Teamwork will be among themes of Rick Snyder's inaugural speech
Rick Snyder has a message for Michigan residents when he becomes the state's 48th governor on Saturday: He's expecting some help in what he calls the effort to "reinvent" the state.
Snyder's inaugural speech from the steps of the state Capitol is expected to touch on past Michigan eras and the one he envisions ahead — relying on innovation, teamwork and a culture shift to help shake Michigan out of its economic doldrums.
"Reinventing Michigan is not something that Lansing can do alone. This is not something that government does alone," Geralyn Lasher, a Snyder spokeswoman, said this week about one of the themes expected in the incoming governor's inaugural speech. "This is something that all 10 million of us in the state of Michigan have to be participants in and have to focus on."
Snyder, a Republican, cruised to victory over Democratic Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero in November's gubernatorial election. He replaces term-limited Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm, departing after eight years in office.
Granholm has moved out of the governor's executive office near the Capitol and workers are preparing it for Snyder's arrival. The former Gateway computer executive and Ann Arbor venture capitalist expects to get down to business quickly as he inherits a state with a 12.4 percent unemployment rate — tied for second-highest in the nation — and a projected budget deficit of roughly $1.8 billion for the fiscal year starting in October.
Snyder has talked about the need for teamwork and a fresh, positive approach for the state ever since he burst on the scene as a political newcomer during the 2010 campaign. That tone has been welcomed even by Democrats, union leaders and others who opposed him during the election.
Michigan Gov.-Elect Rick Snyder speaks during an interview in his transition office in the Michigan Historical Museum on Dec. 21 in Lansing.
Kevin W. Fowler | Associated Press
"I hope we hear an understanding that shared sacrifice is necessary to move Michigan forward, that we cannot balance the state budget on the backs of workers," Mark Gaffney, president of the Michigan AFL-CIO, said of his expectations for Snyder's message. "I hope to hear the continued optimistic moderation that he has become known for. He does a pretty job about saying all of Michigan's people need to have a can-do, optimistic attitude. Instead of trying to point the finger at someone or something to blame, he has said work together."
No executive orders aimed at reshaping government or changing policy are expected immediately Saturday, Lasher said. But some orders, including one that will split the Department of Natural Resources and Environment back into two separate departments, are likely early next week.
More Cabinet appointments are likely soon after Snyder takes office. He's already picked most members of a relatively diverse, bipartisan leadership team including outgoing Democratic House Speaker Andy Dillon as treasurer and Olga Dazzo as director of the state's Department of Community Health.
Detroit Mayor Dave Bing, a Democrat, will be the master of ceremonies for the inauguration. The ceremony will feature a Michigan National Guard flyover of A-10 Thunderbolt aircraft and a traditional 19-cannon salute.
Republican Brian Calley will be sworn in as lieutenant governor. Republican Bill Schuette will be sworn in as attorney general and Republican Ruth Johnson will take the oath as secretary of state.
Comments
Killroy
Mon, Jan 3, 2011 : 5:35 p.m.
Looking forward to moving out of state.
DonBee
Sun, Jan 2, 2011 : 1:44 p.m.
@David Briegel - I wonder what you are worried about personally? I suspect you are a public employee and don't want to have to deal with any changes. We are all going to have to dig in and give, whether public or private employees, the state is going to need to do things that are no fun to us. Roads may get less repair, park fees and license plates may go up, gas taxes may rise, and the number of police available to help us may be reduced. None of this is going to be fun. I was listening to NPR this morning on the way our welfare programs have created a permanent underclass. I don't know if I agree or disagree with the author, but I do know that we need to figure out how to get whole families that have not had a job in generations learning and working, if the information was correct.
David Briegel
Sat, Jan 1, 2011 : 7:16 p.m.
Teamwork, so long as we are on HIS team!! His team will be the continued abolition of the middle class and the preservation of the wealth, power and privilege of the upper crust! The abolition of the benefits of the middle class and the safety net for the lesser and underprivileged amongst us! Aren't we just so proud of our accomplishments??
stunhsif
Sat, Jan 1, 2011 : 10:14 a.m.
We didn't elect you Mr. Snyder to be a wimp, get busy cutting costs and balancing the budget and don't do it by raising taxes. The fatted calf needs to lose a lot of weight or burn at the alter altogether.
DonBee
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 6:04 p.m.
