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West Michigan Rising
Rising from the Ashes to Build Our Left Coast in Michigan
Manistee County

Where we're at, and where we're going.

by: LisainManistee

Wed Nov 12, 2008 at 23:51:36 PM EST

First of all I'd like to apologize for my absence, but after the election/pre-county convention is a busy time for me, and my real-life activities have to take precedence to my blogging life... I always like to say if you're not taking your activism from behind your computer screen, and out into the real world, you're not much use to the party, and I always try at all costs to avoid being a big fat hypocrite.

So now that we've gotten that out of the way, onto the post-election Manistee County wrap-up.

(If you're interested in seeing the numbers, I've got all the National, State, Countywide, and half of the partisan township races listed here on the Manistee Dems website. I'll have the rest of the partisan township races up sometime within the next week. I know they're listed on our County Clerk's website right now, but you'll have to trust me when I say that someday they won't be... She always pulls them down after awhile, and then charges us if we want them later.)

To sum it all up, we improved the Democratic turnout on every possible level conceivable... We won all of the National, and Statewide races with the exception of Fred Johnson's race, including the State Education Boards.

On the countywide, and township levels we also saw great improvement compared to the Democratic turnout of previous election cycles. We've retained control of our county Commissioners Board with a 5-2 majority, and we also elected our first Democratic County Drain Commissioner, Mark DiBenedetto.

We were hoping to pick up the County Clerk, and Register of Deeds races, but unfortunately that just wasn't in the cards this year... We did come closer than we've ever came before in both races though. The popular republican longtime incumbents came within under 700 votes of losing their seats.

So that's where we're currently at, and now onto where we're going...

While we were able to provide some financial assistance to each of our countywide candidates, and the Scripps race; we just didn't have the money to provide all of the help that we would have liked to.

I'm determined that that will not happen again in 2010, or 2012, so I've spent the last 9 days running numbers, and scouring google for the cheapest Union printers I can find, in order to formulate a rough calculation of how much we'll need to at minimum fully fund all of our countywide Democratic candidate's yardsigns, and literature in 2010, and 2012... and if we're lucky in our fundraising between now, and 2012 when the partisan township seats are up again, maybe even provide some financial help with some of those races.

If we're really lucky with our fundraising, and manage to raise $30,000 between now, and then we'll be able to buy signs, and campaign literature for Democratic candidates for all of the 85 partisan races in Manistee County in both 2010, and 2012, AND cover rent for headquarters for the election seasons.

It might have taken up days of my life to do it, but I was able to find some very cheap full service Union printers. We used one of them for our Slate cards this year, and they were fantastic. If you're interested in my list of printers, shoot me an email, and I'll send it to you, but I'm not posting this online, because I spent too many hours online, and on the phone getting this list together to share it with republicans...

(I've decided it's best to keep some information close to our chests ever since Ray Franz' campaign manager told me she read our site...)

So anyway, that's where we're at here in Manistee County, and those are some of our goals moving forward.

So what about your counties? Any big plans for the future that you'd like to share?

We'd love to hear about what you're up to.

 

Discuss :: (0 Comments)

Election Results Thread: Live From Manistee County Dems HQ

by: AikoAdam

Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 15:15:00 PM EST

Lisa and I will be here at the Manistee Dems Victory Party in the Northern area of our blog coverage with updates throughout the night. We'll try to get to as many races as we can. Bear with us as we're also doing in house vote updates.

Manistee County:
Obama- 55.6% (7234)
McCain- 42.3% (5506)

US House 2nd District
Johnson(D)- 35%
Hoekstra(R)- 62%
95% in

State House 101:
Scripps(D)- 28902
Franz(R)- 19581
@1:25am

State House 104:
Grucz(D)-18,713 42%
Schmidt(R)-23,962 54%

State House 91:
Valentine(D-inc) 24,444  54%
Hughes(r) 21,034 46%

State House 100:
Hansen(R) 17,799  55%
Richards (D) 13,469  42%  

There's More... :: (11 Comments, 142 words in story)

Manistee News Advocate Endorses Dan Scripps for 101st State House

by: AikoAdam

Sun Oct 19, 2008 at 16:32:02 PM EDT

The Manistee News Advocate Editorial Board endorsed Dan Scripps for the 101st State House seat on Saturday. The endorsement comes on the heels of the nasty mailer by the Franz campaign. Did the mailer cost Ray Franz the endorsement of his home county newspaper? Perhaps. But in their endorsement of Dan Scripps the board lays out very clearly why Dan is the best candidate for the seat without mentioning Ray.

