Questions # 4 and 5 for the Next Governor

Question #4: Earlier this summer a decision was made to build GM's small car in Orion, Michigan over Janesville, Wisconsin with the new painting facility in Spring Hill, Tennessee both of which offered lower costs. Do you believe this was a political decision?

Rick Snyder says- "I have no idea if politics played a role in this decision. However, I am pleased with their choice. As governor, I will be focused on creating jobs in our state. We need to be competitive, both domestically and internationally, in order to cultivate a vibrant economy."

Mike Bouchard says- "Regardless of why the decision was made, remember those jobs were already here. On the day about 1400 jobs were "saved," sadly about 3200 were permanently lost. That is why the incentive path is unsustainable. Only Lasing would call losing 2/3 of our current jobs a win. A new path must be followed if our state is to have a future. I know I can lead us on that path.

Mike Cox says- "I applaud General Motors for building several of the vehicles that will drive its future right here in their home town - with not only the small car plant in Orion, but also the revolutionary Volt, to be built in Hamtramck.

In today's world economy, Michigan is not only competing with neighboring states for new investment, but with countries around the world. Michigan workers can compete with the rest of the world, the state just needs to provide the leadership to produce environment where companies like General Motors can succeed. There is no reason our state should lose jobs to California, Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio or anywhere else in the nation."

Senator Tom George, MD says - "I do not know what the decision was based on. For Michigan to become economically competitive again, ti needs to create an environment that is attractive to job providers. This necessitates having a skilled work force, affordable and reliable energy, a strong educational system, a fair business tax, and adequate roads. At the present time, the state's ability to provide this environment has been weakened by the diversion of resources to overburdened and open ended social programs such as Medicaid and Welfare.

In order for the state to become competitive again, it must reform the social contract with the recipients of these programs so that resources can once again be directed to job growth."

Question #5: Would you be willing to make a "No new programs" or a "no new taxes" pledge?

Mike Bouchard says- "I have reaffirmed my long standing commitment to Michigan taxpayers by signing the Americans for Tax Reforms (AFR) "Taxpayer Protection Pledge." I was the first candidate to sign the pledge. Right now, Lansing spends too much and taxes too much. Job one for the Governor is bringing businesses back to Michigan. We aren't going to do that by raising taxes. Our economic renewal is anchored in fixing Ur tax system and Lansing's abysmal spending habits. You can't fix one without addressing the other."

Mike Cox says- "I was proud to take the No Tax Pledge in 2002 when I ran for Attorney General and I reaffirmed that pledge this year. One thing is clear - Michigan residents and businesses are overtaxed and over burdened. The problem is not that Lansing has not taken sough money out of the pockets of Michigan families and businesses; it is that it has taken too much. I am the only candidate with a specific plan to cut taxes, cut spending, and reform government. I encourage you to read "Putting Michigan Back to Work: The First Steps" at www.mikecox2010.com."

Senator Tom George, MD says- "No. Though I have no plans to create new programs or raise new taxes, faced with an ongoing economic crisis, it would be imprudent of a gubernatorial candidate to take such a pledge. For example, is fiscal insolvency, debt to foreign interests, or a government shutdown always preferred to raising taxes? In those scenarios, the cost to the taxpayer may actually be higher than raising taxes.

Moreover, when candidates take such pledges voters should ask themselves what other promises the candidate made in the past and whether they have been able to keep them?"

Rick Snyder says- "As Governor, I will be focused on reducing the tax burden on individuals and businesses in the state. We need to eliminate wasteful spending and change the structure of our budget process so that it prioritizes essential services and shows value for money.

Making a pledge, as career politicians have often done in the past, does not solve the economic problems we are currently facing. We need action not lip service."

Have a good weekend-
God bless............