Great Speakers Set for Livingston Dems’ Winans Dinner May 18!

 

Livingston County Democrats’ biggest event of the year is coming up on Saturday, May 18, and you will want to be part of it! The Winans Dinner is our warm-up for 2014 when Michigan Dems elect a Democratic senator, a Democratic governor, and take back the Michigan House!

The 30th annual dinner will put the spotlight on a key Democratic value – fairness – with its theme “Fairness for All.” Fairness for working families, for women, for minorities, for public school students.

“Fairness is at the bedrock of what Democrats believe. Our economy and our nation work best when the rules are fair – when everybody has a chance to succeed, instead of just a few. But fairness is not what we’re getting from Republicans in Lansing and we’re not going to let people forget that,” said Judy Daubenmier, chair of the Livingston County Democratic Party.

“Our speakers for the event are ideally suited to highlight the theme of fairness.”

The keynote speaker for the evening is Cindy Estrada, the first Latina vice president of the United Auto Workers.  Ms. Estrada, who is known as a dynamic and engaging speaker, is a long-time union organizer and social activist.

Ms. Estrada grew up listening to stories from her grandparents and other relatives about working in factories or in the fields. In 1993, she earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and then took a job with the United Farm Workers of America, helping organize those who pick the fruits and vegetables that end up on our kitchen tables.

Ms. Estrada joined UAW Local 174 in Romulus in 1995 and quickly moved up within the ranks of the organization. In 1999 Ms. Estrada led the effort to organize Mexican Industries in Detroit, one of the UAW’s largest victories in organizing Spanish-speaking workers in the manufacturing sector. She joined the UAW international staff in 2000 and was elected a vice president in 2010.

You can read more about Ms. Estrada at: http://www.uaw.org/page/uaw-vice-president-cindy-estrada.

A special guest speaker is U.S. Congressman Gary C. Peters. Now in his third term in Congress, Gary represents Michigan’s 14th Congressional District covering parts of Oakland Wayne counties. Some political pundits have speculated that Peters may run for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate to replace the retiring Sen. Carl Levin.

“Not only did Congressman Peters fight for loans to rescue the American auto industry, he has worked consistently for an economy in which everyone has a fair chance to succeed,” Daubenmier said.

As a member of the Financial Services Committee, Congressman Peters played a central role in shaping a tough financial reform law that eliminates future taxpayer funded bailouts, bans the irresponsible behavior on Wall Street that caused the recession, and provides common sense financial protections for regular Americans. For more information on Congressman Peters, visit his website: http://peters.house.gov/.

Also speaking will be Mark Totten, a law professor at Michigan State University and a former prosecutor.  At Michigan State, his work has focused on the role of state attorneys-general under Wall Street reform and consumer protection legislation and what states can do to prevent another recession.

Mr. Totten has created a website analyzing the performance of Michigan’s current attorney general, Republican Bill Schuette. The website, www.agforus.com, notes that Schuette has used the office to advance his own political career and a narrow political agenda rather than advocate for the citizens of Michigan.

Besides an opportunity to hear from these top-notch speakers, the evening will also be a great chance to get the scoop on what’s happening in the Democratic Party, both locally and at the state level, and to meet other Democrats in a social setting.

The event, at Lakelands Golf and Country Club, 8690 Chilson Road in Hamburg Township, will begin at 6 p.m. with a cocktail hour, followed by dinner at 7 p.m. Besides a terrific lineup of speakers, the evening also includes live music, snacks, dessert, and a silent auction with a fantastic selection of items. A vegetarian dinner option is available with advance notice. Valet parking also is being provided.

The special early-bird rate for tickets is $55 per person before May 1. After that, the price goes up to $65. Student tickets are $20. Tickets may be reserved with a credit card through ActBlue, https://secure.actblue.com/page/winans, an on-line clearinghouse that supports Democratic causes. Or you may send a check to Livingston County Democrats, 10321 Grand River Road, Suite 600, Brighton, MI 48116. Please include the number of tickets, and the names of attendees so that name tags can be prepared.  And have your name listed in the program as a Patron for just $12 per person.

You also may make a reservation by emailing the information to livcodems@gmail.com and pay at the door. Checks only, no cash per state law.

Reserve soon. Last year’s event was sold out so don’t delay or you could be left out!

(Paid for by Livingston County Democratic Executive Committee, 10321 Grand River Road, Suite 600, Brighton, MI 48116. Labor donated. Donations are not deductible for federal income tax purposes.)
Howell Township Trustee to Seek County Commission Seat
 

A member of the Howell Township board of trustees has announced he will run for a seat on the Livingston County Commission in order to bring balance, business experience, and more openness to county government.