"It is our thought that Dan Scripps will be fighting for the best and highest good of the people of this district.  Not business.  Not Lansing.  Not Dan Scripps.  All of us out here, who are living our lives, waiting for the other shoe to drop."

"We need someone with a broad perspective, and a few fresh ideas to go to Lansing and make a difference on our behalf.  Dan Scripps is that person."

The choice couldn't be clearer. Vote Dan Scripps November 4th. For jobs, schools and the great outdoors. For a New Michigan Now!

Discuss :: (0 Comments)

MasTech to Build Wind-Turbines in Manistee

by: philgoblue

Thu Sep 18, 2008 at 17:21:06 PM EDT

Nevada Wind Turbine Maker To Build Windspires In Manistee

The Manistee County Commission approved a $400,000 Community Development Block to seal a deal between Mariah Power of Reno, Nevada and Manistee's own MasTech Manufacturing Inc.  The new manufacturing partnership should generate hundreds of new jobs in northwest Michigan.

According to Michigan Technology News:

Mariah will work with MasTech to build vertical wind axis called Windspires. The unit stands about 30 feet high and operates with three sets of airfoils that catch wind and rotate around a vertical axis. The Windspire turns a 20-foot tall rotor that generates ... approximately 2,000 kilowatt hours per year with average winds speeds of 12-mph, and sells for around $5,000, plus installation costs

The joint venture will create 40 plus jobs [by January] with the promise of 120 new jobs in this rural region near Lake Michigan within three years. Michigan would be the only place in the world where this cutting-edge, clean technology will be built, said MasTech Operations Manager John Holcomb. Together, Mariah and MasTech will now partner with Mariah to churn out 300 Windspires each month, with plans to expand production to more than 1000 a month by 2011.

The future is now.  This is a great success for Manistee Commission Chairman Allan O'Shea, Governor Granholm, and everyone who believes that the future of Michigan includes alternative energy.

Update 8:47 pm: Ooops, my bad.  Apparently Adam broke this story as Wind Turbine Manufacturing Coming To Manistee? back last month.  So check out that post for more on this story.  The only thing that has really changed is that it's now a 100% done deal with the Commission passing the grant. The MEDC grant requires 51% of employees are from families with lower-middle class incomes. And the exact estimate on the number of jobs to be created in the first three years is 116.

Discuss :: (1 Comments)

Michigan Campaign for Change to Open 40th Office

by: philgoblue

Sat Sep 13, 2008 at 08:42:04 AM EDT

More Michigan Campaign for Change Headquarters are Opening Across Michigan -- including 4 more in West Michigan -- Today, Saturday, 13 September.

Today the Campaign for Change will open their 40th campaign office in Michigan. With this weekend's openings, the Campaign for Change will meet its goal to in operating at least 40 offices in Michigan -- twice the amount in operation in 2004. Organizers in the local offices will work with supporters in the community to build the strong base of support for the Senator and other local candidates (let's hope so). Local offices will serve as a resource for the community to learn more about Senator Obama's policies and to participate in campaign events and volunteer opportunities.  

Senator Debbie Stabenow and Congressman Bart Stupak will be among the elected officials that will help to open the new offices. Following the office openings, volunteers will be in the community registering their neighbors to vote.

It's a rainy day in West Michigan, but that can't dampen our enthusiasm as we must win this battle ground state for Obama.

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Holland Office Opening
Senator Debbie Stabenow and campaign supporters
10:00 am
1 W. 5th St.
Holland, MI 49423

Hart -- Oceana County Office Opening
Community leaders and campaign supporters
1:00 pm
16 S. State St.
Hart, MI 49420
* Volunteer Canvassing Kickoff to begin at 2:00 pm

Manistee Office Opening
Senator Debbie Stabenow and Campaign Supporters
1:00 pm
378 River Rd.
Manistee, MI 49660

Allegan Office Opening
Community leaders and campaign supporters
2:30 pm
527 Water St.
Allegan, MI 49010
* Volunteer Canvassing Kickoff to begin at 3:30 pm

Click here for your local Campaign for Change office.

