Who will suffer most if Muskegon Heights, Norton Shores and Fruitport Township can't make a deal? Readers debate | MLive.com
The simple comment that the Heights thinks they can operate the plant with 30 percent of capacity speaks volumes to their misunderstanding or ineptness. Joe Chan could not nor could Mlive nor can any business live when 70 percent of their customers are gone. Get to work, stop talking to the press and make your cities and townships winners rather than winers...
Saturday, June 30, 2012
USDA's new tactic to promote food stamps: Party!
USDA's new tactic to promote food stamps: Party! | Fox News
Forget Tupperware bashes and toga soirees -- the latest rage is food stamp parties.
The USDA is encouraging the nation's food stamp program to promote to the elderly using parties and games.
A series of guides currently posted on the USDA website promotes local offices of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program -- or SNAP, but commonly referred to as food stamps -- to entice eligible seniors to enroll in the welfare program.
The promotional campaign has cost between $2.5 million and $3 million.
“Throw a Great Party.
Host social events where people mix and mingle,” the pamphlet encourages in one of the guides.
“Make it fun by having activities, games, food, and entertainment, and provide information about SNAP.
Putting SNAP information in a game format like BINGO, crossword puzzles, or even a ‘true/false’ quiz is fun and helps get your message across in a memorable way.”
Forget Tupperware bashes and toga soirees -- the latest rage is food stamp parties.
The USDA is encouraging the nation's food stamp program to promote to the elderly using parties and games.
A series of guides currently posted on the USDA website promotes local offices of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program -- or SNAP, but commonly referred to as food stamps -- to entice eligible seniors to enroll in the welfare program.
The promotional campaign has cost between $2.5 million and $3 million.
“Throw a Great Party.
Host social events where people mix and mingle,” the pamphlet encourages in one of the guides.
“Make it fun by having activities, games, food, and entertainment, and provide information about SNAP.
Putting SNAP information in a game format like BINGO, crossword puzzles, or even a ‘true/false’ quiz is fun and helps get your message across in a memorable way.”
Friday, June 29, 2012
Mayor Steve Warmington gives county comissioners 'tough love' message, praises foundation
Mayor Steve Warmington gives county comissioners 'tough love' message, praises foundation | MLive.com#incart_river_default
The “tough love” was left for the Muskegon County Board of Commissioners. Warmington expressed his frustration and disappointment in what he sees has been a lack of leadership from county commissioners on everything from building a ferry dock for The Lake Express to forging solutions to the difficult consolidation and cooperation issues facing Muskegon County local governments.
........“I challenge the county board to become leaders in Muskegon County,” he said.
“I don’t think we have had one county commissioner who was serving all of the citizens of Muskegon County.
We need to change the attitude of the county commission.”
The “tough love” was left for the Muskegon County Board of Commissioners. Warmington expressed his frustration and disappointment in what he sees has been a lack of leadership from county commissioners on everything from building a ferry dock for The Lake Express to forging solutions to the difficult consolidation and cooperation issues facing Muskegon County local governments.
........“I challenge the county board to become leaders in Muskegon County,” he said.
“I don’t think we have had one county commissioner who was serving all of the citizens of Muskegon County.
We need to change the attitude of the county commission.”
Michigan officials fight drunk driving with talking urinal cakes
Four hundred of the cakes will be distributed to 200 eateries prior to July Fourth, said Anne Readette, spokeswoman for the Office of Highway Safety Planning, a division of the Michigan State Police.
From The Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120629/OPINION03/206290341#ixzz1zCXrUkDY
From The Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120629/OPINION03/206290341#ixzz1zCXrUkDY
Does the Taxing Clause Give Congress Unlimited Power?
TaxProf Blog: Jensen: Does the Taxing Clause Give Congress Unlimited Power?
Erik M. Jensen (Case Western), Does the Taxing Clause Give Congress Unlimited Power?, 135 Tax Notes 1515 (June 18, 2012):
The idea has gained currency that the Taxing Clause in the Constitution gives Congress the power to do anything, or almost anything, that would be funded by taxation.
