Once Again

It has been about a week since my last statement and I figured that it was time to speak again. Since the last post, I have spent a good portion of my time finding out how to get my name on the official ballot, looking at who I would run against and how best to reach the people. My ward is presently represented by our Mayor John Godfrey. This does not bode when for my chance. Yet, if I could some how knock him off that would send a huge message to the rest of the city. I might just be better off running as an "at-large" candidate. Who knows, we still have a long way to go.

After looking in the local news papers I have seen that the race for the Govna's seat is heating up. Granholm appears to have taken a small lead and is especially gaining ground with women. I have also seen more and more commercials for both Granholm and DeVos. DeVos and his camp have apparently spent more than $12 million on advertising while the Dems have only spent about $3.5 million. One of the biggest issues in this battle is the SBT, or Single business Tax. I think that DeVos could have really done without the decision of the state's congress to repeal this tax at the end of 2007, 2 years earlier than was planned. Since this was a major portion of his campaign I cant believe this will at all aid. Also, I have been looking through the whole "Michigan Turn Around Plan" and have to say that while it does point out several of the problems in this state, there are no concrete solutions to these tough problems. When asked about health care costs and what they are costing Michigan, the only response is that DeVos will come up with new and innovative ways to cut costs. As a voter, I don't find this to be an acceptable answer. I think that we need certain answers, not just possibilities. I don't think that Granholm really has a better plan either. Time will only tell. I will delve further into the "Plan", it is quite long and come back with more information. I do applaud DeVos for putting together such a comprehensive document that points out almost all of Michigan's strengths and weaknesses. It is a very interesting and informative read.

No onto my own campaign. With the last post I mainly concentrated on the crime issues that plague us. I think it is also important to look at the local economic policies. I believe that it is important to make this area inviting to ALL business, not just 3 or 4 large companies. If we can diversify our business base we can create more jobs which will only continue to grow and grow. One way of doing this would be making the town more inviting for technology would be making the city WI-Fi. It would definitely draw much more business professionals to the area. Those with an business spirit and the means to grow in what has become a rather stagnant jobs market.

This is just a brief idea. My plans will become more concrete as I continue my research and continue brainstorming to come up with a way to deliver Battle Creek with a better and brighter tomorrow.
Thank You

ShrekZilla