So much for the marshmallows and smores.

There’ll be no singing “Kumbaya” around the campfire tonight.

It seems unity between government leaders in Lansing these days makes for good speeches, but not much more.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, in her State of the State address on Wednesday, called for more bipartisan unity, at the same time digging her heels in deeper regarding COVID-19 discussions the next morning.

GOP leaders mentioned unity, but threatened to hold up coronavirus relief funds unless the governor relaxes some restrictions around the state, including those on high school sports.

At the same time, they rejected 13 appointments she proposed for state boards.

Michigan High School Athletic Association officials want winter sports to start next week, while local health departments worry about not having enough vaccines to meet the needs of residents right now.

All of us seem in a royal pandemic funk these days.

In Alpena County this week, commissioners ignored the advice of their sheriff and prosecutor and approved a resolution that calls on local residents and businesses to make their own decisions regarding COVID-19 restrictions and regulations — in essence ignoring state mandates.

It’s crazy.

Thankfully, there is a voice of reason in the woods, and it is that of state Sen. Jim Stamas, R-Midland.

“The budget challenges last year showed we can work together,” Stamas said after listening to Whitmer. He expressed confidence the same can happen again to “rebuild a healthier Michigan.”

Thursday, all sides looked for higher ground as they pushed forth their political agendas.

It’s exhausting and frustrating, listening to them talk.

What we need now is action, not words. We need to find some common ground and begin the process of building our state back up again. The sooner that happens, the better it will be for all of us.

(THE ALPENA NEWS)