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Dan Scripps 
Thu Dec 18, 2008 at 11:15:49 AM EST
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In our continuing series featuring our newly elected Democratic freshmen to our State House, we're pleased to feature Dan Scripps, from Leelanau County in the 101st District and his responses to our questionnaire. Hometown: I was born in Grand Rapids, raised in Alma, and my wife Jamie and I live in beautiful Leelanau County. Age: 32
Family: I married Jamie (Weitzel) Scripps in October 2007. We're still at the Golden Retriever stage. What inspired you to run for office: I saw Michigan in trouble, and felt like my background and experience would be useful in getting our state back on track. What issues are you most passionate about and why?: I am most interested in how to reposition Michigan and Michigan's working families to survive and thrive in the global economy of the 21st Century. To do this, we need to do three things: first, we must accelerate efforts to diversify Michigan's economy, and I think expanding efforts to make Michigan a global leader in renewable energy production and innovation is the single best way to make this happen. Second, we need to expand educational and job-training opportunities for our students and workers, from early childhood education to an affordable college degree to the skills training our workers need to compete. And third, we need to protect Michigan's natural resources to grow our land-based economy and attract the knowledge workers so central to the information-based New Economy. Michigan has all the tools to succeed in this global economy; we just need the right leadership from Lansing to build on our strengths and create the next generation of Michigan jobs. What do you most hope to accomplish while in office?: I think we need a paradigm shift in how we think about Michigan. We're obviously facing some serious challenges in our state, and while few (at least in Michigan) doubt the need for federal assistance to make sure the Big Three make it through this crisis, I also want to lead efforts to diversify Michigan's economy and make sure we're not back in the same situation in ten or twenty years. I think I can most effectively do that by promoting renewable energy efforts, working to build Michigan's capital markets infrastructure, giving our people the education and skills-training they need to compete, and protecting the Great Outdoors that are so central to both our quality of life and economic competitiveness.
Who is someone in your life that you look to as a role model or mentor and why?: I have one brother who is a former Peace Corps Volunteer. Another brother is a police officer, who puts on his uniform every day and tries to make his community a little bit safer. So I don't have to look far for inspiration.
What is your favorite part about your district?: I represent the most beautiful district in Michigan, if not in the country. With four counties bordering Lake Michigan, three state parks, the entire Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, some of the best trout fishing streams east of the Mississippi River and a bucolic landscape away from the shoreline, I love where I live. What is your favorite place to visit in Michigan?: Living in Leelanau County is tough to beat, but I've enjoyed everything from hiking in the Porcupines to cheering on the Tigers at both Tiger Stadium and Comerica Park. With the stunning election of Barack Obama and such a change of power over to the Democrats, how do you think this will affect and play out in Michigan?: I think it provides a great opportunity to build on Michigan's strengths in the renewable energy arena. We're understandably focused on getting much-needed assistance for our Big Three, but even if we're successful, we cannot afford to continue to put all of our eggs in the automotive manufacturing basket. Fortunately, we have a president-elect who is proposing an "Apollo Project"-like plan to develop America's renewable energy infrastructure, a sector where Michigan is uniquely well-placed to create the good-paying jobs of the future. I look forward to leading efforts to make sure we in Michigan make the most of these opportunities. Favorite books and/or blogs?: I read just about everything Tom Friedman writes. I think Michigan-native Gene Sperling's "The Pro-Growth Progressive" lays out a fairly comprehensive plan of action. Reading biographies of leaders from our past gets me thinking about how to approach the challenges of the present. And I'm a frequent lurker – and occasional poster – on most of Michigan's progressive blogs – MichiganLiberal, BloggingforMichigan, WestMichiganRising, and others. Anything else you want your constituents and our readers to know about you?: I wouldn't want this job if it was easy.
