Can Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero Create A Movement For Real Change?

Category: Prime Politics Published on Tuesday, 09 February 2010 12:34 Written by Bankole Thompson, Chronicle Senior Editor

He is taking his campaign to cities hardest hit by the economy.

“We have incredible needs in our cities. We have that in common all of our cities, Detroit, Lansing and Flint. Needs that could be addressed,” Bernero said. “That money (federal stimulus) three-fourths of it never made it out of the state capital. The money went through the governor, it went through the legislature instead of coming directly to mayors.”

He said cities know where the potholes are and where the business incubation is needed.

“We need jobs for our people. This was an incredible opportunity to make some transformational differences in our cities. That wasn’t done,” Bernero said. “We got a few roads paved and that’s wonderful. But how good is a paved road if you don’t have a job to drive to?”

It is evident from Lansing that the business of the people is not getting done and that in an election season politicians are more concerned about reelection than reinstalling the Michigan Promise.

But the Democrats will have to find an answer if they are serious about maintaining the governorship. The bloodletting has just begun with Bernero’s candidacy.

Stay tuned.

Watch senior editor Bankole Thompson’s weekly show, “Center Stage,” on WADL TV 38, Saturdays at 1 p.m. This Saturday’s program, Feb. 13, will feature an in-depth interview with Sharon Lowery of the United Nations about the challenges of reconstruction in Haiti. After that, Republican Paul Welday and Democrat Bertram Marks will square off on the gubernatorial race, the governor’s State of the State Address and other hot button issues. E-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .