Well, the Republicans have Michigan. The political control they gained Tuesday night gives them the luxury to do pretty much whatever they want. Now, voters will watch to see what is done and how that affects day-to-day life.
The most worried folks in mid-Michigan have to be state employees. Gov.-elect Rick Snyder’s camp says there are no specific plans for a pay cut, but he sure hinted at such endeavors during the campaign. And since he wants to cut taxes and since Michigan has a massive budget deficit, it would seem major whacks to the state work force are all but required.
A few other quick thoughts as the caffeine kicks in:
* Turnout apparently was poor and far below official expectations. Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land said 3.8 million would vote. The actual number may be 3.2 million. What will SOS-elect Ruth Johnson do to bolster turnout next time? Will she even want to?
* Dems apparently stayed home. In 2006, GOP’er Dick DeVos won 1.61 million votes in getting his clock cleaned by Jennifer Granholm. Snyder has 1.88 million, with 87 percent of the precincts in. So, Snyder moderately improved the GOP’s take.
Meanwhile, Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero inspired few voters. Granholm won in 2006 with 2.14 million votes. Bernero has about 1.29 million, with 87 percent of the vote in.
* State Rep. Barb Byrum, D-Onondaga, may want to get more “urban” in her outlook. She was trailing in her bid for re-election with almost all of the rural Ingham County precincts in, with her and Jeff Oesterle at just over 10,000 votes each. Then the city of Lansing precincts reported.
Byrum ended up winning 17,814-15,960. She ran up sizable margins in Lansing precincts, even while losing Onondaga Township.
* What will Ingham County commissioners do now that 12 of the 13 out-county townships rejected police protection fees? The GOP picked up a seat, but the board remains 12-4 Democratic and dominated by urban commissioners who have voted to cut sheriff road patrols in the small townships.
* Have Eaton County offiicals poisoned the well for what will be a third vote on EATRAN sometime next y ear? Eaton voters again defeated an expansion plan on Tuesday. But the regular EATRAN millage runs out December 2011. Will Eaton voters be so angry next year that they vote out EATRAN entirely?
* Millage renewals continue to do well this year. Meridian renewed its land preservation millage even while rejecting a Headlee override. The county’s Potter Park renewal sailed to victory, as well.
* One bit of good news for Mayor Bernero: Voters in the Lansing School District approved a millage for buildings and repairs. School quality, real or perceived, remains a major issue in the continued revival of Lansing.