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Tue Oct 21, 2008 at 17:44:31 PM EDT
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As someone who spends a good part of her work day dreaming up ways to convince you to open the stuff that lands in your in-box, I'm what you could call a connoisseur of good emails, and that's especially true with subject lines. I sign up for all sorts of groups and campaigns, just so I can get their emails and analyze them. For most of you, I'm sure you're conjuring up thoughts of email in-box hell, but being the geek I am, I actually enjoy it and find it challenging (the analyzing, not the wadding through hundreds of emails everyday). Me = geek. Sometimes these emails are great because somebody thought up the most brilliant one-liner ever. Sometimes they're great because you can finagle it into a good play on words, other times, the situation just presents itself for a real win. Today I received what is now one of my all-time favorite emails ever, and that's not an easy feat to achieve. Of course, the fact that it's from one of my favorite House candidates might help, but don't tell me that it gets any better than this. (the fun starts below the fold)
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Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 13:20:11 PM EDT
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Continuing his people powered campaign, this week Dan Scripps launched his "Standing Up For Seniors" campaign at regional senior citizen centers.
"Michigan seniors should be able to enjoy their retirement years with peace of mind and dignity. In the midst of a turbulent market, many Michigan seniors fear that the money they have saved for retirement may not be enough. Local seniors deserve a State Representative who will stand up for them.
My plan will ensure a secure retirement for all Michigan seniors, hold drug companies accountable and add needed protections from predatory lenders that threaten the ability of seniors to hold on to their homes. Finally, state government must be reformed to ensure accountability to Michigan taxpayers."
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Tue Sep 09, 2008 at 12:18:54 PM EDT
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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.
Video courtesy of the Scripps campaign on the flip...
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Fri Aug 15, 2008 at 11:26:37 AM EDT
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As I noted last week, every Thursday between now and the election I will lay out one piece of a comprehensive economic strategy to get Michigan back on track and get our people back to work. Today, I'm starting with the basics - the importance of getting the fundamentals right. Fundamentals are important. While every 4th grader wants to learn how to run the fancy ”Statue of Liberty” play in Pop Warner football, it's the blocking and tackling that wins games. Same thing for Coach Dale's "four-passes-before-you-shoot" rule in Hoosiers. When it comes to the economy, the fundamentals include fiscal discipline to encourage investor confidence; establishing a fair, competitive and predictable business environment; and making targeted investments in human capital - especially in education - to create the globally competitive workforce necessary to compete in today's knowledge economy. These aren't the sexy, headline-grabbing announcements that politicians love; rather, they represent the nuts-and-bolts, behind-the-scenes hard work necessary to spur long-term economic growth and create jobs now.
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Wed Aug 06, 2008 at 12:03:50 PM EDT
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With yesterdays primary now behind us, we can focus our sights and our efforts on the November election. Yesterday’s results show that local voters are hungry for change. The fact is however, that at a time when voters are calling out for common sense leadership on the challenges facing Michigan and an end to the petty partisanship of Lansing, the likely Republican nominee would actually add more partisanship to the process - it says so right there on his signs.
We can do better. By focusing on Jobs, Schools, and the Great Outdoors, I have a vision for Michigan that goes beyond a simple partisan appeal and addresses the priorities that we share: good jobs and a growing economy, a world class education for a globally competitive workforce, and protecting the natural resources so central to our quality of life.
Our challenges are too important to resort to simple ideology. We need a representative who can bring people together from across the political spectrum to get Michigan moving again. That’s the positive message I will be bringing to the doorsteps each and every day between now and November 4th. On to November!
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Fri Jul 18, 2008 at 11:55:26 AM EDT
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Dear Friends and Supporters,
We need to get Northwest Michigan moving again and this is the year to do it. With your help we can bring job growth, improve our schools and protect our great outdoors.
As we near the end of the primary race, now is the time to show just how much support we have as we move towards November. We need to prove both to the decision makers in Lansing and the voters here at home that this is a race to watch and support. State parties and other organizations use the financial reports from the July 20th filing to determine how viable a candidate is. We know we have a strong campaign, now we need to prove it.
We're trying to raise $1500 by midnight on July 20th. Please go online to danscripps.com and click contribute. Every dollar you give helps ensure that Northwest Michigan will have a voice in Lansing that will truly represent you.
