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Gov. Snyder draws supporters and opponents to Kalamazoo town hall event

Not everyone in Kalamazoo was happy to see Gov. Rock Snyder. About two dozen protesters picketed outside Snyder's town hall event in Kalamazoo.
Steve Carmody
/
Michigan Radio
Not everyone in Kalamazoo was happy to see Gov. Rock Snyder. About two dozen protesters picketed outside Snyder's town hall event in Kalamazoo.

The race for Michigan governor is moving into its final weeks.

Gov. Rick Snyder held the first of 10 town hall events last night in Kalamazoo on the campus of Western Michigan University.

Not everyone in Kalamazoo was happy to see Gov. Rock Snyder. About two dozen protesters picketed outside Snyder's town hall event in Kalamazoo.
Credit Steve Carmody / Michigan Radio
/
Michigan Radio
Not everyone in Kalamazoo was happy to see Gov. Rock Snyder. About two dozen protesters picketed outside Snyder's town hall event in Kalamazoo.

  

Snyder was greeted by a group that wants to make him a one-term governor.  Protester JoeAnne Peterson is a retired teacher who's angry with the governor for several reasons, including right-to-work laws and increasing taxes on Michigan pensioners.

“I do have a right to say you took. You didn’t ask,” Peterson said.

Gov. Rick Snyder (R-MI) speaks to a largely supportive crowd during a 'town hall' re-election campaign in Kalamazoo
Credit Steve Carmody / Michigan Radio
/
Michigan Radio
Gov. Rick Snyder (R-MI) speaks to a largely supportive crowd during a 'town hall' re-election campaign in Kalamazoo

Inside theWMUstudent center,Gov. Snyder defended his record on right-to-work laws, taxes, and education spending to a largely supportive group of more than 100 people.

Snyder insists he’s been committed to leading Michigan on the road to recovery. He pointed to the growth in jobs and home values as signs his policies are working.

Despite the largely partisan crowd, Snyder says his town hall-style events are intended to give uncommitted voters a chance to ask questions.

“There’s so many misperceptions. So many lies out there. Having forums like this lets real people ask real questions,” says Snyder.  

Undecided voters will be key in November. Polls show the race between Republican incumbent Snyder and Democrat Mark Schauer are still close.  

Copyright 2014 Michigan Radio

Steve Carmody has been a reporter for Michigan Radio since 2005. Steve previously worked at public radio and television stations in Florida, Oklahoma and Kentucky, and also has extensive experience in commercial broadcasting. During his two and a half decades in broadcasting, Steve has won numerous awards, including accolades from the Associated Press and Radio and Television News Directors Association. Away from the broadcast booth, Steve is an avid reader and movie fanatic. Q&A