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Posted on Thu, Mar 24, 2011 : 10:09 p.m.

State police closing 21 posts, including Ypsilanti's

By Cindy Heflin

The Michigan State Police will close 21 posts in October, including the one in Ypsilanti, in a cost-cutting move that will not result in layoffs.

Under the new regional policing plan announced today, Washtenaw County will be in a district served by the post in Brighton, which will remain a full-service post.

State_Police.jpg

Twenty-one state police posts, including the one in Ypsilanti, will close under a cost-saving plan announced Thursday, but no troopers will be laid off.

File photo

Besides the 21 closures, 12 other posts will become detachments where troopers can do paperwork and meet with the public. Detachments will not have public hours. Also under the new plan, some troopers in rural areas will work directly from their homes, the state police said.

The changes will cut the number of fully operational posts from 62 to 29, but a statement from state police Director Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue said the plan will not result in reduced service.

"The MSP is confident that service levels will either be unchanged or enhanced given the increased flexibility in deployment and scheduling provided by this regional policing plan," Etue's statement said.

The changes will help the department meet a $20.7 million general fund reduction in its fiscal 2012 budget, Etue's statement said.

A trooper who answered the phone at the state police post in Ypsilanti, 1501 S. Huron St., said no one at the post Thursday night was able to comment on the plan.

Besides the post in Ypsilanti, others closing include Ithaca, Corunna, Adrian, Richmond, Groveland, Detroit, Bad Axe, Bridgeport, Gladwin, Bridgman, Battle Creek, Hastings, Newaygo, Traverse City, Cheboygan, Manistee, L'Anse, Stephenson, Munising, and Iron River.

Posts downgraded to detachments will include Jonesville, Metro South in Taylor, East Tawas, Sandusky, White Pigeon, Grand Haven, Reed City, Ionia, Petoskey, Kalkaska, Newberry and Manistique.

Comments

aa_real

Sat, Mar 26, 2011 : 2:19 a.m.

Will the officers have to commute to Brighton every day and then drive their patrol car to the Ypsi area to patrol for their shift and then drive back to Brighton before the shift ends? Sounds silly to me. an extra 60 miles of gas and wear on the Crown Vic and an hour on the clock spent driving on M14. Will they also have to haul suspects to Brighton? If so, they'll let em go instead.

cinnabar7071

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 10:25 p.m.

We dont need no badges. Look if your scared get a night light, we're not children anymore lets take care of ourselves

thinker

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 9:08 p.m.

Good call! Better they live in the community they are policing, and are out on the road! And maybe more available.

T. Kinks

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 8:54 p.m.

In Augusta Twp we have no money for police protection & when you do need to call the police it is a state trooper who responds. How could this NOT affect us. Tricky Ricky strikes again!

leaguebus

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 8:30 p.m.

The budget would be more under control if Snyder didn't want to give $1.8 billion to the hero's of big business, who caused this whole mess anyway. Auto companies shipped a ton of their manufacturing overseas, the auto companies, through bad management almost went out of business, and the big investment companies looted trillions from their investors and crashed the economy. Now the working class hero, Rick, rewards the bad guys, socks it to the little guy, and takes a huge step into dismantling the public safety and educational infrastructure. As much as everyone says our last Governor didn't do her job by not making the huge cuts needed, she at least appreciated that if we gut public safety and education, we and our kids will suffer at some point. The biggest thing she didn't do was cut $1.8 B from a sector of the economy who doesn't need these cuts. Michigan is 17th in business climate in the country and thats not bad. The only way we are going to grow jobs is to have better educated citizens than other states and low crime rates. If we cut $1.8B from the business taxes, maybe it will move us to 15 in business climate. Does it make sense to do that, no, not if our state becomes crime ridden and only 63% of our high school seniors graduate like Texas.

Ric

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 8:10 p.m.

This simply confirms the need for a concealed pistol permit. Your safety is up to only you.

Justice4all

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 6:06 p.m.

