“Michigan is in a unique position -- we are last!” said Terri Lynn Land, Michigan Secretary of State, to the annual Eastside Republican Club P.A.C. dinner at Sindbad's in Detroit on April 20.

Her comment was triggered by the disparity between record national economic indicators and Michigan's troubled economy.

Land, a Republican seeking reelection to her statewide post, explained, “It's all about the economy and jobs.” Noting one thing she plans to do about it, she added, “Dick DeVos will do a good job. That's why I am supporting him for Governor.”

Proceeds from the P.A.C. event will be used to support local GOP candidates during their 2006 campaigns. In addition to P.A.C. chairman Lita McKeehan, committee members include John Stempfle, Ed Joseph, Tom McCleary, Cheryl Costantino, Carol Hackleman, Jeffrey Neilson, and Alice Baetz. The ERC chair, Marti Miller, serves as ex officio member of the group.

Expressing gratefulness for the opportunity to run again, Land first outlined innovations introduced by the Secretary of State's Office.

She noted the opening of five “SUPER!Centers,” branches with Saturday hours, and introduction of 28 self-service machines for license plate tab renewals, 17 of which may be accessed 24 hours a day.

Land said the efficiencies provide better customer service at a much lower cost to taxpayers. She said there are now “more ways, more hours, and more services” available from the Secretary of State without the inconvenience of having to stand in long lines.

She also reported that efforts to consolidate elections to a maximum of four polling dates per year has eliminated “stealth” elections, and resulted in a 63% increase in voter involvement in some local issues.

Land said a future goal is to improve participation of young voters in the Michigan electoral process. A key initiative, she said, will be to incorporate voter registration application with the eligible teen's driver's license application. The paperwork would not be processed until the young person reaches voting age.

With respect to her experience with the recent Detroit election recount, Land said, “We learned some things, and will propose changes to the legislature for the sake of consistency in future voter challenges and recounts.”

“Detroit city clerk Janice M. Winfrey is working hard, and doing a great job,” said Land, complimenting the clerk on the city's progress in updating the Detroit voter file. Park mayor Palmer Heenan and Judge Brian Zahra

Park mayor Palmer Heenan and Judge Brian Zahra

Looking back, Land commended the Legislature for acting to reduce the scourge of urban and rural communities -- abandoned junk cars. Legislation passed in 2004 allowed the Secretary of State to streamline the process of dealing with derelict vehicles, as Land's office oversees vehicle titling and registration. Land had campaigned for this statute revision since the launch of her administration.

Land favors incorporating residency, and either citizenship or legal alien status into the State identification card process, transforming the Michigan driver's license into more than a certification of driving skill.

Another Land priority, noting that Canada is our friend, and that we are economically and geographically connected, is her goal for the enhanced Michigan driver's license to serve in lieu of a Federal border passport for entry by Michigan citizens into the U.S. from Canada. Implementation, she acknowledges, will require coordination between her office and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Land also has her eye on implementing campaign finance reform. To promote transparency in campaign finances, Land proposes that required disclosures be made in “real time.” She explained that under existing regulation, candidates are tempted to ignore the mandatory reporting deadlines, choosing instead to pay a fine for filing a delinquent disclosure report. Land said, as a result, the damage is already done -- balloting has taken place, and voters denied the opportunity to act on what was intended to be public information.

Another of her goals, Land said, is increasing the number of names on the Michigan Organ, Tissue & Eye Donor Registry. She recently announced the number of Michigan enrollees enrolled has surpassed one million.

Finally, Land emphasized she will not relax her focus on customer service at Secretary of State offices throughout Michigan. She said access to services would continue to be improved through extended office hours, telephone and online transactions, and the installation of self-service machines in various municipal office locations throughout the state.