Analysis
This is one of the longer election stories that WZZM has run recently. The focus of the story is job creation and the single business tax. While the candidates position on the single business tax is included in the piece, no information explaining the single business tax is included. Nor are any independent voices presented on this issue in the story.
Transcript
WZZM Newsreader Ð The 2006 race for governor is focusing on jobs, a key factor to improving the state of Michigan. A Republican study says Michigan will lose one hundred fourteen thousand jobs under Governor Granholm, but the Governors people say itÕs just a spin. WZZM 13Õs Cathy Reynolds joins us from our newsroom with more on the plans both sides are proposing to create employment.
Reporter Ð Yeah Juliet, this is the study showing one hundred and fourteen thousand future jobs lost under Governor Jennifer GranholmÕs leadership. But Democrats say it isnÕt credible since itÕs from a contributor to the DeVos Campaign. Still it begs the question, who will create more jobs in Michigan.
DeVos Ð The single business tax in Michigan is a job killerÉ
Reporter Ð Dick DeVos is on the campaign, the campaign for governor and an initiative to eliminate a tax he says punishes employers for hiring. The republican candidate is critical of the governor over job losses.
DeVos Ð SBT is a critical ingredient to job creation, getting rid of the SBT.
Reporter Ð DeVos insists he has one answer, the single business tax is a tax on payroll, the Governor agrees it needs to be changed, but the governors spokesperson says she wonÕt cut the tax until thereÕs a plan to replace the lost revenue, One point nine billion dollars for the state.
Chris Dewitt (Granholm Spokesperson) Ð Either you are going to replace it, or you are going to end up cutting services, such as education, public health, public safety.
Reporter – The Governor says she has her own plan for job creation, a fund providing financial incentives for jobs, small businesses and manufacturers. Both sides agree the focus has to be at home.
Dewitt Ð Most of the job growth in Michigan will come from existing businesses here in the state.
DeVos Ð The first audience we need to be talking to is to keep the people who are here in Michigan providing jobs in Michigan, expanding their facilities here in MichiganÉ
Reporter Ð DeVos says he will do that through deregulation and restructuring. But when asked how he would replace the single business tax, declined to endorse any particular plan.
DeVos Ð I think those are good ideas and as we get them on the table weÕll have a discussion on them I will be happy to, I will certainly be happy to weigh into that discussion.
Reporter Ð There is no easy answer into who will create more jobs, thatÕs why WZZM 13 news is focusing on jobs as part of our state of Michigan coverage along with the issues of healthcare and education. WeÕll continue to look at these critical areas until now and the November election. IÕm live in the newsroom, Kathy Reynolds, WZZM 13 News.
Total time: 2:24
