"Snyder Invites Bernero to Town Hall" -- Michigan Governor's Race

This is actually pretty funny as the Democrat Candidate Virg Bernero showed up at a Rick Snyder Town Hall with a letter in hand to meet to discuss the debate schedule. The Bernero publicity stunt turned into Snyder inviting him to join the Town Hall. Been around politics a long time and have to admit have never seen anything like this but kudos to Rick Snyder for thinking on his feet and turning this into a positive for him.

In Case You Missed It. . .

"Snyder Invites Bernero To Town Hall" - From MIRS

Sept. 13, 2010

(WESTLAND) -- Democratic gubernatorial nominee Virg BERNERO showed up at the Hawthorne Country Club this evening to crash Republican Rick SNYDER's 59th town hall meeting to personally urge him to meet one-on-one to renegotiate a debate schedule.

Instead, Snyder invited Bernero into his town hall meeting and the two engaged in a congenial, 30-minute debate on Proposal A, seniors and other questions posed by an excited audience of a couple hundred spectators.

Without handlers and on the fly, Snyder gave his 18-minute stump speech, followed by Bernero who talked for about another 10. During the Q&A, neither hogged the microphone. They each took turns. They each complimented each other.

Neither attacked the other. They worked out a two-minute closing statement in about five seconds. By the time the exchange was over, the audience was thrilled, talking amongst themselves about how well behaved the candidates were.

After the debate, Snyder committed to reading Bernero's debate letter, but that was about it.

"The Mayor gave me a letter and I'll read the letter, but now is not the time to get in all of the debate stuff. There's been enough debate on debates for the day," he said.

Asked specifically if he wanted to debate Bernero, he said, "We made that offer -- to do three televised debates."

Bernero said he thinks today's forum shows that he "doesn't bite."

"I hope he sees that this wasn't that painful. It was kind of fun, so let's hope we can do three televised debates so more people can be a part of it," Bernero said. "It was great for the people who were here, but so many people are excluded from the process."

Bernero showed up at the 5:30 p.m. event with a letter in hand that suggested "neutral Michigan television stations" set up the debates or that the two sit down without negotiators, political consultants and attorneys and figure out a debate schedule over coffee.

Here's how the impromptu happened.

As the Bernero fielded questions from the media in the Hawthorne County Club lobby about how he wanted to debate Snyder, the Republican, running mate Brian CALLEY and some consultants in tow, cut through the crowd. The exchange was as followed:

Bernero: I appreciate you coming out. I didn't want to disrupt your meeting . . .

Snyder: No, no, come on in.

Bernero: I want you to do your thing . . .

Snyder: No, you can come in. We can take some turns doing questions.

Bernero: I appreciate it.

Snyder: (walking toward the town hall room): Come on in . . .

Bernero: I'd love to do that. But I wanted to give you this letter. I'm hoping we can agree to some debates. I basically wanted to ask you if we could sit down for 20 minutes or so over coffee . . .

Snyder: Virg, you said any place, any time and you turned me down. So let's go do this.

Bernero: Let's do it.

Bernero sat in the front row and listened to Snyder give 18 minutes of stump speech.

Snyder stressed the need to "reinvent Michigan" by setting measurable outcomes for state government as opposed to using such prestigious events as the State of State as "cheerleading sessions" filled with "happy talk." He said he has the vision and the 10-point plan to fix the broken culture in Michigan.

"We've been beaten down for so many years, we've got our heads down too much, we've become too negative and we've lost that fire to believe in doing extraordinary thing," Snyder said. "The key to our success is to reignite that fire."

Bernero took the microphone and started with, "Well thank you for coming to Rick and Virg for Michigan."

Bernero reiterated that he wanted to rekindle debate talks and presented Snyder one more time with to sit down to coffee with him, to which Snyder said, "I'm happy to have coffee and we can talk about a lot of things."

