All 50 states had the same national economy. And on virtually any measurement you wish to look at, Michigan has moved up and improved against the others.
John Engler

And there should not be a limit on the creation of new public schools. We ought to expand choices for parents.
John Engler

As governor, I learned the importance of having an agenda.
John Engler

As you look around the country there are still a significant number of states where their whole school debate is over school funding and we've been focused on the quality debate for most of the '90s.
John Engler

Believe me, I'm not going to try to get into testing.
John Engler

Despite these hurdles, manufacturers in the U.S. and their employees are doing remarkable work.
John Engler

Given the professionalism of Michigan teachers, I think they're not teaching because of the financial rewards.
John Engler

I care about the children of Detroit.
John Engler

I created no authority that wasn't already there under the constitution.
John Engler

I don't put labels on myself.
John Engler


I expect my next job to be outside government.
John Engler

I had made a decision early on that we were going to do the right things and that if they worked we were going to be very successful. And if for some reason they didn't, all the claims and the protestations and the excuses wouldn't make any difference.
John Engler

I have an old saying that the harder I work, the luckier I get.
John Engler

I just have a position that any child that's in a failing school should be able to get out, or be in a position to have that school fixed.
John Engler

I kept telling everyone I wasn't going to Washington to stay. I go to visit.
John Engler

I think we've got outstanding teaching in Michigan classrooms.
John Engler

I wish we could have acted quicker on Detroit or other failing schools.
John Engler

I'm a compassionate conservative.
John Engler

I'm very pleased with the job President Bush is doing and he's off to a terrific start.
John Engler

I've been in the legislative branch and now the executive branch and in each case I felt it was important we use our constitutional responsibilities to the fullest.
John Engler