MACKINAC 2007: Big Five debate how region can compete

Source: Crain's Detroit Business
By: Amy Lane
Published: June 01, 2007 5:18PM

MACKINAC ISLAND — The traditional Big Five session at the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Mackinac Policy Conference generated few sparks but covered issues shared by leaders of the Detroit region, including collaboration, workforce development and transportation.

The topics included:

* The One D collaborative effort and regionalism. Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, Macomb County Commission Chairman William Crouchman, Wayne County Exeutive Robert Ficano and Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick expressed support, and Windsor Mayor Eddie Francis said he applauds the effort. “You’ve achieved something that is remarkable, and that is bringing everybody together to speak with one voice for the region.”
“Investors abroad look at us as one region. When I’m out there promoting, I’m promoting the Detroit-Windsor area.”

Said Ficano: “It’s only when we really consolidate our resources as a region, that we’re going to be able to compete.”

*On the state’s moves to shore up its fiscal problems, and the possibility of future revenue-sharing cuts, Kilpatrick said the city has endured past losses in revenue sharing by looking for “creative ways” that include government reforms, cutting expenses and raising fees. Even so, he said, “I think everybody here has sustained their bond rating, while the state has not. I want them to leave me alone; it’s their problem.”

* On the role of the news media in shaping the region’s image, Kilpatrick said electronic media focuses on crime in Detroit and then “balloon day” in St. Clair Shores. He also criticized media decisions that dispatched reporters to follow his every move while Ficano could freely travel to Europe or Asia on trade missions. “It’s tied to that race thing we have to work on in the region,” Kilpatrick said, referring to an earlier conference session.

Ficano said the image shaped by news media affects young adults’ decisions on whether to live and work in the region.

* On preparing future workforces. Crouchman said Macomb County has dipped into its own general fund to replace the elimination of federal funds for retraining auto workers, and while the auto industry continues to be an important part of the county’s structure, “we realize that we’ve got to diversify. It’s absolutely essential.” For example, the county has added many new jobs in medical and service industries, he said.

Patterson highlighted his efforts to identify and attract emerging business sectors. He also said Oakland County school districts are teaching Mandarin, and “I think long term, and we stay with that program and the kids learn the basics of the society, culture…the kids will be in a position to compete.”

While some of the themes discussed during the Big 5 and other conference sessions were repetitive about regional collaboration, workforce development and other issues, some attendees said they felt the idea-sharing was productive.

“You never know what’s really going to work,” said Tom Shields, president of Lansing-based Marketing Resource Group Inc. “Sharing your best ideas is good…non of them (the panelists) are immune to the negative economic forces that have taken place in the state.”

* On the state budget. Patterson and Kilpatrick agreed that radical changes to state employee benefit packages needed to happen. And Kilpatrick even suggested health savings accounts rather than conventional medical coverage for state employees.

Jennette Smith contributed to this story.