Just the other day I was on Washtenaw and an MSP car goes flying by me. I get home to later find out the bank on Washtenaw had been robbed. I don't know about you, but the more officers in the area the better. One more thing for all of you Ypsi city/Township joint department folks out there. Great idea to collaborate, but all collaborations are not good. If I'm not mistaken Ypsilanti township is one of the cheapest in the county for police while the City is one of the most expensive. I will point back to the story that helped me see the differences. <a href="http://www.annarbor.com/news/washtenaw-county-sheriff-jerry-clayton-weighs-in-on-ypsilanti-ypsilanti-township-joint-police-depart/index.php">http://www.annarbor.com/news/washtenaw-county-sheriff-jerry-clayton-weighs-in-on-ypsilanti-ypsilanti-township-joint-police-depart/index.php</a>

Mike

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 8:16 p.m.

They also go flying by when they're in a hurry, I know a few troopers. The bank was robbed before he got there.

Tru2Blu76

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 6:03 p.m.

Lets just hope the officials responsible for this reduction of posts have covered every consideration. This is going to be either &quot;Innovative!&quot; or &quot;We've Screwed Up Again!&quot; As for service levels, it appears they've at least come up with a &quot;theoretical&quot; success. I will only say that having State Police Officers based in their homes violates the long-standing recognition of the problems which come with &quot;knowing where they live.&quot; My high respect for the Michigan State Police makes me hope that MSP continues operating at the highest standards - which Michigan residents have long benefitted from.

debling

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 5:25 p.m.

Now is the time to evaluate whether we need so many state police officers in the first place. Their primary function seems to be to enforce traffic violations on the interstate. Why not just install traffic cameras and send you a bill if you are over the limit? Works in Europe. Then the police officers on duty can focus their energies on fighting crime. Seems to be a lot more important and a much more interesting job for an officer than writing speeding tickets.

Mike

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 8:15 p.m.

That's the worst idea I ever heard unless you're an insuarnce agent or a community in need of extra revenue. In case you haven't noticed people are demanding less government and lower costs not higher. Why not install a camera in your house to see if you're using the right light bulbs or using water when there are restirctions? Or at your desk to make sure you're always working?

friend12

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 4:58 p.m.

Cuts that make sense when it comes to police. This is a first.

blahblahblah

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 3:36 p.m.

Advances in technology have changed every industry and service provider across the world. Large centralized organizations are becoming decentralized. Telecommuting and internet commerce is rendering costly real esate based business models obsolete (ie: Borders, etc.). Telecommuting police officers makes absolute sense. Less time in the office and more on the road. Parked police cars at their homes every night, reminding the neighbors who lives there. GPS techology and electronic police reports providing feedback to central command. Too bad the city of Ann Arbor went the opposite route and choose higher real estate costs (new police and courts building) instead.

Peter Jameson

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 3:30 p.m.

I say that we riot! That would probably solve our problems, right?

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 7:54 p.m.

Makes almost as much sense as the belief that cutting taxes is the solution to every problem. Good Night and Good Luck

Major

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 2:42 p.m.

This will give more meaning to the phrase &quot;When Seconds Count, The Police Are Only Minutes Away&quot;...several minutes away! The State Troops will be there when you call, no matter what, this is a very professional and organized force, I'm not worried in the least!

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 3:07 p.m.

Yes, an MSP post right next door throughout the NLP and UP. <a href="http://www.michigan.gov/documents/msp/New-Districts-Posts-Detachments_348571_7.pdf" rel='nofollow'>http://www.michigan.gov/documents/msp/New-Districts-Posts-Detachments_348571_7.pdf</a> Good Night and Good Luck

Fat Bill

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 2:38 p.m.

Having lived in the rural west for years before moving to this area, I can tell you that its not really where the post is that counts, provided that supervisors keep the troopers out on the road as much as possible. It was not uncommon for Sheriff's deputies in my county to patrol 50 to 80 miles from the county seat. If specific troopers are allowed to take a car home to various fringe areas, response time could actually decrease. The biggest loss is the amount of time spent driving out to one's &quot;beat&quot;

lumberg48108

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 1:56 p.m.

what part did the commenters miss? &quot;move that will not result in layoffs&quot; since its doors are not being shuttered, the public will not know the difference that the Ypsi post is not staffed this is a cosmetic change

Cash

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 1:34 p.m.

