West Michigan Rising - Front Page

LaGrand Gathering A Huge Success

philgoblue — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:38:10 GMT

Grand Rapids City Commissioner, and potential State Senate candidate, David LaGrand held a successful fundraiser on Friday. David spoke about his love for Grand Rapids and disappointment with the Republicans in the State Senate to 125 friends and supporters. All told, LaGrand raised over $40,000 for his Committee to Elect David LaGrand (City Commission).

Write a Letter to the Editor, Keep the Pressure on Ehlers, Upton and Hoekstra

philgoblue — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:31:35 GMT

From Organizing for America:

Last night, the House of Representatives did a remarkable thing -- for the first time in history, a chamber of Congress passed legislation that would bring truly comprehensive health reform to America. 220 courageous representatives voted in favor of reform, moving it forward.

Unfortunately, your representative -- Vern Ehlers, or Fred Upton, or Pete Hoekstra -- caved to intense pressure from insurance industry lobbyists and voted against health reform. After this major decision, they'll be watching their district very closely to see how constituents react.

Before health reform can become law, it must pass one more time through the House of Representatives, which means Reps. Ehlers, Upton and Hoekstra will have one more opportunity to reverse course and support reform. So we must publicly show that the voters in your district support reform and are counting on Reps. Ehlers, Upton and Hoekstra to deliver.

One of the best ways to help is to write a letter to the editor of a local newspaper telling your Representative to stop standing in the way of reform. Can you write one today?

You don't have to be an expert to write a very powerful letter. We'll provide helpful information about the House bill and health reform. But the best content comes from you.

You can tell your personal story about why health reform matters to you, your family, and your community. You can write about how important it is that our representatives stand with their constituents and not the special interests. What matters the most is that you write from the heart and speak out as a concerned citizen at this crucial time.

With reform's passage out of the House, there are three major steps left, and it's going to be a fight the whole way: the Senate will soon vote on their version of bill, then there will be a last round of negotiations to combine them, and then a final vote in both the House and Senate.

Your words could mean all the difference in convincing Reps. Ehlers, Upton and Hoekstra to part with the lobbyists and stand with voters, and help ensure real health reform passes this year.

Get started here:

http://my.barackobama.com/HouseVoteLTE

Shocking: Ehlers to Vote No on Healthcare Reform

philgoblue — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:43:11 GMT

Isn't it great to have such a "moderate" Republican representing us?

Update, 12:52 am, Sunday, 8 November: The House has passed the bill 220-215! Congratulations and thank you to Speaker Pelosi, all the Democrats who voted Yes, and Republican Anh Cao of Louisiana whose yes vote made it (barely) a bi-partisan bill.

On to the Senate.

Sarah Palin Coming to West Michigan

philgoblue — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:35:47 GMT

Sarah Palin will be coming to the new Barnes & Noble store in Woodland Mall in ~~Grand Rapids~~ Kentwood on 18 November as her first stop on a tour promoting her book "Going Rogue."

The gift that keeps on giving (thanks for the extra Democrat in Congress). We love you Sarah!

LaGrand Gathering 2009 Tomorrow

philgoblue — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:11:43 GMT

A Fundraiser for Grand Rapids City Commissioner David Lagrand

at the home of City Commissioner Walt Gutowski
2667 Westwinde Street NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504

Friday, November 6, 2009 from 5:30 - 8:00 pm
Suggested Donation: $100: Checks to "Committee to Elect David LaGrand"

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Phil at 616-446-2280, or visit davidlagrand.com. Otherwise, we'll see you tomorrow evening.

Republicans block climate bill!?

faulkner — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:40:00 GMT

The presidential administration and its cohorts in the Senate have been steadily working on a new environmental policy bill that aims to reduce global warming and step up green energy solutions. Today, that was met with a decisive struggle as House Republicans walked out and boycotted a hearing Tuesday on a bill that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global climate change.

