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Follow on Google News | Did Governor Snyder of Michigan Create a Vision of Optimism in Government?Dr. Russ Buss asks: Is the term "optimistic government" and oxymoron? Has gridlock jaded us into a state of permanent governmental pessimism? Did Governor Snyder's "State of the State of Michigan" address shine a light for optimism in government?
By: Dr. Russ Buss January is the month of goal and direction setting, the month when Governors make their State of the State addresses and attempt to provide hope and optimism for a better future. Michigan is a State with many problems - * A 12 % unemployment rate * The biggest loser of population of any State in the nation until just recently handing that dubious honor to New Jersey * Considered to be the State suffering the most in the current economic downturn Where is the optimism in this picture you ask? * The optimism lies in the ability of the leaders and people of the State of Michigan to recognize new opportunities in these current problems and challenges. Once an opportunity is recognized, effective action is needed to solve problems and overcome challenges in order to turn the opportunity into real progress. Governor Snyder, the newly elected and sworn in governor of Michigan gave his first State of the State address to Michiganders on Wednesday, January 19, 2011. Did the Governor’s speech provide hope and optimism for the future of Michigan? The answer depends on whether he identified both opportunities and realistic action plans. According to Governor Snyder, the OPPORTUNITIES ARE: * The chance to reinvent Michigan by breaking the bad habits of the past. * A chance to chart a new course. * A chance to sacrifice and make difficult decisions. * A chance to measure progress. * A chance to be a stronger and more vibrant state than ever before. * A chance to work together across party lines and boundaries of state, regional and local jurisdictions. Opportunities can only become a reality with action. Governor Snyder outlined the following action strategies that he believes have the potential to make them Golden Realities: * Reverse the Michigan brain drain by luring talented immigrants with advanced college degrees to move to Michigan. (It is notable that George Washington in his 1790 State of the Union address had the same idea to lure the best of foreign talent to US soil.) * Strategies to protect farmers who run environmentally sound operations from unnecessary regulations and frivolous lawsuits. * $25 million for the highly successful “Pure Michigan” advertising campaign to continue. * The Governor himself will provide a role model of efficiency for others to follow as he will adhere to strict and public self-imposed deadlines for decisions and actions. * Eliminate the costly regulation that requires item pricing on each and every individual shelved item in a store. * He will “measure, measure, and measure” in order to stay on a path of continuous improvement. * He will build a new bridge from Detroit to Canada to increase jobs and make Michigan a hub for “global commerce.” Some may think that an “Optimistic Government” is an oxymoron akin to the oft used example for that term, “military intelligence.” * Optimism can be greatest when opportunities are forged out of a negative reality. * Optimism has the best chance to become reality when we believe that our available ability and resources when combined with maximum effort will result in goal accomplishment. Now, what is your answer? Did Governor Snyder’s speech create optimism for government leadership in Michigan? Will a new bridge to Canada increase jobs? For more on the theme of “optimism in government,” http://www.drrussbuss.com/ # # # About Moment-to-Moment: End
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