Augusta Township, Bemis Road being the northern border....doesn't have a contract with WCSD and uses Michigan State Police for their township police force. The nearest post will now be 35 miles away or so. Doesn't bode well for those folks.

Tammy Mayrend

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 1:24 p.m.

This might explain why Ypsi is putting together &quot;Citizen Watch&quot; meetings that have little to do with citizen watch patrols and more to do with &quot;here's what's going on in your neighborhood...&quot; It makes me want to move out FASTER. Too bad I can't unless I can just dump my property, which I won't be doing. this is going to spell disaster if we have to wait for someone from BRIGHTON 30+ minutes away to get here! It's going to increase our homeowners insurance premiums too I would think... Wonder which politician supported THIS move?

lumberg48108

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 2 p.m.

State police have a different madate than community patrols which is the focus of LOCAL law enforcement ... l besides, the state police would NOT be responding from Brighton - they would patroling their sector earn your facts before you spout off about something

Terri

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 1:38 p.m.

This isn't the Ypsi Police Department. I've had to call in the forces for various things plenty of times, and state troopers have NEVER been the ones who've taken the call. Why would this increase insurance premiums?

Wolf's Bane

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 1:17 p.m.

... And criminals the World over celebrated as Southeastern Michigan slid down into Dante's inferno. Time to lock and load, peoples.

Craig Lounsbury

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 1:07 p.m.

&quot;The Michigan State Police will close 21 posts... in a cost-cutting move that will not result in layoffs.&quot; &quot;a statement from state police Director Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue said the plan will not result in reduced service.... The MSP is confident that service levels will either be unchanged or enhanced given the increased flexibility in deployment and scheduling provided by this regional policing plan,&quot; Etue's statement said&quot; I'm willing to take that statement at face value. I know some will say she is just spouting the party line and that may be true. On the other hand its not a stretch to assume that if the number of car seats and bodies stays the same while the number of desks gets smaller the number of bodies in the car seats will remain constant or even go up.

Mike

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 8:10 p.m.

Can't sit at a desk if you don't have one. Better keep your radar detectors tuned up; I smell a revenue/spped trap increase coming. Wish I could get a radar gun and collect lots of revenue from all of you.

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 1:28 p.m.

CL: It seems likely that in densely populated portions of the state that this is a true statement. Whether there is a post in Brighton or in Ypsi seems unlikely to matter much. But as one who spent much of his youth in Northern Lower Michigan and whose mother lives in the UP now, I cannot help but see all of the MSP posts in those regions that are closing and conclude that there will be substantially less coverage there because of those cuts. Good Night and Good Luck

Steve the Wookiee

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 1:01 p.m.

I think the impact on the community will not be felt as much in reduced neighborhood patrols, as many have pointed out, but in fewer officers frequenting local businesses.

grye

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 12:58 p.m.

I would believe the area will still have troopers patroling the Ypsilanti area. They will now be based out of Brighton. Consolidating the facilities will reduce the expense of the building and other activities here. As long as the troopers are on the road in this area, this is a smart fiscal move.

Mike

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 8:08 p.m.

You've got it!!

Atticus F.

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 12:57 p.m.

Maybe they can spend less time chasing down drunks and harrasing low level marijuana users.

Awakened

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 8:13 p.m.

According to the National Institute for Health 29% of male drivers involved in fatal crashes are drunk as opposed to 15% of female drivers involved in fatal crashes.

Atticus F.

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 1:48 p.m.

I have no statistics reguarding DUI arrest as it relates to a persons sex...Only facts about how drunks are portrayed in an attempt to garner anger, create a need for more law enforcement dollars, and support the industrial prison system. The truth is that the risk of being killed by a drunk driver is pretty low, and in my oppinion, does not warrant the harsh penalties that people are recieving.

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 1:38 p.m.

