Tag: SS

LANSING, Mich. - Gov. Rick Snyder today announced that Rodney Stokes will be the administration's point man on working with cities to help them become more vibrant and inviting by enhancing their existing resources. Stokes, who currently serves as Department of Natural Resources director, will leave that position to join the Executive Office.

"Michigan's cities are brimming with unique natural and man-made assets that can be cultivated in ways which attract families and visitors, retain talented workers, encourage investment and enhance our overall quality of life," Snyder said. "Rodney has the talent and experience to make that happen. His expertise in the areas of natural resources, outdoor recreation, policy development and civic engagement make him well suited to partner with cities in these efforts. A strong Michigan needs strong cities. Rodney's work will be key to that success and we're fortunate to have a person of his caliber at the forefront of this critical initiative."

As the governor's special adviser for city placemaking, Stokes will work with cities on projects such as ensuring the availability of quality green space and enhancing recreational opportunities.
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Snyder emphasized the need for Michigan and its communities to adopt a "placemaking" mindset in his March 2011 Special Message to the Legislature on Local Government Reform. Placemaking recognizes that economic development and community development go hand in hand. It is a multifaceted approach that encourages a fresh look at the potential use of assets such as parks, downtowns, waterfronts, neighborhoods and buildings.

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What a disgusting abuse of power by a Peter Principle agency bureaucrat.  Thank God that Sens. Hune and Booher have taken the initiative to intervene on this outrageous dictatorial assault on private property rights.

Under the guise of "invasive species" enforcement, the DNR's director Stokes, has set loose a force on small farms and family run operations which for decades have raised certain types of swine that are considered dangerous and damaging in the wild.  These types of pigs can apparently reproduce quite easily.  However, the pigs are said to be aggressive, and damaging to forests and wildlands if allowed to get loose.

so by fiat, the Director decided to simply eradicate the problem by destroying the livelihood of game pig farmers and other swine herds that MAY have certain strains of the feral breeds in them.

In July of 2011, the department, likely under the suggestions of Snyder's advisory team gave the operations that might be affected a few more months to kill their stock.  And the the Michigan Animal Farmers Association had appealed for declaratory relief citing the rules for invasive designation.  MAFA argued on behalf of those small farms that what the DNR is calling an invasive danger, does not meet all the requirements to be classified as such.

The suit by MAFA unfortunately did not meet the appeals court standard, which effectively strengthened executive authority in ALL areas.