Dan DeGrow has had a long, varied and distinguished tenure as a public servant in Michigan, as a state House and Senate member, Senate Majority Leader, and then as head of the St. Clair County Regional Education Services Agency. It all started when some older lawmakers from the other party invited him to dinner – a reminder that personal relationships are vital to good government.
Democrat Bob Emerson and Republican Dan DeGrow served together in the Michigan House and Senate for many years (before term limits restricted the ability of lawmakers to get to know their jobs and their colleagues). They rose to leadership positions, and learned how to compromise and collaborate to make Michigan work a little better.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