Most recently, that argument has been advanced in connection with the litigation about the individual mandate in the Obamacare legislation — by, among others, legal philosopher Ronald Dworkin.
If the penalty for failure to acquire suitable insurance will be a tax, then, it is argued, the requirement to acquire insurance, the mandate, will itself be a valid exercise of the taxing power.
If that’s right, it certainly isn’t obviously so.
Since almost everything the national government does is funded through taxation, that understanding would lead to a conception of congressional power that is effectively unlimited, and the Taxing Clause would trump almost all other grants of congressional power in Article I, section 8.
Erik M. Jensen (Case Western), Does the Taxing Clause Give Congress Unlimited Power?, 135 Tax Notes 1515 (June 18, 2012):
The idea has gained currency that the Taxing Clause in the Constitution gives Congress the power to do anything, or almost anything, that would be funded by taxation.
Most recently, that argument has been advanced in connection with the litigation about the individual mandate in the Obamacare legislation — by, among others, legal philosopher Ronald Dworkin.
If the penalty for failure to acquire suitable insurance will be a tax, then, it is argued, the requirement to acquire insurance, the mandate, will itself be a valid exercise of the taxing power.
If that’s right, it certainly isn’t obviously so.
Since almost everything the national government does is funded through taxation, that understanding would lead to a conception of congressional power that is effectively unlimited, and the Taxing Clause would trump almost all other grants of congressional power in Article I, section 8.
Roberts Facing Medical Option on 2nd Seizure
Roberts Facing Medical Option on 2nd Seizure - NYTimes.com
The decision will involve weighing the risk of more seizures against the risk of side effects from the drugs.
Major seizures can be a frightening and traumatic experience for patients and family members.
Patients are advised to avoid heights and not to swim alone, and many states bar them from driving until they can provide evidence that the disease is under control.
But the drugs can have troubling side effects, including drowsiness or insomnia, weight loss or weight gain, rashes, irritability, mental slowing and forgetfulness.
Many patients can be treated with minimal side effects, doctors say, but it may take trial and error to find the right drug.
The decision will involve weighing the risk of more seizures against the risk of side effects from the drugs.
Major seizures can be a frightening and traumatic experience for patients and family members.
Patients are advised to avoid heights and not to swim alone, and many states bar them from driving until they can provide evidence that the disease is under control.
But the drugs can have troubling side effects, including drowsiness or insomnia, weight loss or weight gain, rashes, irritability, mental slowing and forgetfulness.
Many patients can be treated with minimal side effects, doctors say, but it may take trial and error to find the right drug.
Obama hails ruling as win for 'middle class'; justices hand tax issue to GOP
The high court’s ruling leaves in place 21 tax increases in the health care law costing more than $675 billion over the next 10 years, according to the House Ways and Means Committee.
Of those, 12 tax hikes would affect families earning less than $250,000 per year, the panel said, including a “Cadillac tax” on high-cost insurance plans, a tax on insurance providers and an excise tax on medical-device manufacturers.
Tax implications of health care reform legislation
Tax implications of health care reform legislation - Managing Your Money
Section 1401 of the Amendment – High cost plan excise tax: Starting in 2018, high cost health insurance plans will be subject to a tax.
Plans for single persons that cost in excess of $10,200 and family plans that cost in excess of $27,500 are in this sections crosshairs.
The excise tax rate on incremental costs will be 40 percent.
In an attempt to appease union dissent, this tax will not be assessed on the individual but will be assessed on the insurance company providing the plan.
Ultimately, the costs will still be burdened by the purchaser.
Holy shiitake!
I just read it!
The property taxes of almost EVERYONE in the country will go up because of Sec. 1401-"High cost plan excise tax".
Most school and municiple unions have forced Cadillac style high-cost plans on the public.
Now we've got to pay a tax on the rip-off they've stuck us with too?!!!!!!
Section 1401 of the Amendment – High cost plan excise tax: Starting in 2018, high cost health insurance plans will be subject to a tax.
Plans for single persons that cost in excess of $10,200 and family plans that cost in excess of $27,500 are in this sections crosshairs.