Michael Tipton of Howell Township filed his nomination papers on February 12 for the Democratic nomination for the District 5 County Commission seat. His nominating petitions included signatures from all three areas of District 5 - the City of Howell and the townships of Howell and Cohoctah.

“Livingston County residents deserve a county commission that is representative of the entire county. I will bring balance to the board, along with experience dealing with township government and a wealth of business experience,” Tipton said.

For too long, Tipton said, the District 5 has been represented by a narrow range of individuals, primarily Grand River Blvd. lawyers who have had few connections to the townships or the middle class in the district.

The primary election is set for Tuesday, May 7, and the general election for Tuesday, August 6. The winner will finish out a term that ends December 31, 2014.

Tipton applied for the vacancy and was one of four people interviewed by the commission. The vacancy was created when Jay Drick resigned to become a magistrate in the 53rd District Court. The all-Republican panel selected local attorney Don Parker Esq. to fill the seat temporarily until the election to fill the rest of the term.

“The commission has had its say and now it’s time for the voters of District 5 to have theirs, to look over my qualifications and ideas and make up their own minds,” Tipton said.

Tipton has served on the Howell Township Board of Trustees since November 2012. During his campaign for the position, he actively opposed a 3.5 mill tax increase sought by the former board to cover the cost of bonds for water and sewer projects in subdivisions being built by private developers. When the recession hit, the private developers walked away and left the subdivisions unfinished. With too few residents to pay off the bonds, the township has had to come up with funds to make the payments. Tipton argued that the township should focus on selling some of its land in order to meet bond payments for the sewer projects and the township has already been able to do so.

“We are seeing progress on some of our problems. I will bring the same kind of problem-solving to the county commission, which is also dealing with bad debt for sewer projects it backed throughout the county,” Tipton said.
Tipton said his other priorities include bringing more transparency to county government, working more closely with townships and residents, and improving basic county services required to spur real economic growth.

Tipton moved to the City of Howell in 2003 and bought a home in Howell Township in 2004 while commuting to his job as Purchasing Manager for Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) in Lansing. From 2007 to 2011 he held Purchasing Agent positions with SNC-Lavalin and Bechtel Corp, working on power and nuclear clean-up projects from Washington State to Minneapolis to Dubai and points in between. Prior to that, Tipton received a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Missouri and for 20 years held progressively more responsible procurement positions with McDonnell Douglas Corp. (now Boeing) in St. Louis, MO, Long Beach, and San Jose, CA.

Now retired, Mike is married and his wife, Judith, is the Associate Director of Development for Michigan State University’s School of Human Medicine. They have four grown children and one adorable granddaughter.

Anyone wishing more information about the campaign may contact Tipton at mtipton49@gmail.com or call 517-672-0556.

(Paid for by the Livingston County Democratic Committee, 10321 Grand River Road, Suite 600, Brighton, MI 48116. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee. Printed in-house. Labor donated.
Possible 2014 Democratic Candidate for Governor Speaking in Livingston County this Month!
The head of a think-tank that focuses on transforming Michigan’s economy will speak in Livingston County later this month.
John Austin, president of the State Board of Education, has been mentioned as a candidate for the Democratic nomination for governor in 2014. He will speak at the Feb. 28 meeting of the Livingston County Democratic Executive Committee. The meeting, which is open to all Democrats in the county, will be held at 7 p.m. at party headquarters, 10321 Grand River Road, Suite 600, in Brighton.
“This is a great chance for local Democrats who care about public education and its contribution to a vibrant Michigan economy to hear from one of the state’s leading thinkers on this topic,” said Judy Daubenmier, chair of the Livingston County Democratic Party.
Austin directs the Michigan Economic Center at Prima Civitas Foundation, a center for ideas and network-building with the goal of transforming Michigan’s economy. He is spearheading the Michigan Dream Restored initiative to develop ways to support key elements of a strong economy, including local and higher education, transportation and communications infrastructure, vibrant cities and communities, and protection of our lakes, waters, and outdoor recreation assets. Austin also works on policies to develop Michigan’s urban cores.
In addition, Austin serves as a Nonresident Senior Fellow with the Brookings Institution. At the Brookings Institution, he authored key reports on the Great Lakes that led to federal support for Great Lakes clean-up and restoration, as well as regional actions to build on the Great Lakes as economic assets.
In 2000, Austin was elected statewide to the State Board of Education and was re-elected in 2008. He served on the Commission on Higher Education and Economic Growth and was the founding director of the New Economy Initiative for Southeast Michigan, a $100 million joint effort by philanthropic organizations to improve the region’s economy.
Austin received his Master’s in Public Administration from Harvard's Kennedy School of Government, and a Bachelor’s from Swarthmore College in Economics & Political Science. He has been married 25 years to his wife Terese.  They and their three children live in Ann Arbor.
People wishing more information about the meeting may call (810) 229-4212 or email livcodems@gmail.com.
(Paid for by the Livingston County Democratic Committee, 10321 Grand River Road, Suite 600, Brighton, MI 48116. Labor donated.)

