Great Lakes Tour: Macomb

by: jcherry

Wed Jul 30, 2008 at 13:37:43 PM EDT

The Mt. Clemens Water Treatment Plant also hosts one of the region's real time monitoring stations.  It is the most sophisticated regional monitoring system in the world and is capable of measuring the level of 28 specific chemicals every 15 minutes.  Just over a dozen stations stretch from Port Huron on Lake Huron along both the St. Clair River and Lake and all the way south to Wyandotte on the Detroit River.  The Real Time Monitoring Program provides early detection of drinking water contamination from chemical spills or other polluting events.  For the three million residents of southeast Michigan that depend on this water course for their drinking water, the system is critical to their public health.

Monday in Bay City

by: jcherry

Thu Jul 17, 2008 at 11:23:01 AM EDT

Bay City's location, near the mouth of the Saginaw River as it flows into Lake Huron's Saginaw Bay, made it an early center for lumbering, milling, and shipbuilding.  A number of enterprising settlers amassed great fortunes in those industries, and even today the City is characterized by mansions that still stand from that bygone era.

Today, Bay City is a community of festivals.  River Roar, the 4th of July Fireworks, St. Stan's Polish Festival, the Pig Gig Rib Roast, and the River of Time fill the summer calendar.  The City has reinforced all of that with an intensive effort at Riverfront Development.  Veterans Memorial Park and Wenona Park bookend both sides of the Saginaw River.  Private investors have renovated dozens of store fronts creating restaurants, coffee shops, taverns, antique stores, and boutique retail shops.  There are new condominium developments and a city marina along the waterfront.  City Hall and County Government are located in historical architecture, and downtown boasts the Bay County Historical Museum and a planetarium.

Saturday in Traverse City

by: jcherry

Mon Jul 14, 2008 at 14:04:22 PM EDT

Senator Carl Levin was the morning's keynote speaker.  He pumped the crowd up, and talked about the dramatic moment in the United States Senate last week when Senator Ted Kennedy returned to the Senate floor to cast the deciding vote to bring an end to the filibuster on the Medicaid appropriation.  Democrats have struggled the past two years to muster the 60 votes to break filibusters on critical issues that advance the Democratic Agenda.  For the most part, they have regularly fallen short, but not this time.  With Ted Kennedy present, they broke the filibuster and went on to pass the Medicaid appropriation with a comfortable majority.  This all shows you how legislators often hide behind procedural votes; but when you can't hide any longer and the light of day shines strong, justice can prevail.

Protecting the Great Lakes: Day 1

by: jcherry

Wed Jul 09, 2008 at 07:52:38 AM EDT

Our lakes are not only a beautiful treasure, but are also a key component of Michigan's - and the Midwest's - economy.   Our lakes provide recreation, jobs, drinking water, food, commercial navigation and water resources that help sustain industries and utilities.

Additionally, tourism in Michigan thrives along the water's edge.  Both Michiganders and our friends from out of state flock to the bountiful waters of our 5 Great Lakes and more than 11,000 inland lakes to relax and enjoy the natural beauty our State has to offer.

Granholm bashes "uncommitted"...while not committing to Michigan

by: David Boyle

Mon Jan 14, 2008 at 19:39:27 PM EST

"She's committed to us. We are going to stand behind someone who stands behind us."

"Their choice is to be committed for uncommitted? Or to be committed to someone who has stood for us?"

, and DetNews, Clinton cruising over 'uncommitted' (which despite its title, queries

But will she capture a large enough percentage to avoid embarrassment Tuesday?

    Gov. Jennifer Granholm said this morning at a Clinton rally in Southfield that her candidate "is committed to Michigan."    
    "Her opponent in this state apparently is 'uncommitted,' which is not an opponent," Granholm told reporters after speaking to 100 Clinton supporters at the Westin Hotel. "That is why we are encouraging voters to get out and vote for Hillary Clinton. She is not uncommitted to Michigan, which the other candidates apparently are."    
    Clinton opted not to campaign in Michigan because she made a pledge to uphold the party primary calendar, which is tilted to early races in Iowa and New Hampshire.

   There are multiple truth problems with JG's words here, including the fact that, uh, Clinton pledged not to campaign in Michigan (as noted above)! so that Dennis Kucinich, whatever his other problems, is more committed to Michigan than Clinton, cf. George Bullard in DetNews, Re Michigan, at least Kucinich shows up.
    As well, like it or not, Gravel and Kucinich are opponents of Clinton, too, so JG is inaccurate by not mentioning them as opponents, mentioning only "uncommitted" as an opponent. (Cheap rhetorical trick?)
    Last but not least, Granholm (who USED to say that Michigan Liberal is her favorite blog--is that still true??--, so that she may read here frequently) may have borrowed the "committed/uncommitted" wordplay of yours truly on 1/9/08, "Ironically, then, if you are COMMITTED to change, you may have to vote UNCOMMITTED on 1/15." ...I wonder how much she might owe me for "copyright infringement"! No wonder the writers went on strike...

