from M Live dot-com -- on Jan. 1, 2011 event at Lansing, Michigan
For one day at least, it seems politics are to be set aside as Republicans, Democrats and just plain citizens hope for better days for Michigan.
Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell is slated to give the invocation and closing prayer at Saturday's inauguration of Gov. Rick Snyder in Lansing. Snyder tapped Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell to deliver the invocation and closing prayer, in keeping with Snyder’s post-partisan intent. He chose Detroit Democratic Mayor Dave Bing as emcee.
“I am truly honored to be included,” Heartwell said. While he occupies an office that is officially nonpartisan, Heartwell is known for his liberal leanings.
Nonetheless, Heartwell is hopeful Snyder can help Michigan back to its feet. He applauded his selection of Democratic House Speaker Andy Dillon for the post of treasurer as a signal of bipartisanship.
“I am optimistic. It has truly been a tough eight years, really a tough nine years. Maybe new blood in the governor’s office and a new attitude between the executive and legislative branch will help pull us out of the malaise we’ve been in.”
But Heartwell also cautioned patience. “I am also a realist. We’ve got some deeply entrenched habits and patterns in the state. A new leader in the governor’s seat who is willing to try some things to break that is welcome.”
Saturday's event will be the first to be offered in high-definition television and will be available on over 75 local television and radio stations across the state. Many also will stream it on their websites..
The broadcast of this inauguration is expected to be aired more widely than any other inauguration in Michigan history.
http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2010/12/west_michigan_will_have_voices.html
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