Tag: czars

"This past year marks the highest ridership totals ever on Amtrak services in Michigan," said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. "All three lines, especially the Blue Water, have made great gains, despite the slowdowns on the Pontiac/Detroit-Chicago corridor. We've taken steps to repair the track between Kalamazoo and Ypsilanti, so that will help bring speeds back to what customers expect."

Amtrak operates the Blue Water and Pere Marquette services under a contract with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). At this time, Amtrak does not receive any direct state support for the Wolverine service. Michigan is one of 15 states that provide state-supported service.

The Detroit News reports:

"Sen. David Robertson, R-Grand Blanc, wants a constitutional amendment that would allow the governor to appoint up to 1 percent of the state workforce. With about 50,000 employees, that would amount to about 500 appointees.

Today, Michigan's governor is allowed only five appointees per state department, plus department heads and eight appointees in the governor's office, for a little more than 120 total.

"What is good for me, may not be so for thee" would be a statement that comes to mind.  Republicans who would stand so against things such as a taxpayer boondoggle bridge during the last administration, and now consider it plausible should make one pause.  And in this case, we critique the worst president who has ever lived in the white house for his 'czar' list and unaccountable policy makers, yet are expected to bless the 'Republican' version of it?

Maybe not such a good idea, huh?