Appointed University Boards Vs. Elected Boards, The Mingle Project, Reading Books, Reading Books, a DNR for the UP Only, & Major Health Reform
– INFORMED BREVITY –
Appointed University Boards Versus Elected Boards
The three state public universities have boards of trustees appointed by the Governor, just like the all the other public universities in Michigan except for the University of Michigan, Michigan State University and Wayne State University.
How this works is detailed in the Michigan Constitution. UofM, MSU and WSU boards are elected by the people every two years for set terms. The candidates are nominated by at partisan political conventions.
A proposal to change this is sitting in the legislature without any action currently. Former Governor John Engler (R) and former Governor James Blanchard (D) are backing this proposal. The proposal is also backed by current Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D).
This proposal would also call for the Michigan Attorney General and Secretary of State candidates to run in the state primary elections versus being selected in closed partisan political conventions.
All of this would take an amendment to the state’s constitution.
No action yet and amending the constitution is not easy.
The Mingle Project
There is a discussion nationally to find ways to get Americans to be less divided and find ways to have an America where we respect each other’s views. This conversation is about how the internet, streaming and our mobile phones have greatly contributed to a divided America.
The Mingle Project writes that “The fix isn’t grand. It’s small, it’s local and it’s available tomorrow morning. Show up. Join something. Coach the team. Sit on a board. Learn the name of the neighbor whose politics you can’t stand. That’s how a country gets rebuilt—not from that building, but from your block.”
What do you think of this proposal? If not this idea what idea do you have to bring America around to talking to each other and helping each other attain the American dream. Let us know.
Reading Books
A recent study says that “fewer than half of American adults read a book of any kind in 2022.” In 2025 only 16% of Americans are reading for pleasure. This study says we are reading more words but the words are in emails, texts, etc.”
More Veterans Running for Office
The number of veterans running for federal office in 2026 is up 47% from 2024.
A DNR for the Upper Peninsula Only
Upper Peninsula state legislators are proposing a separate Natural Resources Commission for the Upper Peninsula. It would have authority over issues involving Lake Superior and the St. Mary’s River. Lake Michigan and Lake Huron would remain under the jurisdiction of the existing state commission.
Major Health Care Reform
According to the Century Foundation and the Moring Consult poll “two thirds of voters say they want either new public insurance options or a fundamental overhaul of the system.”
We hear from many of our readers throughout the Upper Peninsula about the crisis of availability of healthcare options in their communities. Rural residents often have to travel an hour or more to get to available health care.
Quotes That Make Us Go Hmmm
“Human behavior is inherently complex, causing people to act in ways that contradict their own beliefs and desires,, often reflecting a containment of multitudes.” – Walt Whitman.
“Stupidity has a knack of getting its way.” – Albert Camus.
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You did not say what would change with regard to colleges. Would the three big schools get appointed boards or would the other schools have elections? I hope it would mean they all get elections.
Definitely what we need these days as a little less democracy. A little more control by bigwigs. How about we go in the other direction and have elections for all the colleges, and elections for the tax tribunal while we’re at it.
All would be appointed under the proposal
Would the proposed separate DNR for the UP be funded only by UP sources? Not subsidized by the LP?
Funding would also be my concern. Having a separate agency sounds great until it gets different funding and we get no resources. It also means that we would not get a direct say in management issues that relate to the lower lakes but impact us, such as invasive species control.
University Board positions by appointment. I would say only if there were a significantly unbiased bipartisan independent commission that makes the appointments, with adequate transparency requirements. The elections are not a good way, 95% of voters most likely know nothing about the candidates, and I suspect leave the boxes blank.
Health care reform: 66%+ of the voters also want many other things at the state and federal level, with moneyed interests in control, I doubt we will see any change to our ridiculous system of care availability.
Separate DNR: a whole new level of administration to fund, for 3% of the state’s population? Unlikely.
Some links here would have been nice. What is “The Mingle Project”? Sources for statistics. Etc.
A DNR for the UP should include northern WI and MN. Essentially the same issues.