Thank you. No, thank you.

With all the turmoil involving the collapse of the financial foundations of the Michigan public school system I asked our members, “Advise us, what do you want us to do?” Over three hundred members wrote back. Eight of ten responses contained the phrase, “thanks for asking.” You’re welcome. But, thank you for taking the time to write to let me know what you’re thinking. Your comments were insightful, thoughtful, and very helpful. They will be shared with the Board of Directors.

Monica Lee’s, from Waterford, comment spoke for many: “I think we need to remember this is really about whether or not we are going to fundamentally change how we structure and fund government in Michigan. If we don’t ride it out now it will be back in our faces again soon.”

“But I can’t ask my neighbor to pay for my lifetime health-care benefits when my neighbor has none,” was another theme that appeared in many of the comments.

“If we believe in education, then fund education,” was loud and clear in every member opinion.

True, there is a range of member ideas out there to bring order to this mess. I now have written proof of that. As I read through the notes sent to me several trends began to appear. But one stands out; our association should work with other associations to bring a long-term fix. That’s where our advocacy efforts will be made. Again, thank you.