So an ad = reality? Show me statistics that there is a statistically significant anomaly between the sexes regarding DD suspects vs. arrests vs. convictions vs. sentences, and then you'll have a point. Otherwise, how the program is &quot;sold&quot; is beside the point. In the meantime, I don't need the ads to convince me that drunk driving kills and that drunk drivers are, likely, the greatest threat to my personal safety I encounter on a near daily basis. Text Messaging? I agree. Circulate a petition to ban it white driving and I will sign it. Probably the second greatest threat I face to my physical well-being on a daily basis. But I doubt that is what you want. Instead, it is simply a debating point. And don't dismiss this as a moral issue, as if those of us who want DDs prosecuted to the full extent of the law are the new prohibitionists. Nothing could be further from the truth. I enjoy a good Scotch and a good beer as much as the next person. I just don't drive when I've been drinking, and no one else should, either. Good Night and Good Luck

Atticus F.

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 1:24 p.m.

Not any more than people who text, Edward. It's more about enforcing a moral code, as with the smoking ban. Also, have you ever seen a woman being arrested in a drunk driving enforcement comercial?...The reason you never have and never will, is because once you see a woman being led away in handcuffs, you are less likely to be in support of strict DUI laws. It's much easier to take pleasure in seeing a man arrested, and having his life ruined than to see it happen to a woman.

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 1:07 p.m.

Yes, because drunk drivers endanger only themselves. Good Night and Good Luck

Thomas Jones

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 12:18 p.m.

In a life and death situation when seconds count, the police are minutes away…... If you a lucky. This WILL be a reduction in service and response times. That is why I have a CPL. If you don't know what a CPL is look it up! <a href="http://www.michigan.gov" rel='nofollow'>www.michigan.gov</a>

thirdcity

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 12:07 p.m.

As a township resident, the State post doesn't really impact us unless you're being ticketed on the freeway. Sadly, (although it's a great idea) it's unlikely the post would be used locally either in the present economy. Too many administrations look first to police and fire departments in reducing their budget while those, and education should be spared at any cost.

thirdcity

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 12:08 p.m.

Sorry rs, I think I echoed some of your thoughts there-

rs

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 11:19 a.m.

As somebody that lives in the Ypsi Twp/Pittsfield Twp area, I can tell you the MSP doesn't have a large presence in the area outside of writing speeding tickets on 14, 23 and 94. All of the patrols in my neighborhood are done by the sheriff's office. I don't think this will result in an increase of crime outside of a few more speeders getting away with doing 10 over on the local expressways.

Cash

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 1:31 p.m.

Michigan State Police are in fact the ONLY police force in Augusta Township....about 4 miles from the Ypsi post to Bemis Rd, the township border.

sbbuilder

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 11:10 a.m.

The MSP has been chronically underfunded for years. Witness the graduating class a couple of years ago from the academy that was hired, not by Michigan, but by other surrounding states because there was no money to hire them. The number of State Troopers has been in decline for years. So don't lay this one at the feet of Mr Snyder. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michigan_State_Police" rel='nofollow'>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michigan_State_Police</a> They used to have over 1800 troopers in 2005, and in 2009 that number was reduced to just over 1000. That was done under the auspices of the Granholm administration. Someone once wrote on AA.com: facts, people, facts.

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 8:10 p.m.

BTW, My above comment is regarding your Wikipedia link. Regarding the three in your follow-up post: The first reports that the SP budget cuts began in 2001 when . . . wait for it . . . Engler was governor. Indeed, they began two years before he left office. The second is a letter to the editor about the proposed layoff of 100 troopers and the leasing of the MSP HQ. Presuming 1) that that is what was proposed (I mean, who can imagine a letter to the editor being factually incorrect), and 2) that it really happened, how does the leasing of the MSP HQ and the laying off of 100 officers compare to the shutting down of 21 MSP posts and severe reductions at 11 more? And the third link refers to the same *proposed* cuts as referenced in the letter to the editor. So, did you think posting two links that referenced the same cuts might make it look like Governor Granholm cut more than she did? Good Night and Good Luck

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 2:58 p.m.