It is amazing that we live in era where there is so much scientific evidence for human attributed environmental degradation and its long term consequences on this planet, that so many politicians can deny such truths. As much as the "global warming" movement has been hurt by evidence demonstrating, parts of the Earth are also cooling at a rapid rate, progressives are usually open to debate, dialogue and will gladly make changes when there is evidence to support it. The Republican's actions are not only distasteful and dishonest, they are wrong.

There has been increased amount of doubt being placed from progressive thinking and pro-environment groups regarding these issues. Many on the 'right' have frequently laughed and taken measures to discredit environmentalists, global warming, global climate change and any other human attributed threats/degradation to our eco system, even though the evidence exists to suggest otherwise. The asbestos scandal has also been one of the more successful cover-ups in the 20th century. This corrosive building material has lead to thousands developing mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer. Quite frankly, private interests, monetary gains and self serving purposes have caused an environment of misinformation and ridicule, when taking care of the environment is a global endeavor.

According to an article in the New York Times, Energy Secretary Stephen Chu remains confident that the United States efforts in clean energy technologies and research will surpass all other countries.

After decades of no results and the continuing of lackluster environmental policies, we are beginning to see real action taking place in the social, political and legislative areas in regards to moving towards a green paradigm. From new methods of energy, transforming the auto industry and construction, we have already seen steps in the right direction.

I am very glad to see the Obama administration and members of the Senate taking the first steps to enact policies which will once again make the United States the leader in environmental sustainability, green technologies and reducing human attributed global degradation. Hopefully the proper legislation will be passed and we will be inspired to contribute our part as well.

Election Results Open Thread

philgoblue — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:37:05 GMT

Grand Rapids
Non-Partisan City Commission

Ward 1
Jim Jendrasiak (i): 2586
Dave Shaffer: 2726
Close race ousts the elder Commissioner. The question of the day: what kind of commissioner will Dave be?

Ward 2
Rosalynn Bliss (i): 2996
Rosalynn won this at the filing deadline, indeed she may have gotten 100% of the vote.

Ward 3
Jim White (i): 1906
Carol Townsend: 1739
In Ward 3, the incumbent barely survives. Each contested race was won by less than 200 votes. Proof positive you win at the door and you got to hit a lot of doors, know your voters and get them to the polls.

Library Commission
Caralee Wittveen-Lane: 5757
Michael Booker: 4503
Caralee is a librarian at Cooley Law, so she'll make a great Library Commissioner.

GRPS 18-mill nonhomestead levy
Yes: 7622
No: 3850
Catastrophe averted. Good campaign by the School Board members and the GRPS.

Grandville
City Council (Three four-year terms):
Robert Blitchok: 630
Kenneth Gates (i): 816
Steve Kauffman: 883 (Kent County Democratic Party-endorsed candidate wins!)
Steve Maas (i): 1299
Dick Richards Jr. (i): 906
Jason Siegmann: 323

Kalamazoo
Non-Discrimination, 1856
Yes: 7671
No: 4731

City Commission

Anderson (i) 6166
Ayers 718
Bean-Hardeman 771
Boyd 1851
Boyer 768
Cooney (i) 7329
Davis 2234
Hopewell (i) 8850
Kilbourne 3134
Kuseske 3744
McKinney (i) 7387
Miller (i) 5748
Moore (i) 3840
Phillips 2111
Schmitt 1919
Stocking 714
Wellman 1641

Today is Election Day

philgoblue — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:52:22 GMT

The polls open in 10 minutes at 7:00 am and will stay open until 8:00 pm.

We'll have results here from Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, etc, later tonight.

Update:

Grand Rapids UAW Local 19 Locked Out

philgoblue — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:17:37 GMT

Light Metals Corporation has locked out the their UAW-membership from Local 19 as of midnight, Saturday, October 31 (that would be a trick, folks, not a treat).

Please stop by and show support for the members of Local 19 at Light Metals Corporation. These UAW brothers and sisters need as much support as they can get as there are only about 77 of them. Please help to bolster the lines that are picketing and maybe drop off some warm drinks and food.

