Michigan Governor Rick Snyder (Credit: WJBK | myFOXDetroit.com)
LANSING, Mich. (WJBK) -
Governor Rick Snyder has been working on his proposed bridge for almost 531 days. Unable to find the Republican votes in the legislature to build it, the governor plans to do it without a legislative vote.
"But he is the governor, so if that's what he wants to do, so be it," said Sen. Jack Brandenburg, a Republican from Macomb County. "I think it sends a poor sign to the legislature that, you know, what we feel doesn't count."
The governor will sign what's called an interlocal agreement with Canada to launch the project. Lawmakers cannot veto that even if they wanted to, and one Republican senator wants to.
"We don't need the bridge. It's going to probably destroy an independent business, and it's going to be built in a place where imminent collapse to that bridge can occur," said Sen. Roger Kahn. "The governor, like every other human being, can be wrong from time to time."
The Senate Republican leader concedes the governor has the authority to ignore the legislature, but he is concerned that even though the governor has promised no tax dollars will be used now, what about tax dollars in the future?
"Some of the bridges that have been built in years past, when you get into a point of, hey, we have no money and now we have half a bridge, what do we do, and they come knocking at your door, it's kind of hard to say no then. That's what the concern that I have is," said Sen. Randy Richardville.
Meanwhile, Democrats are generally in favor of the bridge for the jobs it will create, but some still worry about the displaced residents in that area.
"My primary concern right now is whether there are environmental protections for the people who live in Delray. Are they going to be completely wiped out?" said Sen. Coleman Young, Junior.
Before they begin work on the bridge, the owners of the Ambassador Bridge are expected to haul the governor into court to challenge his authority to do this without a legislative vote.
Monday, May 13 2013 7:13 AM EDT2013-05-13 11:13:17 GMT
The undone stuff Gov. Snyder and Lt. Gov. Calley are still struggling to adopt is piling up like the garbage in your neighbor's backyard and it's beginning to stink.
The undone stuff Gov. Snyder and Lt. Gov. Calley are still struggling to adopt is piling up like the garbage in your neighbor's backyard and it's beginning to stink.
Tuesday, May 7 2013 8:21 AM EDT2013-05-07 12:21:59 GMT
Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero has been the subject of this cross-examination for months as his Democratic Party continues its elongated and so far unsuccessful search for a candidate for governor.
Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero has been the subject of this cross-examination for months as his Democratic Party continues its elongated and so far unsuccessful search for a candidate for governor.
Tuesday, April 30 2013 10:02 PM EDT2013-05-01 02:02:40 GMT
The Snyder administration is concerned that Detroit Mayor Dave Bing's support for Emergency Manager Kevin Orr "may go south" as Bing gears up for a possible re-election campaign.
The Snyder administration is concerned that Detroit Mayor Dave Bing's support for Emergency Manager Kevin Orr "may go south" as Bing gears up for a possible re-election campaign.
Sunday, May 19 2013 1:52 PM EDT2013-05-19 17:52:35 GMT
Authorities have identified a 20-year-old man they've arrested in the firebombing of the suburban Detroit home of an heir to the Art Van Furniture business.
Authorities have identified a 20-year-old man they've arrested in the firebombing of the suburban Detroit home of an heir to the Art Van Furniture business.
Let It Rip Weekend: Doggy Insurance, Pit Bull Bans & $15 Minimum Wage
Sunday, May 19 2013 10:33 AM EDT2013-05-19 14:33:58 GMT
This time we're talking about a new requirement in Royal Oak that has some dog owners taking out $1 million insurance policies on their pooches. Plus, Waterford Township is considering repealing their
Should owners of dangerous dogs have to take out $1 million insurance policies? Are pit bull bans a good idea? Plus, should the minimum wage be raised to $15 an hour?
Sunday, May 19 2013 12:01 AM EDT2013-05-19 04:01:16 GMT
It was supposed to be their big night, but prom turned into a big headache for teens from a local high school. Police showed up to crack down on an unauthorized limo service.
It was supposed to be their big night, but prom turned into a big headache for teens from a local high school. Police showed up to crack down on an unauthorized limo service.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:55 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:55:04 GMT
"We intend to build cars in North America for [the] North American market, build cars in Europe for the European market and build them in Asia for the Asian market," said Don Graunstadt.
"We intend to build cars in North America for [the] North American market, build cars in Europe for the European market and build them in Asia for the Asian market," said the CEO of North American Operations for the electric car company.
Friday, May 17 2013 10:19 PM EDT2013-05-18 02:19:58 GMT
It can creep up on you without you realizing it. One day you step on the scale and you're obese. That's what happened to a St. Clair Shores woman who never though she would lose the weight.
It can creep up on you without you realizing it. One day you step on the scale and you're obese. That's what happened to a St. Clair Shores woman who never though she would lose the weight.
Michigan Governor Rick Snyder (Credit: WJBK | myFOXDetroit.com)
