When he was flamboyant mayor of Detroit before becoming a forceful and highly unorthodox governor of Michigan in 1897, Hazen S. Pingree was known nationwide for "Pingree's Potato Patches," a relief program for Detroiters who got vacant city land and seeds.
Now sprouting: Granholm's Gardens.
As part of the Michigan Land Bank, Gov. Jennifer Granholm, without the flair of Pingree, has established the Garden for Growth Program, "making state-owned properties available to those wishing to create urban gardens. This has helped to increase access to fresh, healthy, affordable food for our citizens."
So far, Granholm's program is a low-key undertaking. But steam might build with the urban garden idea that is gaining some traction in Detroit, where vacant lots are estimated to account for about 40 square miles.
Furthermore, first lady Michelle Obama is setting an example by putting a 1,100-square-foot plot with 52 varieties of fruits and vegetables on the south lawn of the White House.
Granholm didn't include it in her address as delivered to the Legislature, but in the printed version of her 2009 State of the State Message, she wrote:
"This year, the State Land Bank will partner with local governments to assemble publicly-owned property to create urban farms. By working with agriculture groups and schools, we will work together to educate our young citizens about the benefits of growing food for their families."
One proposal advanced by Detroiter John Hantz would have wind turbines within the garden.
Wind and other alternative energy initiatives are high priority items in Granholm's economic development program.
Last week, in reporting that Global Wind Systems Inc., a wind turbine assembly plant opening later this year in Novi, will provide 250 manufacturing jobs, the Detroit News said that more than two dozen companies have sprung up or diversified into wind parts manufacturing in Michigan.
The company received $7.3 million in tax credits from the Michigan Economic Growth Authority.
Two years ago, in an interview over lunch at a Traverse City eatery, Granholm raved about the potential for Michigan being a leader among the states in generating electricity "from the Ws" such as wind, wave action and wood.
The Greenholm administration?
Campaign watch
Lt. Gov. John Cherry, frontrunner for the 2010 Democratic nomination to succeed term-limited Granholm, has a campaign organization (not-so-modestly called "A Whole Lot of People Supporting John Cherry") that periodically announces endorsements. Last week the Communications Workers of America joined the labor parade for Cherry.
Meanwhile, Cherry (as do Attorney General Mike Cox and Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land, among GOP hopefuls for governor) milks media attention from official duties. This week, as announced by Granholm's office, Cherry is to travel to Flint, Detroit, Jackson and Grand Rapids to announce jobs grants.
Cherry also is point man for the administration's promotion of a MI-Great Lakes Plan for protection and restoration of the Great Lakes and Michigan waterways designed to "jumpstart our recovery by investing in Michigan's blue water economy."
The administration's first floating of the "blue water economy" line was done by Cherry last year in Traverse City.
On the Republican trail, the big news (although not surprising) last week was the announcement by Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson that he will not run for governor because it would take too much time from his county chores. In January, he said, "I know I can do better" as governor but candidly acknowledged he was merely putting his name "in the rumor mill."
Political writers will miss Brooksisms.
Cox, who also has a southeast Michigan base and is well-known statewide, could be the big gainer from Patterson's decision.
George Weeks retired in 2006 after 22 years as political columnist for The Detroit News. His weekly Michigan Politics column is syndicated by Superior Features.
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