Vote Snyder for governor in November election
The most pressing issue of the upcoming Nov. 2 election in Michigan is the state’s economic wellbeing; that Michigan is made able to thrive and its residents can make a living.
Rick Snyder is the best bet to help achieve these goals as governor.
Whoever is elected governor will inherit an about $500 million budget deficit, according to the Citizen’s Research Council of Michigan. In order to get the state out of this economic hole, the government will have to balance the budget, bolster and encourage industry and, perhaps most importantly, create and maintain jobs.
The editorial board of this publication came to this decision for a simple, nonpartisan primary reason: Snyder has a better business sense.
Both Democratic candidate Virg Bernero and Snyder, a Republican, have had fiscal success in their previous work experience. Under Bernero’s tenure as mayor, Lansing has seen a balanced budget every year and Snyder has enjoyed massive private-sector success leading companies such as Gateway and Discera.
However, Michigan is neither a city or a private business and the role of governor forces each candidate out of their comfort zone and to take a new approach.
The plans and ideas Snyder has conveyed during the campaign have been realistic, reasonable and actionable. Meanwhile Bernero’s financial plans seem more like lofty campaign promises than executable plans.
The best example of this is the candidates’ approaches toward higher education.
Bernero is in favor of bringing back the Michigan Promise Scholarship and instating a freeze on tuition for all of Michigan’s public institutions. The combination of these actions would create financial deficits for both the state and its universities to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars.
Meanwhile, Snyder has said that the Michigan Promise is not the most financially effective method, nor is it what Michigan needs. He is instead advocating needs-based financial aid and scholarships, which would cost the state less while getting aid to those who require it.
This gubernatorial race should not be decided on social issues. Snyder, who is pro-life and supports the sanctity of marriage, has made no indication or suggestion he would be pushing these issues in office.
The battles for gay rights, affirmative action, the legality of abortion, et cetera, will be fought and won or lost in the races for judicial and legislative positions.
This is an issue of priorities. If mothers have the choice to give birth or not, it does not matter much if they cannot afford medical fees; if a homosexual couple can marry with full benefits, it does not matter much if neither can find a job.
Before these issues are tackled, the base-level financial infrastructure of this state needs to be built back up so it will be functional and sustainable in serving its residents. Rick Snyder is the best man for this job.
