Monday’s article "New year brings challenges for schools, state" in the Detroit Free Press illustrated that too many Lansing politicos fail to understand that raising taxes on the cash-strapped people of Michigan isn't an answer to the unprecedented economic woes facing our great state.

It's time our elected leaders pass significant reforms of government at all levels.

Whether it's the 600 school districts, 83 counties, 1,242 townships, 533 cities and villages or 300-plus special districts and authorities, Michigan has too many layers of competing and overlapping government.

Here in Cheboygan County, there is one elected politician for every 166 constituents.

That must change, and Michigan’s system of government must reflect the realities of the twenty-first century.

Real reforms that consolidate, streamline and restructure government from Lansing down to the local levels will cut the cost of government, improve service and reduce the bureaucratic red-tape that’s forcing innovators and job-creators away from our great state.