Oakland County executive to Washtenaw County: 'You don't have any skin in the game'
Ann Arbor's Conan Smith, chairman of the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners, talks with Detroit Mayor Dave Bing before the start of the Fab Five panel discussion as part of the Detroit Regional Chamber's annual Mackinac Policy Conference on Thursday.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
Smith, an Ann Arbor resident and chairman of the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners, said Washtenaw wants to be more involved in regional discussions.
"Until you pay your way in, I don't think you have a whole lot of say about how it's done," Patterson said, receiving a large burst of applause from the crowd.
The Republican county executive said he wants Washtenaw to put its money where its mouth is. He referenced a regional tax proposal for the Detroit Institute of Arts, a 0.2-mill levy going before voters in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties in August.
But it's not on the ballot in Washtenaw.
"Washtenaw is not in the DIA tax, Washtenaw is not in the SMART tax," Patterson told Smith. "All these institutions you want to protect, you don't have any skin in the game."
Smith, a Democrat, fired back.
Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano, left, chats with moderator Paul W. Smith before the start of the panel discussion.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
That riled up Patterson even more.
"We all contribute talent. U of M is not the only talent base," he said, also cracking a joke at one point that Michigan's football team can't beat anybody.
If the DIA millage passes, it could raise up to $23 million a year for the institute and cost the owner of a $150,000 home $15 a year.
Meanwhile, the Detroit Zoological Society has considered asking voters to approve doubling the size of its millage in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties.
The Fab Five panel discussion was intended to be a discussion on regional collaboration and how Michigan can better compete in the global marketplace.
Smith and Patterson shared the stage with Detroit Mayor Dave Bing, Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano and Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel.
Bing said he's "absolutely" in favor of seeing a regional transit authority in Southeast Michigan and hinted at a meeting coming up Monday on the M-1 rail line in Detroit.
Ficano encouraged a long-range solution. He said if the region's leaders are serious about transit, they'll have to eventually combine all local assets under one authority.
"We need a regional authority," Hackel agreed.
Patterson sounded less convinced and posed the question: "How much is it going to cost and who's going to pay for it? The devil's in the details."
As regional leaders go about regional collaboration, Smith said it's OK for the different communities to hold onto their own individual identities. But, he said, "Detroit is our global brand and we need to make sure that brand is super strong."
At one point during the discussion, which took place as part of the Detroit Regional Chamber's Mackinac Policy Conference, moderator Paul W. Smith of WJR 760 asked a pointed question: "Do you guys ever really get together and have meetings as a group?"
Smith acknowledged feeling left out.
"It's hard to come back to my community and say 'participate in this regional tax' when you're not part of the conversation that creates it," he said.
"Bring your checkbook," Patterson told Smith, drawing laughs from the crowd. "You want to be part of the system, but you don't want to pay for it."
Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529. You also can follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's email newsletters.
Comments
hmmm...
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 1:18 p.m.
Divert our tax monies to support the profligate corruption and inefficiencies of our neighbors to the north and east - seriously?. We have many pressing financial issues within our own borders! I say stand aside and wait for the inevitable collapse and buy the assets we want out of bankruptcy!
Jeffersonian Liberal
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 1 p.m.
Our inept politicians can piss our money away fast enough on their own without getting involved with the criminals running Wayne county thank you very much.
DennisP
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 11:17 a.m.
