A Message from Citizen Cusumano

Thank you for visiting my web site. I graduated from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Campus, with a Bachelors degree (dual majors) in Political Science and Philosophy. My law degree is from the University of Detroit Law School (now UD/Mercy). I have been continually licensed as an attorney in Michigan from 1989 through the present date.

My wife, Julianne Cusumano, and our five children, Roma, Francesca, Giovanna, Giuliana, and Francesco, live in the Altermatt Farms Subdivision in Macomb Township. Our children all attend the Utica Community Schools, and my wife has been involved in several bond issues for the schools.  Like most citizens of Macomb Township, my wife and I get the kids ready for school, get them on the bus, and go to work everyday. I cut my own grass, provide for my family, and always try to teach them to do the right thing by example. I am the President of my subdivision association. A significant part of my law practice is dedicated to pro bono representation of less fortunate fellow citizens of our Great Lakes State. I don't expect kudos for this. In fact, I find it more satisfying than the paid work most of the time.

As with many Americans of European descent, my family immigrated to the Detroit area between 1900 and 1911. My family immigrated from Terrasini, Sicily. My family tree includes fairly common surnames in our region, Cusumano (and all variations spelled slightly differently), Palazzolo, Lumetta, Moceri, and Tocco. My great grandfather, Salvatore Cusumano,  worked as a laborer on the railroads throughout the state, and his wife and children (my grandfather Domineco Cusumano) soon followed. Opportunities were limited to recently arrived citizens, and their literacy skill set made effective communication difficult, and they gravitated into the fresh produce business. My great grandfather's pushcart, built by himself, and used everyday except Sunday to sell fresh produce on the streets of Detroit is at the Detroit Historical Museum. It was recently displayed there. Each successive generation, through public education, assimilated into the Southeastern Michigan community.Their great grandchildren are now doctors, lawyers, teachers, business owners and taxpaying contributors in this community.

Nothing is going to effect you and your family and grandchildren more than the economy, and job loss in this state. As a result, friends, neighbors, relatives and families are leaving our Great State. All problems flow from this undeniable fact: without revenue, a business fails. Without a robust economy, a state government fails its purposes, because it cannot collect enough tax revenues.

As I stated during the campaign, without a vibrant middle class to pay taxes, we will not be able to pay for our schools, roads, water and sewerage, and most government services.

Why does Michigan economy struggle in jobs creation? I have concluded that it is not because we are not a Right to Work State. I base this conclusion on the performance of Indiana and Kentucky. The reality is that our job loss is a function of globalization, and incredibly cheap foreign labor, not being a Right to Work State or not being one.

The reason many companies are locating to southern states is that the cost of living for workers is much less expensive there. Kentucky has among the lowest taxes in the United States. As a result, companies can pay workers less in those states. Ultimately, no US worker, north or south, east or west, can compete with $0.60 per hour Chinese communist labor. If companies do not transfer production overseas, they will be put out of business. Until our national representatives develop a national trade policy on true free trade ("Sane Trade"), in the short term, the overall taxes in a state seems to be the difference hurting Michigan most. Right to Work has nothing to do with our economic situation.

THE EXODUS FROM MICHIGAN

A recent study conducted at Michigan State University drives home the point of the impact. Every citizen that leaves Michigan profoundly effects those that remain, since their consumption of goods and services (and payment of taxes) is forever lost. Summary of Study Here Michigan is losing its greatest asset, its people. Our friends, relatives and neighbors are being driven from their home state. The study reminds us of the impact on the so called "new service economy":

"Within the broader area of services, retail and wholesale services generated about $29.1 billion in wages and other income; healthcare-related services generated about $27.5 billion; professional and technical services generated about $27.1 billion; finance and real estate services contributed about $18.9 billion; and information and transportation services generated about $12.5 billion (Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2007). Most of these services are local to the state, and many are locally delivered within a region, county or community. Therefore, a significant proportion of the spending of individuals or households that move out of a region moves out along with them, potentially creating a downward spiral in economic activity."

Recovery will be slow and arduous given the decline and the new paradigm. The map below, drawn from the report summary, is sobering. Note that all other non-Right to Work states have increased in population. How can any incumbent politician ask to be re-elected again after this shameful performance or push a Right to Work statute? They can and do.

"LEAVING TOWN - Michigan is one of only two states to lose population between 2006-2008; Rhode Island is the other. Rhode Island lost 2,000 people, while Michigan lost 80,000 people."

The fall out is financial catastrophe: the collapse of home values and the collapse of the tax base; teachers now must be laid off, schools closed, and basic police and fire services reduced. The Macomb Daily recently quoted the New Baltimore Mayor that, in his opinion, it would not be long until most municipalities in Macomb County "slip into receivership." This is a growing trend in this state. Home values in Macomb County are expected to fall another 30% in the next three years.

