Blog created by profs aims to educate about election

Michigan’s next governor could be able to “hit the ground running” in tackling the state’s issues with the assistance of the new blog developed in part by MSU professors.

Called Michigan’s Next Governor Project, (michigansnextgovernor.wordpress.com), the blog is meant to get Michigan’s next governor up to speed on the state’s most important issues.

“We’ve got many serious problems this state is facing and we don’t have time for someone to have to be on a learning curve,” said Richard Cole, one of the blog’s creators and a professor in the Department of Advertising, Public Relations and Retailing.

The blog provides a framework of more than 200 questions for candidates to answer, Cole said.

After the creators realized its value, the concept evolved into a public forum for citizens to address their own concerns for Michigan.

The questions were created by a nonpartisan team of about 10 people with about 400 years of combined experience with Michigan’s government, Cole said.

Topics addressed range from education to health care to the economy, and the public has the chance to submit commentary, and additional questions.

Among the questions are “What are your ideas for work force development programs and funding?” and “What are your views on corrections policy and prison funding? Will you close more prisons?”

Cole said the blog’s goal is to provide the next governor with the background they need to begin working toward a stronger Michigan.

It is likely every candidate will have read and studied the framework by next year’s election, he said.

Candidate and Attorney General Mike Cox has viewed the site and appreciates the issues being raised, said Robbie Rankey, a spokesman for Cox’s campaign.

“This is another way, another form for people to get their thoughts down, and that’s important,” he said. “These are ways to get the ball rolling.”

Since its Monday unveiling, the site has been visited by at least 3,082 people, said Jaimee Mayfield, a graduate assistant in advertising, public relations and retailing who is monitoring the blog.

The site is a powerful tool in allowing the public to participate in dialogue about the state’s future and in helping Michigan residents understand the way a state is led, she said.

“A lot of people are losing their jobs, a lot of people are going through things, whether physical or emotional, and don’t know why,” Mayfield said. “I really feel like education is critical in understanding the way a governor runs the state.”

If people become aware of the site, the information it presents could become a tool for voters as they choose a candidate, said Bernie Porn, president of EPIC-MRA polling.

“It gets back to what the governor does and what are the big-ticket items,” he said.