. @GettingBluer I don't think we need to worry about a businessman not creating business in Michigan, that's where his mind dwells naturally. The real worry is to be able to pull the legislature to task.

GettingBluer

Thu, Nov 4, 2010 : 9:36 p.m.

One thing he said after the election worries me about him creating jobs here. He referred to Granholm's overseas trip as something that he wouldn't be doing as he wants to make the state more favorable to Michigan businesses. That is all well and good and overdue; HOWEVER, one of Michigan's biggest problems for the last century that DOES need to be fixed is the lack of a DIVERSIFIED economy and attacting businesses from elsewhere (doesn't have to be overseas) would certainly help in that regard. People tend to start businesses around what they know and we DON'T need 15 new auto companies starting here or insurance companies -- aerospace, electronics, phamaceuticals, nanometrics, etc. would be welcome additions just to have businesses with different cycles of peaks and valleys.

bobr

Thu, Nov 4, 2010 : 9:30 p.m.

I didn't vote for Gov-elect Snyder but I wish him well. I think his idea about residing outside the Capitol area is interesting and might be a good change. His tone after the election was mature and positive.

YouWhine

Thu, Nov 4, 2010 : 9:23 p.m.

Why bother moving when you can use state money to have State Troopers drive you to and from Lansing every day in a state owned vehicle?

sbbuilder

Thu, Nov 4, 2010 : 8:48 p.m.

I can' remember the last UM President to use the house on South U. It had to have been before Shapiro. So, why doesn't the UM "not rent it out rather than leave it vacant..or better yet let folks who have lost their jobs and home squat there!"? After all, it's only been sitting vacant for over 30 years.

jondhall

Thu, Nov 4, 2010 : 8:03 p.m.

I admire a man that accomplishes something with his life, rather than just muddle through it! So all you liberals that suck off the government, can as they say kiss where I can't see it. A man does something well and I hear is "whining" give him a chance, instead of a "change theme" how about "I Believe"! Rick will do a fine job just as he has on everything he has encountered. Not a government Peabody like " Dingell".

runbum03

Thu, Nov 4, 2010 : 7:11 p.m.

That's odd...... very odd. I consider it a red flag. Coming out of Ann Arbor, I would expect a hammer and sickle on it as well.

Roger Roth

Thu, Nov 4, 2010 : 7 p.m.

Every voter can now go out shopping for their own 10,000 square-foot home. And don't forget the 1.5 million dollar get away, too. A new day is coming to us middle classers in MI. Our 300-year tradition of aristocratic control over the under classes is alive and well--apparently.

God Loves Us All

Thu, Nov 4, 2010 : 5:38 p.m.

He can fly his helicopter to the door of the Capitol from his back door. It may take years to remove the Detroit and UAW ghosts from this mansion. God bless you Rick pray God will help you make decisions. And God bless America.

DonBee

Thu, Nov 4, 2010 : 4:30 p.m.

Sell the Governor's house, take the money and put it in the General Fund or better yet, let it pay for the Police Officer who will have to go with him between Superior Township and Lansing.

spm

Thu, Nov 4, 2010 : 4:27 p.m.

Apparently this isn't unhead of in other states. I just read in the NY Times that the NY governor's mansion in Albany has been not been lived in for 16 years. Apparently Andrew Cuomo will be the first governor to live there since his father left office. Let's hope Snyder doesn't start a trend, otherwise we might as well sell the house.

Oregon39_Michigan7

Thu, Nov 4, 2010 : 4:23 p.m.

Makes sense to me. I don't see how living in Lansing would help/hinder one's job preformance. Maybe Gov.-Elect Synder can promote the "work from home" movement: A secure internet connection and webcam is all he needs.

grye

Thu, Nov 4, 2010 : 4:01 p.m.

Rick already lives in a controlled access community. Shouldn't require anything more than a State Police Trooper parked out front. This should save the state some funds by not having to maintain the governor's house (other than minimal heat to keep the pipes from bursting) as well as the usual remodeling job each new governor usually has completed after taking office.

InsideTheHall

Thu, Nov 4, 2010 : 3:59 p.m.

I hear Kwame Kilpatrick may need a crib after getting out of the federal pen.

David Cahill

Thu, Nov 4, 2010 : 3:52 p.m.

I commuted to Lansing for eleven years. I wish Snyder the joy of it.

Basic Bob

Thu, Nov 4, 2010 : 3:49 p.m.

It's actually a pretty nice drive to Lansing. There's not much traffic going north or west in the morning. And maybe he'll get US 23 widened up to Brighton.

C6

Thu, Nov 4, 2010 : 3:45 p.m.

I'm not sure the Superior Township neighbors will be happy with this decision, after the new State Police facilities (including heli-pad) and fencing have all gone up. Hey, if he isn't going to use it, I promise I'll look after the Governor's residence on Mackinac Island as if it were my own. My "island residence caretaker" position can be the first new job he creates.

shepard145

Thu, Nov 4, 2010 : 3:43 p.m.

This will save Michigan a lot of money. To make the governors mansion habitable, he would first have to get some contractors in there and get a price to remove the stink of failure that permeates the place. Then where her cabinet adviser's drum circles were held, theyve warn a pattern in the floor so that needs to be replaced. The hemp upholstery on furniture would need to be ripped out. Outside, the grounds are a disaster a virtual catalog of all her phony eco energy junk, gimmicks and dumb ideas demonstrating what happens when a mediocre lawyer becomes a politician then takes on engineering related policy issues she doesnt understand. Perhaps the governors mansion should be turned into the states first museum of political failure.

mlivesaline

Thu, Nov 4, 2010 : 3:33 p.m.

Stop your whining. If he can get some jobs back to Michigan he can live in Columbus Ohio if he wants to.

treetowncartel

Thu, Nov 4, 2010 : 3:30 p.m.

I guess he will be telcomuting then. Commuting on a daily basis doesn't seem the "green" thing to do.

uawisok

Thu, Nov 4, 2010 : 3:27 p.m.

Here's a chance to re-invent Michigan....why not rent it out rather than leave it vacant..or better yet let folks who have lost their jobs and home squat there!

Ignatz

Thu, Nov 4, 2010 : 3:22 p.m.

I wonder what kind of security the governor requires and how his staying in his own home might impact that.