Hugh Crawford, Novi’s new Republican state representative, and Vicki Barnett, Farmington/Farmington Hills’ new Democratic state representative, have come together in a SWOCC studio for a show called “Across the Aisle.” The first episode of this interview show, hosted Caren Collins, lets constituents know the best way to get in touch with their state rep, how to set up an appointment and how things work in Lansing.
Neither has a local office, but both have plans to be more accessible locally. Barnett is hoping to have two meetings a month, a luncheon and a breakfast, alternating between Farmington and Farmington Hills locations. Both talked a great deal about the “freshman orientation” they’ve been going through, which has provided an opportunity for all new legislators to work together and get to know each other as people, before all the partisanship starts to settle in. Crawford suggested that the freshman legislators might become a caucus all on their own, political parties aside, and work together on some issues.
“There’s 46 of us out of 110 that are brand new,” Barnett said. “That’s over a third of the state legislature.” The majority of the Oakland County delegation is brand new and have worked together over the years for the betterment of our local communities, she added. They hope to carry that spirit forward.
Working together. Across the Aisle. What a concept.
–Joni Hubred-Golden
Publisher, The Enterprise
