Snyder Continues to Build Administration
Governor-elect Rick Snyder continues to name new members to his administration. Yesterday, Snyder announced that current deputy director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture Keith Creagh will take over that department as director. The department will, under the Snyder Administration, be known as the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. And, The Detroit News reports that Snyder is poised to name Bill McBride as the head of the Michigan office in Washington D.C. McBride is currently chief of staff to retiring Republican Michigan Congressman Vern Ehlers of Grand Rapids.
Separating the DNRE
Governor-elect Snyder also announced yesterday that he will separate the Department of Natural Resources and Environment into two different departments: The Department of Environmental Quality and The Department of Natural Resources. Governor Granholm merged the two state departments in January in hopes of streamlining government and saving money. Previously, in the 1990’s, former Governor John Engler had split up the two departments.
DSO Cancels More Concerts
The Detroit Symphony Orchestra has canceled concerts at Orchestra Hall through December 11th as the symphony’s musicians continue to strike. The musicians have been on strike since October 4thbecause they have not been able to agree on a new contract with DSO management. The striking musicians will perform a series of holiday concerts at churches and schools in metro Detroit beginning on Friday.
New Auto Jobs
General Motors and Chrysler both announced that they’ll be hiring new workers in Michigan. Yesterday, GM announced it will hire some 1,000 to work on developing batteries for hybrid, electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Most of the jobs will be based at a technical center in Warren, MI. Meanwhile, Chrysler also announced yesterday it plans to add 1,000 jobs. Most workers will be employed at the company’s headquarters in Auburn Hills, MI.
