Plymouth Residents Sound Off on Gubernatorial Debate

The two candidates for Michigan's top office appeared Sunday for their one and only agreed upon debate, which was broadcast live on WDIV-Channel 4.

Members of the Plymouth Democratic Club gathered at Hermann's Old Town Grille in Plymouth's Old Village to watch the debate. They listened intently to former Gateway CEO and venture capitalist Rick Snyder (R) and Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero (D) while they addressed issues such as the state economic climate, creating jobs, repairing the K-12 and higher education systems, small business tax, prison funding and calls for a federal moratorium on foreclosures, nationwide and within Michigan.

Candidate Bernero addressed questions from the moderators, who cited him as the "Angry Mayor" of Lansing. "It is not enough to be angry, it is how you use the anger and passion," Bernero replied.

Marisa Downs of Plymouth thought Bernero's moderate tone helped dispel this perception with Michigan voters.

"I think that Virg did very well. Before tonight, I was afraid that he was a little too flighty sometimes," Downs said. "But I think he was kind of tempered and I think he conveyed his message. He seems to be sincere. And in his closing statement, I thought he did a very good job."

Lori Morrison, owner of Ribar Floral in Plymouth, believes that both candidates could have done better during the debate, but she said Snyder presented a more professional appearance.

"Snyder isn't a very good public speaker and Bernero is still angry," Morrison said. "Bernero reminds me of a used car salesman -- fast-talking and sleezy."

But observers at the watch party seemed to agree that Bernero seemed to be more of a man for the people.

"I thought Virg Bernero showed a lot of fire in the debate. He had a level of passion for both the race and the people of Michigan that I just did not see in Mr. Snyder," said Brad Flynn of Plymouth Township.

Plymouth resident Seth Giersdorf has confidence in Snyder's business background and experience. He think Snyder's corporate related know-how is exactly what Michigan needs in order to turn the state around from years of Democratic control in Lansing.

"If the people of Michigan want the economy to improve, we need to elect a proven business leader who will help turn things around," Giersdorf said. "The past eight years of Democratic control in this state has done nothing but make things worse year after year. The only way the economy will improve is to elect Snyder."

On the issue of education, Scott Craig of Northville believes that Snyder should have specifically addressed how he would reign in the administration costs of school districts.

"He (Snyder) talked about some things that might be OK, like the consolidation of school districts, and so on," Craig said. "But he talked about nothing at all in regards to the amount of money that is being wasted in the administration costs of school districts."

Morrison believed that both candidates' time would have been better spent specifically addressing the concerns of Michiganders.

"I don't think either said what they can do; it was mainly about what the other isn't doing," Morrison said.

Overall the debate left some viewers desiring more opportunities for the candidates to appear together to talk about the issues facing the state.

"The candidates seemed scripted and not focused on answering the question but rather saying their practiced lines," said Caryn Zeitlin, a Novi resident and Public Policy student at Western Michigan University. "I hope that whoever wins knows how to take control of our state and fix all the problems that we have."