By Grace Shore

Macomb County Chamber CEO

It’s no surprise but it still needs to be said – public policy dialogue is important!  The average person doesn’t get many opportunities to hear our legislators debate an issue openly.  The Macomb County Chamber provided that opportunity at our recent Political Hot Topics event.  This is a twice-yearly forum for Macomb County elected officials to discuss prominent issues and is attended by residents and business people.

Those in attendance at the latest Hot Topics included: Senator Bieda and Senator Pavlov and Representatives Lucido, Lane, Yanez, Goike, Forlini and Chirkun.   State School Board member Cassandra Ulbrich and County Treasurer Derek Miller were also there.  Local municipalities that sent representation were Clinton Township, Harrison Township, Warren, Fraser, Mount Clemens, New Baltimore, Washington Township and Sterling Heights.   We were very fortunate to have Nancy Nall Derringer, staff writer for Bridge Magazine, facilitate the forum.

You can imagine the lively discussion on the state’s infrastructure, especially as it relates to the Flint water crisis.  Some quickly pointed out that the State’s infrastructure – statewide – is a concern, not only Flint’s problem.  Other issues discussed were Detroit Public Schools and school funding in general, as well as PA 269, which limits schools and government from using public funds to promote millage campaigns 60 days before the actual vote.

Many in attendance at this and past Hot Topics thanked us for holding these events.  The consensus was that this was a real opportunity to hear honest debate and a variety of viewpoints.  It is also an opportunity for our elected officials to hear directly from the business community.  This particular Political Hot Topics event was sponsored by Ford Motor Company and Comcast Business.

All businesses have to conduct their business in an environment that is overseen and regulated by the State and the Federal governments.  Continuing to present and discuss relevant issues important to the business community continues to be a niche for the Macomb County Chamber.

Join us this fall for the next Political Hot Topics. With the 2016 election in November, it promises to be a rollicking good time!