Michigan prepares for change

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - As Michigan copes with high unemployment, shrinking revenues, insolvent cities, shuttered factories, foreclosed homes and sniping politicians, one thing is clear: Something needs to change.

Figuring out what that change should look like is prompting a rash of forums, community meetings and Internet sites set up to collect opinions and help Michigan move forward.

Citizens are leaping to participate.

Thousands have shown up for community conversations sponsored by the Ann Arbor-based Center for Michigan.

At least 300 ideas have flooded into the Michigan Chamber Foundation's "Great Ideas for Michigan" Web site.

And citizens are suggesting questions for the 2010 gubernatorial candidates on a Web site called the "Michigan's Next Governor Project."