Why such low starting pay & fringe benefits in Grand Rapids, Michigan???

Question

Comparable jobs on the east side of Michigan pay as much as $5-7 more per hour to start? Is it due to the skinflint Dutch influence on the west side of the state?.Even the garage sales are pitiful in this area - used items are priced at near new levels - even though the items are obviously worn out??? Oh well, the Dutch were the first to engage in the slave trade, so it's to be expected that they would demonstrate a propensity to be greedy and firm believers in, "Buy low. Sell high," and don't give anybody a break. Most businesses in this area (Except those owned by the Dutch) will agree that when Dutch customers spend their money, they can be extremely unreasonable and demanding. The job must be done perfectly and even passing wind on their jobs is forbidden. These Dutch descendants are so afraid that they'll lose a buck or two that they often obtain a rediculous amount of job bids before awarding the work. Pitiful.......................

Answer 1

I was born and raised in GR MI and I hate it there, I now live in Chicago suburbs, it is such a big difference, more diverse. Not a good place for minorities to get ahead, even with an education. It is very republic (conservative). So glad that I no longer live there, that is the main reason why I left.