Livingston Dems to Celebrate President Obama’s Inauguration!

President Obama will take his oath of office for a second term on Monday, Jan. 21, and Livingston County supporters of the president are invited to gather to watch.
Supporters of President Obama are invited to an Inauguration Watch Party on Monday, Jan. 21, at 11 a.m. at the headquarters of the Livingston County Democratic Party, 10321 Grand River Road, Suite 600, in Brighton. Lunch and beverages will be provided. Suggested donation is $10 per person.
“Many supporters of the president worked hard last summer and fall to help Obama carry Michigan and deliver the state’s electoral votes for him. The president’s swearing in for a second term is a great time for supporters to get together again and hear the president’s appeal to the nation,” said Judy Daubenmier, chair of the Livingston County Democrats.
“Not everyone has the time or money to go to Washington to witness the event in person so we’re offering a substitute – a chance to watch the historic event with other people who helped make it happen.”
President Obama was re-elected in November with 51.1 percent of the vote, the first president since Dwight Eisenhower to be elected twice with more than 51 percent of the vote and the first Democrat since Franklin Roosevelt.
For more information on the watch party, call 810-229-4212 or email livcodems@gmail.com.
(Paid for by the Livingston County Democratic Executive Committee, 10321 Grand River Road, Suite 600, Brighton, MI 48116. Printed in-house. Labor donated.)
Two Democrats Join Howell Township Board of Trustees


In 1958, the “Donna Reed Show” was a brand new TV series. The Everly Brothers had a top single called, “All I Have to Do is Dream.” The first Edsel rolled off the Ford Motor Co. assembly line.

And a Democrat was sitting on the Howell Township Board of Trustees.

A lot has come and gone since then, but at least one thing has returned. Not one – but two -- Democrats are now sitting on the Howell Township Board of Trustees.

Michael Tipton and Lois Kanniainen made history when they were elected to the board Nov. 6, the first Democrats on the board in 54 years. Although they did not face Republican opposition after one Republican retired and another resigned to run for higher office, both Lois and Michael were powerful vote-getters. Lois received 1,420 votes and Mike 1,374, each more than the 1,330 votes President Obama received in the township.

Mike and Lois took the oath of office on Tuesday, Nov. 20, at the Howell Township Hall, and attended the Nov. 26 Howell Township Board of Trustees meeting.

Both are anxious to get to work on issues facing the township, especially the sewer and water bond debt that the township is having difficulty paying. The township backed bonds to pay for infrastructure for new subdivisions, but when the economy collapsed the private developers walked away. With few homeowners in the subdivisions, the township was stuck with the obligation to pay off the bonds.

“My priorities would be to solve the sewer and water bond debt problem in the township and get some money flowing again,” Lois said.

“Getting investors interested in property owned by the township would also be a priority and would help solve the other problem by getting building started again and (more) connections to the sewer and water systems that are already in place.”

Mike agrees that the main issue in the township “is the serious financial problems resulting from the construction industry collapse after sewer and water bonds had been issued. The sewer and water lines were installed just before the developers failed.  We need to find ways to get these developments back on track and secure funding to tide us over.”

Once that problem is addressed, Mike would like to tackle issues such as road improvements and recycling.

Lois is very familiar with township issues, having worked for the township at various positions, including deputy clerk, deputy treasurer, recording secretary, and accounting clerk. She also has served on the Planning Commission and the Board of Review.

A resident of Howell Township since 1988, Lois is a widow with one son who retired from the Air Force recently after 21 years of service, and four adorable granddaughters.

Mike moved to Livingston County in 2003 and bought a home in Howell Township in 2004 while commuting to his job as Purchasing Manager for Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) in Lansing. From 2006 to 2011 he held Purchasing Agent positions with SNC-Lavalin and Bechtel Corp, working on power and nuclear clean-up projects from Minneapolis to Dubai and points in between. After retiring, he became interested in getting involved in the 2012 elections.

Mike is married and his wife Judith is the Associate Director of Development for Michigan State University’s School of Human Medicine. They have four grown children and one adorable granddaughter.

