I somehow find it disingenous that politicians and loybists whose years of partisan bickering have twice shut down state government encourage us all to be positive and generous and caring.

I suggest these three things: Putting the people's interest above your own. Work to resolve differences with those you do not agree with, for common good. Finally dispell with the conventional wisdon that Michigan taxes are too high to attract businesses and workers. Illinois taxes are substantially higher than Michigan's. Yet Chicago (with a combined sales tax of 12%) is a thriving, vibrant city--full of businesses and workers. I can only conclude that businesses and employees don't choose to locate in a state based on taxes. They do it for quality of life, the availability of good infrastructure and an educated workforce. And they accept the taxes as a necessary evil to provide these things.

Checking on your next door neighbor -- what a basic, commonsense place to start! When I first heard of this series, I was startled to realize that I was surprised by the concept that each individual has the capacity and the responsibility to effect change in our state.