About Us

Welcome to the Michigan Good Government Project
The project was founded by Charles “Fritz” Benson and Michael Ranville, two long-time, highly regarded government relations professionals from Michigan with more than 75 years of combined experience working in and with government. Both men have worked with literally hundreds of state and national elected leaders, Republicans and Democrats – from state legislators and governors to members of Congress. They’ve also had memorable interactions with U.S. presidents.
Their vision is to bring you stories and commentaries of good government and good in government, which happens when people who may see things very differently work together for solutions and something better, and not just partisan gain.
Their stories of good government and good in government are found on this website, along with stories from several dozen other men and women (a list that is growing) who worked for decades in, with and around government. Among the authors are Republicans and Democrats, former elected legislative leaders, department and agency directors, lobbyists, journalists, public policy and issue experts, high-ranking staff members for governors and other elected leaders, and more.
We sincerely hope their stories of politicians and others in government who worked in a bipartisan spirit and with compromise can inspire today’s leaders to reach across the aisle to craft solutions to our state’s many problems in a way that helps not one interest group or one party, but all of Michigan.

Two important points and observations:
- First, many if not most of the stories involve and describe events from years and even decades ago. The authors do their best to present accurate recollections. There is no attempt in any story to mislead, embellish or misinform, but sometimes people who hear, see and experience the same thing recall it differently.
- Second, we intend to continue adding new stories to the website. Eventually we will publish the stories in a book.
A Personal Welcome from Fritz
In our democracy, citizens elect representatives so they can be governed effectively, be provided necessary services, and be protected in times of crisis. The deep divisions of hatred and distrust that have become entrenched in our democratic system has to stop. We are all American citizens who want the best for our country so get to work and solve the issues. We think this is what a majority of people both in Michigan and in our country believe to be true. It’s a team sport.
After years of hearing at various gatherings, “What a great story. Somebody should write that down,” we both recently decided to make this a reality. We started asking many individuals who labored in and around the Capitol to write stories or commentary about their times around the legislative process.
We thought that we would get back a few stories about amusing anecdotes from some of our friends and colleagues. But early on I had a conversation with former Speaker Bobby Crim that really turned our focus around. Speaker Crim was a very dynamic Democrat who was House leader at the same time that William Milliken was Michigan’s Republican governor. In fact, Milliken, a moderate, ended his tenure as the longest serving governor in Michigan history.

Both Bobby and I are members of the Michigan Athletic Club, and I see him on a regular basis. As Mike and I were just getting our thoughts together on how we wanted to proceed with this endeavor I asked Bobby one morning about his relationship with Governor Milliken. He opened right up.
“You know, Fritz, I would go up and see Bill every year in Traverse City right up until he passed away. I just had so much respect for him. We would go out for lunch or dinner and just talk about everything.”
To say I was surprised by this was a total understatement. I had never heard that he had done this. I mean the Speaker was a tough, partisan Democrat, not exactly “Mr. Sensitivity.” I then asked Bobby what it was like working with the Governor especially on difficult legislative issues.
“Back then,” he said, “we had the Quadrant that we would occasionally meet when we had especially difficult problems. The Quadrant was made up of the Governor, myself as Speaker, the House Republican leader, the Senate Majority Leader (a Democrat), and the Senate Republican leader. We did not meet very often, but when important priorities like workers compensation reform would break down in the normal legislative process then the Quadrant would meet and try to see what solutions could work to pass necessary legislation.”
“So did everyone just sit down and work everything out?” I interjected.
“Hell no. Things often got really messy. Members would sometimes start yelling at each other, throw paper around, or even get up and stomp out. But the key component in all of this was that all of us wanted to solve whatever the problem was that was ailing Michigan citizens, workers, and businesses. All of us drawing our own line in the sand and never having a discussion on actually solving the issue was not going to work.”
Well, I went back to Mike and told him about my conversation. It was then we started digging deeper. We came to see that many former legislative leaders, current major opinion makers, and experienced members of the media were thinking along the same lines. The current deep political divisions that encourage dysfunction and a paralysis of our governing system are not in the best interest of an effective democracy. We then asked our potential contributors to focus on one or more of these five main areas: leadership, key legislative accomplishments, memorable mentors and friends, surprising alliances that came together to solve difficult issues, and the importance of networking in building trust and open communication.
Once we started getting this message out, the stories and commentaries began to roll in. We think you will see that the effort put forth by our contributors show great thought and passion in delivering their particular works.
We are not trying to say old is better. However, working together to solve difficult problems that will then benefit all Michigan citizens is good. Lines in the sand with no communication is not good for any of us.
Fritz Benson
Co-founder, Michigan Good Government Project
A Personal Welcome from Mike
"Just Tell Me A Story"
On the occasion of his retirement, Don Hewitt, long time Executive Producer of 60 MINUTES, arguably one of the most successful programs in the history of television, was asked to disclose the formula that guided his 36-year stewardship of the program. “Just tell me a story,” he replied without hesitation.
Little wonder that we decided to employ the magic that resides in The Story to capture life in the Michigan Capitol, or “the people’s house,” as it is known. Humanity lies at the heart of all history.
Fritz and I share similar backgrounds. We grew up in large families; both were one of eight. We met years ago when we were staffers in the Michigan Senate. Later we both became lobbyists where we spent most of our careers. We hold the political process in the highest regard and respect those who proudly comprise its work force. And we are saddened by the venom that has come to dominate it.
Now retired, we occasionally meet with old friends we worked with in the capitol. Those gatherings inevitably produce stories; humorous, touching, informative tales of this grand and glorious experiment known as democracy. We celebrate our triumphs, curse our failures, and laugh at the characters that crossed our paths. The pages ahead recognize that the process is made up of people and all their imperfections. But therein lies its strength. Winston Churchill was right when he said, “Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others.”
Having logged a combined total of nearly 75 years working in the people’s house, we were privy to some of the great stories that caromed off the capitol walls during our period of service. Armed with the wisdom that guided Don Hewitt and 60 MINUTES, Fritz and I decided to gather them under one roof – the pages of this book. What a treat it was to revisit the best of the tales, and an even greater treat to revisit those who told them.
Be it Albany, Springfield, Austin, Sacramento, Washington, or Lansing, wherever laws are made, great stories abound.
Initially, we envisioned a few anecdotes; humorous one-liners, classic comebacks, all of which contributed to the capitol culture. But an amazing thing happened. As the accounts rolled in, it quickly became evident there was a need to revisit a golden era of politics when Democrats and Republicans talked to each other, and even worked together. We let the project chart its own course. Free to roam unhampered, it took on a life of its own.
We decided Dan Loepp’s excellent account of the shared power arrangement in the House of Representatives during the 1993-94 legislative session would be an appropriate introductory piece. It resulted in one of the most productive and memorable legislative sessions in the history of the Michigan Legislature. From his unique vantage point as Chief of Staff to co-Speaker Curtis Hertel, Dan’s talented pen underscored the new direction of the book.
Why supplant the hard facts of history with The Story? Because history is driven by the motives of individuals. Because, by design or chance, The Story weaves throughout the lives of those who show up for work every day in state capitols across the country. Because stories enable one generation to educate the next; to pass on both what was cherished and what was abandoned. Because stories entertain and remind us of the inherent joy that resides in examining life’s off-beat characters. And stories offer sorely needed perspective for the hard facts of history.
Or given the overwhelming response to contribute to this effort, perhaps the pages ahead simply reflect the eloquent sentiments of Maya Angelou – “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside of you.”
Michael Ranville
Co-founder, Michigan Good Government Project
Our Founders

