COMMENTARY
Building benches
Plans already are in place for a $10,000 renovation of the Ann Street Plaza, at the corner of M.A.C.
COMMENTARY
Blame games
The students charged in connection to the case of Eric Blair, the 18-year-old Bay City resident who drowned in October in the Red Cedar River, have served their purpose - at least, as far as the county prosecutor’s office is concerned. Seeking to make a quick impact on irresponsible drinking, prosecutors used five MSU students as scapegoats, giving the public somebody to point a finger at in connection with Blair’s death.
COMMENTARY
Deep problems
A charge of racism is an accusation that cannot be taken lightly. But steps also should be taken to verify such claims and give the accused a chance to respond. Former Lansing official Genice Rhodes-Reed stood at a public meeting this week to accuse Mayor David Hollister’s administration of subtle racism.
COMMENTARY
No permission
It’s time the Legislature fixes a problem that’s been making neighbors into enemies for years.
COMMENTARY
Unhealthy motive
Tax increases are certainly not unheard of to help balance the budget during tough economic times. But lawmakers always should take an honest approach to the process. As state lawmakers look for ways to resolve budget problems, it appears they are faced with either $150 million in cuts or a 30-cent tax increase on cigarettes.
COMMENTARY
Lousy examples
It’s starting to become a bit of a cliché. Last week, another student government organization met to vote on an important issue, but couldn’t gather enough members to actually hold the meeting. The Council of Graduate Students had planned to approve its budget Wednesday, but the assembly was one member short of quorum - the minimum number of representatives required to be present to vote on issues.
COMMENTARY
Late legislation
This weekend’s Michigan Pride festival and rally in downtown Lansing served as a reminder of state lawmakers’ apparent lack of concern about discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
COMMENTARY
Betting budget
A bill passed by the state Senate that would leave only $33 million remaining in Michigan’s “rainy day” fund is, at best, a quick solution that will keep the budget stabilized while the economy climbs to higher levels. At worst, it could be a disastrous decision that will mean tremendous hardships ahead. The legislation passed 37-0 in the Senate and has been sent to the House.
COMMENTARY
Recruitment plans
MSU officials believe lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgender students are attracted to the university because of its open community and a welcoming atmosphere that allows for diversity in all varieties.
COMMENTARY
Random rules
The tallies in Monday’s East Lansing school district election are in - and voters picked three people to take two open seats on the school board.
COMMENTARY
Expensive addition
Two proposed bills that would charge gas pipeline companies a yearly fee for each mile of pipe in the state go about dealing with safety issues the wrong way. It’s clear lawmakers want to use the fees to ensure pipeline companies put safety first.
COMMENTARY
Board matters
It’s easy for college students to forget the importance of K-12 education - and their roles as citizens in helping to make sure public education survives and thrives. But those students - and the entire MSU community - should be interested in the affairs of local school districts.
COMMENTARY
Costly choices
Motorcycle riders should be allowed to choose whether they want to wear a helmet or not. But they can only get that choice if they are willing to accept all the costs that could come as a result. For years, Michigan motorcycle riders in the state have asked the Legislature to repeal of the state’s helmet law, citing the effectiveness of helmets, the number of other states that do not have mandatory helmet laws, and the number of actual motorcycle-related deaths and their causes.
COMMENTARY
Forked tongues
It may leave us scratching our heads in wonder, but some people choose to take drastic steps to alter their bodies.
COMMENTARY
Missing wheels
It was a shock for many students - perhaps more than 1,000 - to walk outside during the last few weeks planning to ride their bicycles to work, class or home. But there was nothing where they last left their rides. Since mid-May, the MSU Department of Police and Public Safety has impounded - although some might say stolen - about 1,250 unregistered bikes found throughout campus.
COMMENTARY
Suspicious list
A federal judge was right to declare Michigan’s sex offender registry unconstitutional. From its beginning in 1994 and its launch to the Internet in 1999, the registry has failed to make a distinction between sex crime offenders of who pose a continuing danger and those who no longer threaten society. U.S.
COMMENTARY
Getting hungry
With the threat of state food banks losing more than 10 million pounds of food next year because of budget cuts, individual donations from are needed more than ever. The Michigan Department of Agriculture will cut more than 15 percent of funding to the Food Bank Council of Michigan.
COMMENTARY
Number crunches
It may seem jarring to learn that Michigan is in the top 15 states with the highest tax revenues per person and per worker.
COMMENTARY
Opening doors
In a 6-1 vote Tuesday evening, the East Lansing school board decided Spartan Village Elementary School will remain open next year - but it will not be the same school the community has come to identify with. Major changes include reducing the school from a kindergarten through fourth grade program to K-2 curriculum only. Closing the school was one of 72 ideas suggested at earlier budget discussions to help the city make up for a $3.5 million deficit.
COMMENTARY
Problem pipes
Central Michigan may well need an improved infrastructure to deliver gasoline products to the region.