This Week in Review, Jack
Lessenberry and Rina Miller discuss the latest polls for Michigan’s governor and U.S.Senate races, Detroit’s decision to keep emergency manager Kevyn Orr on board for now, and the latest scandal with Aramark, the state’s food services provider.
Governor and U.S. Senate races
So far, it’s a close race between Gov. Rick Snyder and Democratic candidate Mark Schauer. A new poll shows Snyder up slightly, while some polls show a wider margin.
In the race for the U.S. Senate, polls show Terri Lynn Land trailing Gary Peters.
While the U.S .Senate polls have consistently shown Peters in the lead, the gubernatorial numbers have flip-flopped Snyder and Schauer several times.
Lessenberry said he’s looking forward to seeing what happens in October, when political ads take over the media.
Detroit emergency manager
On Thursday, Detroit officials decided Kevyn Orr will stay on as emergency manager for the time being. However, his powers will be restricted to managing the bankruptcy process.
That means Mayor Mike Duggan and the City Council are back in charge, with oversight from the state-imposed financial review board.
Lessenberry said there may be some gray areas, but called the deal a “good working agreement.”
Aramark
There are reports of another scandal involving Aramark, the state’s private prison food provider. This time, it involves a possible murder conspiracy between an employee and an inmate.
The state has already fined Aramark twice for employees having sex with inmates, food shortages, and unauthorized menu substitutions.
Michigan isn’t the only state having problems with Aramark. Lessenberry said Ohio has had similar issues, while Kentucky and Florida fired the company.
So far, Gov. Snyder hasn’t made any moves to follow suit.
“He may be afraid of looking weak if he gets rid of Aramark,” Lessenberry said.
– Rebecca Kruth, Michigan Radio Newsroom
