Smith defends his support of the bill by showing that the reforms would have gone through with or without Detroit Democrats due to the Republican controlled, executive and legislative branches of government. Smith took an active role in negotiating and carving out the agreements that supported the best interests of Detroit and ensuring ultimate control would lie with the Mayor. But I watch that spark go out of their eye as they go through the system. This issue is more important than Republicans vs. Democrats or white vs. black. This issue involves the future of thousands of young people, many of them underprivileged, who require the basic tools to compete in a tough world.
Reform is long over due.
I only hope that our state leaders are keeping the students' best interests at heart. The views expressed above are those of the author and not necessarily those of the staff of Res Ipsa Loquitur .