The excise tax rate on incremental costs will be 40 percent.
In an attempt to appease union dissent, this tax will not be assessed on the individual but will be assessed on the insurance company providing the plan.
Ultimately, the costs will still be burdened by the purchaser.
Holy shiitake!
I just read it!
The property taxes of almost EVERYONE in the country will go up because of Sec. 1401-"High cost plan excise tax".
Most school and municiple unions have forced Cadillac style high-cost plans on the public.
Now we've got to pay a tax on the rip-off they've stuck us with too?!!!!!!
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Muskegon Heights Public School Academy website established by charter school operator (UPDATE)
Muskegon Heights Public School Academy website established by charter school operator (UPDATE) | MLive.com
UPDATE: Shortly after this story was published, Mosaica's Muskegon Heights Public School Academy website was taken offline.
MUSKEGON HEIGHTS, MI -- The new charter school system planned for Muskegon Heights will include extended school years and days, before and after school programs and art and music instruction, according to a Muskegon Heights Public School Academy website.
UPDATE: Shortly after this story was published, Mosaica's Muskegon Heights Public School Academy website was taken offline.
MUSKEGON HEIGHTS, MI -- The new charter school system planned for Muskegon Heights will include extended school years and days, before and after school programs and art and music instruction, according to a Muskegon Heights Public School Academy website.
First spray-on battery could change home electronics forever - and might even make solar power work properly
First spray-on battery could change home electronics forever - and might even make solar power work properly | Mail Online
A spray-on battery could revolutionise technology - allowing for slimmer gadgets, and household gizmos with built-in power supplies.
The lithium-ion battery, which can be painted on to virtually every surface, works by 'spraying on' the chemical layers which form a battery
A spray-on battery could revolutionise technology - allowing for slimmer gadgets, and household gizmos with built-in power supplies.
The lithium-ion battery, which can be painted on to virtually every surface, works by 'spraying on' the chemical layers which form a battery
Three Muskegon County high schools with best test scores may come as a surprise (chart)
Three Muskegon County high schools with best test scores may come as a surprise (chart) | MLive.com
They also posted the highest ACT composite scores, topping the state average of 19.6. Mona Shores and North Muskegon's scores both were 21, while Ravenna High's was 20.7.
They also posted the highest ACT composite scores, topping the state average of 19.6. Mona Shores and North Muskegon's scores both were 21, while Ravenna High's was 20.7.
| High school | Reading | Math | ACT | |
| Statewide | 55.9 | 29.1 | 19.6 | |
| Fruitport | 55 | 16 | 18.8 | |
| Holton | 39 | 9 | 17.2 | |
| Mona Shores | 66 | 33 | 21 | |
| Montague | 44 | 25 | 18.6 | |
| Muskegon | 33 | 5 | 16.9 | |
| Musk. Heights | 11 | 3 | 14.4 | |
| North Muskegon | 68 | 39 | 21 | |
| Oakridge | 54 | 23 | 19.3 | |
| Orchard View | 44 | 12 | 17.5 | |
| Ravenna | 64 | 34 | 20.7 | |
| Reeths-Puffer | 56 | 18 | 18.9 | |
| WayPoint | 29 | 10 | 16.1 | |
| Whitehall | 54 | 35 | 20 | |
| Grand Haven | 70 | 44 | 21.2 | |
| Spring Lake | 84 | 54 | 22.8 |
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Harris to MSU x 2!
Harris to MSU | Hey Joe!#more-6355
And that could go double by Wednesday night.
Jay Harris, a receiver from Exton, Pa., continued the commitment train tonight, per Rivals.com and 247Sports. Rivals.com reports offers from Penn State and Pittsburgh.
The 2013 class looks set at RB and WR now.
Meanwhile, Drake Harris, the 2014 two-sport standout from Grand Rapids Christian — offers from Florida and Notre Dame, among others, already — will make his decision Wednesday night.
He reportedly wants to play both sports and is down to MSU, U-M and Notre Dame.
Head spinning yet?
It really is striking how much the recruiting process has sped up, even in just the past couple years.
