The Mackinac Center for Public Policy is pleased to host monthly Issues & Ideas Luncheons in Lansing. These luncheons, which feature experts on a diverse array of subjects, offer a forum that enhances and broadens the policy debate to include theoretical and philosophical ideals-and suggestions for achieving them. These luncheons, designed to reinforce policy-makers' understanding of the principles of sound economics and the free society, offer a unique opportunity that is open to all legislative staff, policy specialists, and other interested friends.

JULY ISSUES & IDEAS LUNCHEON

"Mass Transit in Southeast Michigan:  A Call for Truth in Advertising"

DATE:   Wednesday, July 18, 2001
TIME:   12:00 - 1:15 p.m.
PLACE: The Parthenon Restaurant
              227 S. Washington Square, Lansing
COST:   $5.00

New York has its famous subway.  Chicago has the El.  Detroit has. the People Mover.  As area commuters all know, the Motor City has no serious system of public mass transit.  Accordingly, many politicians and pundits are calling for expansion of mass transit not only in Detroit but throughout the entire southeast Michigan area.  But are they overselling transit's benefits and downplaying the costs?  Join us as Dr. John Taylor sheds light on the mass transit debate in Michigan.

Dr. Taylor is a senior lecturer in marketing at Wayne State University, where he specializes in transportation and international trade issues.  He has conducted research for, and provided expert testimony to, bodies including the Michigan Senate, the Michigan Department of Transportation, and the Association for Safe and Competitive Transportation.  He also is a frequent witness on transportation and trade issues before congressional legislative committees, and recently presented before the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation.  Dr. Taylor is a member of the National Commission on Intermodal Transportation, which makes legislative recommendations to Congress, and the National Motor Carrier Advisory Committee, a U.S. Department of Transportation panel.  He received his Ph.D. from Michigan State University.

The luncheon begins promptly at 12:00 noon.  Please make reservations for yourself and any guests by noon on July 16, 2001, by calling the Mackinac Center at (989) 631-0900 or send your e-mail to: rsvp@mackinac.org.

The nature of the legislative process is such that public policy debates are often framed by specific constituencies and political pragmatism rather than sound principles.  By offering a forum for wide-ranging discussion, the Mackinac Center for Public Policy hopes to broaden the debate to include theoretical and philosophical ideals-and how to achieve them.  The best interests of Michigan citizens can only be served when legislation incorporates our best understanding of legal, economic, psychological, moral, and scientific principles.