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Michigan Radio’s new series Three Things continues with Michigan Radio’s Morning Edition host Christina Shockley speaking with Rich Studley, President of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. Studley offers his “three things” that he thinks everyone can do to help turn the state around.

Mr. Studley begins by calling for an honest and frank approach to the challenges faced by Michigan. While the economic situation in Michigan seems dire, Studley urges residents from across the state to offer their own solutions. “Michigan is down but not out,” says Studley, “I think we have to approach the current situation with an understanding of our heritage and the great strengths we have as a state.” Studley says those strengths include a skilled workforce, strong institutions of higher education, and incredible natural resources.

For his second idea, Mr. Studley encourages residents to get involved in their communities. “We’re moving into a period where Michigan needs to focus on free enterprise and personal responsibility and limited government,” says Studley, adding, “Not every problem we face requires government action.”

Studley thinks residents should focus their attention on improving their own neighborhoods and communities. “There’s a tremendous amount we can do,” he says, adding that a positive approach to solving community problems can go a long way.

Finally, Mr. Studley asks the residents of Michigan to have reasonable expectations. While acknowledging frustration amongst the voting populace of the state, Studley warns against actions such as voting for Proposition One in November, which would call for a constitutional convention to be held in Lansing.

Instead of letting frustrations dominate our thinking about state politics, Studley encourages Michiganders to educate themselves about state issues. He says Michigan residents should “accept seriously the duty, the obligation to become well-informed. So, listen, learn, get involved, and start studying some of the important public-policy decisions that we’ll be called upon to make. I think those three steps together get us all involved in a positive way and would help move Michigan forward.”