Editorial

By PAUL KERSEY   It has been suggested more than once lately that Michigan’s problems would be less severe if other states had the sort of strong unions we have here. This is nothing more than wishful thinking that impedes real solutions. We cannot, and should not, expect other states — especially those not as hard hit by current economic conditions — to embrace unions at the expense of productivity and competitiveness.   Last December Jonathan Cutler, a professor at Wesleyan University in Connecticut, opined in The … [Read more...] about Dragging ’em down to our level

THE RICH LOWRY COLUMN By Rich Lowry   Last fall, Barack Obama was deemed by all the great and good as the man to save the country from its financial crisis because of his calm. As John McCain flailed around, Obama stayed steady, and commentators ascribed to him the most extraordinary leadership qualities based merely on his equipoise.   How is that working out? Well, the stock market has lost roughly 25 percent of its value in the past two months, destroying more than $2.6 trillion of wealth. But at least President Obama … [Read more...] about At least he’s calm

There has been a breakdown in public trust of government. Whether it’s stimulus rewards, bailout dollars or state appropriations, taxpayers want accountability. They want to see — clearly — how their money is being used. Gov. Jennifer Granholm and the Legislature should support Senate legislation that would give Michigan taxpayers free online access to where their tax dollars are going. That kind of transparency promotes public accountability and good governance.   Michigan is expected to receive around $6.7 billion from the … [Read more...] about Show taxpayers the money

By Sue Suchyta   “Sweeney Todd – The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” is offering its unique and macabre musical magic at the Fisher Theatre now through April 5. In the wake of the popular Johnny Depp movie, the touring company has taken several innovative steps to set themselves apart.   The production is introduced through the memory of a traumatized boy, whose tortured mind recalls the events to be retold. Furthermore, the staging puts the instruments in the hands of the actors on stage to viscerally impact the story’s … [Read more...] about ‘Sweeney Todd’ playing at the Fisher

Editor:   In response to the article in the Times-Herald Newspapers regarding unpaid property taxes on the Garrison Oaks Condominium development, I feel compelled to write this letter. I want everyone to clearly understand that I am a member of the corporation that build this development but not legally responsible for its obligations. However, because of the concern this situation has caused many in this community, I am personally promising to pay the taxes on behalf of the organization in the next 30 days.   I want to … [Read more...] about Abraham Letter

Editor:   A small item in Sunday's paper spoke to the up coming May 12 filing deadline for Dearborn City Council members. The city of Dearborn is hurting, as are many small towns. My mind wanders back over 25 years ago when Maureen Keane had a dynamic mayoral platform and today I wonder where our downtowns, east and west, would be had she won. Today I wonder who will run for a council position that might have the same kind of true love for Dearborn. What do these candidates feel are worthy of concern?    Anne … [Read more...] about Bennett Letter

Recently Dearborn citizens have learned that Dearborn City Councilman Robert Abraham is late in paying real estate taxes a total of some $80,000 on properties located on Garrison in Dearborn. The city of Dearborn has a policy of removing from office any elected official who owes back taxes to the city claiming it is a violation of the City Charter to owe the city of Dearborn taxes and hold elected office in Dearborn. I, myself, was removed from my elected position as Dearborn Charter commissioner because my mother's estate, the estate … [Read more...] about Dobkowski Letter

THE RICH LOWRY COLUMN By Rich Lowry   When President Barack Obama wanted to push an $800 billion “stimulus” or “recovery” bill through Congress, he thought an atmosphere of economic crisis helped his cause. So he repeatedly warned of “catastrophe,” of “a crisis that, at some point, we may not be able to reverse.”   A little more than a week later, Obama moved onto his next priority, proposing a unbridled federal budget that will spend $3.6 trillion next year and $5.3 trillion more in the next 10 years than the … [Read more...] about Hey big spender

Last week, a state panel recommended that Michigan lawmakers, the governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state and attorney general take a 10 percent pay cut starting in 2011.   That’s too little, too late, by our reckoning.   In February, Michigan saw a drop in revenue that was “breathtaking,” according to Gov. Jennifer Granholm. Official numbers haven’t been posted by the Department of Treasury, but indications are that revenues were substantially below the lowered estimates set in the January Revenue Estimating … [Read more...] about Lawmakers can and should return part of their pay

TRIVIA TEST By Fifi Rodriguez   1. TELEVISION: In “Gilmore Girls,” what was the name of the inn?   2. LANGUAGE: Who would rule in a kleptocracy?   3. MEDICAL: What does the acronym stand for in the term “CAT scan”?   4. MUSIC: Who sang the theme song to “The Beverly Hillbillies”?   5. GEOGRAPHY: The island of Mauritius is located in which body of water?   6. HISTORY: Which U.S. state was the last to secede in the Civil War and the first to be readmitted to the union?   7. PHOBIAS: What is the … [Read more...] about Trivia Test March 15th