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Interviews with news makers and discussion of topics important to Southwest Michigan. Subscribe to the podcast through Apple itunes and Google. Segments of interview are heard in WestSouthwest Brief during Morning Edition and All Things Considered

WSW: A Century Of "Making Democracy Work"

Courtesy of Citizens Research Council

    

“The right to criticize government is also an obligation to know what you are taking about.” The quote is attributed to Lent Upson, the first executive director of what is now the Citizens Research Council. 

The non-partisan, non-profit public policy research organization is marking its 100th anniversary. The Council is holding a series of events and is releasing a book Citizens Research Council of Michigan, 100 Years, Making Democracy Work.

The CRC was launched in what was known as the progressive era. Lupher says that’s important, because industry was seeking ways to be more efficient. And he says government was also reacting as people moved from rural areas to large cities. Lupher says that meant a re-examination of providing services.

Lupher says independence is an important part of the CRC’s operations. He says members of the council’s board are not “sitting on the sidelines” politically. But Lupher says the board does not have control over the research, and doesn’t see the finished product until it’s made public. He says the CRC seeks funding from groups that don’t have a vested interest in the outcome of research. Lupher says it requires vigilance to review papers that bias doesn’t make its way into final reports. 

The Citizens Research Council’s new book 100 years, Making Democracy Work chronicles the highlights of the group’s first century. The council first provided an analysis of statewide ballot issues in 1921. Lupher says that remains an important part of their work today. He says they try to be an independent body that provides facts that voters can rely on before they cast ballots. 

ericlupher041116-web.mp3
Interview with Eric Lupher - web version

Lupher says the Citizens Research Council’s work leading up to the approval of the current Michigan Constitution is a major milestone in its history. He says the council’s research helped delegates to the state Constitutional Convention understand the issues before they voted in 1961 and 62. Lupher says the council also held forums around the state. He says it’s estimated that they reached about 10% of Michigan’s population before voter approved the new state Constitution in 1963. Lupher says that’s remarkable considering many modern methods of communication were not yet available.

The CRC continues to examine Michigan’s Constitution. Voters have the option of calling a new Constitutional Convention every 16 years. The last time it appeared on the ballot in 2010, about two-thirds of Michigan voters rejected calling a Constitutional Convention.

The Citizens Research Council is currently focusing on health care financing and policy. Lupher says infrastructure is likely to be a major issue going forward. He says the road funding bill approved by lawmakers isn’t likely to keep pace with deteriorating roads. Lupher says the infrastructure “we can’t see,” as demonstrated by Flint’s water crisis, is also important for policy makers to address.

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Gordon Evans became WMUK's Content Director in 2019 after more than 20 years as an anchor, host and reporter. A 1990 graduate of Michigan State, he began work at WMUK in 1996.
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