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Eulogy for a Friend: Former State Rep. Don Gilmer

Bob Emerson

Don Gilmer, a Republican from Augusta, was a giant in Michigan politics and government, serving 22 years in the state House of Representatives, then as state lottery commissioner, and state budget director. Gilmer died on Aug. 12, 2019 of complications from Lewy Body Dementia. Perhaps the trait for which he will be most remembered was his ability to bring people with diverse interests, competing viewpoints, and both major parties together to craft good public policy. His longtime friend and colleague, former Michigan House Speaker Paul Hillegonds, delivered the eulogy at Gilmer’s memorial service.

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Screenshot 2026 03 22 at 21.06.05

Cleary-Ehlers Tag Team

Fred Fry

Fred Fry had years of experience working through difficult issues in Lansing. So did Tom Cleary. They represented opposing interests on legislation that would never make headlines, but was very important to the interest groups they represented. Rep. Vern Ehlers had the job of adjudicating this issue – and worked it out.

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MIGG Stories I am an optimist

I Am Optimistic

John Cherry

The political landscape can look pretty depressing these days. A veteran of 40 years in Lansing, John Cherry looks at history and then the next generation to find some optimism.

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MIGG Stories Shared Power

Shared Power

Dan Loepp

In 1992 Michigan voters elected 55 Democrats and 55 Republicans to the state House of Representatives. So the House could function, a plan for shared power was adopted by co-House Speakers Democrat Curtis Hertel and Republican Paul Hillegonds that turned out to be magic. What could have been an operational brick wall and gridlock instead became an open, productive two-year legislative session. Two outstanding leaders made it happen.

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MIGG Stories Living in Interesting Times with Joe Schwarz

Living in Interesting Times with Joe Schwarz

Joe Schwarz
Introduction by Michael Ranville

I’m often asked how a liberal Democrat like me could for years play Sancho Panza to a Republican Don Quixote like Joe Schwarz? To some degree the answer is simple. We share a love of history, political history in particular. He’s fun to be around, has a great sense of humor that is complemented by a hearty, guttural laugh. He refuses to sacrifice good public policy on the altar of partisanship. He possesses a rare sense of loyalty not readily seen in political circles.

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MIGG Stories Lessons of Leadership

Lessons of Leadership

Paul Hillegonds

During his tenure as an elected member of the Michigan House of Representatives, Paul Hillegonds served as minority leader, then co-speaker (55-55 tie), and then as full speaker. In his thoughtful commentary on leadership, he lays out precise qualities all prospective legislative leaders should try to attain. He highlights the need for trust to help forge common ground and good public policy. This commentary should be read by every candidate for legislative office.

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MIGG Stories Mutual respect leads to mutual

Mutual Respect Leads to Mutual Gains

Dennis Cawthorne

Legislative leadership is complicated. It is not just about winning elections and raising money. It is actually about helping all Michigan citizens have the opportunity to lead more productive lives. Dennis Cawthorne, a former Michigan House Republican leader, outlines in detail what legislative leaders need to do to maximize their opportunities.

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A White House Excursion
It’s important for governments to talk with each other. Federal to state, state to locals. And for those involved in policy to develop relationships. Longtime legislative staffer, then lobbyist, and co-founder of MiGoodGovernment, Charles “Fritz” Benson tells how that works.
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Screenshot 2026 03 22 at 21.16.15
Using Compromise To Pass Charter School Legislation
Of all the legislative reforms adopted by the Michigan Legislature over the past 50 years, the complete revision of public education funding and financing, as reflected in voter approval of Proposal A in 1994, is probably the most significant.
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MIGG Stories How a “BLT” of Republicans and Democrats Teamed Up to Reform Michigan’s School Finance System
How a “BLT” of Republicans and Democrats Teamed Up to Reform Michigan’s School Finance System
One July day in 1993, Michigan had a system to pay for public schools across the state. The next day it was gone.
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Michigan’s Capital Press Corps: The Watchdogs of State Government
Covering Michigan politics has changed dramatically in recent years. For one thing, the level of vitriol aimed at political journalists today is more intense than it was “back in the day,” although hostility toward the media by politicians and even parts of the general public has always been with us.
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MIGG Stories When a Crisis of Michigan Government Demanded Political Courage
When a Crisis of Michigan Government Demanded Political Courage
Leadership sometimes requires hard and unpopular decisions – particularly when the state is at a crossroads.
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MIGG Stories I am an optimist
I Am Optimistic
The political landscape can look pretty depressing these days. A veteran of 40 years in Lansing, John Cherry looks at history and then the next generation to find some optimism.
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MIGG Stories The Milliken Wit
The Milliken Wit
Too often in today’s politics we hear insults and harsh words – the kind that make comity difficult. A Republican executive with a Democrat-controlled Michigan Legislature, Bill Milliken took a different approach and found results.
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MIGG Stories Living in Interesting Times with Joe Schwarz
Living in Interesting Times with Joe Schwarz
Introduction by Michael Ranville
I’m often asked how a liberal Democrat like me could for years play Sancho Panza to a Republican Don Quixote like Joe Schwarz? To some degree the answer is simple. We share a love of history, political history in particular. He’s fun to be around, has a great sense of humor that is complemented by a hearty, guttural laugh. He refuses to sacrifice good public policy on the altar of partisanship. He possesses a rare sense of loyalty not readily seen in political circles.
Read Story