Fritz Benson
Fritz Benson retired in 2010 after a 31-year career as a partner in the multi-client lobbying firm, Michigan Legislative Consultants (MLC). He came to MLC after serving on the staffs of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Thomas M. Kavanagh and two Senate Majority Leaders, Sen. Bill Fitzgerald and Sen. Bill Faust.
Prior to his political career he earned his BS and MA from Michigan State University while working with delinquent youth at the state Boys Training School and at Starr Commonwealth. Fritz then taught middle school and coached for six years before his career at the Capitol.
He lives in East Lansing with his wife, Cathy, and they have three grown children, Nick, Lauren and Jack.

Michael Ranville
A former Lansing lobbyist, Michael has a proven track record of advocating for positive change in Michigan. His passion for effective governance is evident in his commitment to our project. He served as research director for the Democratic Senate staff and has authored two books. To Strike at a King: The Turning Point in the McCarthy Witch-Hunts, and Life to the Years written with his cardiologist Dr. Michael James. He is the author of numerous magazine articles on sports, politics and history, and was a regular contributor to the Detroit Lions website.
Mike and his wife Carol live in Charlotte.
Meet Our Team

David Waymire
As one of the founders of Martin Waymire, David Waymire brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. With a background in journalism from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, David has a proven track record in both reporting and public relations. During his journalism career, he received awards for investigative reporting, deadline writing, and political coverage. In 1990, he transitioned into public relations, where he earned numerous state and national awards for his strategic work in issue management and communication, particularly in sectors like trucking, telecommunications, energy, and healthcare.
Notably, David played a pivotal role in the successful ballot proposal that put an end to partisan gerrymandering in Michigan, establishing an independent citizens redistricting commission. His extensive background and accomplishments reflect his unwavering commitment to driving positive change in Michigan and beyond.

Roger Martin
Roger Martin, APR, a founding member of Martin Waymire, boasts a remarkable career spanning journalism, public relations, and marketing. With a strong foundation as a distinguished journalist and a title of Michigan’s “Best Reporter,” Roger brings nearly four decades of experience to our team.
His journey, grounded in a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University, is adorned with numerous regional and national awards, including three national Silver Anvils and multiple “Best of Shows.” Roger’s expertise encompasses issue management, media relations, crisis communications, and community relations, benefiting corporations, trade associations, coalitions, and individuals.Roger’s comprehensive background, which includes co-authoring “The Journey of John Engler,” makes him a valuable asset to our team, leveraging his deep understanding of complex political issues.

Kathy Barks Hoffman
Kathy Barks Hoffman worked on newspapers in Goshen, Valparaiso and Richmond, Indiana before joining the Lansing State Journal in 1984 where she won AP and Best of Gannett awards for investigative and public service reporting. She joined the The Detroit News’ Lansing Bureau from 1994 to 1995, then began a 17-year run as The Associated Press’ Lansing correspondent, heading the Statehouse Bureau. Hoffman covered six national political conventions, was a panelist on WKAR’s “Off the Record” show for 26 years and spoke regularly to incoming lawmakers, university students and others about the role of media. Hoffman moved into public relations in 2012 and was a vice president at Martin Waymire.
Acknowledgment of photography:
Our thanks to Gary Shrewsbury, David Trumpie, Kathy Otarson, Bill Gallagher and photographs courtesy of the Michigan State Capitol Commission (Jacob McCormick) for the many extraordinary photos on this site.