What it's all about is expanding tax bases. The complaint from Wayne, Oakland, Macomb is that we don't have "skin" in the game. That's right! And, that's the way it will stay. The intent is to begin with a seemingly benign tax for items of culture like the zoo, the DIA, and all of these other facilities that people in Washtenaw don't typically frequent but supposedly are hip enough to value. Then it will expand to cover "cooperative operations". Easy enough to imagine--start out with a regional environmental authority or some such. Their hope ultimately is to create a superregional govenmental taxing authority for general taxation purposes. Then, of course, we'll need a superregional governmental administration with a SE Michigan governing council. Smith, Patterson and--even the dysfunctional Ficano, would all love to vie for Regional Executive. I don't say this is a hard plan, but I can see that as something on the wish list of these politicians. Politicians look to where the money is and right now they see it in Washtenaw. Smith's ego would have us drawn into this sort of mess. Skin in the game means to syphon off precious funds to help dysfunctional Wayne County and Detroit, while Ann Arbor police and fire and Washtenaw County Sheriffs remain underfunded and undermanned. Outside of Ann Arbor, we're a very rural county. This is a one-way spigot for our tax dollars. That's no reason for someone living in Manchester or Chelsea to have to fork out and pay a tax for a mismanaged DIA or Detroit Science Center. When the money flowed freely in Metro area, no one invited the "hicks" in rural Washtenaw to the table to share in the feast. Now, we're being insulted for not having "skin in the game". They say a rising tide lifts all boats, but some of these aren't boats, they are anchors. Conan Smith should go home and focus on our own needs and stop trying to be one of the "big boys" to feed his dreams o
Alan Benard
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 5:21 a.m.
Michigan is diseased and the cure is regionalism, but with strong conditions. Like Detroit and Wayne not being run by thieves, and Oakland not being run by a kinglet. I predict doom.
YpsiVeteran
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 4:18 a.m.
It never ceases to amaze me how openly hypocritical and craven these so-called leaders truly are. There's not one of these people who isn't singing a sob story to taxpayers about how dire their municipal financial situations are, yet every year they spend what has to be huge -- and strangely unreported -- sums of tax dollars for an all-expenses-paid spring vacation on Mackinac Island, on our dime, to do nothing more than listen to each other pontificate. I suppose the media hasn't reported how many thousands of dollars (that Wayne County doesn't have) that Ficano and his cronies have spent on this and all the other yearly trips to Mackinac because they get to go and cover all the non-events of the weekend. Where is the money for Conan's expenses coming from, and how much is it costing? This "gathering" is nothing more than a glorified SEMCOG meeting at somewhere between $300 and $500 a night.
braggslaw
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 2:17 a.m.
Washtenaw county is what it is: 1. It is a gravity well for federal and state tax money 2. It benefits from 100's of millions of dollars in tuition paid by students (subsidized by the federal govt.) We are X square miles surrounded by reality. that is why I live her, but it can only be replicated on a small scale. At some point somebody has to make money the normal way (i.e. not with federal grants) Oakland County, Macomb Wayne etc. are the real world, they have the largest populations, industry etc. and the company's operating there must generate a return on investment. I love Ann Arbor, but it is not the real world.
P. J. Murphy
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 9:10 p.m.
The problem with private research is that it always subject to relevance to profits. In some cases this can lend focus, but the downside is that it tends to breed a narrow perspective and overly cautious thinking. Consider for a moment the impact of Dept. of Defense funding during the 60's & 70's. Integrated circuits, lasers, satellites, the internet. All of these were funded long before they could demonstrate anything truly cost effective to the private companies (and their stockholders) of the day, yet they are absolutely fundamental to our economic growth today. I'll grant you that a large research sandbox can sanction irrelevant or frivolous efforts. Good red meat for the press. What really counts however is the relevance, quality, and quantity of what the rest of the children are doing. If you think large corporations are well equipped to introduce innovation, then please explain GM, Ford, & Chrysler to me. Once they bestrode the auto industry like gods. And what did they produce? Tailfins. They had to be pounded by politicians to provide seat belts, emissions, airbags, and efficiency.
braggslaw
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 1:54 p.m.
The overall efficiency of converting university research to stand alone companies generating a return on investment is questionable. There are metrics that people at the public trough emphasize and contrary metrics that are provided by tax watchdog organizations. I am not a big fan of certain types of university research like lizards on treadmills, suicide links to country music, penguin defecation, ovulating lap dancers get higher tips etc. all of which are directly or indirectly funded by taxpayers. The single biggest product of a university is a technically savvy smart graduate that can take his place in themarket and generate a return on investment.
P. J. Murphy
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 6:14 a.m.
