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 The Election Outcome’s Impact on Michigan Tourism
By Rep. Gerald Van Woerkom
With election time just around the corner I want to provide a quick overview of what is at stake this November. As you are aware, the state is about to go through an unprecedented overhaul at both the executive and legislative branches.
The race with the highest profile is the Governor’s race between Lieutenant Governor Dick Posthumus and Attorney General Jennifer Granholm. This is a close race but one of the topics that has been largely overlooked is the impact of either person’s victory on the state’s tourism industry. Tourism is the second largest industry in the state, and both candidates should provide greater input as to their plans on ensuring Michigan remains a top destination point for travelers.
Perhaps the most important decision they will make is determining the future of Travel Michigan. George Zimmerman has done a great job in a short time and he should be given the opportunity to continue the work he is doing. However, the candidates might have other persons in mind to take his place. The next Governor will also make budget recommendations for Travel Michigan. I encourage everyone impacted by the tourism industry to contact the gubernatorial candidates to question them on their plans for Travel Michigan.
Due to term limits, many changes will also occur in the legislature. Twenty-seven of the current Senators will be forced out with term limits. The House of Representatives will see a large turnover, as many current members of the House are running for the Senate. Factored in with term limits, the House could see as many as fifty new legislators. How does this impact the tourism industry? First of all, many of the new members of the legislature will need to be educated on the importance of the industry to the economic health of the state. New committees will be created and committee chairs will be elected. The tourism industry needs leaders in the legislature to make sure both the House and Senate have a committee devoted fully to tourism related issues.
The biggest issue facing our state next year is the declining revenue in the budget. I expect a big fight over what programs will be cut. Tourism and Travel Michigan may be one of the targets. It is important for local tourism leaders to contact their state House and Senate candidates to determine which persons are committed to protecting tourism funding. One way to learn more about your local candidate’s views on tourism is to check out the West Michigan Tourism Association web site. They have posted the answers to a candidate survey they sent to west Michigan candidates. To view these results log on to www.wmta.org. The answers are listed under Travel Tips & News, Candidates Respond to Tourism Issues.
On a final note, I hope that everybody remembers to vote this year. Whether you are a Republican, Democrat or independent this is a very important year to get involved. Your vote can make a difference.
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