Snyder leads new charge for turnaround

Like many Republicans donning new-found mantles of power this morning, Michigan's next governor Rick Snyder faces the task of converting from angry outsider to an office holder responsible for breaking gridlock and brokering change.

On paper the task will be made easier by virtue of other Republican wins last night that put the GOP in charge of the entire state government.

Snyder struck an ealy conciliatory note in his acceptance speech last night, saying that
"Our culture is broken in this state. We've been beaten up for too many years. We've become too negative. It is time for us to stand up as Michiganders and say here is a vision for the future, here is a plan, here is an attitude of action in a positive, forward-looking inclusive fashion. And by doing that, we will create more and better jobs, we will keep our young people here and will be a great state again."

The victory by Snyder, a venture capitalist and former computer industry executive, was a welcome outcome for many business leaders who have called for an overall climate change in the state. Among them are members of Business Leaders for Michigan, a business roundtable that had backed Snyder's platform as consistent with it's own blueprint, the Michigan Turnaround Plan.

"BLM believes Michigan requires fundamental changes in its fiscal, budget, tax and
economic development policies," a grroup statement said in August. "Mr. Snyder’s track-record in finance, business and economic development along with his willingness to seek practical, collaborative solutions best positions him to turn around Michigan."

The current director of BLM, Doug Rothwell, is said to be among possible key members of Snyder's transition team at this writing. Rothwell was head of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation under Gov. John Engler. Gov. Granholm was on her way to Detroit this morning to meet with Snyder and discuss steps toward making the transition of power as smooth as possible.