I love statements about Ann Arbor not being the real world. If you don't understand the value and return on investments gathered from the research here, I'd submit you may want to consider going back to school to learn how our economy has changed over the last 50 years.
a2citizen
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 3:24 a.m.
don't forget the 750 million in federal research dollars. Agree with the sentiment of your last sentence. http://research.umich.edu/quick-facts/charts/
John Q
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 2:13 a.m.
Patterson is a clown. Washtenaw County is a million miles ahead of Oakland County when it comes to cooperating on issues from a regional perspective. Compare unemployment rates between the two counties and tell us which county is doing a better job in this economy.
a2citizen
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 3:09 a.m.
The top 25 employers in Washtenaw County employ a combined total of approximately 55,500 people. Over 70 percent of those workers are public sector employees. Washtenaw County is hardly an economic miracle. But I agree with your personal opinion of Patterson.
SalineSara
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 1:39 a.m.
Conan who? Who is this guy and why is he even on the stage????????
True A2 Native
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 12:12 a.m.
Obviously from the comments, none of you were at the conference and I wonder if the reporter was either...Conan held his own and his point was that you can't ask for our money and not ask us to be at the table. If you want Washtenaw County financil help in supportiing these regional assets, you have to be willing to let us be at the table when you're discussing these issues. Mayor Bing extented an offer to bring Washtenaw into the conversations. When Brooks said U of M isn't the only talent attraction, Conan shot back "...it's just the best!" and got a great response from the crowd. The report only reported half of this story...
shepard145
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 2:10 p.m.
This is not about "holding his own" (Becky?), it's about an unbalanced panel. It's not his fault - it's just that we should have had someone better. ...and the "tax dollars only with representation" routine is something L Brooks has required for decades (and broken several deals) so his hardly a point of victory. It is critical that we are honest and recognize how little we really need the other counties. Some communities need Detroit water, but the main issue is regional mass transit and if that's dead than we don't have much to discuss. Mayor Bing has improved the management of the Detroit water system but the key to it's economics will continue to be PEOPLE IN DETROIT PAYING THEIR WATER BILLS. As long as the region is subsidizing those who scam the water department, the cost of Detroit water will be too high. Eventually some counties must build their own water treatment facilities.
a2citizen
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 3:19 a.m.
I have followed Patterson for over 30 years...he is not interested in Washtenaw County's money. But he is tired of having to give his money to Detroit. What kind of financial support could Washtenaw possibly provide? This 27 square miles is the beneficiary of more state and federal spending than you probably realize. If 40 percent of the state lives in wayne/macomb/oakland where do you think 40 percent of the $330 million in state subsidies to the UM come from? Don't even get me talking about the federal research grants...that's over a billion. Patterson isn't asking for "our" money, it was theirs in the first place. BTW, I cannot stand Patterson.
u812
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 1:20 a.m.
not surprised, more headlines and comments this way.
Ron Granger
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 11:50 p.m.
Conan, please move to detroit and run for office there. We'll even forgive your debt to the county taxpayers.
Indymama
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 1:49 a.m.
Conan is just as greedy as the graft grabbing Democrats in the Detroit area....that is why he refuses to repay what he stole from the Washtenaw County residents!! Any association with the Detroit area should be avoided!! Conan should be voted out of his office!!
shepard145
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 11 p.m.
What? Did we all miss a meeting - how is Conan Smith representing Washtenaw County at something like this? He is a pleasant fellow but he is also a leftest democrat ideologue with a very narrow view of the world and as such not equipped to represent this county. I caught some gibberish about $100,000 'C' grade regionalism right out of the obama "government = economy" play book and it's like ...huh?
81wolverine
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 10:56 p.m.
I want to know why Smith is wearing headphones around his neck. Does he require a translation of the mumbo-jumbo spewed out from the other politicians in attendance?
Steve
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 10:29 p.m.
I wouldn't vote for one cent of tax money going anywhere near that corner of the state until they get the corruption weeded out (good luck with that, it's entrenched) and the ego maniacs like Ficano and Patterson are put out to pasture.
Mikey
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 10:21 p.m.
gee .... I wonder why Detroit is bankrupt?
