Detroit like the Detroit Three is poised for a comeback, but without a government bailout Michigan’s Snyder says.
How to keep young people in Detroit was among the key issues addressed by Michigan Governor Rick Snyder during a standing room only appearance at the Center for Automotive Research Management Briefing Seminars at the Grand Traverse Resort. Snyder said the focus needs to be on the region’s outstanding automotive research facilities in helping to retain young minds from going elsewhere to pursue a career.
“Detroit is the place to be,” said Snyder. The governor went on to say that a lot of it (the so-called brain drain) has to do with a “marketing” and “perception” problem. That problem disappears when people actually visit Southeastern Michigan. In addition, Snyder noted there is a looming housing shortage in Detroit due to the young moving in.
Afterwards, Snyder referred to the outcome of the Detroit Mayoral Primary, which saw write-in candidate Mike Duggan capture enough votes to face-off against Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon, as “democracy in action,” and added that it shows how much citizens care about Detroit’s future.
Snyder said he did not plan to endorse a mayoral candidate, but would want the type of relationship his office has with Mayor Dave Bing to continue with Detroit’s next mayor. Detroit recently filed for bankruptcy – the largest municipal bankruptcy in history – and is being managed by Kevyn Orr, the governor’s appointed Emergency Manager.