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
Drake Harris, a top 2014 football and basketball prospect from Grand Rapids Christian High, announced at his school tonight that he will play both sports for MSU. He was down to the Spartans, Michigan and Notre Dame, and also had offers from Florida and others. This is what they call a “good get.”
Our Brian Calloway is on the scene and will have a full report later on the 6-4 Harris, who plays receiver and shooting guard. My understanding is that he may have a higher ceiling on the gridiron than on the court. But this is not a Dion Sims situation — a high-major football player and mid-major basketball player. Harris is expected to be very good in both, and Calloway reports he expects to be on a football scholarship.
More later…
UPDATE: Calloway’s Web story on the announcement is up — and he even took a picture. Nice work.
And that could go double by Wednesday night.
Jay Harris, a receiver from Exton, Pa., continued the commitment train tonight, per Rivals.com and 247Sports. Rivals.com reports offers from Penn State and Pittsburgh.
The 2013 class looks set at RB and WR now.
Meanwhile, Drake Harris, the 2014 two-sport standout from Grand Rapids Christian — offers from Florida and Notre Dame, among others, already — will make his decision Wednesday night.
He reportedly wants to play both sports and is down to MSU, U-M and Notre Dame.
Head spinning yet?
It really is striking how much the recruiting process has sped up, even in just the past couple years.
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
Drake Harris, a top 2014 football and basketball prospect from Grand Rapids Christian High, announced at his school tonight that he will play both sports for MSU. He was down to the Spartans, Michigan and Notre Dame, and also had offers from Florida and others. This is what they call a “good get.”
Our Brian Calloway is on the scene and will have a full report later on the 6-4 Harris, who plays receiver and shooting guard. My understanding is that he may have a higher ceiling on the gridiron than on the court. But this is not a Dion Sims situation — a high-major football player and mid-major basketball player. Harris is expected to be very good in both, and Calloway reports he expects to be on a football scholarship.
More later…
UPDATE: Calloway’s Web story on the announcement is up — and he even took a picture. Nice work.
Freshman Rep. Amash takes first place for social media use
Freshman Rep. Amash takes first place for social media use - The Hill's Twitter Room
Freshman Rep. Justin Amash (R-Mich.) took first place for best use of social media among House Republicans, according to challenge organizers on Wednesday.
Freshman Rep. Justin Amash (R-Mich.) took first place for best use of social media among House Republicans, according to challenge organizers on Wednesday.
New Disability Regs Limit Slope of Mini Golf Holes, Require Businesses to Admit Mini Horses as Guide Animals
New Disability Regs Limit Slope of Mini Golf Holes, Require Businesses to Admit Mini Horses as Guide Animals | CNSNews.com
Although the Justice Department has extended the deadline for America’s hotels to comply with regulations regarding handicap access to swimming pools, new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines are already being applied at miniature golf courses, driving ranges, amusement parks, shooting ranges and saunas.
Although the Justice Department has extended the deadline for America’s hotels to comply with regulations regarding handicap access to swimming pools, new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines are already being applied at miniature golf courses, driving ranges, amusement parks, shooting ranges and saunas.
Muslim Honor Crime: Iranian man cut off wife’s lips and ate them
Muslim Honor Crime: Iranian man cut off wife’s lips and ate them » The Right Scoop -
The professor got the idea that his wife was unfaithful and attacked her with a knife.
He cut off her lips and then ate them up.
And he does not regret it one second, either, according to someone familiar with the matter.
The professor believes his wife has wronged him by the alleged unfaithfulness.
The professor got the idea that his wife was unfaithful and attacked her with a knife.
He cut off her lips and then ate them up.
And he does not regret it one second, either, according to someone familiar with the matter.
The professor believes his wife has wronged him by the alleged unfaithfulness.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Despite Law, SEIU Gets To Continue Taking Medicaid Check Money
Despite Law, SEIU Gets To Continue Taking Medicaid Check Money [Michigan Capitol Confidential]
A federal court judge ordered the State of Michigan to continue deducting dues from Medicaid checks and send it to the Service Employees International Union, in direct conflict with a state law signed in April by Gov. Rick Snyder.