I am highly in favor of positive attitudes and teamwork! I fear it will be a difficult year for everyone, both in and out of government. I suspect that if the compromise is reached on how to run the State, that everyone will be angry by the end of the year. It will take that kind of cutting and work. Don't be surprised if something you count on from the State, or local government disappears. It will be that tough. I want to thank G.E. Snyder in advance for what he is walking into. I wish him the best of luck. We need him to succeed.
Roadman
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 4:38 p.m.
I am proud of Rick Snyder's victory as it is a victory for all people of Michigan. I will be one of many locals who will attend the inaugural festivities.
Speechless
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 3:45 p.m.
Under the banner of 'teamwork' and 'shared sacrifice,' it will not be unfair for the new governor to ask for some help on state budget line items from public employees or from middle class constituencies who receive specific state services or benefits. However, to earn these groups' confidence and their willingness to engage in limited, mutually agreed sacrifice, Snyder has to show backbone when dealing with influential elements inside his own party. Subsidies and tax breaks that primarily benefit large businesses and upper incomes also have to be placed upon the chopping block for eminent consideration as shared sacrifices. He must be perfectly willing to firmly say "no" to special interest groups like the Midland-based Mackinac Center, and not back down if they begin bashing him for not zealously defending, to the death, all the perks and privileges enjoyed by Michigan's country club set. Snyder's biggest political problem may be his campaign promise to end the state's current business tax. That would only devastate Lansing's already perilous budget situation. Replacing it with a more limited and unreliable (on a year-to-year basis) corporate income tax won't help much to fix that. Yet, in the long run, a program of agreed-upon, shared sacrifice only amounts to a relatively short-term strategy that buys time. Consideration of deeper, more systemic budget solutions, such as a progressive overhaul of state taxation, can't be put off indefinitely. Barring a completely unexpected, near-miraculous recovery for Michigan's economy, 'teamwork' and 'sacrifice' likely won't be enough by themselves to carry Snyder on through to reelection in four years time.
groland
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 12:17 p.m.
To XMO, when you distill the message to simple sound bites like you have it does become hard. Reality is not so simple at all. No, Democrats do not want to control all aspects of our lives, they merely want to help people get on their feet. Meanwhile the size of government grew at a record rate when the GOP controlled all facets from 2001-2007. So please spare us the rhetoric about the party of small government. The GOP merely spent our money on different priorities. Most successful economies have limits on capitalism and have some government investment and industrial policies. In the US, the most globally competitive industries are heavily subsidized by the government: aviation, biomedical and pharmaceuticals,satellite and communication, oil and gas extraction, etc. Meanwhile we are purchasing 80% of our consumer goods fro a communist country. Life is much more complex than you may appreciate.
clifford e comstock jr.
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 11:39 a.m.
Congratulations Govenor Rick Snyder, I personally voted for you to do the job that needs to be done! I am glad to hear that you don't want to balace the budget on the backs of workers, promises made by ex-govenor were broken and never taken care of there by her and Michigan did not recieve any blessing from God! I sure hope you do not make same mistakes as she did as anyone who fills the Govenors seat is responcible for the people and land they serve! My prayer once more will be that God gives the blessings to Michigan and itspeople as they deserve them! Clifford Comstock
Killroy
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 11:19 a.m.
Team work? Sounds like Builder Bob. No offense.
xmo
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 11:15 a.m.
I really do not see how "team work" can work if you have to groups with different core beliefs: Democrats-want to make government larger and run our lives because we are cattle and Republicans-who believe that government should get out of the way and let capitalism reign. How does "team work" unless one party drops it's core beliefs. Hopefully, the Democrats cave in since they got mauled in the election.
MjC
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 11:14 a.m.
Those who stay will become champions... right? Here's to better times in the State of Michigan.
kenUM
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 10:37 a.m.
Well Best of Luck to Governor elect Snyder! Here's hope that MICHIGAN will once again be as MIGHTY as she once was!! HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF US!!
Mike
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 10:29 a.m.
I'm not sure people realize how painful some of the measures that will be required to balance the budget are going to be. It's always "cut whatever you want as long as it doesn't affect me". Whatever he does to balance the budget will be fought tooth and nail by whatever special interest group is affected. Change will be very difficult; hopefully Snyder has the backbone for this job. That's why he was elected because it was perceived he does. The harder the special interests fight and the less change that happens, the more likely the state of Michigan will end up in bankruptcy.