|
|
Improving Michigan There are many problems facing Michigan these days. Our dependency on oil is forcing gas prices to rise and that force the cost of food, clothing, shelter and luxury items to increase as well. Urban sprawl is continually getting worse and threatening valuable woodlands, lakefronts and farmland. Anti-union policies, such as NAFTA and soon the FTAA, have de-industrialized many Michigan cities leaving them with the dreaded urban decay. We can build all the stadiums we want, but some real solutions are needed if we are going to combat any of this.
Cities and businesses around the world have recognized the needs for an environmentally friendly downtown and surrounding areas. Clean river, reducing smog, parks and woodlands not only attract tourists, but employees and businesses as well. Because of Michigan's past dependence on the automobile industry, a key ingredient in creating a city fit for living in and conducting business has been missing: mass transportation.
Cities as diverse as Portland, Beijing, Salt Lake City, Barcelona, Calgary and countless others have recognized the need to have mass transit. Building a safe, convenient and affordable light-rail system has conserved energy, lessened traffic jams and improved the economy by bringing more businesses and residents to the downtown area. This, in turn, revitalizes urban neighborhoods and reduces urban sprawl dramatically.
The need for such transportation is there. Ridership on Grand Rapids GRATA system is up 43% from last year. When the state government denied funding Grand Rapid's transit expansion, the people of Grand Rapids overwhelmingly supported to raise funds themselves. Yet, they are not the only place that is in need of better transit.
No place is in need of mass transit more than Detroit, the largest metropolitan area without any urban passenger rail service. While the city leaders have recognized the need, the state continues to ignore the demands. Such demands as a commuter link between Detroit and Lansing, a train from Downtown Detroit to Metro Airport, a high-speed train linking Detroit to Chicago and other major cities in the Midwest and a light-rail system serving the Metro Detroit region. Something that has become a necessity as air travel becomes more difficult because of security concerns.
It would be wise for the state government and Detroit to recognize the need to improve the quality of their infrastructure. Smaller cities like Lansing, Pontiac, Flint, Kalamazoo and Muskegon would be well advised if they too began the planning for a safe, convenient and affordable transit system themselves. Certainly, this isn't the "silver bullet" to upgrading cities in Michigan, but it is one of the most lacking. If we don't start improving the quality of living in Michigan than people will certainly be looking elsewhere to live.
These are the state representatives you need to contact to voice your concern about the lack of mass transit. To find local representatives, search our government listing on the Michigander Links page.
Contact Governer John Engler
Contact your Senator
Contact your Representative
homepage - politics - entertainment - take action personal stories - reviews - links - about us