A federal court judge ordered the State of Michigan to continue deducting dues from Medicaid checks and send it to the Service Employees International Union, in direct conflict with a state law signed in April by Gov. Rick Snyder.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Michigan Turnaround Plan #1 Reponsible Manage Finances
Michigan Turnaround Plan : Michigan Turnaround Plan
#1 Reponsible Manage Finances
Improve revenue forecasting
Multi-year financial & budget plans
Citizen-friendly balance sheet
Zero-based budgeting to increase results
No new programs unless others eliminated or revenues grow
State strategic plan
"Price" the cost of legislation
Memorialize sound fiscal management practices
Reduce debt levels to achieve AAA bond rating
#1 Reponsible Manage Finances
Improve revenue forecasting
Multi-year financial & budget plans
Citizen-friendly balance sheet
Zero-based budgeting to increase results
No new programs unless others eliminated or revenues grow
State strategic plan
"Price" the cost of legislation
Memorialize sound fiscal management practices
Reduce debt levels to achieve AAA bond rating
Muskegon chamber told to create a 'new Michigan' built on a half dozen state assets
Muskegon chamber told to create a 'new Michigan' built on a half dozen state assets (video) | MLive.com
The President of Business Leaders for Michigan updated local business leaders with the business roundtable’s Michigan Turnaround Plan and offered a vision of a New Michigan.
The President of Business Leaders for Michigan updated local business leaders with the business roundtable’s Michigan Turnaround Plan and offered a vision of a New Michigan.
Muskegon Heights schools' nonhomestead tax proposal pulled from ballot
Muskegon Heights schools' nonhomestead tax proposal pulled from ballot | MLive.com
"The millage election is being cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances and is to be rescheduled at a later date," Weatherspoon's signed order stated.
"The millage election is being cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances and is to be rescheduled at a later date," Weatherspoon's signed order stated.
Green ‘drivel’ exposed
Green ‘drivel’ exposed | Columnists | Opinion | Toronto Sun
Two months ago, James Lovelock, the godfather of global warming, gave a startling interview to msnbc.com in which he acknowledged he had been unduly “alarmist” about climate change.
The implications were extraordinary.
Two months ago, James Lovelock, the godfather of global warming, gave a startling interview to msnbc.com in which he acknowledged he had been unduly “alarmist” about climate change.
The implications were extraordinary.
Clark Durant info
- Our first "Rebel With A Cause" TV ad
- "What does it take to defeat Sen. Stabenow?" (includes more info on my background)
- Contribution link to join us at the Beach Boys (even if they can't come - please contribute and we'll give the tickets to volunteers)
- "What does it take to defeat Sen. Stabenow?" (includes more info on my background)
- Contribution link to join us at the Beach Boys (even if they can't come - please contribute and we'll give the tickets to volunteers)
Michigan Digital Debate
Michigan Digital Debate
What is the defining issue(s) that separates you from the other candidates in this race?
What is the defining issue(s) that separates you from the other candidates in this race?
Muskegon County's rural bus proposal receives $1.35 million federal grant
Muskegon County's rural bus proposal receives $1.35 million federal grant | MLive.com#incart_river_default:
Jim Koens, Transit System manager, said the county still needs to formally apply for the three heavy-duty buses by August and develop an operational plan for the proposed routes to and from the county’s rural areas.
“We will begin immediately in developing a plan” for the operation of the proposed routes, Koens said.
Jim Koens, Transit System manager, said the county still needs to formally apply for the three heavy-duty buses by August and develop an operational plan for the proposed routes to and from the county’s rural areas.
“We will begin immediately in developing a plan” for the operation of the proposed routes, Koens said.
Sizing up Penn State's liability in abuse scandal
Sizing up Penn State's liability in abuse scandal | Reuters
Last week, a jury in Northern California awarded $7 million in compensatory damages and an additional $21 million in punitive damages to a woman who claimed the Jehovah's Witnesses allowed one of its members to sexually abuse her when she was a child.
