At 84, Traverse City resident William G. Milliken still looks and sounds very electable. But the “Milliken style” of governing has long disappeared from the political landscape. Gone are the days of civility, serious debate and discussion of the issues that often led to compromise between those on opposite sides of the political aisle, resulting in positive public policy. Partisan bickering and a “sense of meanness” among political adversaries have replaced civility. Spin and doublespeak have replaced serious debate and discussion, and the drive to win elections at any cost has taken priority over sound legislative action. It has been nearly a quarter of a century since Milliken held Michigan’s highest elected office. The Republican Party that he served as a “compassionate conservative” has gone too far to the right for his liking. He also believes that politics in general, regardless of party affiliation, has strayed away from its intended purpose -- serving the best interests of the people.
STILL GOT IT Yet to look at and listen to Milliken, one might believe if he were to throw his name into the ring, he would have a chance. Last year he addressed the Mackinac Policy Conference (considered one of the most important political barometers in the country) where he received a standing ovation for his comments and criticisms of the current political atmosphere. He has maintained his boyish yet distinguished good looks and still possesses that signature smile. Milliken’s intellectual and political vitality rival his days in office. Yes the years have treated him well. History appears to be doing the same. Author and environmental policy advocate Dave Dempsey has captured the eloquence of the Milliken legacy in “William G. Milliken: Michigan’s Passionate Moderate.” The book is so thoroughly researched and well written that Milliken says, “I even learned a few things about myself.” A longtime favorite Northern Michigan son, Milliken (born and raised in Traverse City), will be honored at a public reception and book signing Tuesday, May 16 at the Hagerty Center located at the Great Lakes Culinary Institute. At his side, as she has been for 62 years, will be his wife Helen Milliken, who, according to Dempsey -- in her own right; is deserving of a biography for her contributions to the betterment of Michigan’s environment and the countless efforts on behalf of women’s rights.
LESSONS ON LIFE A Milliken return to political office is about as likely as Barry Sanders returning to the Detroit Lions. Both are needed but neither will happen. Dempsey authored the book because he felt that today’s citizenry could learn very valuable lessons from Milliken’s style of governing. “I wanted this book to go beyond a nostalgic look at his life,” said Dempsey. “There are valuable lessons to be learned in how Milliken approached governing. Those lessons have been lost over time and political gridlock is at an all-time high, resulting in good sound public policies being sacrificed in favor of winning elections or attempts to make others look bad. We as citizens are paying a high cost for this style of politics. So as people read about the Milliken legacy, my hope is that they will strive to see a return to this style of governing.” Since retiring both Milliken’s have remained busy. Bill has served on numerous corporate boards, and both have lent their names to several causes, including land preservation and smart growth organizations. He is also currently chairman of the Police Foundation, an innovative organization that acts as a catalyst for change and an advocate for new ideas, while ensuring that an important link remains intact between the police and the public they serve. Each morning Milliken heads to his office, a converted garage at his home that he jokes as being his “most efficient office.” “I like to start each morning by reading the editorial pages,” said Milliken. “Then I take a break and sit with Helen and we discuss the issues of the day.”
MUTUAL SUPPORT He credits those discussions as being one of the secrets to their successful 62-year marriage. “Marriage is hard work and we have both worked hard at it. We have been very supportive of each other,” said Milliken. “We seldom argue and agree on most issues, but there are times when we disagree, but, have always been respectful of each others opinions.” Helen Milliken agrees. “We had a disagreement this morning over the immigration issue,” said Helen, who is attributed to being one of the first modern day first ladies. They both love Traverse City, though in recent years they’ve sought mid-winter solitude in Arizona. “It is nice to escape the snow for a few weeks,” said Helen Milliken. “After about the third week away we are ready to return to home,” said Bill. “There is really no place like Traverse City.” Even during his days in Lansing Milliken took every opportunity to return to Traverse City. “One of my favorite places then and still today is the Lighthouse Park at the tip of the Old Mission Peninsula,” said Milliken. “During my days as Governor I often walked those trails alone to think and relax, and continued to do so after I left office.”