Mike and Lois join Lori Cowan, who was re-elected to the Unadilla Township Board of Trustees, as Democrats holding township office in Livingston County.

Livingston County Democrats know that when county residents see how well Democrats govern, they will want to add to the number of party members in local governments.

(Paid for by Livingston County Democratic Committee, 10321 Grand River Road, Suite 600, Brighton, MI 48116. Labor donated.)
2012 Democratic Party Ticket

Standing Up for Michigan’s Middle Class Families!
Protecting Medicare and Social Security!
Rescuing the American Auto Industry! 
Making health care affordable and available!

President and Vice President:
Barack Obama and Joe Biden

U.S. Senator:
Debbie Stabenow
Debbie stands up for Michigan’s middle class families

8th Congressional District:
 Lance Enderle
An independent, progressive voice for jobs, Medicare, environmental protection, human rights, and equality.

State Representative:
Democrats will improve our public schools and repeal the unfair tax on pensions and families. 
42nd District – Shanda Willis
47th District – Shawn Lowe Desai

Education Boards:
To Keep College Affordable and Improve Local schools.

Michigan State University Board of Trustees:
Joel Ferguson
Brian Mosallam

University of Michigan Board of Regents:
Mark Bernstein
Shauna Ryder Diggs

Wayne State University Board of Governors:
Sandra Hughes O’Brien
Kim Trent

State Board of Education:
Lupe Ramos-Montigny
Michelle Fecteau
Remember to Vote the Non-Partisan Section of the Ballot for Michigan Supreme Court and Ballot Proposals!

Michigan Supreme Court
Bring fairness for working people and consumers to the Michigan Supreme Court!
Shelia Johnson (for partial term)
 Connie Kelley, and Bridget Mary McCormack (for six-year terms)

Ballot Proposals as recommended by the Livingston County Democratic Executive Committee:
Proposal 1 – NO on the undemocratic emergency manager law
Proposal 2 – YES to protect our jobs!
Proposal 3 – No Position on alternative energy proposal
Proposal 4 – YES to protect senior health care at home
Proposal 5 – NO on the un-American 2/3 vote on revenue
Proposal 6 – NO on requiring public vote to build bridge to Canada 

2012 Livingston County Democratic Ticket!

Standing Up For Livingston County’s Middle Class Families!

Livingston County Prosecutor – Matt Evans
Experienced criminal attorney will bring Common Sense Justice to the prosecutor’s office.

Livingston County Commissioners:
For better roads, more deputies on patrol, better services for seniors, protecting our natural environment, more transparency in government, vote for:
District 1 – Bruce Schneider, Brighton City/Township
District 2 – Jeanette DiFlorio, Deerfield-Hartland-Oceola Township
District 3 – Dane Morris, Hartland-Tyrone Township
District 7 – Jeff Lee, Genoa Township
District 8 – Jim Katakowski, Hamburg-Green Oak Township

Townships:
Democratic candidates will be watchdogs on the all-Republican township boards!
Genoa Trustee – Jim Delcamp
Hamburg Trustee – Annette Koeble
Howell Trustee – Lois Kanniainen, Michael Tipton
Putnam Supervisor – Michael Porath
Tyrone Trustee – Doug Callaghan
Unadilla Trustee – Lori Cowan 

MAKE IT EMPHATIC – VOTE STRAIGHT DEMOCRATIC!

Polls Open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 6!

Apply for an absentee ballot using this form http://www.michigan.gov/documents/AbsentVoterBallot_105377_7.pdf
and mail to your local clerk.

(Paid for by Livingston County Democratic Executive Committee, 10321 Grand River Road, Suite 600, Brighton, MI. Not authorized by any candidate.)

