What's Ahead For The Great Lakes State? 'Michigan In Transition' Examines Historic Change Of Leadership
(CBS Detroit) - As the state that put the world on wheels looks to its future – change is in the air.
There are new CEOs at two of Detroit's three automakers, new presidents at major universities, and many new faces expected on the political landscape following the November election.
And the city of Detroit is experiencing seismic shifts too.
With so many new leaders stepping in, what will these transitions mean to you and your community?
The "Eye on the Future" Emmy winning team of Senior Producer/Host Carol Cain and Chief Videographer/Editor Paul Pytlowany traveled the state to talk with leaders at the very forefront of these changes to bring you answers.
"Michigan in Transition" airs 6:30 p.m. on CBS 62 (just before "60 Minutes") and is the latest of the "Eye on the Future" series of specials looking at vital issues impacting our communities.
During this riveting 30 minute program you'll hear what leaders like Gov. Rick Snyder, Mark Schauer, Dan Gilbert, Mayor Mike Duggan, Terri Lynn Land, Cong. Gary Peters, former Gov William Milliken, Doug DeVos and WSU President M. Roy Wilson have to say about Detroit, the region, the state.
You'll hear about the future of our bedrock industry – automotive – with new CEOs in Ford's Mark Fields and GM's Mary Barra and technology shifting at lightning speed throughout manufacturing.
There will also be a discussion about dizzying changes on the political front with the August primary and November election.
There's a governor's race between incumbent Rick Snyder and Democratic challenger and former Rep. Mark Schauer and a hotly contested contest to replace U.S. Sen. Levin going on between former Michigan Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land and Cong. Gary Peters.
All four leaders take time out from the campaign trail to talk to the CBS crew about Michigan and its future.
You' ll hear from two lions of Michigan politics who are throwing in the towel -- Cong. John Dingell and U.S. Sen. Carl Levin -- who appear together, and talk of their challenges and successes.
The "Eye" crew also visits with former Michigan Gov. William Milliken, who at 92, is going strong. He discussed helping Detroit a generation ago when he and the late Mayor Coleman Young worked together. Gov. Milliken also draws parallels to Snyder and Duggan.
Detroit Police Chief James Craig, who moved home to take on the top job, spends time with the crew on his one year anniversary and talks fighting crime.
In Ann Arbor, outgoing University of Michigan President Mary Sue Coleman spent time on her final day with the crew. She talked about what's ahead for the university and education in the state.
Among leaders appearing in "Michigan in Transition":
Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder;
Former Rep. Mark Schauer;
Dan Gilbert, Quicken Loans;
Terri Lynn Land (GOP candidate for U.S. Senate);
Cong. Gary Peters (Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate);
Former Michigan Gov. William Milliken;
U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan;
Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr;
Detroit Police Chief James Craig;
Doug DeVos, President, Amway;
Steve Case, Co-Founder, founder, AOL;
Cong John Dingell;
U.S. Sen. Carl Levin;
L. Brooks Patterson, Oakland County Executive.
Mary Sue Coleman, President, University of Michigan;
M. Roy Wilson, President, Wayne State University;
Bobby Schostak, Chairman, Michigan Republican Party;
Lon Johnson, Chairman, Michigan Democratic Party;
Bankole Thompson, Senior Editor, Michigan Chronicle;
Ed Sarpolis, Executive Director/Founder, Target Insyght;
Bob Berg, Partner, Berg Muirhead and Associates;
Mike Shirdel, Owner, Mike's Antiques;
David Cole, Founder, AutoHarvest;
Watch CBS 62's "Eye on the Future: Michigan in Transition" 6:30 p.m. on CBS 62… just before "60 Minutes."