WOMEN’S RIGHTS Milliken remains one, if not the most, popular governors to serve Michigan. Certainly Helen Milliken has been the favorite of first ladies. When kidded about news clippings stating she “had a real flair for fashion,” she chuckles. “I don’t know about that,” said Helen. “I hope that I am remembered for having a flair for women’s rights and the environment.” She doesn’t have to worry-her legacy continues as a champion for women’s issues, as well as her tireless effort on numerous environmental issues. She is frustrated that despite her efforts and those of many others the country is still without an Equal Rights Amendment. “Do you know that while our Constitution prohibits the discrimination of minorities and religious beliefs, it doesn’t offer protection to women against discrimination,” said Helen Milliken. Author Dave Dempsey was only able to write one chapter about Helen Milliken but he believes her life, accomplishments and contributions are worthy of a biography as well. “Helen Milliken was courageous on many fronts. She championed so many important environmental policies. While her husband was in his office she was on the front steps of Capital rallying for women’s rights or protesting injustices,” said Dempsey. “Early in his gubernatorial days Bill Milliken was approached by a Republican leader who said, ‘Can’t you shut your wife up,’ and in Bill Milliken fashion he leaned back in his chair, smiled and said ‘No.’ That was his way and it was why they flourished as a couple.”
MOST INFLUENTIAL Bill Milliken, during his days as governor, rose to the elite ranks of the leadership in the Republican Party. He was elected chairman of the National Governors Association, and in 1978 his fellow governors selected him as “the most influential governor in the nation” in a survey taken by U.S. News & World Report. His rise to national prominence had him on several short lists as a potential Presidential or Vice-Presidential candidate and surely a lock at a congressional or senate seat. But Washington didn’t interest him. “I saw the direction politics was taking and it didn’t interest me,” said Milliken. “There were calls and even offers, but they just didn’t fit with the life we had chosen after I left Lansing.” It was the same reason Helen Milliken declined an offer by Howard Wolpe to be his running mate in 1994 for governor. “It just didn’t fit for us.” There was also a lot of speculation that Milliken might serve in the first President Bush cabinet. The two were best of friends; the Milliken’s hosted President and Barbara Bush in Traverse City and visited with them often. But their relationship soured. “They made a 180 degree change on their position on women’s reproductive rights,” said Helen. “They went from being moderates to falling into the trappings of the right-wing agenda of the Republican Party.” “I must say that they are very good people, though I disagreed with him on his turnabout on several issues,” said Milliken. “He is an example of the direction politics has taken today. There can no longer be a healthy debate on the issues within one’s own political party; you simply must stay on message.”
FRUSTRATION In his address to a packed room on Mackinac Island at the Detroit Chamber of Commerce sponsored Mackinac Policy Conference, Milliken expressed his frustration with politics today. “If anything, the political climate has deteriorated over the past 25 years. We have seen a growth of meanness, bitterness and excessive partisanship, which can only work to the detriment of the state and the nation. The focus has turned to winning elections rather than developing sound and responsible public policy,” said Milliken. “Too often that focus on winning boils down to just raising the most money and appealing to the worst instead of the best in people. Political discourse these days too often is focused on spin and staying on message rather than involving a genuine exchange of concepts and ideas.” He added: “One thing I learned a long time ago is raising the level of your voice doesn’t raise the level of your discussion,” said Milliken. “Sadly too many of us have lost site that in the end, we are all in this together. When I was in Lansing we had our differences and they could be intense at times. But we were able to resolve them in a climate that maintained a sense of civility and mutual respect.” He received a standing ovation for his comments, but one wonders if anyone took to heart what he had to say.
REGRETS Another difference between Milliken and most politicians today is Milliken is willing to admit mistakes. For example, he regrets signing a strict drug law that has helped to escalate Michigan’s prison population to 60,000, nearly five times what it was when he was in office. “We need reform in this area. Prisons are draining our state’s budget,” said Milliken. “But no one is willing to tackle this issue because they don’t want to appear to be soft on crime. So we build more prisons and imprison more at a cost of $33,000 per prisoner or $2 billion annually.” He is also an opponent to term limits. “I don’t know of any other profession where inexperience is an asset,” said Milliken. “I think most people who go to see a surgeon want someone with experience, and the same goes for every profession.” Bill and Helen Milliken remain popular in many circles; despite their criticisms of the Republican Party, they remain Republicans. Many would like to see a return of the “Milliken Republican,” fiscally responsible and socially compassionate. To learn more about those days and about the Milliken legacy pick up a copy of “William G. Milliken: Michigan’s Passionate Moderate.”
PUBLIC RECEPTION: The University of Michigan Press, and radio personality Ron Jolly and other Milliken supporters are throwing a public reception on Tuesday, May 16 at the Hagerty Center at the Great Lakes Culinary Institute to honor the couple. The Milliken’s will be on hand along with author Dave Dempsey. There will be opportunities to reminisce and have a booked signed by Dempsey and the Milliken’s. There is no cost for the reception, and wines, compliments of the Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsula wineries, will be served along with light appetizers. The event takes place between 6 and 9 pm and copies of the book will be available for purchase. Let’s hope that Jennifer Granholm and Dick Devos are the first ones in line.
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