UAW Region 1-D will likely be planning a rally soon, so watch for further updates.

Light Metals address: 2740 Prarie SW, Wyoming MI

Shaeffer Does the Full Republican

philgoblue — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:10:43 GMT

I'm hearing that Republican Congressman Vern Ehlers and former mayor John Loggie are doing robocalls for Dave Shaeffer today. The Ward 1 waters are less muddy in these final hours.

Kalamazoo's Equal Rights Ordinance makes the NYT

memiller — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:43:11 GMT

here:

Editorial
Six Tests for Equality and Fairness
Published: November 1, 2009
Political battles this fall in six different parts of the country could have a profound impact on whether the United States will extend the promise of equal rights to those who are not allowed to marry simply because they are the same sex as their partner.
Three jurisdictions - New York, New Jersey and the District of Columbia - seem tantalizingly close to securing legislative approval for measures ending the hurtful and unjustifiable exclusion of same-sex couples from civil marriage. But in Maine, Washington State and Kalamazoo, Mich., voters are being asked on Tuesday to strip away vital rights and protections.
...
A third initiative, in Kalamazoo, has the potential to overturn a measure unanimously approved by the City Commission barring discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in housing, employment and public accommodations. Fair-minded voters should respond by voting yes to uphold the antidiscrimination law.
...

In the first paragraph, the Times seems to conflate the Kalamazoo Ordinance with the others, as having to do with marriage (which it does not). Anyhow, it is good to see some attention from the newspaper of record.

Vote Yes for the Non-Homestead Grand Rapids Public Schools Millage Renewal

philgoblue — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:34:13 GMT

VOTE YES for the Non-Homestead Grand Rapids Public Schools Millage Renewal

What's the cost to homeowners - $0.00! The tax is levied on businesses, commercial properties and rental units. The millage is $29 Million, annually, for the GR Public Schools. In light of the District losing $6 Million in State budget cuts, we need this renewal to pass!

All Grand Rapids voters, please VOTE YES and encourage others to do so.

From a GRPS handout:

On November 3, 2009, the Grand Rapids Board of Education is asking the voters in the City of Grand Rapids to consider a non-homestead millage of up to 19 mills for a period of eight years. If approved, the cost to city homeowners is $0 because the tax levy is on non-homestead property (industrial, rental and commercial). It is not a tax on homes owned by occupants and used as their primary residence.
1. What is Non-Homestead property?
It is property that is not the primary residence of the owner. Examples include business property, industrial property, rental property, and cottages or second homes.
2. What will this millage cost me?
Nothing, if you own the house you are living in and it is your primary residence. The Non-Homestead property tax is only levied on business, commercial and rental property in the city.
3. Why doesn't the proposed millage affect the property taxes on my home?
Homestead property is not subject to the 18 mill tax.
4. What is the money from the millage used for?
The 18 mill levy generates $29 million in local revenue - nearly 14% of the district's operating budget - and provides funding for textbooks, technology, teachers, classrooms, instructional support, and the overall operations of the district.
5. What is the ballot request?
The ballot request is a renewal of the existing 18 mill non-homestead millage, plus an additional 1 mill that would only be used in the event of a Headlee rollback.
6. Isn't the additional 1 mill a tax increase?No, because state law caps the non-homestead levy at no more than 18 mills. So legally, the district cannot tax more than currently approved 18 mills on non-homestead property. The additional 1 mill would only be used to fill the gap and keep the levy at or near 18 mills if there is a Headlee rollback.
7. When is the election?
Tuesday, November 3, 2009.
8. Who can vote on the Non-Homestead millage proposal?
All registered voters in the Grand Rapids Public School district.

Not a Grand Rapids resident? There are other things on the ballot in cities throughout Kent County, to see what's on your ballot click: http://www.accesskent.com/Your...