Please, visit danscripps.com and contribute by midnight on July 20th.
Thank you for your support,
Dan Scripps
Democratic Candidate-- Michigan 101st District
If we're going to have a shot at beating the GOP cash machine, I need your help today! Please go to danscripps.com and help us meet our financial goals. It's time to get Michigan back on track.
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Mon Jul 07, 2008 at 14:26:57 PM EDT
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Dan Scripps, Democratic Candidate for the 101st State House seat, held a press conference this morning in Ludington, calling on State and Federal legislators to act on the Democrats plan to reduce the cost of gas by investing in alternative fuels and an incentive package for production and sale.
"Last week the average cost of a gallon of gas here in Michigan was $4.19. It's an increase of 28% in the last year and 5% in the last month. Locally prices are even higher. $4.25 in Freesoil, $4.27 in Bear Lake, $4.29 in Beulah. this is not news to our working families. Because of sky rocketing gas prices citizens have to make difficult choices everyday. They have to cut spending to afford gas. Which means less money being pumped into our local economy and our local businesses. They are saving less money than ever before, which means less money put away for their children's education and they are increasing their debt. A recent Associated press poll showed that gas prices are causing a hardship for nine out of ten Americans. Meanwhile, oil companies are continuing to post record profits. In February of this year, Exxon Mobile, the largest gas company in the country reported that it's 2007 profits hit $40.6 billion. Now, some are quick to blame our neighbors who own local gas stations, but when the price of oil spikes our locally owned and operated gas stations also feel the pain. It hurts their business and our local economy, the same way that it hurts our wallets. More and more of our local gas stations can't even afford to stay in business. Something has to be done."
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Wed Jul 02, 2008 at 10:35:42 AM EDT
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(Many good points by soon-to-be Representative Scripps. - promoted by JNelson)
There is a growing awareness that Michigan is incredibly well poised to take advantage of opportunities in the renewable energy field. With incredible wind potential, a number of idle manufacturing plants that could be retrofitted for renewable energy manufacturing and a skilled workforce, Michigan should be a global leader in renewable energy production and innovation. With events like the Michigan Energy Fair, held this last weekend in Onekama, Northern Michigan is particularly well positioned to lead in the area.
Unfortunately all of this has seemed to escape the attention of the Republican-controlled Michigan Senate. Late Friday night, just hours after Governor Granholm announced that Michigan will be home to the world’s first Cellulosic Ethanol plant and helped to kick off the energy fair the Michigan Senate passed legislation that makes a mockery to the broadly shared goal of being a leader in the renewable energy field. The specific legislation calls for a watered down renewable portfolio standard of just 7% which would put Michigan at the bottom of the pack in terms of states that have enacted an RPS. Worse, the legislation actually calls for a combined 7% between energy efficiency and the production of renewable energy. And to add insult to injury, the republican controlled Senate has included coal-gasification as a renewable energy source. Simply put, the legislation passed by the Senate does nothing to bring renewable energy jobs to Michigan and indeed hurts our ability to compete on a global stage in this exciting and growing field. It’s not that the Senate shouldn’t have known better, earlier this month, Jim MacInnes, CEO and co-owner of Crystal Mountain Resort, called for an energy efficiency goal of 25% an ambitious portfolio of policy recommendations, including a Renewable Portfolio Standard. (Not yet posted on the Michigan Senate Energy Committee's webite). In addition a report released last year by NextEnergy, showed that of the various options being considered, the more ambitious renewable portfolio standard, the more jobs would be created. It is in the face of all this evidence that the senate offered little more than more of the same. We need more than the same tired old Lansing thinking if we are going to get Michigan moving again, and the legislation passed on a party-line vote late last Friday night, does nothing to help with these efforts.
To see pictures of my visit to the Energy Fair, check out my Flickr page here.
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Sat Jun 14, 2008 at 19:32:07 PM EDT
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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.