DJBudSonic
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 10:13 p.m.
We don't have any money in this game? GOOD! Let's keep it that way.
Ricardo Queso
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 9:54 p.m.
Who in the "H" does he think he is trying to commit Washtenaw County tax dollars to two failing Detroit institutions? This clown needs to be voted out!
Sully
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 9:41 p.m.
Maybe I'm just paranoid, but does anyone else see Conan Smith's continuing participation in this event as his way of trying to convince the county that it should create an elected county executive position (which I'm sure Mr. Smith is fairly confident he would win)?
GreenPus
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 9:40 p.m.
Just more "shoot from the lip" baloney from Patterson. When comparing "skin in the game" don't forget to compare how often Washtenaw county agencies come to the aid of Wayne and Oakland counties versus how often they come to the aid of Washtenaw. 'Nuff said.
a2citizen
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 10:15 p.m.
Nuff said? What agencies came to the aid of Wayne and Oakland counties, and when? What about the tax dollars that support the UofM? ANd since Wayne, Oakland and Macomb have 40% of the states population it stands to reason that 40% of the hundreds of millions in subsidies that supports the UofM is from those counties.
Brendhan Givens
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 9:31 p.m.
I attended Michigan Shifting Gears (which is great by the way). It brought together executives from dwindling industries and remolded us for smaller and more nimble organizations. A lack of cohesion has existed throughout Michigan including the Ann Arbor, Detroit, and Grand Rapids bases. The in-fighting and lack of vision created a mixture of problems that inhibited growth for all of Michigan including Ann Arbor, Detroit, and Grand Rapids. It is upsetting to see the in-fighting erupt again at this important event. So, we should ask ourselves, "What is here to celebrate?"
u812
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 1:17 a.m.
the have a little crowd and the have a little bit more and the have none,are battling it to the bottom and those with a lot are laughing to the bank.
johnnya2
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 9:27 p.m.
So how much does Oakland County spend on Ann Arbor museums and parks? The 'skin in the game" issue is stupid. Brooks, what sin do you have in the game that is Washtenaw County? Washtenaw is a better educated, younger and faster growing economy. We depend less on the auto industry than Oakland County Patterson has never been about helping the masses, he has always been about helping himself. Why not ask Brooks about that day he got pulled over and never had to take a breathalyzer.
cornelius McDougenschniefferburgenstein jr. 3 esq.
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 7:29 p.m.
or drug test.
treetowncartel
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 12:12 p.m.
Dude, Oakland County is one of the wealthiest in the nation. Don't fight the facts. L. Brooks is a very good politician and government leader.
Jack
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 9:12 p.m.
Brooks should throw on a necktie before I take him seriously ... Ann Arbor does not need the other 3 counties .. there's a reason why A2 makes national "best of" lists - A2 for its relatively small size is more of a national brand than the other 3 counties combined - just let them figure something out, and we will come and go into the other counties as we please
InsideTheHall
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 8:59 p.m.
In listening to the entire Fab Five discussion a couple things were clear: 1. Conan Smoth was in way way over his head 2. Conan Smith was schooled by the sage L Brooks Patterson
transmission
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 8:24 p.m.
"Skin in the game" -- Most tiresome conservative talking point today. The last thing we should do is take advice from the Boss Hoggs of Oakland and Washtenaw. We'll be paying to subsidize their feifdoms. No thanks
Tex Treeder
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 8:22 p.m.
Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties? Ann Arbor has no more affinity with that region than it does with Mackinac Island. If those three counties want to develop their region's transportation plans, then they should do it. Also: time for Conan Smith to go. He's obviously lost touch with his electorate.
treetowncartel
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 7:58 p.m.
Ha, ha, ha, way to make us look like little brother. Next time, send somebody like Wes Prater to this thing. He has much more "chisel" tham Mr. Smith.
a2why
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 7:53 p.m.
