My name is Jack Dafoe and I am a student at Wayne-State University. I am writing a critical issue report for my Michigan Politics course. I have chosen to research the need for mass-transit for the Detroit region. I believe this could bring many economic and social benefits to the region, as well as the Detroit Zoo. In my studies, I have learned that for every one dollar spend on mass-transit, four dollars is generated in economic opportunities. It is also proven to attract new industries and highly skilled workers, develop and revitalized neighborhoods and corridors, reduce the carbon footprint on the environment, and maintain the younger think-tank generation that is vital to the economy and region.

In President Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Michigan will be receiving almost $135,000,000 in stimulus aid for projects such as mass-transit. It is also believed to create over 25,000 jobs. I am requesting that your organization urge city, regional, and state leaders to allocate this funding for mass-transit in the Detroit region. I believe it could also attract new visitors to the Detroit Zoo from all over the region. The Detroit Zoo is a central location for a mass-transit stop.

Our region has been politically, economically, socially, and racially divided for decades. It is projects such as mass-transit that could reinvent the region and bring prosperity to the area. I encourage your involvement because I believe the zoo location will benefit the Woodward corridor. Thank you for taking the time to read my email and I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

Jack Dafoe jack_dafoe@yahoo.com