"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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Sun Jun 08, 2008 at 11:09:29 AM EDT
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About 5pm on Friday night a major power outage interrupted service to about 2300 residents in Manistee. Unfortunately that included The Ramsdell Theatre, where The Jettisons we're scheduled to play their second of two benefit concerts for Dan Scripps for State Representative. After trying to contact the power comapany (to no avail) and talking to neighbors, the fast acting Manistee County campaign manager Rick Schrock and Dan came up with a plan....to take it outside.
The Jettisons played an acoustic trio set for about 2 hours, taking requests from the crowd. A good number of people stopped by to listen, watch the band, and talk to Dan, as downtown Manistee is a popular area for evening walks. This event was a unique way to engage voters.
Dan talked about how the power outage could have been a bad thing, but that together we were turning it into an opportunity to come together as a community and enjoy an evening as neighbors and that if we come together as neighbors in a situation like this, just imagine what we could do.
go below the flip for pictures of the event
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Wed Jun 04, 2008 at 14:16:17 PM EDT
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Dan Scripps, 101st State House Democratic Candidate, will be a featured speaker at the Rothbury Music Festival being held at the Double J Ranch, Rothbury, MI, July 3-6; in a series of environmental discussions called Think Tank.
The ROTHBURY Think Tank will host a mix of provocative keynote presentations, panel discussions, workshops, film screenings, and audience Q&A sessions throughout the festival site to offer insight into these and other questions. Interactive participation, both face-to-face and through the use of multi-media technology enable the ROTHBURY community to engage with the Think Tank at multiple levels.
Dan will be speaking on Sunday, July 6th, 12:45- 2:15pm in a panel on Climate Change and Energy Solutions for the 21st Century. He will be joined by Eban Goodstein, L. Hunter Lovins, Will Semmes, Antuan Cannon and moderator Bud Ward.
We kick off Think Tank Day 3 with the theme of what our local, state and federal
political leaders can do to solve climate change and achieve energy independence. Join
economist and Focus the Nation leader Eban Goodstein, and natural capitalist L. Hunter
Lovins as they open the day's discussions of what our political and corporate leaders need
to do to solve climate change and foster energy independence. Will Semmes, Deputy
Director of the California Department of General Services Antuan Cannon of Envirolution,
and Michigan State Representative candidate Dan Scripps.
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Fri May 16, 2008 at 20:13:56 PM EDT
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I spent a few evenings this week with the Dan Scripps' campaign for the 101st State House seat. I am impressed by what I have seen. A fine tuned, skillful organization centered around a great candidate. A full district campaign aimed at winning this seat for a Democrat. Issue stances and a message that speaks to the people of this area.
Dan is continuing his message, his "Blueprint for Michigan's Future", Jobs, Schools and the Great Outdoors. He ties all of these themes together as a well laid out plan to put Northwest Michigan, and the state, back on track to a bright future. Dan speaks very well to crowds and is very knowledgeable of the issues facing our state, it's people, and how we can change it. One on one, Dan listens to any concern and answers to the best of his ability. He doesn't tell people what he thinks they want to hear, like so many politicians do, but he tells them his plans and ideas to solve their problems, showing his wide range and problem solving abilities.
Dan is a candidate people from all over Michigan can be excited about. He is a proven campaigner, garnering 48% of the vote in 2006 against an incumbent. This is an open seat that is being watched and is considered at the very least a "toss up". Dan's financial backing is wide ranging, consisting mostly of small contributions from neighbors, friends and the people of this district. It is important to know who a person is representing and if the time I have spent with Dan shows anything, it is that Dan will represent us and not the special interests.
Go below the fold to see Dan's vision and his "Blueprint for Michigan's Future" and why you should believe in Dan Scripps...
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Mon May 12, 2008 at 14:47:32 PM EDT
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This week Dan Scripps' 2008 Campaign for the 101st State House District will hold gatherings across Northwest Michigan for his official county kickoffs. The celebrations start Tuesday at Black Star Farms in Suttons Bay, MI. The following day, Wednesday, May 14th, Dan will be in Ludington, MI at the Jamesport Brewery Company. The kickoffs will wrap up in downtown Manistee, MI on Thursday at the Manistee Democratic Party's headquarters for the grand opening of their new office.