Remember, you can give directly to your local Campaign for Change (so that the money doesn't go to Chicago, but stays right here to get Michigan's 15 Electoral Votes and helps elect local Democrats) by going into the HQ, finding the local County Party representative and writing a check to "X County Democratic Party" and asking that it go to fund yardsign purchases, HQ rent and opperations, and Get Out the Vote work.  I highly recommend this over sending the money out of state to Obama HQ since we're not seeing a ton of that money come back here to our HQs.

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Dan Scripps Launches "New Michigan Now" in Manistee

by: AikoAdam

Tue Sep 09, 2008 at 12:09:56 PM EDT

Dan Scripps held a press conference yesterday in Manistee at City Hall to announce the "New Michigan Now" campaign. This campaign focuses on a six point action agenda to move Michigan forward.

•    Creating good-paying jobs and protecting Michigan workers.
•    Reforming state government, cutting government spending and cutting taxes for homeowners.
•    Strengthening education to create the new workforce for the 21st century.
•    Building our energy independence and creating jobs.
•    Protecting Michigan's land, air, water and quality of life.
•    Strengthening health care and protecting Michigan residents.

WMR was invited (Dan's campaign rocks!) along with print and radio media.
Video courtesy of the Scripps campaign on the flip...

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Who Will Dan Scripps Face in November?

by: AikoAdam

Wed Aug 27, 2008 at 10:06:17 AM EDT

Update: After the recount in Manistee County yesterday, Mike McManus gained 1 vote and Ray Franz gained 10 additional votes, bringing his total to 18 votes over McManus. The recount continues today in Benzie and Leelanau Counties.

The recount of the 101st republican primary began yesterday in Mason County with a bit of high drama. The Ludington Daily News is reporting that two boxes containing ballots were open.

Sandy Prenger of the Michigan Secretary of State Bureau of Elections demonstrated how the lid of one of the boxes - which was sealed with a clasp - could still be lifted along the edge.

"If you can put your fingers in it, you could put a ballot in," she said.

Sue McRill of the Bureau of Elections, who is overseeing the recount in Mason, Manistee, Benzie and Leelanau counties, said at 9:30 a.m. that she is waiting for word from Lansing about whether or not the votes in the disputed ballot boxes will be counted. There were sealed bags in the sealed containers and the question is: Can the votes in the bags be counted.

If the votes in the disputed precincts cannot be counted, Prenger said the previous results for the precincts recorded by the Mason County Board of Canvassers would be used for the recount.

The results of the Mason County recount added one vote for McCraner, McManus and Franz, leaving the race still at a 9 vote lead for Ray Franz out of  24 of the 25 precincts that were "recountable".

Mason County Clerk Jim Riffle


Find more videos like this on Ludington Talks

The recount continues today in Manistee County at Stronach Township Hall, and Thursday in Benzie County at the Benzie County Court Annex and in Leelanau County at the Leelanau County Building.

Discuss :: (3 Comments)

Wind Turbine Manufacturing Coming To Manistee?

by: AikoAdam

Fri Aug 22, 2008 at 18:00:30 PM EDT

Tuesday, Mariah Power moved one step closer to making the manufacturing of it's Vertical Axis Wind Turbine, The Windspire, in Manistee a reality. I was able to get some background information on the project and what lead to the imminent deal in an email interview with Manistee County Commission Chairman Allan O'Shea:

In early June and during the American Wind Enenrgy Association Conference (Mr. O'Shea was one of the original founders and first president of the AWEA)I was given a lead about a company called Mariah Power looking for a state to settle in and a perminant home for their manufacturing operations. The lead came from a very credible source and I jumped right on it. I started to follow up the lead and due my search, due diligence, research, etc. on the company and its principle owners. During that phase I was called by an affiliate of Mariah Power in the Detroit area (Southern Exposure Renewable Energy), who asked for assistance in putting up a Mariah WES at the Michigan Energy Fair. Mr. Jim Bates and myself went way back and had a similar passion for Michigan and renewable energy systems. I told him "Just let me know and and I will take care of your needs".

