News or mouthpiece of the state?

Many different news outlets have "reported" on the State's proposed "Marshall Megasite" in the last few years. Usually this coverage is nothing more than repeating the press release which has been handed to them by MAEDA  AKA Choose Marshall.   There's no reporting on what is currently on these lands other than "vacant land" "agricultural lands".  There's no mention of the historic farmsteads like the one shown here. There's no mention of where the water, sewage, and other infrastructure will come from.  There have been NO interviews with the people who are, and will be forced from their homes.  NOTHING.  Local and regional news have become merely the spokesperson for local government, when they are supposed to be questioning government.  We have reached out to many different news outlets including Michigan Radio and Wood TV8, but they have failed research the megasite.  When they hear that the state is involved, many people back away as though we are in communist China.  In reality, only a handful of people are making the decision about the Michigan Megasite. More people in and around Marshall have expressed their Opposition to the site then those who promote it.  Many still don't know the state's "plan."   I say "plan" because very little thought has gone into the environmental, social and cultural effects this Mega Industrial Dump will have on the community of Marshall.   Today I share an article by Chad Livengood of Crain's Detroit Business titled, "Shovel-ready state? Push on for site-prep money after Ford plants head south."    It really speaks to the fact that this is not a well polished organized effort.  Let's steer this ship in a new direction and create the Kalamazoo River Recreational Area!    The park would increase tourism, quality of life, improve the environment, and also increase jobs in the quiet sports sector (cycling, rollerblading, horseback riding, kayaking). The use of this property aligns with Historic Marshall.     

You may write or contact Chad, Livengood, Senior editor of Crain's Detroit Business.
clivengood@crain.com
313-446-1654
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