Day 135 is tomorrow

Harris — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 02:52:04 GMT

The Ever Moderate Vern complains on his web site:

Dear Friend,
As you know, Congress continues to consider the best way to improve Americans' access to quality health insurance and reduce the cost of medical care. Today, Democrats presented a new 1,990-page bill which was negotiated and written behind closed doors with no input from me or my Republican colleagues.

They're making a deal without him. And he's surprised? This is the difference between politics of West Michigan and those of the nation. While he's been proclaiming his willingness to work on something (if only it would come along), the reality remains that he is part of the Go No plan of the Republicans.

Of course he's not standing still. No sir.

I am working with a group of Republicans on an alternate proposal that would implement widely agreed-upon reforms to our health care and health insurance laws in a fiscally responsible manner. It is my strong hope that this proposal will be considered alongside the Democrats' new bill as we debate how to improve health care for Americans.

This, presumably, is the same set of Republicans that promised a measure in "a matter of weeks" as Rep. Cantor said. Well, Friday will be day number 135 since the promise was made, and still nothing from the Republicans and Vern, except of course for the complaints.

And while I would like to hear some acknowledgment that the CBO has scored the new bill with a $100B cut to the deficit -- well, I'm not holding my breath on that, either.

Where Do the Dollars Go? The 2010 Edition

pbratt — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 01:51:08 GMT

(Cross-posted at ML and WMR and SSP-PB. If you have any questions, email me at pbratt@umich.edu)

In the 2008 cycle the Michigan Democratic Party emerged victorious for the second straight election, picking up nine seats to bring their seat total to 67 and helping President Barack Obama win the state in a landslide. However the 2010 cycle appears to be challenging for the party; defend its hold on the executive branch and the lower legislative chamber, while picking up the upper chamber, a victory that has eluded the party since 1984.

To better determine which seats in both the House and Senate will likely be targeted by each party, I've replicated research I did in the last election cycle on the funding that the MDP and the MRP gives to various candidates in the State House. I used Michigan Campaign Finance Network reports for 2002, 2004, 2006, and 2008 to see on what races each party put their money. Before analyzing the data I suspected that both parties would protect incumbents first, and then spend money on flipping open seats. I suspected that independent expenditures (from both parties) would also follow this logic. Finally, candidates that raised little money on their own would not receive any financial support from the state parties. I listed any race where there was an investment of over $15,000 from either party, and whether the seat was open or whether a party's incumbent was defending the seat.
State House

http://i303.photobucket.com/al...
Figure 1: 2002 State House Races

Figure 1 shows the races that each party contested in 2002. The Republicans contested 18 seats, the Democrats 17. The Democrats contested 13 open seats and 3 Republican-held seats, while defending 1 seat. The GOP also contested 13 open seats and 1 Democratic-held seat, while defending 4 Republican seats. Of the 15 seats that each party actively contested, Democrats won 6, while the Republicans won 9.

http://i303.photobucket.com/al...
Figure 2: 2004 State House Races
As shown in Figure 2, the 2004 election cycle saw an increase in contested seats. The Republicans spent serious money on 21 seats, while the Democrats challenged in only 11 races. This difference may be a result of the large GOP money advantage for the state level races in this cycle. Regardless, the Democrats contested 7 open seats and 2 seats held by the GOP, while defending 2 Democratic seats. The GOP challenged 13 open seats and 4 Democratic seats, while defending 4 Republican seats. However, in the 10 races contested by each party, the Democrats won 7 seats. Of the 10 seats that the Democrats did not contest, the GOP won 7.

http://i303.photobucket.com/al...
Figure 3: 2006 State House Races

Figure 3 shows the total number of contested races decline in 2006. However, the Democrats increased the number of challenges, spending heavily in 17 races, while the GOP contested only 13 seats. Of the 17 races that the Democrats spent money on, 5 were open seats and 7 were held by the GOP, while 5 seats were defended. The GOP challenged 4 open seats and 2 Democratic seats, while defending 7 GOP seats. Of the 12 seats that both parties challenged, the Democrats won 8.

