A town hall meeting with Lt. Governor John D. Cherry Jr. about streamlining government

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Lt. Governor John D. Cherry Jr. conducted a very informative and provocative town hall meeting on July 16, 2009, at the Spencer M. Partrich Auditorium in the Wayne State University Law School. The purpose of the town hall meeting was to obtain the input of Michigan citizens, and to hear varying perspectives on what services a streamlined government should provide. Lt. Governor Cherry has been reaching out to citizens, state employees, and the legislature for their input. Michigan is going through unique and challenging times and must streamline its government with a focus on the core priorities, the enhancement of services, maximizing technology, and maintaining and attracting the next generation of talent.

In his introduction of streamlining government and the seven core functions of government, Lt. Governor Cherry mentioned that because the people of Michigan value justice, opportunity, and an educated citizenry, the government of the State of Michigan - in partnership with federal and local government - will provide efficient, effective, and sustainable services and systems to ensure a quality of life characterized by the safety, prosperity, and wellness of its citizens and the natural resources of the state.

The "starting point" of the seven functions of government and a brief description as given by Lt. Governor Cherry were:

Safety: The citizens of the State of Michigan expect their daily lives, their residences, and their workplace to be safe; and that they should enjoy the unfettered freedom to come and go within their residences and their communities, and that protection of their personal safety and pursuit of freedom in their private and public lives is paramount; in good times as well as during crisis or disaster.
Education: The citizens of the State of Michigan expect a system of public education that from early childhood to all stages of adulthood serves to provide them the skills and abilities necessary to secure the best jobs in the state and around the globe. Citizens of the state should expect a creative and diverse education that enhances human life, spirit, and physical well-being.
Public Systems: The citizens of the State of Michigan expect state and local government, in partnership with the federal government, to build and maintain a physical infrastructure that provides a public transportation system, water, and waste management systems, the transmission of information, public recreation, and those public facilities necessary to conduct the business of the state.
Well-being: The citizens of the State of Michigan expect they will be free from hunger and have access to medical care and safe shelter.
Sustainability: The State of Michigan should steward Michigan's land, air, ecosystems, and water resources in a sustainable manner.
Economic Opportunity, and Prosperity: The citizens of the State of Michigan expect state government is working to advance the economic opportunity and prosperity of all its residents, communities, and business interests, and is providing evenhanded regulation of consumer affairs, occupations, and commercial activity.
Efficiency and Effectiveness: The citizens of the State of Michigan expect the timely levy of taxes, transparency in decision making and spending, and the effective delivery of services.

The above mentioned seven core functions of government was the "starting point" and "fuel" for the town hall meeting. Some thought that the seven core functions overlapped. Some thought that there should be fewer core functions. Whatever the case, Lt. Governor John Cherry and the Professor of Political Science Dr. Jered B. Carr encouraged input, ideas, and involvement.

Currently, there are 19 departments in the State government, and it's time to streamline. The 19 departments are:

Department of Agriculture
Attorney General
Department of Civil Rights
Department of Civil Service Commission
Department of Community Health
Department of Corrections
Department of Education
Department of Energy, Labor, and Economic Growth
Department of Environmental Quality
Department of History, Arts, and Libraries
Department of Human Services
Department of Information Technology
Department of Management and Budget
Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
Department of Natural Resources
Department of State
Department of State of Police
Department of Transportation
Department of Treasury

This town hall meeting has been traveling throughout Michigan, seeking ideas and input. The next town hall meeting on this matter will be on July 27, 2009 in Royal Oak at the Royal Oak Middle School Auditorium, located at 709 North Washington Avenue.

Get involved! Be heard!

To contact Lt. Governor John D. Cherry Jr., call 517-373-6800

For information pertaining to Lt. Governor John D. Cherry Jr., please visit www.michigan.gov/ltgov