Mixed Reviews For Snyder's 'State Of The State'

LANSING (WWJ) - An upbeat Gov. Rick Snyder says Michigan now is adding jobs and living within its means and is poised for an even better year ahead if lawmakers approve new employment-boosting projects.

Snyder took a look back at the accomplishments of 2011 and looked ahead to his plans for 2012 in  State of the State address that's been getting mixed reviews among both Democrats and Republicans.

Democratic State Representative Maureen Stapleton of Detroit said, all in all, she was disappointed.

"We are two years into an administration of a governor who says that he understands without a healthy Detroit we cannot have a healthy Michigan," said Stapleton.

"We are standing at the second State of the State who says he understand the need for an urban agenda. I heard no specifics on how the state of Michigan will help our urban core. None," she said.

Democratic State Representative Phil Cavanagh of Redford Township said the math from last year's session was certainly impressive.

"There were many, many positive things. The governor's message is usually relentless positive action. And we did work very diligently," said Cavanagh. "We passed 323 public acts last year -- that's like a law a day," he said.

However, Cavanagh said Snyder was off base on the topic of education.

"Everyone talks about our kids are our future and education is key, but the governor cut a billion dollars from K through 12 and higher ed," he said. "And to now say that we really have to focus on that is a mixed message."

Steven Cook, president of the Michigan Education Association, thought Snyder was a little less than forthright when talking about financial problems in the state's school districts.

"He indicated that there were a few school districts that were suffering financially. I was disappointed that there seemed to be no accountability there, that perhaps cutting education a billion dollars might have had something to so with it," said Cook.

Following Gov. Snyder second State of State address, House Democratic Leader Richard E. Hammel delivered the Democratic Response.

Hear the Response:

Republican State Representative Kurt Heise of Plymouth said, in general, he was deeply impressed with what Snyder had to say.

"I think it was an outstanding speech. I think the Governor is showing that Michigan has turned the corner," he said. "We're not out of the woods yet but there's still a lot of work to do. We still have people hurting in Michigan and we're really sensitive to that."

Heise said he'd like to hear more about government efficiency.

"I'd like to see some more discussion of departmental mergers, making government smaller and more efficient at the state level as well as the local levels," Heise said.

Republican State Representative Chuck Moss of Birmingham said he liked the speech for a simple reason.

"No nonsense, straight forward, kind of plain speaking. What was good, what was bad, what we should work on, how far we've come and how far we have to go," Moss said.

But was it just a little dull?

Panelists joining WWJ Lansing Bureau Chief Tim Skubick on his PBS show "Off the Record," described the speech as "safe," "timid" and "boring."

Speaking live on WWJ Newsradio 950, Skubick disagreed a bit, saying it was simply Snyder being Snyder.

"Mr. Snyder demonstrated tonight that he is not a career politician, nor is he a very polished speaker. But, you know what? He doesn't aspire to be either," said Skubick.

Skubick said Snyder got out what he wanted to say, but missed a opportunity when it came to the addressing the issue of Detroit's financial crisis and the possible appointment of an emergency manager.

"Here's what the governor might have done, and maybe a career politician might have ... you look in the camera or you look in the microphone and you say, 'Folks, I know your anxiety. I know what you're feeling. But I do not want to send in an emergency manager. I actually want to save jobs and to avoid payless paydays. I want to work with you'."

What did you think of Gov. Snyder's speech? Comment below.