http://i303.photobucket.com/al...
Figure 4: 2008 State House Races

Figure 4 shows the total number of contested races in 2008. 31 races were seriously contested altogether; however, of these seats the Republicans contested 20, while the Democrats spent on 21. Of the 20 seats the GOP spent on, 14 were open seats, 3 were held by Republican incumbents, and 3 defended by Democratic incumbents. The Democrats challenged 14 open seats, defended 6 incumbents and challenged 1 Republican incumbent. Of the 10 seats that both parties challenged, the Democrats won 7. Interestingly, the Democrats spent large amounts of funds defining two relatively safe incumbents, Speaker of the House Andy Dillon (34% of his total funding was from the MDP) in District 17 and Mike Simpson in District 65 (55% of his total funding was from the MDP).

Over the past 4 election cycles, only 6 incumbents have fall to challengers. Two Democrats have lost (1 in 2002 and 1 in 2004), while 4 Republicans fell (1 in 2004 and 3 in 2006). Of the 47 races contested by each party between 2002 and 2008, the overwhelming majority have been open seats. All these seats are also Weak Democratic or Republican or Swing Seats.

http://i303.photobucket.com/al...
Figure 5: State House Competitiveness Matrix

Figure 5 is a chart displaying the expected competitiveness for Michigan State House races further. Each District has a Democratic baseline number in parenthesis, along with the number of times each party has challenged the seat. The Democratic baseline is determined by the Democratic share of the Board of Education vote for the election cycles between 2000 and 2008. For example, in House District 51 (in which the Democratic baseline is 51%), the Democrats have invested party resources in the seat four times, while the GOP has invested in it three times. It quickly becomes apparent that both parties rarely spend money defending or challenging seats in the Safe or Strong category or that of the opposing party. Hence, that gives the Democrats 31 worry free seats, and the Republicans 25. For an upset occur in these races means that the challenger needs to be self-financing, as the party will pay for nothing.

Hence both parties put their attention on the remaining 54 leaning, weak, and swing seats. Thus, expect the 11 Democratic and 9 Republican seats outside the Safe or Strong categories of either party that are open to be hotly contested. The Republicans will particularly contest three Republican-leaning seats held by Democratic Representatives in Districts 57, 83, and 107, although the GOP has done poorly in the Upper Peninsula over the past three cycles (This might change with Tom Casperson running for Mike Prusi's 38th State Senate seat). On the opposing side the Democrats will look to pick up Districts 97, while challenging a number of swing seats (Districts 30, 71, and 85) that the Republicans currently hold. The GOP in turn will certainly try hard to pick up open Democratic swing seats (Districts 52, 91, and 103). Also expect the Republicans to try and knock off first-term Democratic incumbents in Districts 32, 70, and 101, although each of these candidates significantly outperformed the Democratic baseline in the last election cycle with vigorous campaigns.

If the Republican Party is serious about returning to a majority in the lower chamber, the party needs to in seats in Wayne County. Currently it holds only one based in Livonia, and this seat will likely face a Democratic challenger should the district get significantly redrawn in 2011 by the Democrats. While there was a significant Democratic wave in 2008, there is no indication that the Michigan voting population is moving to make the GOP the majority party in the lower chamber any time soon. Indeed, some long-term Republican Party strongholds are increasingly turning Democratic. Berrien County in southwestern Michigan, a long-term Republican stronghold, has seen its two State House districts become increasingly Democratic over the past three election cycles, and could be vulnerable to a strong Democratic candidate, especially in the open 79th District. While the GOP continues to do well in the exurban districts in the state, much of the party's post 2004 decline has come from candidates losing in first-ring suburbs in metropolitan Detroit and in other metropolitan centers throughout the state.