Dems Pledge to Protect Livingston’s Environment, Improve Roads in 2012 Platform

            The Democratic candidates for Livingston County commissioner laid out a bold plan Monday that would protect Livingston County’s environments, give voters a say on improving county roads, and offer more services to senior citizens.
            The five candidates said the plan they offered gives voters a choice to “either move forward or stand pat.”
“In the recent primary election, voters sent a message that standing pat wasn’t good enough. We have heard that message and are ready to lead on the key issues facing our county,” the candidates’ platform says.
The key issues highlighted at a news conference Monday were:
--A “Fix It First” approach to road repairs in Livingston County that would emphasize fixing existing roads throughout the county rather than proposing expensive new projects that benefit only a few.
--Allowing the voters to decide whether a local property tax should be levied to finance more road repairs.
--Support for a moratorium on hydraulic fracking until reasonable regulations that protect the environment are put in place, as well as efforts to educate the public about the potential environmental and community impacts of fracking.
--Expanding services to senior citizens to help them stay in their homes longer and keep more senior citizens in Livingston County rather than seeing them move to facilities in neighboring counties.
--Support for a public safety budget that includes restoring the marine patrol for county lakes and making sure an adequate number of deputies are on the road at all times.
The Democratic candidates said the Michigan Legislature has failed to act on fixing Michigan’s roads and it was time for Livingston County to tackle the problem itself.
In 2011, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments reported that 32 percent of Livingston County’s roads were in poor condition and 38.5 percent of the county’s bridges were “deficient” in 2010.
“Our bad roads damage our vehicles, reduce our property values, and give our county a poor image,” said Jeanette DiFlorio of Oceola Township, candidate for county commission District 2.
DiFlorio said Democrats would work with the Livingston County Road Commission to first determine if available funds were being spent most efficiently. Once they were satisfied that existing revenues were being spent wisely, the candidates said they would work with the road commission regarding the size of a millage to put before voters. Even a half mill would go a long ways but cost a motorist less than the price of a tank of gas.
“This is not money that would be sent to Lansing or Washington, but would stay right here in our local community, putting many of our residents to work and helping our local economy,” she said.
Supporting a moratorium on hydraulic fracking until reasonable regulations are in place is necessary in order to protect Livingston County’s beautiful lakes and streams, said Jim Katakowski, of Hamburg Township, candidate in District 8.
“Livingston County is one of the purest areas of ‘Pure Michigan,’ but that is in jeopardy now that the state has awarded drilling rights under Brighton Recreation Area, Island Lake State Park, and the Lakelands Trails,” he said.
The drilling would involve hydraulic fracturing, known as “fracking,” in which water, sand, and chemicals are injected deep into the ground to free deposits of gas. Katakowski said the process is unregulated by the federal government, even though harmful chemicals are known to be used. As commissioner, he said he would take a leadership role in working for a moratorium on fracking in Michigan until reasonable regulations are in place and push Michigan lawmakers to enact reasonable regulations. These regulations include disclosure of the chemicals involved, a requirement that companies use the least hazardous chemicals available, and limits on water used in the process, for example.
“A spill of hazardous chemicals used in “fracking” could spoil our lacks, hurt our recreational opportunities, pollute our drinking water, and lower our property values dramatically,” he said.
Katakowski said the commission could take a leadership role statewide in pushing lawmakers to act on reasonable regulations and could hold town hall meetings to educate the public about what’s involved.
Bruce Schneider of Brighton Township, candidate in District 1, said he feared county residents have a false sense of security regarding the safety of the county, given the slim number of deputies on the road at certain hours of the day, even though the sheriff’s department has returned nearly $1 million of its budget to the county over the last three years.
With some three decades in law enforcement, Schneider said he would work with the sheriff to make sure the budgeted funds are properly spent and to find grant money to supplement county efforts. He said he would work to see the marine patrol reinstated and to make the county a stronger partner in fighting drug abuse.
Dane Morris of Hartland Township, candidate for District 3, said the county needs to do more to help senior citizens stay in their homes. He said increased funding for more programs could be found by reallocating funds returned to the county general fund each year.
Livingston County’s population age 60 and over is expected to more than double by 2030. The county funded an assessment of senior needs in 2008 but has not put money behind the recommendations of the report.
“We need to help senior citizens stay in their homes if they want to, but we also need to have facilities to take care of them when they no longer can,” he said.
Funds could be used to expand LETS service and hire senior advocates who could encourage steps such as delivery of groceries and prescription drugs, construction of more nursing homes so people could stay here close to family and friends rather than having to move to Oakland or Washtenaw counties, home checks on homebound elderly, improvements in Meals on Wheels, and more robust programming at senior centers.
Jeff Lee of Genoa Township, candidate for District 7, called for more transparency in county government including having county meetings cablecast or webcast so more of the public could view them.
“Current commissioners seem to be behind the times when it comes to modern technology. Township governments such as those in Hamburg have figured out how to use technology and the county commission needs to do the same,” he said.
The platform also called for
--More disclosure of the “worst case scenarios” regarding the bad loans the county backed for sewer and water projects in subdivisions that were abandoned by private developers.
--More county oversight of economic developments of activities by Ann Arbor SPARK, on which the county spends $150,000 a year.
--Development of land donated to the county for parks.
--Elimination of perks such as health insurance and pensions for the part-time county commissioners.

(Paid for by the Livingston County Democratic Executive Committee, 10321 Grand River Road, Suite 600, Brighton, MI 48116. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee. Labor donated.)
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