@mohomed, you make some very fine points. I do like to tease Ann Arborites to take them down a notch when they get puffed up. I find Ann Arbor to be similar in scale to Evanston, yet you don't get the same pompousness in Evanston because big brother Chicago is just around the corner. Ann Arbor and Oakland County are like ugly chicks that are too full of themselves because the friends they hang out with are even uglier. Having said that, if I were to walk in a bar as a wingman, I would choose Oakland County to take one for the team.
braggslaw
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 7:42 p.m.
Patterson is right.... It's easy to spend other people's money. Smith is pontificating without any real skin in the game.
WWBoDo
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 7:38 p.m.
I would be willing to throw in a couple of high round draft choices, a passel of money, the rock on Hill and Washtenaw, the rotating Cube at the Michigan Union, Zingermans Deli and Conan Smith for L. Brooks Patterson--our problems would be over!!
Indymama
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 1:39 a.m.
You should have said...They will just be increasing!! We have enough of our own problems in Washtenaw Co and Ann Arbor... we don't need the graft that goes on in Detroit still to this day!
Kilgore Trout
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 7:31 p.m.
Sounds like L. Brook is pretty proud of his system and Detroit, or as I like to refer to it "God's blind spot"
smokeblwr
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 7:19 p.m.
At least LBrooks didn't tell Conan to commit suicide like he told Ficano.
Craig Lounsbury
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 7:41 p.m.
nicely played ;)
glimmertwin
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 7:19 p.m.
Combining the politics of A2 and elsewhere would be a mess. I work in Detroit and live in Washtenaw. Don't get involved with the other counties. Detroit is such a mess I shiver just thinking about it. Just an interesting side note - we have had better results hiring grads from UM Dearborn than UM Ann Arbor. So does that mean that Wayne county already is getting some of that A2 talent?
Stephen
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 7:07 p.m.
Cut off the gangrene city of Detroit, no body wants it, needs, or plans on visiting it.
a2why
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 6:56 p.m.
And it just keeps going... This meeting is just the perfect microcosm of why SE Michigan will go the way of other rust belt cities. As our young graduates continue their exodus, the disabling effects of brain drain takes hold. Yet, Oakland County continues to cling to their antiquated notion that they don't need to work with anyone else. My company has two offices, one in Ann Arbor and another in an affluent Oakland County location. Morale is high in the AA office. However, we can't seem to hire or retain anyone in Oakland even though the work is identical to the AA office. The young workers there hate the sprawl, the homogenous strip malls and the surrounding cookie cutter McMansion lifestyle. If they don't wind up transferring to AA, they eventually leave to places like Chicago. I hear the same prevailing concerns from all of my local clients and business owners. So, its sad to see that Washtenaw's offer to participate in the region was met with jabs and jokes, because for the good of the region, this isn't funny. If we can't have an honest debate and discussion over what Washtenaw has to "get more skin in the game" then I say, screw them. Washtenaw does just fine by itself with a near recession proof university system along with its hospitals. Compare that to the auto industry with its predictable downturn every 5 to 10 years. As much as I like to make fun of Ann Arbor on this site, deep down this city is a pretty awesome place to live and work... and it runs circles around anything Oakland County has to offer.
brian123
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 1:18 p.m.
As a young professional born, raised and college-educated in Michigan, i wish i was allowed to give this post more than one thumbs up!!
mohomed
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 7:24 p.m.
I like this comment, it has a lot of truth to it. Ann Arbor is a pretty good place to live no matter how we like to tease the weirdo lefty side of it. However Oakland County is like us too in some ways. Both are very pompous and puffed up with pride knowing our counties are probably the two best in the State. Royal Oak in Oakland rivals Ann Arbor for "cool spots" and they have something we greatly lack which is about 500 lakes compared to the Huron River. Their natural resources and wealth are enormous. It was only a matter a time before an ego headed liberal and his opposite conservative twin butted heads while Detroit sits in the background literally burning and murdering itself into oblivion.
pbehjatnia
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 6:55 p.m.
Pay for anything Detroit? You must be joking.
sellers
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 6:42 p.m.
