Michigan Governor Rick Snyder (Credit: WJBK | myFOXDetroit.com)
LANSING, Mich. (WJBK) -
Governor Rick Snyder has been working on his proposed bridge for almost 531 days. Unable to find the Republican votes in the legislature to build it, the governor plans to do it without a legislative vote.
"But he is the governor, so if that's what he wants to do, so be it," said Sen. Jack Brandenburg, a Republican from Macomb County. "I think it sends a poor sign to the legislature that, you know, what we feel doesn't count."
The governor will sign what's called an interlocal agreement with Canada to launch the project. Lawmakers cannot veto that even if they wanted to, and one Republican senator wants to.
"We don't need the bridge. It's going to probably destroy an independent business, and it's going to be built in a place where imminent collapse to that bridge can occur," said Sen. Roger Kahn. "The governor, like every other human being, can be wrong from time to time."
The Senate Republican leader concedes the governor has the authority to ignore the legislature, but he is concerned that even though the governor has promised no tax dollars will be used now, what about tax dollars in the future?
"Some of the bridges that have been built in years past, when you get into a point of, hey, we have no money and now we have half a bridge, what do we do, and they come knocking at your door, it's kind of hard to say no then. That's what the concern that I have is," said Sen. Randy Richardville.
Meanwhile, Democrats are generally in favor of the bridge for the jobs it will create, but some still worry about the displaced residents in that area.
"My primary concern right now is whether there are environmental protections for the people who live in Delray. Are they going to be completely wiped out?" said Sen. Coleman Young, Junior.
Before they begin work on the bridge, the owners of the Ambassador Bridge are expected to haul the governor into court to challenge his authority to do this without a legislative vote.
Monday, May 13 2013 7:13 AM EDT2013-05-13 11:13:17 GMT
The undone stuff Gov. Snyder and Lt. Gov. Calley are still struggling to adopt is piling up like the garbage in your neighbor's backyard and it's beginning to stink.
The undone stuff Gov. Snyder and Lt. Gov. Calley are still struggling to adopt is piling up like the garbage in your neighbor's backyard and it's beginning to stink.
Tuesday, May 7 2013 8:21 AM EDT2013-05-07 12:21:59 GMT
Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero has been the subject of this cross-examination for months as his Democratic Party continues its elongated and so far unsuccessful search for a candidate for governor.
Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero has been the subject of this cross-examination for months as his Democratic Party continues its elongated and so far unsuccessful search for a candidate for governor.
Tuesday, April 30 2013 10:02 PM EDT2013-05-01 02:02:40 GMT
The Snyder administration is concerned that Detroit Mayor Dave Bing's support for Emergency Manager Kevin Orr "may go south" as Bing gears up for a possible re-election campaign.
The Snyder administration is concerned that Detroit Mayor Dave Bing's support for Emergency Manager Kevin Orr "may go south" as Bing gears up for a possible re-election campaign.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 1:36 PM EDT2013-05-22 17:36:39 GMT
Innuendo, sexual advances and an overnight stay in Lansing -- a politician's former aide claims he had to endure a nightmare on the job. Now a sexual harassment lawsuit has been filed against Rep. Brian Banks.
Innuendo, sexual advances and an overnight stay in Lansing -- a politician's former aide claims he had to endure a nightmare on the job. Now a sexual harassment lawsuit has been filed against Rep. Brian Banks.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:56 PM EDT2013-05-23 01:56:23 GMT
Children were literally screaming for peace. Elementary school students at Cesar Chavez Academy in southwest Detroit spoke out for themselves -- stop bullying and stop the violence.
Children were literally screaming for peace. Elementary school students at Cesar Chavez Academy in southwest Detroit spoke out for themselves -- stop bullying and stop the violence.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:46 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:46:26 GMT
Bugs are important to our environment and can even tell us about our water quality. That's why dozens on local students have been taking part in bug hunts.
Bugs are important to our environment and can even tell us about our water quality. That's why dozens on local students have been taking part in bug hunts.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:44 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:44:19 GMT
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing two dozen and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing two dozen and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:20 PM EDT2013-05-23 03:20:38 GMT
Neighbors said he threatened them with a shotgun, then opened fire wounding two people. Now one of the victims has said he's angry the man accused of pulling the trigger is already out of jail.
Neighbors said he threatened them with a shotgun, then opened fire wounding two people. Now one of the victims has said he's angry the man accused of pulling the trigger is already out of jail.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:39 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:39:42 GMT
The Republicans in Lansing are pushing a new bill that would base teacher salaries on student performance. But will merit pay really help kids get a better education? Some say the answer is no.
The Republicans in Lansing are pushing a new bill that would base teacher salaries on student performance. But will merit pay really help kids get a better education? Some say the answer is no.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:07 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:07:10 GMT
13 dogs were rescued from a house on Ewers in southwest Detroit. The three most emaciated dogs were taken to the VCA in St. Clair Shores. They are being held in isolation for at least a week.
13 dogs were rescued from a house on Ewers in southwest Detroit. The three most emaciated dogs were taken to the VCA in St. Clair Shores. They are being held in isolation for at least a week and being treated and screened for diseases.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:57 PM EDT2013-05-23 00:57:50 GMT
Prosecutors have now filed charges against Myron Williams, a next door neighbor to a woman found strangled in Grosse Pointe Park, but the counts do not include murder.
Prosecutors have now filed charges against Myron Williams, a next door neighbor to a woman found strangled in Grosse Pointe Park, but the counts do not include murder.
Michigan Governor Rick Snyder (Credit: WJBK | myFOXDetroit.com)
