By Mike Bouchard, Republican candidate for Governor
To bring Michigan to better times, we must act boldly and creatively. Frankly, there are more risks if we continue down the usual path than if we explore new territory.
Let me site one specific example: Our state’s 81 rest areas dot the map across both peninsulas, providing travelers with easy stops during their journey. They are a welcome sight to many people, but maintaining the facilities costs taxpayers $13 million a year.
Instead of spending $60 million or $70 million on upkeep of these state properties over the next five years, let’s convert them into a productive, revenue-generating asset through an innovative public-private partnership.
I propose that we chart a new course and expand our rest areas into privately operated service centers. Doing so can enable us to save tax dollars and generate revenues in the range of $100 million for critical budget purposes while opening the door for creative service options.
Imagine new family friendly plazas with restaurants, fueling options and other convenient services as well as picnic spots, pet areas and scenic views. There could be increased space for state tourism information and Michigan products. The options are many. At least one other state offers a recycling center at each rest stop for the millions of visitors who pass through.
Private companies would competitively bid for contracts to build, operate and maintain service centers in our rest areas, relieving the state of the responsibility and cost. Michigan would receive a share of the revenue at the centers, as other states have done, and would also benefit from the jobs that would be created. A portion of the revenue generated for the state would go to expand training, job opportunities and use of technology to assist people with disabilities.
State and federal law requires that concession stands on state property be operated by a person who is visually impaired. My plan would preserve current programs serving the blind community and would increase funding for programs serving the disability community as a whole. We would work with the leaders of Michigan’s disability community to ensure compliance with all laws and to obtain any necessary federal waivers.
To pull our state out of its slump, we first need to pull together. There is untapped potential in partnerships between the public and private sectors, and Michigan needs to explore more of them. If we can save precious tax dollars while preserving or even enhancing services, we should not hesitate to do so. Together we can make our government more efficient and effective.
To bring Michigan to better times, we must act boldly and creatively. Frankly, there are more risks if we continue down the usual path than if we explore new territory.
Let me site one specific example: Our state’s 81 rest areas dot the map across both peninsulas, providing travelers with easy stops during their journey. They are a welcome sight to many people, but maintaining the facilities costs taxpayers $13 million a year.
Instead of spending $60 million or $70 million on upkeep of these state properties over the next five years, let’s convert them into a productive, revenue-generating asset through an innovative public-private partnership.
I propose that we chart a new course and expand our rest areas into privately operated service centers. Doing so can enable us to save tax dollars and generate revenues in the range of $100 million for critical budget purposes while opening the door for creative service options.
Imagine new family friendly plazas with restaurants, fueling options and other convenient services as well as picnic spots, pet areas and scenic views. There could be increased space for state tourism information and Michigan products. The options are many. At least one other state offers a recycling center at each rest stop for the millions of visitors who pass through.
Private companies would competitively bid for contracts to build, operate and maintain service centers in our rest areas, relieving the state of the responsibility and cost. Michigan would receive a share of the revenue at the centers, as other states have done, and would also benefit from the jobs that would be created. A portion of the revenue generated for the state would go to expand training, job opportunities and use of technology to assist people with disabilities.
State and federal law requires that concession stands on state property be operated by a person who is visually impaired. My plan would preserve current programs serving the blind community and would increase funding for programs serving the disability community as a whole. We would work with the leaders of Michigan’s disability community to ensure compliance with all laws and to obtain any necessary federal waivers.
To pull our state out of its slump, we first need to pull together. There is untapped potential in partnerships between the public and private sectors, and Michigan needs to explore more of them. If we can save precious tax dollars while preserving or even enhancing services, we should not hesitate to do so. Together we can make our government more efficient and effective.
There is a better way.
