Anne Kuhnen argues, “While the current landscape certainly provides more questions than answers, the existing research on economic development programs should make us wary of claims that Opportunity Zones will change the trajectory of struggling communities.”
Category Archive: Opinion
Hailey Colpitts of Vandalia explains why she is running for Cassopolis Public Schools Board of Education as a write-in candidate in November.
Watershed Voice’s Aundrea Sayrie says while reimagining Ariel is a step in the right direction, she has reservations about the upcoming live action adaption.
#MomLife columnist Steph Hightree writes about her son Nathan Hightree, who started sixth grade this fall, eight years after he was diagnosed as autistic, and Steph was told he would “never make it past the fifth grade” academically.
Steph is a hot mess, this is known. But it’s been a while since you’ve heard about it, and she kept receipts.
Watershed Voice columnist Deborah Haak-Frost weighs the pros and cons of mulberry trees, and the importance of using what you have to get what you need.
“The field of permaculture holds a principle of ‘obtaining a yield’ — in other words, work with the world around you to get or produce what you need. This seems fairly obvious: the point of a vegetable garden is to yield vegetables, after all. Working a job yields monetary income, which pays the bills. But what if the idea of yield was expanded? Where can we see potential and possibility for greater yield?”
Watershed Voice columnist Charles Thomas writes, “Having now lived for a half century, I remember a time when things were different. I remember when people who disagreed could have vigorous debate about a topic and then walk away still liking the other person. In short, I remember a time when we were all better at empathy.”
Michigan Advance’s Monique Stanton writes, “Year after year, Michigan stands out in children’s health and in making sure our kids have health insurance. But more work is still needed to increase health insurance coverage and reduce costs for all families.”
Glen Oaks President Dr. David Devier reflects on the “unfulfilled potential of Glen Oaks Community College in changing the lives of more of our community members.”
Michigan Advance’s Rick Haglund says, “Michigan’s business-centric approach to economic development is lacking.” But how should the state address this apparent issue? Haglund suggests taking “a more local service-based approach.”
WSV Columnist Charles Thomas writes about the ongoing controversy surrounding Riverside Church, and how we might address perpetual problems like sexual and spiritual abuse as a society.
David Hecker writes, “Our lawmakers have the power to relieve this burden, make strides toward closing the racial wealth gap, and preserve higher education as an opportunity for all, rather than a privilege for those who can afford it. It is imperative that they act to cancel student debt — and beyond that, to look toward long-term solutions at the federal and state levels to make higher education more affordable and accessible for all.”
Rick Haglund writes, “Motor vehicles and parts as a percentage of the state’s gross domestic product has fallen from 25% in the late 1960s to about 7% in 2018, according to data compiled by Michigan State University economist Charles Ballard. But the state’s economy needs to become even more diverse.”
WSV’s Nancy Boyd writes about the importance of expressing compassion and empathy toward others.
WSV’s Aundrea Sayrie writes, “I don’t want to see another hashtag. I want to see the dismantling of White Supremacy. It is a monster that is coming for you if you are a person of color, a woman, young, old, poor, or a member of a dispensable marginalized group. Shock, thoughts and prayers… it’s a useless cycle. We need real reform.”
WSV columnist Torrey Brown writes about a recent shopping experience that left him feeling like “less than a person.”
Watershed Voice’s Aundrea Sayrie writes, “Never abandon personal discernment. Not even within the spiritual sect. A person’s title doesn’t always align with their heart posture. Gaslighting can happen in church too. So if you have to leave an environment because it is causing you trauma, leave. Leave the trauma, leave the person(s), leave a trail (by reporting it), but don’t leave God.”
Watershed Voice’s Aundrea Sayrie writes, “Mother’ships’ come in all forms. Grandmothers, aunties, teachers, first ladies, etc. So even if your situation doesn’t look traditional or ideal, hopefully you can still celebrate a special woman in your life. And if it’s been a while, and won’t cause you stress…call your mother.”