Despite the potential opportunities, it is unlikely that the GOP will pick up the 13 seats it needs to regain a House majority in 2010. To do so the GOP would need to pick up all the open and first-term seats held by Democrats in Swing, Weak Republican, and Leaning Republican seats without the Democrats a single Democratic pickup, an unlikely event.

State Senate

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Figure 6: 2002 State Senate Races

Figure 6 shows the total number of contested races State Senate races in 2002. This was the first cycle in which a number of state senators were term-limited, and thus a number of competitive districts drawn up under the 2001 redistricting plan were open seats. Of the 38 seats in the senate, 13 were seriously contested altogether; with the Republicans contested 9, while the Democrats challenged 10. Of the 6 seats that both parties challenged, the Democrats won 2. The Democratic efforts in 2002 met with resounding failure, as the party won only 4 of the 10 seats contested, while the GOP won 7 of the 9 seats they spent substantial sums upon.

http://i303.photobucket.com/al...
Figure 7: 2006 State Senate Races

Figure 7 shows the total number of contested races State Senate races in 2006. With few open seats available to contest, both campaigns spend funds challenging specific races. As opposed to the 13 seats challenged in 2002, only 6 districts caught the attention of the parties in 2006, and the Democrats only challenged 4 districts. Of the 4 districts the Senate Dems challenged, the party picked up only 1 seat, while the GOP successfully held 5 of the 6 seats (including open seats) they were defending. Despite concentrating their financial support on only four districts, the Democrats were outspent by the Republicans in every district, and by substantial margins in the 13th and 34th Districts.

http://i303.photobucket.com/al...
Figure 8: State Senate Competitiveness Matrix

Figure 8 displays the competitiveness of the 38 State Senate seats. There are 11 seats that are Safe or Strong Democratic, while there are 5 Safe or Strong Republican districts. In all likeliness, the 6 Leaning GOP seats are going to be uncontested by the Democrats, simply because there are too many other seats to spent limited financial resources upon.

Districts 32 and 34 are likely to be among the most temping seats for the Democrats to contest. While District 34 is an open seat that has a strong Democratic candidate (State Representative Mary Valentine), District 32 is held by incumbent Republican senator Roger Kahn, who narrowly won against Democrat Carl Williams in 2006. What the Democrats need in the 32nd District is a strong candidate who can make strong contest against Kahn, who is likely to get piles of money from the GOP to hold this seat.

The GOP is in an unenviable situation in 2010. If Republican Mike Nofs picks up the open 19th District seat vacated by Democratic Congressman Mark Schauer, the GOP will have a 22-16 margin in the State Senate. Thus, the Democrats would need to pick up four seats to win the chamber. The Senate Republicans need to hold three seats in western Michigan where the Democrats have made strong electoral gains over the past two election cycles (District 20-Kalamazoo County, District 29-Grand Rapids and surrounding suburbs, and District 34-Muksegon County and three rural counties). If the Democrats pick up two of these three seats, the GOP needs to only lose one more seat to have a tied chamber. Unfortunately for the Republicans, Districts 7 (western Wayne County), District 13 (portions of Oakland County), and District 25 (Lapeer and St. Clair Counties) are all tossup seats.

A few Democratic seats could be potential Republican pickups. Mike Prusi's 38th Senate District is open, and former Republican State Representative Tom Casperson is running for this district, which has a weak Democratic lean. If any Republican candidate can win this seat it is Casperson, who has a history of winning tough races, despite being pounded by Democratic Congressman Bart Stupak last year. Likewise, District 26 (Genesee County) and 31 (Bay County) are districts represented by popular senators (Jim Barcia and Deborah Cherry, respectively) who romped to victory in seats that are not as strongly Democratic as seem.

Mary Valentine - kicks off her 34th Senate District race

JWinston — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:27:09 GMT

Last month, State Representative Mary Valentine (HD-91) officially announced her candidacy for the open 34th Senate district. Over 100 supporters joined her on September 26th at Muskegon's Margaret Drake Elliot Park. Valentine was also joined by many of her constituents whose lives have been directly impacted by Rep. Valentine's exceptional work as their State Representative; telling their stories of how Valentine has helped them and their families.

