Since taking office in January 2003, I have worked hard as your Secretary of State to focus my department squarely on the mission of providing efficient and convenient service to the people of Michigan.  Regardless of budget constraints, we have continued to do more with less. 

Early on in my term I set an agenda to reform the Department of State and transform new ideas and technologies into new advantages and conveniences for drivers, voters and other customers.  I have a great team of employees who have been instrumental in improving the convenience of our programs, the efficiency of our operations and the safety of our citizens.

Managing a state agency through tight budget times requires a steadfast focus on improving efficiency while stretching every dollar further.  We’ve used creative ideas to save customers time, heighten safety and put technology to work for Michigan residents.  We have successfully modernized branch offices, expanded online and automated services, implemented new voting equipment across the state, improved access to the polls for members of the disability community, consolidated office space to save tax dollars and strengthened the state’s driver education program.

 Not unlike the reforms I have made to the office of the Secretary of State, state government needs to be completely transformed.  To do this, Michigan needs a strong leader who is not afraid to make the difficult decisions to fix Lansing and get Michigan back to work.  This is just one of the reasons why I am proud to support Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard for Governor.

 For eight years there has been a void in leadership from the Governor’s office.  Our current administration has failed to lead Michigan or provide a vision for our renewal.  Instead, we have seen Michigan’s economy crumble and our children leaving to find jobs in other states.  We can and must do more to ensure there are good paying jobs in our state for our children.

 Mike’s “Blueprint for Prosperity” plan highlights the necessary steps Michigan must take to once again lead the nation in job creation and growth.  As a former leader in the Michigan Senate, Mike knows what it will take for Michigan to be successful once again.  When he left the legislature to become Oakland County Sheriff, Michigan was one of the nation’s top states to start or move a business and we had $1 billion dollars in our rainy day fund.  Repairing eight years of neglect won’t be easy, but Mike is committed to making those difficult decisions, even if it means he is going to be a one-term governor.

By adopting reforms similar to the action we’ve taken at the Department of State, Mike has tackled challenges at the local level.  Despite a shrinking budget, Mike has been able to continue protecting the citizens of Oakland without having to lay off deputies.  He has done this by using a two-year budget with a multi-year economic forecasting to provide him ample time to deal with a declining budget without compromising public safety.

 In these times, we all know someone who has been negatively impacted by the economy.  Whether it is a loss of job, reduction in salary or decreased benefits, everyone has been impacted.  Now is the time to join together to get the talented men and women of Michigan working again.

 I know that Michigan’s best choice to bring us back to prosperity is to elect Mike Bouchard.  I joined the Bouchard team and look forward to working with him to reform state government and reverse eight years of failed leadership.

Please join me in supporting Mike Bouchard for governor on August 3rd.  With your support, we will make the difficult decisions to fix Lansing and get Michigan back to work.

Terri Lynn Land has been Michigan Secretary of State for eight years. She is running for Lieutenant Governor with Mike Bouchard in this year’s election.