Ubiquitous
This guy is everywhere. Yup, it’s our ‘new’ state representative, Kevin Daley. He shows up at events far and wide around Lapeer county, in addition to his gig in Lansing three days a week. He just laughs when asked about keeping up that kind of pace – he says it’s no big deal after living the life of a dairy farmer. He doesn’t even drink coffee.
Caught up with him last week and quizzed him a little about how things are going. He’s always refreshingly direct and informed, and seems to have a good grasp of the issues and their complexities. Sits on four committees. He’s frustrated by some of the nonsensical stuff that’s just business as usual in Lansing, but he’s hopeful. He’s part of the freshman caucus, even plans to have them all out to his place for a pig roast in September – nothing like a little team-building.
Oh, and by the way, on the county commission’s recent resolution asking the state to abolish the DEQ, he’s down with that. Ask him about revenue sharing, laughter again – what’s to share? He gets a serious look on his face as he shows you the latest figures on sales tax revenue. He is not cool with new tax credits for business – no way, no how. He scoffs at the resistance to a part-time legislature. He sees the futility of spending time on non-essential legislating when Michigan is in the dire straits that it is.
This is a practical kind of guy, seems to be doing what he can where he can, and building collaborative relationships. Appears focused and energetic.
Putting his money where his mouth is, Daley and wife, Debbie, announced this week that they would donate 10 percent of his lawmaker salary to local charities – that’s $8,000. This, after the legislature decided to delay cutting its own pay until 2011. LAView has the whole story on that.
Daley attended the new economy workshop I posted about recently. (Of course! The guy is everywhere.) He said he was very willing to get behind the effort to develop a regional vision and would be willing to help publicize further endeavors through his office.
He seems to be listening to all these people he’s talking to around the county. So, keep your fingers crossed. We’ll see.