During that time he indicated that he had never installed a Mariah Windspire VAT (Vertical Axis Turbine) and neither had I, so I put two of my sons on the project. Devon, who is the renewable energy manager for Contractors Building Supply  and an engineer and it so happened that I had my oldest son Aaron O'Shea coming to help at the MEF. Aaron is a IEEBW union electrician in Minneapolis, Minn. The two of them readied a base and with Jim Bates help installed the system at the Manistee Fair grounds. Mariah Power was contacted and we worked with their engineering, shipping and others to make something happen for them at the MEF and Michigan. The WES was shipped and was installed for the fair and it was the hit of the fair since none of the other wind systems would work during the fair and the Mariah never stopped working.

During that time work continued behind the scenes with the MEDC, Governor Granholm , Senator Levin, Michigan Works and many others that were positive towards green renewable energy systems and their place in Michigan. During this time I called in our support team the Alliance for Economic Success and asked Rene' Islandfeldt to summon the 'Manistee County Rush Team' and see if we couldn't get the principal owner of Mariah to visit and talk to our team. Rene' took the ball and ran and not only convinced the owner of Mariah to come for a visit but assembled a super bunch of support 'rapid response team' memebers to collaborate with our Alliance and make THINGS HAPPEN AND QUICKLY!!!

Mariah Power was looking, at this time, at four States and none of them, was Michigan. Ohio with a 1.8 interest free loan commitment and other offers from three other states (Colorado, Nevada and Iowa). Well the rest of this story is quiclkly becoming a reality....There is a ways to go but we have made progress and are now the number one choice for the Mariah Power production facilities and that is a fantastic team effort by Mastec MFG. in Manistee and Mariah Power engineering.

It takes a team to make things happen and a team we have. Our team is of Olympic quality and this three month saga is not over yet but has come along way in world record time. This is due to the unbelievable effort that Rene' and the State of Michigan put into the request by a entrepreneur for Manistee County and the the renewable energy industry. This is just the beginning of the new era that Manistee County is entering. We are starting to go through our 21st Century Rennisance in the county and northern Michigan.....Hang on for a wild ride....

 

There's More... :: (1 Comments, 278 words in story)

Fred Johnson for Congress Northwest Campaign Kickoff

by: AikoAdam

Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 07:00:00 AM EDT

Tuesday night the Fred Johnson for Congress campaign held their Northwest general election campaign kickoff in Manistee at the Manistee County Democratic Party Headquarters. Fred Johnson gave a lengthy speech covering many topics including education, health care, veterans benefits, the economy, jobs and the environment.

Here's a campaign press release:

Fred Johnson For Congress Kick-Off Rallies Draw Hundreds

Holland, MI - August 14, 2008 - Hundreds of supporters attended four general election kick-off rallies featuring Democratic Congressional Candidate Fred Johnson and other local candidates.  

"We finally have a clear choice," said Johnson.  "Do we want more of the same, or do we want a new direction.  Do we want more of the same foreign policies that have compromised our reputation in the world? Or do we want a new direction where we use our military power wisely and judiciously?"

"Do we want more of the same environmental policies that have left us with contaminated ground water and invasive species that steadily threaten the Great Lakes? Or do we want a new direction that emphasizes environmental stewardship and looks toward a future where green technologies create jobs that restore the earth rather than ravage its fragile ecosystem?"

"Do we want a part-time representative who's more interested in running for Governor than he is representing the people of the 2nd District? Or do we want a new direction that gives us representation and ensures that our voices will be heard?"

The Fred Johnson Campaign held rallies in Muskegon, Cadillac, Manistee, and Holland to mark the beginning of the general election season.  Local Democratic state house candidates also spoke or were represented, including State Rep. Mary Valentine (91st District), State Rep. Doug Bennet (92nd District), and candidates Dan Scripps (101st) Nate Heffron (102nd), Tim Winslow (89th), and Tom Clark (88th).

 
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Bringing Change To Arcadia

by: AikoAdam

Mon Jul 28, 2008 at 12:00:00 PM EDT

Yesterday was the Arcadia Daze Parade in Arcadia, MI. The township represents on of the very few "red" areas in our county. We decided it was time to bring  the blue wave to them. We had our county party entry along with the Obama campaign, Dan Scripps for State Representative, and Kendra Rohdy for Register of Deeds. The republicans have a car. Same as the other parades... a car with a sign on top. We were greeted with applause and excitement all along the parade route in this republican stronghold of Manistee County.


"Bringing change to Arcadia!"


