January 10, 2003
LANSING ? Governor Jennifer M. Granholm held her first quadrant meeting today with Democratic and Republican leaders from the Michigan House and Senate. The meeting took place over lunch at the Governor?s Residence in Lansing.
?The quadrant meetings were started by former Governor Bill Milliken and it is a tradition I want to revive to ensure bipartisan cooperation as we work together as a team to move Michigan forward,? Granholm said of her meeting with the legislative leaders. ?We all share the goal of making Michigan the best place to raise a family. These meetings will help us find common ground within our agendas from which we can start working toward that goal.?Granholm met with Senate Majority Leader Ken Sikkema (R-Wyoming), House Speaker Rick Johnson (R-LeRoy), Senate Democratic Leader Bob Emerson (D-Flint), and House Democratic Leader Dianne Byrum (D-Onondaga).
?Difficult decisions lie ahead of us,? Granholm said. ?But we also have the opportunity that is born of adversity to reshape state government and make positive changes that will help Michigan families. My meeting today was the first step toward making sure that we all stay focused on the greater good we can do for Michigan.?Granholm said that quadrant meetings will be held on a regular basis throughout the year to discuss major issues facing the state, including the budget.
?State government in Michigan has a wonderful legacy of crafting great public policy when there is shared power,? Granholm said. ?We will continue to seek common ground in these meetings and forge decisions that are based on what is best for the State, and not what is best for politics.?