Ann Arbor and the majority of it's residents don't associate with Detroit and it's suburbs. While we share borders - we don't share ideals, goals, culture, or economic identities. While on a map it may make sense to partner, we really don't share common goals or have common ideals, so if Washtenaw were to get into the mix it would drive the region in a different direction than the Detroit region wants and Ann Arbor would not get what it wants out of it. It's the reason it has not occurred in the past and why Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne county align together but Washtenaw never associated with the region. Residents associate with institutions in Toledo, Lansing as much as Detroit. Both are generally located the same distance away. Ann Arbor is a bubble, and I'm sure Detroit wants to piggyback on the success, but Ann Arbor does not get as much benefit and would limit our success/growth.
P. J. Murphy
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 9:38 p.m.
Interesting point about AA and U-M. Attracting the U did give one set of 19th century developers the edge, if they'd failed the center of town would likely today would likely be the intersection of Broadway and Wall St. I agree it might be a much smaller city though. But to your main point. You use general terms like culture, ideals, and economic identity, yet you don't see the enormous areas of overlap. Brooks and his ilk built their careers on emphasizing the differences between city and suburb. In the short run it worked, but check out a2why's highly relevant post on Oakland vs. Washtenaw offices. The northern and eastern suburbs of the decaying city are bland, commercial, and boring. The children who grew up in them want something more interesting. They'd like a community with a little more soul. So it makes sense to partner with Detroit. If you're young, and you want to make a difference, in the real world, there's no bigger challenge.
sellers
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 7:38 p.m.
Do you guys have some examples of how Ann Arbor and it's region was build off Detroit or it's money? I'm a transplant form Detroit, but I don't think that would be any different than saying someone moved from Chicago, or Monroe, or Lansing? We have some automotive plants - most of which are closed. So does Chicagoland, Lansing, (insert midwest city here). Big execs who didn't move to Bloomfield Hills or Birmingham did live in Ann Arbor. I venture to say, Ann Arbor is existent today because of the U-M. If you consider that U-M moved from Detroit as a consolatory price for Lansing getting the state capital, then I guess that would be an example. I'm interested to see if there are others.
P. J. Murphy
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 5:52 a.m.
Sellers premise is simply wrong. Many Ann Arborites were born in Wayne or Oakland county. There are family connections, personal connections, historical connections, and yes, many economic and political connections. We are far from an island, much of the growth and flourishing of Washtenaw was paid for with Detroit dollars. Nobody's minimizing the traditions of conflict and parochial thinking so evident in your post and others. Those barriers are real. But to justify them you have to bend truth and defy common sense. Republicans like Patterson are the old guard. Much of the regions growth in the next 25 years will be in Washtenaw, not Oakland. But if the next generation's leaders are no better at regional cooperation than old goats like Brooks, you got one thing right. Bubble.
a2citizen
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 10:04 p.m.
Sure ann arbor is a bubble and Detroit wants to piggy back on it's success. For decades Detroit was a bubble that a2 piggy backed on.
DonBee
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 6:42 p.m.
Mr. Smith goes to Mackinaw! Mr. Smith wants a say in the larger regional play, but is serious about a county wide transit tax, instead of a regional one. He has done nothing for the region at large, and getting the voters in Washtenaw County to go along with him, would be almost impossible, even if Ann Arbor was to vote 100% for it. Mr. Patterson also needs to think about how much "skin" Oakland County has in the game. If you want regional cooperation, there are a few steps: 1) The leadership needs to play nice - right now it is not happening at all. 2) There needs to be reasons for everyone to go along - "what is in it for me?" is the first question voters ask 3) There needs to be a real plan - what does regional cooperation mean and what is the vision for the region. Right now it seems the vision of these political people is about 2 inches beyond their paychecks. None of this is easy and the people in Oakland and Washtenaw counties in many cases left Wayne for a "better place". Good luck Mr. Smith, I doubt it will be like the movie.
Veracity
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 6:37 p.m.