&quot;Fact: Budget cuts began long ago&quot; FACT: This article is not about PAST budget cuts. It is about budget cuts proposed by the CURRENT governor. FACT: This is not about PAST cuts in services. This is about cuts in services proposed by the CURRENT governor's appointee to head the MSP. Why is it that you seem not to understand (or choose to ignore) that the subject of this article are the cuts required by THIS governor's budget, and that those cuts seem likely to leave large swaths of Michigan with little or no MSP coverage? Show me that the past governor shut 21 posts and all but closed 11 more and you'll be able to accuse me of hypocrisy for not complaining about that. But, even in that case (let me save you some time--it didn't happen) it does not change the fact that this is what THIS governor proposes to be done. BTW: do you ever read the web links you post? Your link says that per the 2005 budget MSP strength was being reduced from 1900 officers to 1000 by 2007. It also lists the 2009 strength at 1700 officers. $1.5 billion for business buddies. Steep cuts for public safety. We know HIS priorities. Good Night and Good Luck

sbbuilder

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 2 p.m.

Fact: Budget cuts began long ago: <a href="http://www.mlive.com/news/index.ssf/2010/12/michigan_links_state_police_fa.html" rel='nofollow'>http://www.mlive.com/news/index.ssf/2010/12/michigan_links_state_police_fa.html</a> Fact: Former governor Granholm butchered the department for years: <a href="http://www.mlive.com/opinion/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2009/09/budget_cuts_should_not_include.html" rel='nofollow'>http://www.mlive.com/opinion/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2009/09/budget_cuts_should_not_include.html</a> <a href="http://michiganmessenger.com/18387/michigan-state-police-union-looking-at-ways-to-soften-blow-of-governors-budget-cuts" rel='nofollow'>http://michiganmessenger.com/18387/michigan-state-police-union-looking-at-ways-to-soften-blow-of-governors-budget-cuts</a> The latter article is most illuminating.

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 1:25 p.m.

&quot;Fact: Most of the time the police are only there to write a report after a crime has been committed.&quot; Response: You need to look up the definition of &quot;deterrence&quot; &quot;Fact: the police are minute away when seconds count.&quot; Response: Not in rural areas of the state, certainly not in vast area of the NLP and the UP. And this budget will make matters even worse. &quot;Fact: A lot of us are capable of taking care of ourselves and don't need the police.&quot; Reponse: Not according to my property insurance company, as my rates have gone up steadily over the past couple of years as Michigan cuts funds to public safety. And I'm certain your CPL will take care of all of your problems should your house catch fire or should someone in your house suffer a medical emergency. Funds to those agencies are being cut, too. Good luck getting CPR from your CPL. Should be easy. The only difference between the two is one letter. Good Night and Good Luck

cinnabar7071

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 1:11 p.m.

Fact: A lot of us are capable of taking care of ourselves and don't need the police. Fact: the police are minute away when seconds count. Fact: Most of the time the police are only there to write a report after a crime has been committed. If you don't have a CPL I suggest you get one and learn to defend yourself.

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 1:06 p.m.

FACT: The governor has proposed a $1`.5 billion tax break to his business buddies FACT: He has proposed filling that hole by cutting spending on K-12 education, on higher education, and on public safety. ONE PERSON'S OPINION: People will not flock to a state whose education system is not properly funded and that does not have enough public safety personnel to protects its citizens and their property. We can not WalMart our way out of this. Businesses that want to grow invest in that growth. Good Night and Good Luck

Awakened

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 12:49 p.m.

Fact: Michigan has lost 20% of its jobs over the last 10 years. Fact: Michigan's unemployment rate is still over 10% (11.9% in January w/o seasonal adjustments) Michgan's rate has dropped from 15% without creating new jobs. Meaning people are retiring, leaving, or giving up. Fact: Michigan property values have dropped 15% since 2008. Estimate: Michigan has lost 25-30% of its available capitol from the tax base. (Wall Street Journal) Prediction: The State will have to cut an equal amount from the budget. (Unless we sudddenly have huge new investment from new industry.) It won't matter who is in charge.

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 11:40 a.m.

