Patterson, Powers Offer Perspectives on Snyder's Budget at Chamber Luncheon

Gov. Rick Snyder’s budget has been on the minds of lawmakers across Michigan, and on Thursday, two area leaders shared their sentiments with members of the as they lunched at .

The message shared by Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson and Phil Powers, founder and president for the Center for Michigan, was one of cautious optimism.

Moderated by Mike Bishop, a attorney and former state senator, and with nearly 50 attendees, Patterson and Powers discussed Snyder, funding for public schools and whether privatization can solve the state and county’s budget problems.

and is looking to eliminate the $1.4 billion state deficit which also financing $1.8 billion in tax cuts. On the chopping block is money shared among municipalities, tax breaks for seniors, spending on public schools and universities and several personal tax breaks, including one for pension income.

Despite statewide opposition to Snyder's budget — particularly in the area of school funding — Patterson and Powers both agreed that Snyder’s efforts are bold, if not admirable.

“He has some bold proposals on the table,” Patterson said. “He’s shaking the paradigm, which was why he was elected. Gov. Snyder was elected to make substantial changes and that’s what he’s doing.”

Powers agreed. “Because they’re substantial changes, everyone’s pissed at him," he said. "And that’s a good place to be.”

Powers said while it’s too early to tell whether Snyder’s budget will be a success, it’s good he has a “coherent government philosophy” and enough clout to get something done in Lansing. “It’s plainly a new day.”

These sentiments were similar to . “Cuts are hard because it affects someone, somewhere,” Moss said. “But we’ve forgotten what it’s like to have a dynamic economy (in Michigan)."

'I sense a war brewing'

Among other items up for discussion during the lunch meeting were what to do with the state’s bloated prison system, consolidating government services and what to do with the state’s public schools.

“I sense a war brewing between schools and communities,” said Bishop, speaking of superintendents begging for guidance on how to run their districts in the face of cuts — at least $470 per student — while members of Michigan's teachers unions protest on the steps of the state Capitol.

Powers said there has to be ways school districts can meet Snyder's cuts, whether by consolidating services, cutting pensions or increasing co-pays. “You can consolidate the work and achieve the savings,” he said.

Attending the lunch was Birmingham City Manager Bob Bruner and schools Superintendent David Larson, who said he was wary to agree or disagree with Patterson and Powers.

Patterson said it’s going to be difficult for individual school boards to close ailing schools or merge with neighboring districts; community pride is strong in Michigan, he said. Plus, cuts can only go so far. What Michigan needs, Patterson and Powers agreed, is a plan that will not only save Michigan, but will also make it successful.

“We have ignored a competitive strategy for Michigan to succeed,” Powers said. “Any company can survive by cutting cost. But it can’t thrive.”

The next discussion of Snyder's budget will take place Monday, when Moss, state Sens. Vincent Gregory (D-Southfield) and John Pappageorge (R-Troy), as well as state Reps. Lisa Brown (D-West Bloomfield) and Rudy Hobbs (D-Lathrup Village) will gather at to address school funding and answer questions from Birmingham administrators and parents.