Addendum to my prior note: Once the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) is created by passage of HB5309 and SB909 then Ann Arbor will have "skin in the game." The RTA board will receive all federal and state funds earmarked for Ann Arbor and will be required to distribute only 85% of the money that is due to the AATA. In addition the RTA board can withhold another 5% of AATA revenue if the AATA is determined to be non-compliant with the RTA master plan. And Ann Arbor will only a have a small minority representation on the RTA board. Finally, the RTA will readily acquire property along AATA transit routes and elsewhere, even if by condemnation as necessary, and either resell or build without encumbrances by local codes or ordinances.
Alan Benard
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 5:31 a.m.
One only has to read a little Robert Caro -- I recommend "The Power Broker: Robert Moses and the Fall of New York" -- to know how dangerous regional authorities can be, particularly transportation authorities. If one believes the DDA has too much un-represented power, watch out.
tom swift jr.
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 6:35 p.m.
When the "leaders" of Wayne county/Detroit stop having conferences at locations that most of their residents can't afford to visit, I'll pay attention to what they have to say.
YpsiVeteran
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 9:21 p.m.
Prevo, because *every* single thing done in Wayne County is designed to maximize the ability of local officials to spend tax money on themselves. It sounds hard to believe, but that's how brazen they are about it. There isn't even the pretext of operating for the public good being maintained. They would not even think of giving up this free vacation for themselves.
PrevoTownie
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 6:46 p.m.
Agreed. Why would a Detroit Regional Chamber go to Mackinac instead of having it in.... Oh say the "Detroit Regional Area". Spending their taxpayers money out of their taxpayers region.
antikvetch
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 6:27 p.m.
Looks like somebody forgot to bring their "big boy pants" to the Island......
InsideTheHall
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 9:02 p.m.
^^^^^^^^POST OF THE YEAR^^^^^^^
Veracity
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 6:22 p.m.
I must admit that after living 37 years in Ann Arbor and having worked 28 years in downtown Detroit that I have no sense of affiliation with Detroit or Wayne County. Both Ann Arbor and Detroit are distinctly different municipalities separated by 45 miles of suburbia and farm land. Ann Arbor successes will not readily transfer to nor be amalgamated into Detroit economics and culture. With certainty I do not want Detroit's problems to be adopted by Ann Arbor.
u812
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 6:30 p.m.
I said the same thing a few hours ago with the rail system and detroit/crime, and got booted.(I agree with veracity)
B2Pilot
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 6:11 p.m.
Nice to see that regional politicians are actually talking to each other. It is the first time I can remember that these countly leaders have gotten together to talk about regional issues. That is encouraging. I would caution Conan to leave Washtenaw out of the 'Detroit Global brand' as he called it, and not get mixed up in deals until the corruption that has been exposed is cleaned up first. That is when Detroit will rebound and then we could talk about perhaps contributing
Hot Sam
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 2:30 a.m.
@ Craig..."weekend off"??? They probably need overtime, and not because of the horses...
Indymama
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 1:28 a.m.
Conan must be eyeing some of the graft money being garnered from Detroit citizens!!
Craig Lounsbury
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 6:25 p.m.
these pinhead politicians get together every year for this same Mackinac Island conference and have since 1981. As far as I'm concerned all they are good for is to give the horse poop scooper's on the Island a weekend off.
Psudolus
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 6:09 p.m.
You would have thought, being from a political family, Smith would have been better prepared to go up against Patterson...or perhaps wouldn't have doesn't so at all. Brooks ran circles around him and made Smith sound like a lightweight. Rebecca might be a better character to spar with Brooks, she has the brains, Conan looked like a fool.
Alan Benard
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 5:15 a.m.
I'm as allergic of political dynasties as I am of the Washtenaw Co. regular Democratic Party. And I say this as a life-long Democrat. Too bad this county ain't ready for reform, we need it.
Indymama
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 1:25 a.m.
So it is time to replace him as soon as he comes up for reelection!!
Murf
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 6:09 p.m.
I've never liked L. Brooks Patterson more than I do now. Way to embarrass us, Conan! And for the record Mr. Patterson, he speaks only for himself. I doubt anyone else in Washtenaw County is even remotely interested in joining in.
a2grateful
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 6:07 p.m.
