Auchtoon!

Originally published in the Grand Rapids Business Journal, November 26, 2007

1. Like several other states, Michigan has attempted preempt the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary in an effort to become more relevant in determining presidential candidates. Iowa and New Hampshire have, of course, simply moved their events back to remain the first. Politicians, pundits, and party officials have waxed ad nauseam in passionate tones of the importance of all this. Important? Maybe. Stupid and mind-numbingly boring? Certainly.
2. As the longtime home to America’s major automakers, it’s no surprise that Michigan in general (and the Detroit Metro area in particular) has lousy public transportation. Nothing to feel guilty about, really. We hitched our wagon, so to speak, to the automobile world, and it worked really well for several decades. But, hey, if we are going to move forward, we really ought to consider looking outside of Michigan for a public transit model.
3. Peter Secchia is a West Michigan businessman and philanthropist. He has been instrumental the rebirth of downtown Grand Rapids through his money, time, and leadership. Mr. Secchia is also, well, surly. He doesn’t suffer nosy questions lightly, which makes it terrific fun when somebody makes the mistake of asking one.