'Michigan Matters' Focus: Mayor Duggan, Michigan's Bumpy Roads And The Long Road To The White House

By CBS Detroit

Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, GOP strategist Anne Mervenne and Democratic strategist Steve Tobocman appeared on "Michigan Matters" and talked about the 2016 race to the White House and Michigan's role in that process, which will take on greater importance.

Patterson, who endorsed fellow Republican Mitt Romney in 2012, said he wasn't surprised that Romney decided against  running  this time.

Mervenne, co-director of the  Michigan Political Leadership Program along with Tobocman, said that former Fla. Gov. Jeb Bush was now viewed as a more centrist candidate and leading the group of Republicans looking at the prospect of running.

Tobocman, who lives in southwest Detroit and works in midtown, gave Mayor Mike Duggan applause for efforts to try and keep Detroit's streets and sidewalks clean.

Duggan will delivery his state of the city speech next week.

Patterson said there are always people upset during storms who want things cleaned up quicker.

Mevenne also talked about changes in the lobbying effort before voters who are being asked to support a one percent increase in the sales tax this May to help  fix the state's roads.

The group also took note of the passing of Daniel Krichbaum, the civil right leaders, who died this week at the age of 72.

"Dan was an exemplary human being - a model of integrity and faith," said Mervenne. "He  will be missed by many."

Michigan Matters: Michigan Political...

Michigan Matters: Michigan Political...

Michigan Matters: Michigan Political...

Michigan Matters: Michigan Political...

You can hear the entire conversation by watching "Michigan Matters" 11:30 Sunday on CBS 62.