Regional Transit Idea Fails to Gain Local Support

Plymouth Mayor Dan Dwyer couldn't get behind possible legislation supported by other Metro Detroit leaders that would offer high-speed busing throughout the area, preferring to instead seek funds for public safety.

Rep. Kurt Heise (R-Plymouth) spoke Monday to the Plymouth City Commission to give an update on state legislative matters, including the busing proposal.

Dwyer said he'd prefer a "high-speed police department" instead of the high-speed buses, meaning he'd rather have an increased police presence in the community.

"You can keep your buses," Dwyer quipped.

Heise said buses under the new system would run in their own lane on busy thoroughfares such as Ann Arbor Road in Plymouth and Ford Road in Canton, if the service extended into the community. Heise said he hadn't seen any plans that would actually benefit Western Wayne County, so it is unclear whether the project would directly impact Plymouth or Canton.

According to MyFoxDetroit, the proposed system still is in its early stages, and still is just a proposal — with a price tag already estimated at more than $500 million. It has drawn favorable responses in other communities, however, including support from Oakland County Commissioner David Potts, the report said.

Dwyer said he had seen Gov. Rick Snyder on television talking about increasing the state's police officer staffing and asked Heise if the governor was referring to state police officers or actually increasing municipal police department staffing.

Heise said Snyder is making an announcement Wednesday on his plans for improving public safety. MLive reported Monday that Snyder will speak in Flint on Wednesday to address increasing police personnel in Flint, Saginaw, Pontiac and Detroit — cities that have been plagued by violence.

Youth Commission, School Board Discuss 'Dirty Dancing'

An engaged group of local students might have some influence on local government.

Plymouth-Canton Community Schools' ongoing debate about "dirty dancing" had some input from the Plymouth Community Youth Advisory Commission, City Commissioner Ed Hingelberg said.

The youth commission, whom Hingelberg serves as city commission liaison, discussed the debate surrounding student dances with school board members John Barrett and Sheila Paton, and further discussions are planned.

In October, parents made at 's homecoming dance, and school administrators have worked on enforcing its code of conduct.

Hingelberg said other school board members will be invited to future discussions about the dances and enforcing district policy. He also said the group of students will play a more active role in the school district, attending school board meetings and giving input to the board.

The youth commission advises local leaders on issues affecting teens, such as giving input on the city's recent recreation master plan document.

"It's the best synergy I've seen happen yet," Hingelberg said.