Bernero held his own against an initially chilly crowd. At one point in his statement, one heckler burst out with a, "We came to see Rick!" But Snyder stood up and said Bernero could have the floor until it was time for the audience to ask questions.

At times, the response for Bernero's applause lines and attempts at jokes resembled crickets at the beginning, but near the end, the crowd of mostly Republicans cracked a laugh and gave him a courtesy clap.

The two did not engage in any attacks. Bernero never mentioned "Gateway" or outsourcing, instead focusing on his accomplishments as Mayor and the need to focus on bringing back advanced manufacturing and "Main Street" as opposed to letting "Wall Street" make it's money overseas at the expense of working men and women.

He said that Michigan has some of the most productive workers in the country and that's something that should be invested in.

"Manufacturing is not passé. It's not antiquated. It's not a thing of thing of the past," he said, adding that Lansing is in the running for a new $200 million GM plant.

The two each had some notable one-liners. In closing up his opening statement, Bernero gave his web address so members of the audience could check out his web page. Then he quipped, "I know you're all going to rush home and check that out."

In giving the closing statements Snyder asked Bernero if he'd like to go first and then said, "You go so fast, you could probably do three times as much as I can."

Rick Snyder: We Are One Step Closer To Reinventing Michigan

Dear supporters,

Yesterday, we sent a clear message to Lansing - it is time to Reinvent Michigan with a common sense approach that only a political outsider can bring. You all made your voices heard and now we begin the next stage of ensuring that we can make Michigan prosperous once again.

Our message is one of inclusion. To create more and better jobs, remove excessive regulations and restore accountability to Lansing will require the support from all Michiganders, regardless of political party affiliation. To win together, we must work together.

My former opponents in the primary election have each decided to join our Reinvent Michigan team. I welcome their support and look forward to working with them to ensure we accomplish our goal.

We still have work to do. Please reach out to your friends, family, co-workers and neighbors. Invite them to join our team. Share this e-mail with everyone and refer them to our campaign website, www.RickforMichigan.com, so that they can learn about our plans for our state.

As the stakes grow, so too must our efforts. I will continue to take the principled stand against accepting contributions or political favors from special interest groups. Our next governor must be focused entirely on the best interests of Michiganders, not deep-pocketed lobbyists. This makes your support especially important. Please consider donating to help our campaign get the message of reinvention out across the state.

I will continue to bring my vision and plan directly to you, the voters, for your approval. We will continue to host our town halls across the state and our message will stay focused on the issues, not on mud-slinging politics as usual.

Thank you for all of your hard work and support. You made last night possible. With your continued efforts, I am confident that we will succeed in our goal to Reinvent Michigan.


Regards,

/s/ Rick Snyder

Rick Snyder for Michigan Governor

Today we want to introduce you to Rick Snyder who is running in the Republican primary on August 3rd for Michigan Governor. Rick is not a politician but a businessman which is what Michigan needs. Rick in his own words:


What sets Rick Snyder apart from other candidates? We believe it is his 10-point plan for Michigan which is needed desperately in a state which has lost so many jobs in the Obama economy. This is why we believe that Rick Snyder is the perfect candidate to lead Michigan into becoming a vibrant state once again.

Read his 10-point plan and see if you don't agree this is the way to right the ship in Michigan. In fact, Rick's plan could be used in most of our states because it is a good common sense approach not more Government control approach which does not work. Substitute the name of your state and see if Rick's 10-Point Plan doesn't work in your State as well. A few states like Texas have already adopted a similar approach which is working.

Rick’s 10-Point Plan to Reinvent Michigan is what Rick believes we need to focus on in order to save our state. Each of these items are important to Rick and his effort to create an era of innovation in Michigan. For each of the ten points, there are detailed reform proposals that you can read at Policy Central.

Throughout this campaign, Rick will continue to build upon his 10-Point Plan by offering additional reforms and solutions for the challenges our state faces. He also wants to hear your ideas, so please visit Michigan Talks and send your feedback to the campaign.