Rep. Valentine cited several reasons she chose to run for the open senate seat, including her deep commitment to continued service for her West Michigan constituents and the need to move Michigan forward by changing the face of the senate.

"During the ongoing budget crisis of recent years, the current Senate has consistently failed to provide the leadership Michigan needs to move forward," Valentine said. "This lack of leadership has had a profoundly negative impact on our state and the people I represent in West Michigan.

"The tactics of the current senate to balance the state's budget on the backs of the poor, the sick, the elderly and the students - the very future of our state - has been a colossal mistake. We will never recover from this economic disaster without growth."

Valentine said the Senate has failed to approve even bipartisan legislation approved by the House of Representatives. She said Michigan's senators have stalled and stonewalled legislation needed to move Michigan down a more prosperous path to recovery, including its failure to stop out-of-state and Canadian trash, end drug immunity for pharmaceutical companies, ban smoking in bars and restaurants and, most appallingly, it's decision to slash funds for Michigan Promise, K-12 and early childhood education and services to the state's aging population. Public safety has also been dangerously compromised, Valentine noted; Michigan now has fewer police officers and firefighters on duty than before 9-11.

"Promises are easy to make during campaigns and much harder to keep," said Valentine. "I promise to work my hardest for each of my constituents. I promise to listen to all sides of an issue. And I pledge my honesty and integrity. I'm proud to say I kept each of the promises I made during my campaigns for State Representative."

Rep. Valentine has championed a number of issues during her tenure in the 91st district, including legislation to protect Michigan's water from diversion, securing $5 million to fund a building project and create jobs at Muskegon Community College, protecting education funding, and attracting and securing jobs for Michigan workers in renewable energy and life sciences.

Pass The Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act

davidlagrand — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 03:25:23 GMT

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid was absolutely correct with his recent proclamation about the current condition of the Great Lakes State: "The State of Michigan,'' Reid declared from the Senate Floor, with a copy Time Magazine in his hand, "is in trouble.''

There's no arguing the point. Nor should there be any further argument among Reid's Senate colleagues about the value that passage of the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act could offer to struggling states such as Michigan.

With expedited action on the part of the Senate, Michigan could add momentum to its goal to draw 10% of its overall energy demands from alternative source by 2015. To make that goal real, Michigan needs the means to support efforts like those of the alternative energy manufacturers that have begun to cluster in West Michigan. It's a growing list of companies and initiatives; but this burgeoning alternative energy corridor is being stalled by a Senate slow to seize its own power.
From Grand Rapids to Holland, manufacturers and even colleges and universities are racing to help position the state to not only achieve its goal but to also create new jobs and a new level of skilled energy workers to fill the jobs. Grand Valley State University and several Muskegon area businesses are exploring way to provide West Michigan college students with hands-on training in the maintenance of wind turbines. Ideally, colleges would have ample enough budget resources to offer training courses and degrees directly aimed at capitalizing on the state's turn toward renewable energy sources such as wind turbines. The sad reality is that only a few colleges are going to the lengths of Kalamazoo Valley Community College, which is preparing to launch a one-year certificate for wind energy technicians.

Without question, passage of the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power act would allow other college and universities to make the leap in training because of the added investment projected to stem from the legislation. The Center for American Progress estimates 1.7 million jobs to grow out of an annual $150 billion nationwide investment in clean energy projects. Michigan's share of the pie is estimated to be as much as $4.8 billion in investment revenue and 54,000 jobs.

Undoubtedly many of the new alternative energy jobs will be provided by the very energy manufacturers who have been patiently retooling and waiting for the support to extend the reach of their products. Imagine the benefit to companies such as Cascade Engineering and Rockford Construction of Kent County. Determined to position itself to capture a slice of Michigan's wind turbine market, Rockford recently merged with Spanish logistics firm Berge Logistica Energetic. Together they, plan to build wind farms in Michigan and manage wind turbine projects from 150 to 350 feet tall.

