Commentary: What’s at stake on the Nov. 8 ballot? Here’s a preview
Sep22

Commentary: What’s at stake on the Nov. 8 ballot? Here’s a preview

By Paul Rozycki It’s common to refer to every upcoming election as “the most important election” of our times. Most of the time that’s just political rhetoric to get people out to vote. Yet, this Nov. 8 mid-term election may be the exception to that old rubric. Yes, it’s just one more mid-term election, but there is a lot at stake this year. To make things even more complex, this is the first election after the redistricting process...

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Commentary: The Tom Sumner Program leaves a history of civil conversation in an uncivil time
Aug23

Commentary: The Tom Sumner Program leaves a history of civil conversation in an uncivil time

By Paul Rozycki After a decade and a half of giving Flint area listeners hours of civil and wide-ranging conversations in politics, music, science, writing, and the arts,  Tom Sumner has decided to end his radio program.  It has run on WFOV 92.1 FM in Flint.  In his recent post, Sumner said “I’m suspending production of The Tom Sumner Program indefinitely effective Friday September 2, 2022. There are several reasons, but if I...

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In praise of (good) politicians
Jul21

In praise of (good) politicians

By Paul Rozycki “Politics is more difficult than physics.” -Albert Einstein Last month’s East Village Magazine was devoted to the idea of good governance and the problems with dysfunctional government in Genesee County, as we took a look at the Flint City Council, the Flint Community School Board, and the many problems they have faced. Some of those problems have been blamed on “politics” or “politicians.”  Sometimes, it seems...

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Village Life: It’s too hot for lies and threats to democracy, even for journalists here at home
Jul04

Village Life: It’s too hot for lies and threats to democracy, even for journalists here at home

By Jan Worth-Nelson Today’s it’s 95 degrees outside and the AC is rumbling like a 19th century train.  I’m passing on taking my daily walk, and I hurry outside only briefly to add water to the bird bath, hoping all the creatures will find a cool retreat. I’m recovering from a trip to the dentist, where something came over me.  I had a mouth full of the hygienist’s hands as she scraped away, and I got a coughing fit.  I grabbed her...

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Commentary: Good government isn’t easy. It’s up to all of us to make it work
Jun23

Commentary: Good government isn’t easy. It’s up to all of us to make it work

By Paul Rozycki When Flint School Board President Danielle Greene [allegedly] assaulted board Treasurer Laura McIntyre during a Flint Community School Board meeting last March, the school board accomplished something that few thought humanly possible. If even for a short time, they replaced the Flint City Council as the most dysfunctional government in the county. That’s no small accomplishment. Not to be outdone in the race for...

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Review:  Fantastic adaptation of “The Fantasticks” celebrates a new perspective
Jun07

Review: Fantastic adaptation of “The Fantasticks” celebrates a new perspective

By Patsy Isenberg and Tom Travis A festive conclusion of The Rep’s final presentation of the season, The Fantasticks, opened to an appreciative full house  Friday, June 3. The iconic musical is the longest-running production in the history of the American stage and one of the most frequently produced musicals in the world.  The Rep’s production, while respectful of that history, also offers something different.  A pre-show...

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