Lawyers for the plaintiff say they believe the award is the largest ordered in the United States in a religious child abuse case for a single victim.
Last week, a jury in Northern California awarded $7 million in compensatory damages and an additional $21 million in punitive damages to a woman who claimed the Jehovah's Witnesses allowed one of its members to sexually abuse her when she was a child.
Lawyers for the plaintiff say they believe the award is the largest ordered in the United States in a religious child abuse case for a single victim.
Muskegon County won't fix Holton road, residents stranded at times
County won't fix road, residents stranded at times | wzzm13.com
Hulka says his department only maintains roads that meet minimum requirements.
"I don't know why you feel the public should have to pay for it," Hulka said in response.
"At some point you made the decision to build a home out here."
Hulka says his department only maintains roads that meet minimum requirements.
"I don't know why you feel the public should have to pay for it," Hulka said in response.
"At some point you made the decision to build a home out here."
Friday, June 22, 2012
Police: Intoxicated Pentwater man drives into huge statue in Muskegon's downtown traffic circle
Police: Intoxicated Pentwater man drives into huge statue in Muskegon's downtown traffic circle | MLive.com
The man had left Club Envy, located just a short distance away, when he drove himself and passengers up over the barrier and into the rocks before striking the sculpture, police said.
The man continued driving with three flat tires until he was pulled over on Terrace Street near the Muskegon Fire Department’s central station, police said.
The man had left Club Envy, located just a short distance away, when he drove himself and passengers up over the barrier and into the rocks before striking the sculpture, police said.
The man continued driving with three flat tires until he was pulled over on Terrace Street near the Muskegon Fire Department’s central station, police said.
Passion, not politics, fuels Senate candidate
Passion, not politics, fuels Senate candidate
Detroit
Tramping around a gutted, dusty elementary school on the city's northwest side is an unlikely tactic for winning a U.S. Senate seat, but that doesn't keep Clark Durant from doing it anyway.
Because that's who he is — a 63-year-old conservative Republican who 20 years ago left a lucrative career managing other people's money to become an evangelist for urban education through the New Common School Foundation that Durant heads.
He breaks rules, like the one born of a particularly insidious form of bigotry that says urban kids can't learn. Really? Tell that to graduates of Cornerstone Schools. He ignores skeptics, like the ones who insist "no one" will drive into Detroit to go to school. But they do anyway.
He gladly irritates his campaign staff, who'd prefer he spend an hour earlier this week making fundraising calls to would-be donors instead of touring his latest Detroit school with me and the project's architect, Francis Resendes, managing principal of Resendes Design Group.
That's Durant — part rebel, part dreamer, part doer, part business guy all wrapped up in a blue button-down and khakis. He's vying with former U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra for the chance to challenge incumbent Sen. Debbie Stabenow in the November election. And, yes, he can muster his standard line that the country is being ruined by the short-sighted leadership of career politicians on both sides of the political aisle.
But passion? It's right here in the hollowed-out hulk of Alex Dow Elementary School, also known as Langston Hughes Academy. Come September, two public charter schools will be operating on the site — Madison Carver Preparatory Academy for kindergarten through eighth grade and Cornerstone Health High School, a 21st-century interpretation of vocational education for jobs in the health care industry.
"The reason I'm doing this is because this is who I am," Durant says, not-so-subtly setting up a campaign riff. "I'm a problem solver. This is a great place. America is a great place. And we're losing that."
In some ways, certainly. But to walk through an old Detroit school in the midst of revival is to see an enduring optimism embedded in America, too, in the economic construct of "creative destruction" adopted for the transformation of education in Detroit.
As union-dominated Detroit Public Schools wither in a bid to stabilize and survive, the independent Cornerstone and public charters associated with Durant continue to grow, add students and produce graduates. Where the old DPS school on McIntyre deployed security guards and cameras to monitor students, the new school will open classrooms, carpet floors and set high expectations.
