It is inevitable that all things will change in time.

Some people will always fight change, fearing something they cannot comprehend or predict. Man has many fears, and the most powerful is the fear of the unknown. Our best hope is that as things change they progress, not regress to a previous state.
Some people hope for change: others demand it.

The race for state representative of the 51st District (which includes Goodrich, Atlas Twp., Grand Blanc and Grand Blanc Twp.) became even more competitive this week after a fifth candidate announced his bid for the seat held by Rep. Dave Robertson (R-Grand Blanc Twp.), who can’t run again because of term limits.

All of the candidates — at least those who have spoken up — say they want to change the state’s battered economy and beleaguered image.

They say they want to cut taxes, because people shouldn’t be charged more money for their government to function in a weakening economy (some people use the word “recession” — others fear to tread that path).

They say cutting taxes for businesses is the key to attracting business to Michigan, thus creating more jobs. Maybe it is. But I’ve never seen the trickle-down promise materialize in a struggling economy. Will business leaders really re-invest those funds and expand, or use that money to shore up what they already have, paying off debts and saving that money to get through the lean times?

Besides, can the state really afford to lose any source of income? Michigan spends more on prisons than education. With less revenue, what will be cut first?

They say many things, all very sincerely. One thing politicians and political hopefuls know is to be very sincere. And that’s when the people must demand that the mudslinging (which is already creeping into this race), political rhetoric and posturing stop. Don’t let them tell you “This is the problem and I’ll fix it.” Demand that they offer viable solutions.

I have always advocated in this space that people get involved in their local, state and national governments and their school districts, making sure their elected representatives know what the people expect of them. That has not changed.

Attend meetings, call their offices or stand outside their offices with two cans tied to a string if that’s what it takes to get your point across. It takes an involved community to facilitate change and progress. Don’t let your silence allow things to remain stagnant.

Along the winding road

We each have a path to tread — if I’m lucky, knowing how step leads to step, mine may lead back ‘round this way again. It’s been my privilege to know this community.

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