"Back of the truck view"

There's More... :: (4 Comments, 13 words in story)

UGH!

by: philgoblue

Mon Jul 28, 2008 at 10:32:29 AM EDT

Hey! Chicago and Milwaukee! Keep your smogolous smog and quit polluting our pristine northern air.
Discuss :: (0 Comments)

Walkin....

by: AikoAdam

Sun Jul 13, 2008 at 11:25:41 AM EDT

Yesterday we walked in the Bear Lake Days parade with our Manistee Dems. We had a nice sized contingent there and were greeted warmly by our neighbors. Often heard along the long parade route were chants and cheers of "Obama! Obama!", "Take back the White House!", "Vote Dan Scripps!", "There's a good bunch of Democrats!".


(Tim and Wanda Joseph with their grandchildren before the start of the parade.)

Included in our large entry was the main Manistee Dems folks, Bernard Ware Jr. for Township Supervisor, Kenrda Rhody for Register of Deeds and Mindy Sedelmaier for County Clerk. Our total entry took up almost 2 blocks! Dan Scripps also had a big entry that was near the front of the parade.


(the front with the kids proudly wearing their Dan Scripps Parade Staff t-shirts carrying the banner, Lisa's sister Michelle, a stilt walker and signs galore!)

There's More... :: (2 Comments, 80 words in story)

The Michigan Energy Fair

by: philgoblue

Sun Jun 29, 2008 at 10:54:36 AM EDT

Wizzardkitten has the story from Manistee of the vendors, the Governor's speech, and everything from the Energy Fair along with her usual excellent photos at Blogging for Michigan.

A must-check-out story.

Discuss :: (0 Comments)

2008 Michigan Energy Fair

by: LisainManistee

Wed Jun 25, 2008 at 07:39:19 AM EDT

This weekend is the Third Annual Michigan Energy Fair to be held at the Manistee County fairgrounds in Onekama, Michigan; which is located in my own county of Manistee.

Hosting the Michigan Energy Fair is a great source of pride for Manistee County and we owe a big debt of gratitude to our (Democratic!) county commissioner Allen O'Shea for his tireless efforts in attracting the Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association to hold their event in our beautiful county.

The fair is open to the public and the gates open this Friday morning (June 27th) and continue throughout Sunday night. The keynote speakers for the event are as follows: Governor Granholm will be giving the welcoming address Friday at 2:30pm, Dr. Richard Blieden of LUMA Resources will be speaking Saturday at 6:00pm and David Konkle; Energy Coordinator of the City of Ann Arbor will be speaking Saturday evening at 6:30 pm.

Saturday is Kid's Day and the kiddos will get to play fun carnival games while learning about energy and I've been assured there will be prizes for everyone! There will also be crafts and face painting in the kid's tent and I will be there with my niece and nephews so be sure to look for me there... I should be easy to spot, as I'll probably be the only adult with her face painted. :-)

There is also going to be a tour of a super efficient hybrid home that is located nearby and an electric bus will be ferrying fairgoers to and fro throughout the day. I've heard this home is absolutely amazing and well worth the extra $5.00 for the bus ride, so don't miss it!

There is going to be an electric car, wind turbines, solar and just about everything you could ever hope to see in your wildest renewable energy dreams, so be there or be square! Check out the website and if you have any questions about finding directions, food or lodging; send me an email and I'll do my best to help you find what you need... If you're going to stay for the weekend, I highly recommend camping. It's cheap (and depending on how much you want to rough it, it can even be free) and this is going to be a gorgeous weekend to spend in Northern Michigan's great outdoors.

Also, if you don't want to pay to get in or are strapped for cash you can sign-up to volunteer through the Michigan Energy Fair website... For just a couple of hours of volunteering you get free entry into the fair AND a free t-shirt!

Just imagine, you can have an entirely free mini-vacation here in lovely Manistee County if you're willing to volunteer and camp. All you'll have to pay for is gas and your food, so what are you waiting for?  

Discuss :: (5 Comments)

Manistee LWV Candidate Forum Part 2: County Commission Races

by: AikoAdam

Mon Jun 23, 2008 at 09:00:00 AM EDT

In the second half of the evening the Manistee County Races were featured. While every County Commission seat is being contested, no Republican candidates came to the forum to speak to the public. Only Ken Hilliard, Republican currently running unopposed in District 1, notified the LWV that he had prior obligations. Erv Kowalski (Long time Democratic District 4 commissioner, contacted them as he was ministering and holds services and counseling at the prison on Wednesdays. Sherry Dixon, a self proclaimed Democrat running against Allan O'Shea in the 2nd District, did not show up.

