Michigan Does the Right Thing

Used with permission. © Adam Hart-Davis

In Michigan, we take access to water as a given.

That’s why I was so glad that Michigan finally got on board with the Great Lakes Water Compact. Thursday’s signing is a milestone for our State. Together with the new water use laws, this solves one of the critical issues for Michigan’s economic future.

After all, our growing suburbs depend on clean water. Our industries count on water. And we can’t imagine a summer without time on the water.

But for farmers here in Kent County, the new water use rules are critical for our farmers. The new groundwater safeguards assure they can access the water they need.

Legislation like this takes a lot of work. Fortunately we had able Republicans to lead the way: Senator Patricia Birkholz, and Rep. Dave Robertson. Working with the Governor, they were able to forge the compromise. In our press release, Protecting Michigan’s Water we applaud their hard work.

Legislation like this is part of a bigger task: rebuilding the trust between our communities and Lansing. In the coming term, we will not only need to stand for our principles, we will need to forge effective working relationships with one another. And in our campaign we have a term for it: West Michigan Values

Schools: another reason we love the 72nd

One of those things that makes the Michigan 72nd state house district so interesting is our commitment to education. We have some great non-public schools like South Christian – my alma mater. And we have four outstanding public school systems.

Everyone knows three of them: Forest Hills Public, Kentwood Public, and of course, Caledonia Public Schools.

But the fourth, Kellogsville, is doing something even more important: it is succeeding in educating the disadvantaged. This year US News and World Report placed it among the top 10 percent of all schools in our nation for its educational leadership.

Think about it: we can see the future every day in the hallways at Forest Hills Central, or Kentwood, but there is another story of excellence underway, just off Division. I’m convinced that the pursuit of excellence and should not stop because you are the wrong color or are poor. The promise is for everyone.

That’s why I won’t stand idly by when Governor Granholm, or any other politician, tries to cut our children’s education while they play political games. I want to make a first class education the standard and not the exception. We’ve done it in here in the 72nd, and I want every Michigan child to have the same opportunity.