The rankings, in the U.S., for state crime in 2010 came out recently and Michigan is holding the crime scene line at #34, out of 50. Not an excellent ranking when compared with places like New Hampshire #1 and Vermont #2 but a sight better than Nevada #50 and New Mexico #49. Michigan, along with Alaska, showed the greatest improvement over last year’s rankings. Michigan moved up 7 spots for 2010 and was nestled between Texas, #35 and North Carolina, #33. The states were raked by the number of crimes like assault, burglary, murder, motor vehicle theft, rape and robbery.
A big “hats off” goes out to the local authorities and the state for doing the impossible, lowering the crime rate with far fewer resources during a time of near depression in our state. We also have to thank the Community Programs and Union sponsored assistance that have kept the unemployed and under employed with avenues of hope so that desperate measures aren’t considered. One thing that Michiganders do is to help each other. We might throw a digit at the traffic light during rush hour, but when a neighbor is in need or a child is hungry, someone steps up to lend a hand. Life is too tough here right now for us to be any other way. We will get through this and we will do it together.
The film incentives that were put in place several years ago are having a positive impact in our state. Many films that would have been shot in other states or even outside the country are now being shot in the mitten. Providing no one does anything stupid, like changing the incentives, an industry will take hold and grow here; an industry that can help replace part of our beloved auto industry.
Speaking of manufacturing, with the Health Care Reform legislation now law; investors can look at the U.S. and Michigan in particular as a competitive place to bring new manufacturing jobs. The future is Green Energy and Bio-Tech, Michigan needs to be a leader in both technologies and I believe we will be. We have everything we need right here; an abundance of natural resources, first class universities, and a deep pool of seasoned manufacturing workers. We are ready to go, bring it on!
Our state’s crown, Detroit, is a little bit tarnished right now but people are beginning to pay attention and change is coming. Mayor Dave Bing has a plan to demolish 3000 buildings in the city over the next few years and much of the re-claimed land will be for farming. Let’s use this new land to grow organic fruits and vegetables for Detroit and the surrounding areas! Plans are also on the table to re-build the Detroit School system with lots of new schools. Nothing is more vital to our state. A light rail system from down town to the New Center area and beyond is in the planning stages and a new bridge to Canada will help our exports reach our Canadian friends in a more timely fashion. And last but not least, the Orion Assembly Center, just north of Detroit, will soon produce the first small car built in America in a long time. So a lot is coming down the road to a street near you. Maybe it’s just the spring time but it seems like our prospects have turned around over night. And don’t forget, we sit within spitting distance of thirty percent of the world’s fresh drinking water. This is a precious resource other areas of the country can’t replicate or imitate; you have it or you don’t. Many people have considered leaving Michigan in the past few years because of the economy and job prospects. I say our best chapters are yet to be written. Let’s stay here and write them together.
A big “hats off” goes out to the local authorities and the state for doing the impossible, lowering the crime rate with far fewer resources during a time of near depression in our state. We also have to thank the Community Programs and Union sponsored assistance that have kept the unemployed and under employed with avenues of hope so that desperate measures aren’t considered. One thing that Michiganders do is to help each other. We might throw a digit at the traffic light during rush hour, but when a neighbor is in need or a child is hungry, someone steps up to lend a hand. Life is too tough here right now for us to be any other way. We will get through this and we will do it together.
The film incentives that were put in place several years ago are having a positive impact in our state. Many films that would have been shot in other states or even outside the country are now being shot in the mitten. Providing no one does anything stupid, like changing the incentives, an industry will take hold and grow here; an industry that can help replace part of our beloved auto industry.
Speaking of manufacturing, with the Health Care Reform legislation now law; investors can look at the U.S. and Michigan in particular as a competitive place to bring new manufacturing jobs. The future is Green Energy and Bio-Tech, Michigan needs to be a leader in both technologies and I believe we will be. We have everything we need right here; an abundance of natural resources, first class universities, and a deep pool of seasoned manufacturing workers. We are ready to go, bring it on!
Our state’s crown, Detroit, is a little bit tarnished right now but people are beginning to pay attention and change is coming. Mayor Dave Bing has a plan to demolish 3000 buildings in the city over the next few years and much of the re-claimed land will be for farming. Let’s use this new land to grow organic fruits and vegetables for Detroit and the surrounding areas! Plans are also on the table to re-build the Detroit School system with lots of new schools. Nothing is more vital to our state. A light rail system from down town to the New Center area and beyond is in the planning stages and a new bridge to Canada will help our exports reach our Canadian friends in a more timely fashion. And last but not least, the Orion Assembly Center, just north of Detroit, will soon produce the first small car built in America in a long time. So a lot is coming down the road to a street near you. Maybe it’s just the spring time but it seems like our prospects have turned around over night. And don’t forget, we sit within spitting distance of thirty percent of the world’s fresh drinking water. This is a precious resource other areas of the country can’t replicate or imitate; you have it or you don’t. Many people have considered leaving Michigan in the past few years because of the economy and job prospects. I say our best chapters are yet to be written. Let’s stay here and write them together.
