LANSING -- Media coverage is nothing new to a Governor.  But the look on Governor Rick Snyder's face said it all as I and another reporter made our best attempt to structure a professional set for the interview.

He instinctively knew, an interview with two Yoopers was going to be different.  No flash, no glitz, just simple, earnest questions like:  Why did you want to take this position?

"Michigan being a disaster and it’s an opportunity to help people," replied Governor Snyder.

And he's right...Michigan is in dire straits financially.  The state lost nearly 850,000 jobs from 2001 to 2010.

The Governor says during times like this, every sector needs to make sacrifices.

"I believe this year we'll see a lot of good stuff go on, but it really could be two or three years before everyone gets very excited about it,” Governor Snyder said.  “But that's the process.  There's an adoption curve on how these things happen, and you can't force it, but we're on the positive path to make it happen."

Every Yooper I’ve met wants to help his neighbor, even strangers.  So the obvious question:  How can we in the U.P. help?

"I have asked people to help other people,” Governor Snyder said.  “Let's create some clearing house functions through the government or through public, private partnerships, but let's get people helping other people--that's free!”

The Governor also supports mining in the U.P.  He applauds the state's new mining regulations which he considers the toughest in the country.

But as a Yooper, I was itching to ask:  How do you feel about a moose or a wolf hunt in the U.P.?

“We need to be sound for the long term with our wildlife, but at the same time, if it can help tourism or be something people enjoy or be good for the economy, that's a good thing too," Governor Snyder replied.    

He also supports the Pure Michigan campaign and says multiple studies have shown that for every dollar into the campaign, two dollars of tax revenue to the state is returned.

The Governor also believes in the campaign because he loves the outdoors, he loves the U.P.

"What a beautiful place to go.  I mean last year on the campaign, I managed to talk them into letting me ride snowmobiles and going out and seeing how beautiful it was,” Governor Snyder said.  “I got a chance to play hooky a little bit out in the woods, and that was fabulous."

Governor Snyder clearly has challenges ahead, but he's determined to make Michigan work again.

"We're going to come back and we're going to do it with relentless positive action, creating jobs, making great things go on and creating a great legacy not just for us, but for our kids," Governor Snyder said.

And considering how gracefully he handled this interview, you have to believe he may succeed.