This new school rising from the abandoned rot of the old may not be popular with the teachers unions and it may not be the scintillating fodder for a Senate campaign, but maybe it should be. It's about leadership defying expectations and cynicism; creating opportunity and offering hope; proving that allegedly lost souls can find their way to productive lives if they're given the chance to learn in dignity and safety.
How many sitting senators could say that and not be laughed out of the room? Durant could, and anyone who doesn't believe it should attend a partner morning at a Cornerstone School or read the testimonial of a graduate now on his way to work on Wall Street.
It would blow your mind — the young human potential in the process of being fulfilled, the repurposing of real estate abandoned by institutions in decline, the realization of a vision fueled by the determination to succeed because of an innately felt moral imperative to do so.
The political pros may be proven right: Maybe a wannabe senator should be spending every waking minute dialing for dollars, sharpening his newest attack, embellishing a façade divorced from reality. But they all do that, and the results speak for themselves.
dchowes@detnews.com
From The Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120622/OPINION03/206220344#ixzz1yYqSEnEq
Detroit
Tramping around a gutted, dusty elementary school on the city's northwest side is an unlikely tactic for winning a U.S. Senate seat, but that doesn't keep Clark Durant from doing it anyway.
Because that's who he is — a 63-year-old conservative Republican who 20 years ago left a lucrative career managing other people's money to become an evangelist for urban education through the New Common School Foundation that Durant heads.
He breaks rules, like the one born of a particularly insidious form of bigotry that says urban kids can't learn. Really? Tell that to graduates of Cornerstone Schools. He ignores skeptics, like the ones who insist "no one" will drive into Detroit to go to school. But they do anyway.
He gladly irritates his campaign staff, who'd prefer he spend an hour earlier this week making fundraising calls to would-be donors instead of touring his latest Detroit school with me and the project's architect, Francis Resendes, managing principal of Resendes Design Group.
That's Durant — part rebel, part dreamer, part doer, part business guy all wrapped up in a blue button-down and khakis. He's vying with former U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra for the chance to challenge incumbent Sen. Debbie Stabenow in the November election. And, yes, he can muster his standard line that the country is being ruined by the short-sighted leadership of career politicians on both sides of the political aisle.
But passion? It's right here in the hollowed-out hulk of Alex Dow Elementary School, also known as Langston Hughes Academy. Come September, two public charter schools will be operating on the site — Madison Carver Preparatory Academy for kindergarten through eighth grade and Cornerstone Health High School, a 21st-century interpretation of vocational education for jobs in the health care industry.
"The reason I'm doing this is because this is who I am," Durant says, not-so-subtly setting up a campaign riff. "I'm a problem solver. This is a great place. America is a great place. And we're losing that."
In some ways, certainly. But to walk through an old Detroit school in the midst of revival is to see an enduring optimism embedded in America, too, in the economic construct of "creative destruction" adopted for the transformation of education in Detroit.
As union-dominated Detroit Public Schools wither in a bid to stabilize and survive, the independent Cornerstone and public charters associated with Durant continue to grow, add students and produce graduates. Where the old DPS school on McIntyre deployed security guards and cameras to monitor students, the new school will open classrooms, carpet floors and set high expectations.
This new school rising from the abandoned rot of the old may not be popular with the teachers unions and it may not be the scintillating fodder for a Senate campaign, but maybe it should be. It's about leadership defying expectations and cynicism; creating opportunity and offering hope; proving that allegedly lost souls can find their way to productive lives if they're given the chance to learn in dignity and safety.
How many sitting senators could say that and not be laughed out of the room? Durant could, and anyone who doesn't believe it should attend a partner morning at a Cornerstone School or read the testimonial of a graduate now on his way to work on Wall Street.
It would blow your mind — the young human potential in the process of being fulfilled, the repurposing of real estate abandoned by institutions in decline, the realization of a vision fueled by the determination to succeed because of an innately felt moral imperative to do so.
The political pros may be proven right: Maybe a wannabe senator should be spending every waking minute dialing for dollars, sharpening his newest attack, embellishing a façade divorced from reality. But they all do that, and the results speak for themselves.
dchowes@detnews.com
From The Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120622/OPINION03/206220344#ixzz1yYqSEnEq
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