SPECIAL INTEREST AND PAC MONEY FLOWS

On this issue of money paid, we should focus on why the private sector's wages are falling, not to cannibalize the education of our children. Although I am not an expert, I believe I know what the issues are. Unfortunately, it seems, that special interests continue to be well represented, but the state's policies appear to have drifted away from the common citizen's needs. Michigan now ranks 30th per median household income in the nation. Yet we are amongst the highest in spending by lobbyists. I can hardly imagine what is more important to a parent than their child's education. People from everyday walks of life, roofers, firemen, business people, realtors, neighbors and friends are all struggling or failing to keep their children in music, dance, or in athletics. It is rare to talk to a homeowner that is not "upside down" on their home equity.

My son, Francesco is 6 years old and wrestles. At these wrestling tournaments approximately 1000 or more parents and grandparents watch their sons (and daughters) in their matches. Clearly, the government exists for the benefit of those people including the children, and not for the gross enrichment of a few politically connected individuals and corporations. It is up to us, as voters, to make sure that those that we elect are not seduced by special interests.

Again search your Representative, and State Senator and hold them accountable if you believe they have been unduly influenced by PAC money and special interest donations. Search at: Michigan Secretary of State. The Public Education of an entire generation of Michigan children (approximately 1.5 million) and 29,000 in the Utica Community Schools, is not a political football. It is far too important to be treated as a game.

The data shown at right indicates where Michigan ranks in the Union in gross domestic product. The 2008-2009 reporting period was a tremendous and historic decline. In the face of this indisputable data, what if any changes has Lansing (or the private sector) enacted to effectuate real advantage in the playing field? It is no wonder that the incumbents blame each other for this utter failure. When the facts are against you, attack your opponent. What else can they argue?

As indicated on the map below, our 33rd District, and other districts nearby, have lost more population than anywhere else in the nation. Yet, our politicians, from our own districts, ask that they be returned to Lansing to "finish the job."

 MICHIGAN'S PLACE IN THE GLOBAL ECONOMY

Michigan is still dependent on transportation exports as it was over a decade ago. Unfortunately, our national trade policy has sold our entire manufacturing base out. If you don't mind getting angry at the spokespersons for Free Trade insulting your intelligence. Click here and scroll down.

Michigan is a manufacturing state, period. We led this nation in manufacturing throughout the industrial revolution, and built rail cars before automobiles. The key to understanding Michigan's economic performance is the manufacturing sector. The pinnacle of manufacturing is automobile production. Southern states, and developing nations, all want to become manufacturing states that manufacture automobiles. These competitors strive to capture this sector and make their economies less diverse and therefore less impoverished. In other words, while we attempt to "diversify" our economy, our competitors seek to specialize and narrow their economies. Since infrastructure, human resources, and all other components exist here, it makes sense to keep these manufacturing concerns here in Michigan. Why can business, labor, and government work in harmony in competitor states in their drive to steal our manufacturing base, but fail to function here in our state to preserve our economy? Again, all public services and the private sector service industry depends on the state's economy, which is rightly dependent manufacturing.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

Margaret Mead, anthropologist

GOALS

It is my goal for Michigan to have the highest test scores for our graduating High School seniors in the nation; the lowest unemployment in the nation, at ideally 1.0% or less, and  the highest percentage health insurance coverage. I want our per capita income to return to the top ten of the States, where we had been up until the last decade. We must stop job loss and manufacturing transfers to our southern state competitors immediately. NO MORE EXCUSES. Business, labor, and government all have a common interest in this economic "war between the states." Lofty goals? Impossible? Never, never, never, give up.

In the 2003 season, the Michigan Wolverines were down 28-7 to Minnesota Gophers at the Metrodome. In the final quarter, John Navarre went 15-20 passing for 195 yards and 4 touchdowns. Chris Perry ran for two scores and Garrett Rivas kicked the game-winning field goal. The Wolverines scored 31 points in the final quarter to gain a 38-35 win over the Gophers. “It just speaks to the human spirit,” Michigan coach Lloyd Carr said.The comeback set the tone for the rest of the season as the Wolverines rolled to six straight victories, including a decisive 35-21 win over the Buckeyes. Impossible? The Michigan players did not think so, and did not give up. They just got to work.

I ask for you vote in the August 3, 2010 primary, and in the General Election.

Frank Cusumano

"Upon the subject of education, not presuming to dictate any plan or system respecting it, I can only say that I view it as the most important subject which we as a people can be engaged in. That every [citizen] may receive at least, a moderate education." 

Lincoln's first public statement when seeking elected office. March 9, 1832







"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. "

"The government is us; we are the government, you and I."

Theodore Roosevelt


On Ronald Reagan's grave in California, President Reagan, had written his own epitaph. I keep this picture and his final words (which I scanned for posting on this web site) on my desk. This was Ronald Wilson Reagan's last earthly message to all of us.

I believe it embodies the spirit of the man and the Republican Party he ably lead.











"Never underestimate the work ethic, determination and will of the People of Michigan."







Frank Cusumano, citizen of the 33rd State Representative District and Candidate.