ANN ARBOR – At some point or another, every entrepreneur has had to choose between short term performance and long term investment. Maintaining the appropriate balance between the two can be incredibly difficult, but it is also imperative to building a healthy business. Similarly, every community has to make the same choices. Investing in infrastructure- schools, roads, bridges, parks, cultural attractions, etc. is expensive, and especially in times of decreasing tax revenue, can seem like a luxury that’s impossible to afford. But, just like a company that fails to make crucial investments, a community can wake up one day to find that its competitors are providing a better value prop to their customers. We all know what happens next.

For more than two decades, Michigan?s political leaders have favored short term gains over long term results. Some of them have done so out of ideology, others out of financial necessity – it?s no secret that the Great Recession has pummeled our state more than almost anywhere else. Regardless of their motivation, this short term thinking has cannibalized Michigan?s ability to compete in the global economy.

Here?s a quick example: A crucial factor in today?s economy is the availability of human capital. To provide an environment that is pro-business growth, a region must have a workforce with the requisite skills. Now, more than ever, that means a college degree. But, in just the past decade, Michigan has cut its higher education budget by nearly a billion dollars – close to half. Meanwhile, about a quarter (over $2 billion) of the state?s general fund is spent on corrections. Are we investing in our future or putting out fires today?

What we need are more leaders willing to make long term investments in our future. We need to invest in education, infrastructure, economic development, the environment, and the dense, walkable, urban areas that are successful in the 21st century. But, supporting an agenda of consistent, long-term investment in times of short term financial struggles is not easy or politically popular. I created a Political Action Committee named Inspire Michigan as a vehicle to help find leaders who agree with this philosophy and to provide them with some of the resources they need to succeed.

Over the past four years I’ve raised and invested about $25,000 in a wide variety of candidates – Secretary of State, State Reps and Senators, Oakland County Commission, Jackson City Council, Kalamazoo School Board, Washtenaw County Sheriff, etc… Some of these leaders were already involved in politics. Others weren?t sure they were cut out to get involved.

Typically I donate $250-500 and offer up campaign help – advice, campaign plan review, canvassers, etc… Some people I’ve given more money, some less. Some people accept the help. Some people don’t. Overall, it’s been great meeting like-minded people from across the state. And, in just four years, I’ve watched several of them make the decision to enter politics, be successful, and make significant investments in our community.

On June 6th, I?m hosting a dozen of these new leaders from around the state at an event in Ann Arbor. It?s a chance for them to spend some time together as well as get to know potential supporters in Washtenaw County. It?s also a fundraiser for Inspire Michigan (warning: shameless plug) so if you?re interested in meeting an emerging generation of leaders for Michigan focused on making long term investments, it?d be great to see you there- event info.

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