This portion featured County Commissioners Allan O'Shea (Commission Chair)and Glenn Lottie; and candidates Rudolph Milasich(D) in District 5(currently held by Ed Haik (R)) and Jim Krolczyk(D)in District 6 (held by Kathy Fenstermacher who strangely is running for County Sheriff as a Republican. Go figure.).

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Manistee LWV Candidate Forum Part 1: 101st State House

by: AikoAdam

Sun Jun 22, 2008 at 14:00:00 PM EDT

This is the first part of the LWV Candidate forum featuring the 101st State House candidates. I will follow up soon with the county races.

I've decided for the most part to transcribe, in full, the answers to the questions here after seeing the coverage in the Manistee News Advocate, wherein they offer no reactions, chopped up sentences and misquoted candidates or only gave partial responses in an obvious effort to skew public perception of the event. Their reporting reads like the minutes of a county meeting for the most part and I find it to be some of the laziest journalism I have seen in some time. I would also like to note that they printed, as letters to the editor, a letter from Janice McCraner, basically giving her free advertising, and what I assume is a member of her campaign committee as well, on the same day.

What is most striking to me from the forum is that Dan Scripps is the only candidate that fully understands all of the issues in detail, has short and long term plans for anything asked and explains them. The Republican candidates do alot of talking and make generalized statements and go off on tangents. Janice McCraner often followed Dan Scripps in the questions and did a lot of parroting Dan, without knowing the issues. If I ever have to hear someone say "unintended consequences" again that many times I might scream. Ray Franz is so far to the neo-con right he fell right off the damn chart. McManus tries valiantly to sound folky and homespun and often hedges his answers to meet a crowd's approval. If his daughter is any measure, I think we know what we would be getting ourselves into with him. And Greg Ferguson....well we (Lisa and I have decided) that Greg Ferguson is pure comedy gold. Please be sure to read his responses for your daily dose of humor. Cut and paste them somewhere for reference, so you'll know, without a doubt, that the person you are speaking with or listening to, has absolutely no idea what he is talking about. It's that good.

The questions began as selected by the Manistee League of Women Voters. Candidates had three minutes to answer. Mr. Zaring and a time keeper did a very good job of keeping a strict time limit.

There's More... :: (15 Comments, 4132 words in story)

Change versus More of the Same

by: danscripps

Sat Jun 21, 2008 at 17:05:05 PM EDT

(thanks for stopping by Dan. PS: The website is incredible! - promoted by philgoblue)

A recent poll out by the Midwest Democracy Network shows that just 11% of Michigan residents feel that the legislature is on the right track, though a majority feel they have faith in the future as long as the right change comes along.

This follows the candidate forum Wednesday night when Mike McManus, one of my Republican opponents running for State Representative in the 101st District, indicated he felt the public perception of Lansing was just fine. While Mike McManus might think Lansing is doing a good job, given the McManus family's close ties with the Lansing establishment, the voters of Michigan have clearly had enough. This election represents a fundamental choice of change versus more of the same. And I'm the only candidate that can bring real change to Lansing.

The poll also shows that most Michigan residents want an end to the political games that characterize so much of what goes on in Lansing. Ending these games and building a broad bi-partisan common-sense agenda for Michigan's future is the central element of what I do as a founding champion of the Center for Michigan's "Michigan's Defining Moment" campaign. Indeed, I am the only candidate for state house, from either party, to serve as a founding champion for this effort. It is going to take this type of common-sense leadership, and not simply more of the same of Lansing's petty partisan games to get Michigan pointed in the right direction and I'm running because it's time to get Michigan moving again.

By the way, you can check out a video of my intro from Wednesday's forum here:

Discuss :: (1 Comments)

Dan Scripps Reception with Governor Granholm

by: AikoAdam

Sat Jun 14, 2008 at 19:28:11 PM EDT

As cleanup continued and power was restored to Manistee Friday afternoon, Governor Jennifer Granholm made a scheduled appearance at a fundraiser reception for Dan Scripps, Democratic Candidate for Michigan's 101st State House, after viewing storm damage in Mason and Manistee Counties.