These potential strides in job creation represent only a portion of the long-term impact that could be realized with passage of this important legislation. Greater fuel efficiency yielded by the production of electronic cars translates into greater savings for individuals. (The Union of Concerned Scientists estimates that comprehensive climate and clean energy policies could save Michigan households $810 a year on average by 2030).
Further, less dependency on foreign oil that stems from the creation of those vehicles represents better protection of our national security. Finally, a reduction in carbon emissions helps to grant future generations the promise of a safer, healthier existence, a promise that few parents, aunts, uncles and grandparents would deny their kin.

Senator Reid had the right idea in proclaiming Michigan a state in distress and in need-but the prediction not need be a foregone conclusion. Now the Senate needs only power down the debate and set about passing The Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act, a bill bound to defend Michigan and numerous other economically fragile states.

In late June, our leaders in the U.S. House - Reps. Conyers, Dingell, Kildee, Kilpatrick, Levin, Peters, Schauer and Stupak - saw the value of this innovation for Michigan's working families and voted in support for its own version of a climate bill. It is equally important that our state's senators, Stabenow and Levin, heed the leadership call as well and join in that support.

Michigan's trouble breathing need not be long-lived. Senators Stabenow and Levin can assist with Michigan's resuscitation by supporting The Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act.

Governor in GR Talks K-12 Education

philgoblue — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 03:20:43 GMT

MLive has the story.

Stay away from the comments section -- full of folks begging for Michissippization.

2nd Congressional District Dinner Saturday

philgoblue — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 03:12:18 GMT

2nd Congressional District Dinner
Saturday, 24 October
Dinner at 6:00 pm, Program starts at 7:00 pm
Speaker: Lt. Governor John Cherry
Muskegon Community College
211 Quarterline Road, Muskegon
Donation: $50

State House District 91: GOP Primary: Holly Hughes (R) running

pbratt — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 01:25:16 GMT

The GOP is set for a primary for the 91st State House District. From a conservative blog:

Holly Hughes announced that she is entering the race for the 91st also. With both Ken and Holly in the race for the Republicans, the field is set. There will be a Primary come Aug. 2010.
Holly ran in 2008 for the 91st and lost. She has name recognition not to mention all of her signs from that race. She will be hoping to take that advantage from her loss into this race to put her over the top.
This race is turning into a classic "David and Golliath [sic]" match up. Holly has the money and political connections and knows how to play the game while Ken Punter is a fresh face and running his campaign on a shoestring and a lot of effort.

Unlike the GOP primary for the 34th State Senate District between Hansen and Farhat, Hughes clearly becomes the front runner in this primary. She has the big pockets, and the experience from last time. Still, it is nice that the GOP is tied up with a primary.

MI-2nd District: Kuipers (R) running

pbratt — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:55:18 GMT

This makes the race so much more interesting. From the GR Press:

Although his GOP rivals have a considerable head start, state Sen. Wayne Kuipers insists the 2010 2nd congressional primary is still there for the taking.
"This is the earliest I have ever gotten in a race at any level," said Kuipers, who is poised to formally announce his campaign in Holland on Saturday. "So, no, I don't think it's too late."
His chief rivals include former Buffalo Bills tight end Jay Riemersma, of Holland; former state Rep. Bill Huizenga, of Zeeland; and Fruitport businessman Bill Cooper.

Read the full article here:
http://www.mlive.com/news/gran...
While Ballenger might think that the race is going to be competitive between Huizenga, Kuipers, and Riemersma, I think that Kuipers announcement puts another punch into Huizenga's gut that follows his weak 3rd quarter fundraising numbers. It will be very interesting to read the 4th quarter reports.

If Cooper can run a campaign akin to what Hoekstra ran in 1992 (an outsider with a zany campaign), he might be able to do well with three Ottawa County candidates pounding each other.