Watch CBS News

Snyder: Making The Best Of A Tough Situation

DETROIT (WWJ) - How is Michigan Governor Rick Snyder feeling about things after two months on the job? Speaking before a packed room of 300 at the Detroit Athletic Club, Snyder said he wasn't shocked by the storm criticism surrounding his budget proposals.

"It's not a surprise. I knew this would happen, because I knew the honeymoon would end, as it was described... Because, what happens is everyone jumps to the line about them, instead of looking at the whole package," Snyder said.

"It's just one of those things about continually tuning, learning to be more sensitive to these kinds of issues.  Overall it's going well. I feel it a worthwhile experience. It's a chance to really get out there and do things. I'm trying to make the best of a very tough situation," he said.

Snyder said its human nature to resist change,  but we must continue efforts to reinvent Michigan and make sure the state has a successful future.

"This is what I ran on. This is what I said I was gonna do and I'm following through, and that's the way it's supposed to work," Snyder said.

"People like the idea of change until they're asked to change or be part of the process and that's the normal response of all of us.  The issue there is we just need to keep working through that. And as we work through that process, I  believe we'll come to the conclusion that it's actually a good answer for all of us together for the long-term."

When talking about training potential emergency financial managers, what's been a controversial topic, the Governor said there are a number of schools and municipalities in "distress" and he wanted to be proactive.

Snyder said he will continue to push for his plan to re-invent Michigan, cut spending and balance the budget. 

Snyder was the featured speaker at Thursday's Pancakes and Politics event, presented by Real Times Media with sponsorship support from WWJ Newsradio 950 and WWJ-TV.

On the topic of transportation, Snyder said   administration is doing an analysis of the potential for a high speed rail line from Chicago to Detroit, calling the idea "interesting."  Snyder said legislation for the new bridge from Detroit into Canada will be introduced next week.

Regarding a cut in Film Tax Credits, Snyder stood behind his recommendation to limit the credits to $25 million, saying supporters of the credits should testify before the Appropriations committee.

Hear Governor Snyder's Full Remarks:

Podcast

Reporting live and local from the conference, WWJ's Vickie Thomas was able to capture the crowd's reaction to the Governor's remarks saying that many in attendance gave Snyder rave reviews.

Former challenger for Lieutenant Governor, Southfield Mayor Brenda Lawrence, applauded the governors speech saying, "Today, I saw a lot more personality with him. He's still vague on some things. I think he is very committed to his budget."

Michigan Chronicle Publisher, Sam Logan, said Snyder held his own. "When you respect yourself, you will get respect. He was magnificent. He was better than anybody expected him to be."

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.