Photobucket

"I am thrilled to be here to support you because we really need you in Lansing. I know you came close last time, but this year we are going to have this surge, this wave of people coming out to support Democrats and I hope you all agree that it is time for a change in not only in Washington, but your support here allows for there to be a change in your representation in Lansing.
 
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Last Night's Storm.

by: LisainManistee

Fri Jun 13, 2008 at 20:29:39 PM EDT

For those of you that were worried... we made through last night's hellacious storm alive. Our poor little shed didn't fare as well and our pup Fergus might have permanent psychological damage, but Adam and I are a-okay!

I've taken some video and photos today around our neighborhood of some of the aftermath of last night's storm.  Here's a link to a nifty slideshow and here's a video of a park near my house. 

 

There's More... :: (5 Comments, 84 words in story)

Manistee County League Of Women Voters To Hold Candidate Debate

by: AikoAdam

Wed Jun 11, 2008 at 20:48:38 PM EDT

LWV logo The Manistee County League of Women Voters will hold a primary candidate forum for county and state seats on June 18th, 7 pm at the Manistee High School auditorium.

The debate will be moderated by Glenn Zaring and will be based on a forum series held over the last year titled "Run, Manistee, Run!". The forums were organized by the Manistee County LWV in response to the low number of candidates for local office in the past election; as a way to educate and encourage participation in local government. The forum topics included "What are the hot topics and issues in Manistee County?", "How national and state issues affect us here in Manistee County", "Nuts and bolts of how to run for political office" and lastly "Civic engagement is crucial for a healthy democracy" and featured speakers like Rich Robinson of the Michigan Campaign Finance Network .

The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

For more information contact them at  (231) 864-2686 or info@lwvmanisteecounty.org.

Discuss :: (3 Comments)
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Ezra Klein
Tasini's Working Life
Digby
David Sirota
AFL-CIO Blog
Change to Win Blog

Our Sister Regional Blogs
The Albany Project
Cobalt 6 folded, don't know of any others


West Michigan Progressives
County Democratic Parties
Allegan
Berrien
Benzie
Grand Traverse
Kalamazoo
Kent
Leelanau
Manistee
Montcalm
Muskegon
Newaygo
Ottawa
Van Buren

County Parties without websites: Barry, Cass, Ionia, Lake, Leelanau, Mason, Oceana, St. Joseph, and Wexford.

Congressional District Democratic Parties
2nd District
3rd District
6th District

Democratic Clubs
South Berrien County Democratic Club
Harbor Country for Progress (Berrien)

Progressive Organizations
Progressive Directory of Western Michigan
Drinking Liberally Grand Rapids (on fb)
Kent County Democracy for America
Friends of Labor (Kent)
Progressive Women's Alliance (Kent)
Progressive Democrats of West Michigan (Barry)
Clean Water Action - West Michigan
West Michigan Environmental Action Council
League of Conservation Voters (West MI)
West Michigan Justice & Peace Coalition
ACORN Grand Rapids

Unions
UWA Region 1-D
Teamsters 406
UFCW 951
Plumbers-UA 174
RWDSU
IBEW 275
CWA 4034
Michigan Education Assoc
Grand Rapids Education Assoc
Kalamazoo Education Assoc
GR Police
GR Firefighters
Kent County Law Enforcement Assoc
IATSE 26
Michigan AFL-CIO
Anti "Right To Work" Coalition
more coming

College Democrats Western Michigan University
Grand Valley State University
Kalamazoo College
Aquinas College
Hope College
Ferris State University


West Michigan Democrats
West Michigan Democratic Elected Officials

Michigan State House

60: Robert Jones
70: Mike Huckleberry
75: Robert Dean
76: Roy Schmidt
91: Mary Valentine
92: Doug Bennett
101: Dan Scripps

Candidates

US Congress
Fred Johnson (2nd District)
Pat Miles (3rd District)
Jerry Campbell (4th District)
Don Cooney (6nd District)

Statewide Candidates
Virg Bernero
Jocelyn Benson
David Leyton

Michgan Senate Candidates

District 20 Kalamazoo
Robert Jones
District 21 Berrien, Cass, Van Buren
Scott Elliott
District 24 Allegan, Barry, Eaton
Michelle DiSano
District 28 Kent (part)
Robin Golden
District 29 Kent (part)
David LaGrand
District 30 Ottawa
John Chester
District 34 Muskegon, Oceana, Mason, Newaygo
Mary Valentine
District 35 Northwest LP
Roger Dunigan
District 37 Grand Traverse & north
Bob Carr