Go below the fold to see why you should go!
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Thu Apr 24, 2008 at 09:32:01 AM EDT
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Dan Scripps looks like he might have competition with some name recognition ... another of the McManus clan. Republican Michael McManus announced his candidacy Tuesday for the state’s 101st District state House seat, a district covering Mason, Benzie, Manistee and Leelanau counties.
... McManus is a fourth generation cherry farmer from Leelanau County and retired teacher from Traverse City Area Public Schools. He served 12 years on Northern Michigan College’s Board of Trustees. The McManus family is not new to state politics. Michael McManus is the father of Sen. Michelle McManus, R-Lake Leelanau, and brother of George McManus, a former state senator.
Like daughter, like father: McManus said lowering taxes on businesses would help the economy because it will have a ripple effect. He said if people are not employed they won’t be spending money and supporting the economy, and will take their families elsewhere, causing local school districts and businesses to lose money. “Cutting taxes is not the only answer,” McManus said. He also said streamlining the permitting process will help.
Cutting taxes and streamlining permitting processes? Say, what a novel approach to stimulating the economy. No one's tried that 'round these parts since John Engler last century. And, we all know how well that staved off the decline of the state's economy...
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Fri Feb 01, 2008 at 19:16:32 PM EST
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(Great work by Lisa. Love the snark AND the facts! - promoted by JPowers155)
Well the numbers are in and our boy Dan worked his tail off fundraising for his campaign to be my next State Representative!
Dan is our Democratic candidate for the State House in Michigan's 101st District and we couldn't ask for a better representative for the Democratic Party Or a better representative for the people of the 101st!
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Sun Nov 18, 2007 at 20:29:07 PM EST
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As campaign season is upon us, we hear more and more speeches. We are told what we should believe. We are told what will fix all of our troubles by lifelong politicians. But one man has been spreading his message throughout Northwest Michigan for over 3 years now. One man who sees Michigan's best days ahead of us. That man is Dan Scripps.
Last night to a packed ballroom at the Best Western in Beulah, MI, Dan reminded myself and everyone in attendance why we continue to work so hard, year after year. When Dan Scripps speaks you can hear a pin drop. Everyone on the edge of their seats, listening intently to the future voice of our state government.
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Tue Oct 02, 2007 at 17:19:21 PM EDT
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Michigan's 2nd Congressional District's democratic party is sponsoring a Leadership Training; concentrating on precinct organization, VAN training, Chair and caucus manager training.
The Manistee County Democratic Party is hosting the training session in Manistee. The training is free of charge. Arrive early for drinks and muffins, which will be provided free of charge by the MI-02 Democratic Party.
Date: Saturday, October 6th, 2007
Time: 10:00am - 2:00pm.
Place: Bungalow Inn Restaurant Conference Room
Located on US 31 near the Kmart, in Manistee, MI.
Lunch will be on your own. Order off the regular restaurant menu. The food is good and not too expensive... Plus the owners of the Bungalow Inn were kind enough to loan their conference room free of charge... to a bunch of crazy liberal Democrats that will be using their conference room to plot their nefarious scheme to take over the country and provide health care for children!
So I don't think this really needs saying... but ordering from the menu will help a pro-Democratic business and we don't have too many of those up here in Manistee County. So we want to give them all the support we can get!
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at:
lisa@manisteedems.org
We hope to see you there!
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Fri Jul 20, 2007 at 23:11:37 PM EDT
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Hello everyone! My name is Lisa and I am a proud member of the Manistee County Democratic Party. I thought I'd share how very proud we are to support Dan Scripps' candidacy for Michigan's 101st State Congressional District.
I had the pleasure of joining Dan in the Bear Lake Days Parade on July 14th and I could not have been more impressed by the positive reaction that Dan received from the people in Bear Lake... Dan even picked up two VERY important voters!
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