Animosity and egotism are the main reasons that SE MI regional cooperation has failed. . . With the attitudes portrayed in the article, it's obvious why our area loses population and job base. Lack of cohesive vision creates strangling, selfish, stagnant chaos. Welcome to politics v2012. . .
YpsiVeteran
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 4:01 a.m.
Jack, I'm not talking about those voter approved kinds of things. Oakland County residents are a prime source of attendance for Detroit cultural attractions such as the DIA, etc. I'm talking about the other types of "joint" government-run programs, like transit, water, etc. I'm not saying they're not a good idea in some cases. My point is that Washtenaw County doesn't need nor should even entertain any involvement with points east and northeast. Oakland County has its hands full trying to keep Wayne County from stealing it blind. Of what benefit is any of that nonsense to Washtenaw County residents?
Jack
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 1:21 a.m.
Ypsi Veteran - He would allow it because the DIA is a cultural institution not to be found elsewhere. There are many such such places in Detroit well worth preserving - the Detroit Zoo, the Detroit Historical Museum, Belle Isle, to name but a few, that are more than a little worthy of being preserved. To let such gems deteriorate simply because the City of Detroit can no longer afford to support them would be a crime. Many, many of us take advantage of them and I, for one, would not mind paying a tax to support them.
YpsiVeteran
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 9:17 p.m.
L. Brooks Patterson, for all his faults, at least has been strong enough to keep the corruption all around Oakland County at a distance. Why in the world would he risk Oakland County taxpayer money on ANY "joint" operation with Wayne County? And why would he allow the taxpayers in his county to subsidize programs in other counties?
YpsiVeteran
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 9:14 p.m.
A2, it's not lack of cohesion that's the problem. The problem is that there isn't anyone in Wayne County government, and only one or two in city of Detroit government, that aren't actively involved in stealing every dollar they can get their hands on. Literally. Wayne County is a veritable cesspool of corruption, whereas Washtenaw County is not. Washtenaw County does not have generation after generation of public corruption and malfeasance in it's past. Wayne County is a boat anchor around the neck of every citizen in the rest of the state, Washtenaw County included.
Ken
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 7:54 p.m.
L Brooks Patterson is one very strong reason that nothing is ever accomplished in SE Michigan. This is why we will never see a 4 County Regional Transit System.
sellers
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 6:44 p.m.
Ann Arbor and it's region has not suffered the loss that other midwest regions did. Given our relation to Detroit, Lansing, Toledo, and Flint, we have done VERY well. Bubble.
Craig Lounsbury
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 6:04 p.m.
as a resident of Washtenaw county since 1962 (minus 3 years in the early 70's) I say the heck with that steaming heap to the east/ northeast of us. WE DON'T NEED THEM ....(we have our own water and sewer system. ;)
Myles
Fri, Jun 1, 2012 : 8:28 p.m.
I think A2 needs to get over it and accept that it's part of the metropolitan area even if they have their own water and sewer system. It's just common sense that even though A2 is an amazing city it cannot stand alone with out its major city (Detroit). I even think that if Detroit and Wayne county was ran by the same type of people who runs Washtenaw county it would be a heck of a lot better.
a2citizen
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 9:58 p.m.
While we don't need that steaming heap to the east, the University does need their tax dollars to subsidize the schools existence. And with no UofM....there would not be much of an A2 to speak of
Unusual Suspect
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 8:47 p.m.
"Ypsianti and Pittsfield TWP both get their water from the Detroit water system." That just proves what my friend's dad used to say: "Everything east of Carpenter Rd is Detroit."
Craig Lounsbury
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 7:01 p.m.
I'll give you that dconkey. I was only half jesting on the water thing. In part because I believe, in my personal opinion, L Brooks Patterson hates Detroit and wouldn't have a thing to do with them if they didn't get their water from Detroit for the SE part of his county.
dconkey
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 6:44 p.m.
Not true Craig, Ypsianti and Pittsfield TWP both get their water from the Detroit water system.
sellers
Thu, May 31, 2012 : 6:43 p.m.
We just have different ideals and goals - it does not make sense. It's why it never happened before.