Emily Fox and Jack Lessenberry sat down to discuss what's going on this week in Michigan politics. They covered the high price of water in Flint and Detroit, GM’s decision to move its Cadillac headquarters to New York, and the debates for Michigan governor and the U.S. Senate race.
Water prices
Detroit residents pay around $70 per month for water service. The average rate in Flint is closer to $140 per month. Both rates are far above the national average.
Lessenberry said aging systems and frequent water main breaks in both cities may be to blame for some of the cost.
Flint used to get its water from Detroit, but back in April, Flint started getting its water from the Flint River.
While Detroit’s water issues are being addressed in bankruptcy court, the City of Flint has yet to take any action.
Cadillac leaving Detroit
General Motors yesterday announced plans to move its Cadillac headquarters from Detroit to New York.
Lessenberry said the move is GM’s attempt to broaden its market appeal and give the brand a more “sexy” image.
“Cadillac is perceived by a lot of people as a stodgy luxury car for old men wearing little Swiss hats,” he said.
Debates
After much uncertainty, Michigan gubernatorial candidates Rick Snyder and Mark Schauer have announced plans for a public debate on October 12.
Now, U.S. Senate candidate Terri Lynn Land is saying she might be open to a debate with opponent Gary Peters. Lessenberry said this could be a last-ditch effort from Land, who is behind in the polls.
“There’s something called the ‘expectations game’ where if the media and everybody else expects her to fall flat on her face, and she gives an adequate performance, she may be judged to have won,” he said.
- Rebecca Kruth, Michigan Radio Newsroom
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