FACT: The Snyder budget is cutting cutting $20.7 million from the MSP budget. FACT: That budget cut is resulting in the closure of 21 MSP posts and reduced services at 12 more, leaving whole areas of the northern Lower Peninsula and the Upper Peninsula without reasonable access to the MSP. FACT: The Snyder budget is responsible for the above. QUESTION: Did you read the article? Good Night and Good Luck

Alan Goldsmith

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 10:53 a.m.

I guess Rick Squeaky Snyder cares more about his rich million business owner buddies than about public safety. Surprise. Why no outcry from Ann Arbor's Democratic Mayor, or County Commissioner Conan Smith?

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Sat, Mar 26, 2011 : 2:28 a.m.

&quot;There is no outcry because our safety services have been over funded for years. It's time for a reality check my dear friend.&quot; Your evidence that public safety has been over funded? Good Night and Good Luck

Peter Jameson

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 3:21 p.m.

There is no outcry because our safety services have been over funded for years. It's time for a reality check my dear friend.

dading dont delete me bro

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 10:44 a.m.

glimmertwin beat me to it. i was going to say that this might be a great location for a ypd/ypsi township municipal headquarters. there's room to build a complex like pittsfield township has... not to mention, it's close to the yt offices too.

glimmertwin

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 9:44 a.m.

When is the last time you saw a trooper fighting crime in Ypsilanti or actually requiring the post hear? If the township ever gets a round to having their own force, this site could work. I agree with earlier posts that troopers can be deployed from their residences.

obviouscomment

Sat, Mar 26, 2011 : 2:25 a.m.

i've also seen state troopers speeding on whittaker/huron...i've only seen them respond to blatant speeding/reckless driving in the area...once when i had a small fender-bender on huron at the highway i waited for over an hour for the sheriff to respond while the other driver and i watched multiple state troopers pass us without checking on us...their real focus is on the highway there, i've rarely seen them respond to anything off the highway

dading dont delete me bro

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 10:42 a.m.

i've often seen msp stopping cars on whittaker rd. even southbound towards augusta twp.

Aces Full

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 5:45 a.m.

This is absolutely the last thing we need. The Ypsilanti / Ypsilanti Township area is without question the worst area in the county as far as crime is concerned. The last thing we need to be doing is closing police stations or &quot;getting by&quot; with even fewer officers on the road...

RJA

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 4:08 a.m.

How can this plan not result in reduced service?? I'm hoping that those that may be able to work from home, live in the local area, better yet in my township.

Joe Hood

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 3:56 a.m.

We did a tour of the Ypsi post and most of those guys were out on the road. In the day and age of working from telecommuting, doesn't seem like much of a reason to go into the office if your main office is on the road. This might be a good call.

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 3:35 a.m.

One small step for the Snyder budget. One giant leap toward third world status. Good Night and Good Luck

Mike

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 8:02 p.m.

Being bankrupt would insure third world status. Have you ever seen a rich third world country. This is a good financial move and they aren't losing any troopers.

5c0++ H4d13y

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 5:26 p.m.

Denial anti just a state called Michigan eh? <a href="http://www.fox28.com/Global/story.asp?S=13724656" rel='nofollow'>http://www.fox28.com/Global/story.asp?S=13724656</a>

Edward R Murrow's Ghost

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 3:54 p.m.

Evidence of what? That we are approaching 3d world status? Cuts in education. Cuts in public safety. Cuts in spending on infrastructure Cuts in regulatory apparatus Cuts in environmental protections Cuts in rights of workers Cuts in workplace safety. And if it all works, we'll start making Nike shoes in Michigan rather than in Vietnam. Sounds like Third World to me. Good Night and Good Luck

Peter Jameson

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 3:19 p.m.

Where is your evidence sir?

HADES

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 2:53 a.m.

Wow, that sucks! I was just at the MSP post in Ypsi. Hopefully, they will reopen these posts when our States budget gets under control.

Awakened

Fri, Mar 25, 2011 : 12:38 p.m.

Michigan lost 20% of its jobs over the last 10 years. When the budget is under control it will have to have been reduced by at least that number. Likely, there will never be a return of services that are being cut.