Local government leaders in Michigan gave Gov. Rick Snyder a significantly higher job approval rating in 2012 compared to a year ago, and the officials were much more optimistic about the state’s direction, a University of Michigan survey says.

But the state Legislature’s approval rate only grew slightly from last year and lagged far behind the governor’s, according to the study by U-M’s Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy.

The growing optimism and higher approval ratings came amid improvements in the Michigan economy and significant policy changes that have been reshaping the relationship between the state and local governments.

“Other surveys around the nation have not been very favorable about the general direction of states or gubernatorial performance. These findings suggest that Michigan and its governor may be trending in more positive directions,” according to Barry Rabe, professor of public policy and director of the Ford School’s Center for Local, State and Urban Policy, which conducted the survey.    U of M News Service

I looked into two rumors that are circulating around town. Both deal with the Harbor Commission.

1. Boyne City Thunder
Rumor: The Harbor Commission rejected a request by the Boyne City Thunder to have lunch in Elk Rapids, thereby giving Charlevoix a boost in lunch business.

Fact: The rumor is true in essence but often comes up wildly out of context as part of criticism of the Harbor Commission. Boyne City Thunder is an annual boat race event in Lake Michigan. Last winter the Thunder committee contacted the Harbor about possibly hosting as many as 65 large boats while the racers went to lunch.  Our harbor is relatively small and does not have 65 transient boat slips. Due to our variable weather, it’s not advisable for these boats to moor outside the harbor. Harbormaster Cheryl Worth stated that several boats did stop for fuel, but that lunch did happen in Charlevoix, which has a much larger harbor.

2. The Harbor does not totally fund the Sunday concerts.

Not true. It does.

If the predicted storm happens tonight during Evening on River Street, the band will move to the Town Hall to perform in dry and air-conditioned comfort. So come on down to the Town Hall (if it rains)!

If you think Rod Stewart is sexy, it might be his pink Hush Puppies. Or maybe it’s his lavender, yellow or leopard-print pairs, which he is wearing on stage during his current tour.

Eleven pairs of the retro-style, size 9.5 shoes were specially made for the 67-year-old rock icon after his stylist called the Rockford company in September.    MLive