Michigan State House Candidates

District 59 (St. Joseph & Cass Counties)
Carol Higgins
District 60 (Kalamazoo)
Sean McCann
District 61 (Kalamazoo)
Thomas Batten
District 63 (Kalamazoo)
David Morgan
District 70 (Ionia & Montcalm Counties)
Mike Huckleberry
District 72 (Kentwood & Cascade)
Brian Bosak
District 73 (Kent County)
Jerrod Roberts
District 74 (Ottawa County)
Leon Chase
District 75 (Grand Rapids)
Brandon Dillon
District 76 (Grand Rapids)
Roy Schmidt
District 77 (Wyoming)
Scott Baron
District 78 (Berrien County)
Cindy Ellis
District 79 (Berrien County)
Julee Laurent
District 80 (VanBuren)
Tom Erdmann
District 86 (Kent County)
Frank Hammond
District 87 (Barry & Ionia Counties)
Greg Grieves
District 89 (Ottawa County)
Donald Bergman
District 91 (Muskegon)
Ben Gillette
District 92 (Muskegon)
Marcia Hovey-Wright
District 100 (Newaygo, Lake, and Oceana Counties)
Donald Bergman
District 101 (Northwest)
Dan Scripps

County Commissions Candidates

Allegan County Commission
9 Fritz Spreitzer (I)
10 April Carvalho

Barry County Commission
1 Bob Dickinson

Benzie County Commission
3 Kristin Hollenbeck (I)
4 Anne Damm (I)
6 Donald Tanner (I)

Berrien County Commission
3 Marletta Seats (I)
4 Mamie Yarbrough (I)
10 Andrew Vavra (I)
11 Jess Minks
12 Michael Ringler
13 John Klimek (I)

Cass County Commission
1 Ed Goodman (I)
7 David Taylor (I)
9 Judy Helpingstine
11 Clark Cobb (I)
12 Minnie Warren (I)
13 Johnie Rodebush (I)
14 Debbie Johnson (I)

Grand Traverse County Commission
1 Bernol Soutar

Ionia County Commission
1 Lynn Mason (I)
4 Mark Vroman (I)

Kalamazoo County Commission
1 Jack Urban (I)
2 Carolyn Alford (I)
3 Robert Barnard (I)
4 John Taylor (I)
5 Brian Johnson (I)
6 Mike Seals
7 David Buskirk (I)
9 Chuck Vliek
10 Michael Quinn (I)
11 Barb Hammon
12 Scott McCormick
13 Harvey Hanna
15 Leroy Crabtree
16 Thomas Post
17 Jerry Rudolph

Kent County Commission
1 Mary Lauka
2 Patricia Kramer
3 James Black
4 Fred Clowney
6 James Rinck
7 Al Nielsen
8 Keith Courtade (I)
9 Duane Sprague
10 Albert Abbasse
11 Russell Duffin
12 Pete Hickey (I)
13 Kyle Hinton
14 Carol Hennessy (I)
15 Dick Bulkowski (I)
16 Jim Talen (I)
17 Candace Chivis
18 Richard Tormala
19 Bob Synk (I)

Leelanau County Commission
3 Jason Harrall
6 David Marshall (I)
7 Karl Dungjen

Manistee County Commission
2 Marlene E. Wood-Zylstra
3 Glenn Lottie (I)
4 Ervin A. Kowalski (I)
5 Karl R. Waitner
6 Jim Krolczyk (I)
7 Carl Rutske (I)

Montcalm County Commission
1 Ronald C. Blanding (I)

Mason County Commission
5 Jerome Rybicki (I)
8 David Fonnesbeck

Musekgon County Commission
1 Kenneth Mahoney (I)
2 Charles Buzzell (I)
4 James Derezinski (I)
5 Carl Wentzlof
6 Lew Collins (I)
7 Scott Plummer
8 Anthony Longmire
9 Rillastine Wilkins
10 Benjamin Cross
11 John Jurkas

Newaygo County Commission
1 Barbara Geno (I)
5 Rick Werkema

Oceana County Commission
1 David Spitler
5 Evelyn Kolbe (I)

Ottawa County Commission
3 Jeff Williams

Van Buren County Commission
1 Claudia Maddox
3 Al Hughes


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