2008 Woodie Awards
Economic forum fills Park Library
By: Erich T. Doerr
Issue date: 10/19/07 Section: News
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"Michigan's economy is so important that if we don't know the issues it will continue to struggle, and in turn we will struggle," said Doescher, a senior from Lake Orion.
A standing room-only crowd of nearly 170 people packed Charles V. Park Library Auditorium on Wednesday night to see a forum on the state of Michigan's economy.
The expert panel for the evening consisted of state representatives Jack Hoogendyk, R-Kalamazoo, Rick Jones, R-Grand Ledge and Lawrence Reed, president of free-market think tank the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, a from Midland. It was moderated by Paul Scott, a Grand Blanc Republican running for a state representative seat in 2008.
The forum was sponsored by the Campus Conservatives at Central Michigan, formerly Young Americans for Freedom.
The main topic for the night was Michigan's sluggish economy and the problems arising because of it, such as much of the educated youth leaving the state to find jobs.
"I encourage students to be involved in the political process," Hoogendyk said.
The experts were quizzed on topics ranging from controlling crime to the potential of a new right-to-work law.
Michigan's new tax laws also were discussed.
After the questions from the Campus Conservatives concluded, students in the audience were given their own chance to poll the political figures. Questions asked by students ranged from alternative fuels to the effect of globalization on Michigan. It even included CMU issues, like state funding of universities and Gary Peters' campaign for Congress.
Jones also offered advice he said would prove valuable for every student, no matter if they chose to stay in Michigan or leave.
"Make sure that when you get your degree that part of your degree is in something that is in demand," he said.
Some students in attendance at the event took issue with the number of Republicans at the forum.
"There was a conservative bias," said Andrew Ballard.
The Flushing freshman said he went because of his interest in economics and politics
Despite his concerns over a potential bias, Ballard said he enjoyed the panel.
"I'd definitely come to other events like this," he said. "It is interesting to hear the views of the local representation."
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