One is being praised for his outstanding preparation in the face of a natural disaster; the others are being scrutinized for their inability to give voters what they need before a crucial election. These are AnnArbor.com's picks for a winner and loser in the news last week:
Washtenaw County’s emergency manager has spent 21 years in the role that anticipates disaster — and prepares teams to respond. The Dexter tornado last March was the worst incident he’s seen during his tenure, he said. Yet the tornado — which caused upwards of $9.1 million in damage and cost the community $1.6 million to clean up — stands as an example of just how good Breckenridge is at his job. That the incident caused no loss of life is miraculous. But the rest of the success surrounding the disaster involves the training and preparation of all of the teams of people who responded afterward, under Breckenridge’s mobilization.
We could keep debating about whether Sen. Debbie Stabenow and her Republican challenger, Pete Hoekstra, should stand in front of voters and show us how they respond to questions. However, it would be futile, thanks to their inability to set at least one public debate before the Nov. 6 election. Really? This is the best Michigan voters get as they face this crucial vote? Both sides are pointing fingers. We’ll let you decide who’s at fault, but it’s obvious who’s losing here: Everyone who’s ready to take an active role in deciding Michigan’s future.