Reinvent Michigan: The Top 10 Plan

1. Create More and Better Jobs
Rick believes that Michigan needs to cultivate a thriving and globally competitive economy with a diverse business base, enabling job growth and prosperity. His entrepreneurial experience, management over the growth of Gateway and leadership in economic development programs, such as Ann Arbor SPARK and the MEDC, make him uniquely qualified and positioned to lead this state in creating more and better jobs.
[Read about Rick, The Job Creator]
[Read details about MEDC Reform]
[Read details about regulatory reform]

2. Reform Michigan's Tax System
Rick believes that we need to reduce the tax burden on families and businesses in Michigan. Rather than advocate for short-term solutions – Rick wants to reform Michigan's tax system so that it facilitates economic growth by being simple, fair, competitive and efficient.
[Read details about eliminating the MBT]

3. Fix Michigan's Broken Government
It's time we reinvent state government so that it runs efficiently and serves its citizens as customers. Rick wants to restore ethics, accountability and transparency to state and local government. Rick believes we need a new approach to governing that is not politically motivated, but solution oriented. Rick wants to replace an antiquated bureaucracy with a government that gives taxpayers results for their tax dollars.
[Read details about Value for Money Budgeting]
[Read Rick's plan to reform ethics in Lansing]
[Read details about government efficiency & transparency]

4. Create An Environment That Will Keep Our Youth – Our Future – In Michigan
Rick believes that we need to create opportunities, networks, programs, and environments across Michigan that will cause our young people to want to stay in this state. His experience as an entrepreneur and mentor has given him an understanding of how Michigan can retain and attract young talent.
[Read details]

5. Restore Cities and Control Urban Sprawl
In order for Michigan to truly reinvent itself, its cities and communities must become more vibrant. Rick will work to improve the state's city centers and create attractive living and working environments for its citizens. Rick believes infrastructure and transportation funding must be prioritized and also supports the establishment of a proper mass transit backbone in the state.
[Read details]

6. Enhance Michigan's National and International Image
Rick believes Michigan can become a global comeback story. He believes the state must encourage and support tourism, create a culture of entrepreneurship, invest in the arts, and protect and improve the quality of life for its citizens.
[Read Details]

7. Protect Michigan's Environment
As a native Michigander, Rick knows that Michigan's awe inspiring lakes, landscapes and natural resources are some of its most valuable assets. Rick has served on the Nature Conservancy and believes that protecting the environment and growing the economy can be done simultaneously. Michigan needs to be a leader in the innovative movement towards alternative and cleaner energy.
[Read Rick's plan to preserve Michigan's environment]
[Read Rick's plan to protect Michigan from invasive species]

8. Reform Michigan's Educational System
Rick believes that a child's progress from pre-kindergarten through college and advanced degrees is the cycle on which the state's efforts should be focused and coordinated. Rick believes that schools, teachers and parents must renew their commitment to ensuring that each child is given the best possible preparation and education for life which is critical for future generations to be competitive and innovative.
[Read details about Rick's plan to reform Michigan's education system]

9. Reform Michigan's Health Care System
Every citizen should have access to affordable and quality healthcare. Rick strongly believes in prevention, wellness and personal responsibility. He wants to move Michigan to a more patient-centered model to achieve large cost savings, promote wellness, and improve overall service quality.
[Read details]

10. Bring "Winning" Back To Michigan
Rick believes that it is time for this state to create a hopeful, positive culture and attitude where personal responsibility and collective determination introduce us to a new era. Rick also believes in the importance of embracing our racial, social and geographic diversity to reach common goals for the state.
[Read Details]

Please visit RickforMichigan.com to read more about Rick Snyder, volunteer your time, or donate whatever you can - $10, $20 or more will help Michigan elect a leader who is interested in growing the state with ideas not Government handouts from the Obama stimulus that sometimes equal $500,000 per job.