    Now what is really interesting, is Jennifer Granholm's lack of commitment to staying in Michigan herself and doing her job, instead of running off to D.C. with Hillary, if she wins, and then leaving the Michigan mess to her new "Chief Operating Officer" (!! "Michigan Incorporated"??), and to John Cherry, whose, to be blunt, "charisma issues" might prevent him from becoming governor in a normal election.
    See Tim Skubick, the "Off the Record" video of his JG interview on 10/12/07, at c. 13:45-15:45 on the video. (Check WKAR if the above link doesn't work) TS asks JG repeatedly if she will pledge not to leave Lansing, and JG refuses again and again to answer, talking about "speculation", dodging the issue, and leaving a deep suspicion about her own commitment to Michigan. (She does say that fixing Michigan should take longer than a year and a half, and that she doesn't want to go to D.C. ...o.k., then why can't she pledge to stay in Lansing? Whom does she think she's fooling??)

    Repeatedly refusing to pledge to stay on the job in her own state, throwing (or even subtly massaging...) the election for a pal who can give her a cushy slot in D.C., and taking millions of taxpayers dollars to do it, plus the voter list graft, plus holding the DNC-rulebreaking election even after 4 Dem candidates correctly avoided it, plus Michigan's collapse in general...how committed is politician Granholm to Michigan, or staying in Michigan, or anything? Can she be believed when she mocks "uncommitted" voters like the great John Conyers and says voting Hillary is better?
    Probably not. If you vote, vote "uncommitted"...and commit to doing something about Granholm's, Dingell's, Brewer's, Anuzis's, McManus's, and Bishop's noxious dedication to doing the wrong thing re the 1/15 primary, and so many other wrong things as well. Thanks for your commitment to Michigan and to Michigan rank-and-file Democrats!

Wednesday Coffee Talk

by: BZP

Wed Dec 19, 2007 at 07:18:06 AM EST

Happy Hump Day. We've got a couple new BlogAds over in the sidebar, so please give those a look-see (these folks help keep the lights on). Enjoy your morning cup-o-links!

• DetNews: Granholm: Expect more budget cuts in 2008. "Much of the public doesn't want to see us cut health care, education or public safety," Granholm said from her ceremonial office at the State Capitol Building, adding "we will have to do more cuts and more reforms. The biggest reform that still has to occur: reforming sentencing."
• LivingBlue: Don't Be Fooled by 'Right to Work for Less' Petition. Judy takes a look at the so-called Right to Work ballot initiative that Republicans are expected to begin circulating at polling places on the day of Michigan's presidential primary.
• LSJ: Marijuana as medicine? Michigan voters may be asked in November to legalize drug for patients in pain. Those damn hippies: "These folks are trying to pull the wool over people's eyes," [Republican Sen. Alan] Cropsey said. "They'll get a couple of very sympathetic examples out there, but when it comes right down to it, they are just plain trying to legalize marijuana eventually."
• Freep: Universal health coverage sought. "Granholm supports the goal of universal, affordable care, but has not taken a position, spokeswoman Liz Boyd said. Boyd said she was not aware that Lt. Gov. Cherry's name was listed among the endorsements on a Web site linked to the campaign."

• Freep: 3 tech firms to add 532 jobs in state. "We want to create a climate where we grow these companies and see them through to maturity here in Michigan," Granholm said, noting that Accuri was one of the first recipients of a loan from the state's 21st Century Jobs Fund.
• DetNews: GM seeks deal on buyout plan. "The buyouts likely would be similar to those offered in 2006, when more than 34,000 hourly workers left GM in exchange for packages ranging from $35,000 to $140,000. GM would like to offer targeted buyouts, while the union is pushing for an offer to be extended to all workers."
• Bay City Times Editorial: With a bold goal, we will rise again with renewable energy. "Most experts agree that there's money in them thar green-energy hills, with biodiesel, ethanol, wind power and solar energy leading the way."
• Progress Michigan: Send Your Legislator a Dirty Lump of Coal this Christmas. In case you missed it, Santa's helper has a YouTube video up urging Michigan citizens to send a dirty lump of coal to state lawmakers this Christmas.
• Michigan Messenger: Energy Bill Compromise Cuts Key Democratic Proposals. "I could not support a new mandate on our auto industry without including the critical incentives and funding support needed to help them be successful and keep our jobs in America," Stabenow said. "Republicans refused to eliminate taxpayer subsidies for oil companies; stripped out tax incentives, including over $1 billion in consumer credits for the purchase of advanced technology vehicles; eliminated the clean-energy requirement; and did not fully implement the loan program."
• WNEM: Dow To Invest $100M, Add 55 Jobs In Midland. "Dow Chemical has been a partner in Michigan's economic success for more than 100 years," Granholm said. "We are proud to partner with the company once again as they develop new technologies and grow new jobs."

• WWJ: Poll: DeVos, Stabenow Favorites For Gov. Interesting poll results for the 2010 gubernatorial race. Of course, this poll is basically meaningless at this point... mainly a gauge of name recognition. Marjory Raymer of the Flint Journal explores the implications for John Cherry and Dan Kildee in this column.
• DetNews: Michigan crucial to Romney's GOP run. "And despite the apparent home-field advantage, the race appears very close. Recent public opinion polls have shown Huckabee gaining ground and McCain, the winner of the 2000 Michigan primary, still competitive."

• Capitol Journal: A question of honor. Derek wants to know why families of fallen soldiers can't be honored on the House floor.
• AP: Lt. Governor Announces Big Cut: I'll Drop 55. Gee, I wonder if this means he's running.
• Michigan Messenger: Gay Straight Alliance Group at Bay City School Draws Fire From a Parent. "I want it to be a safe thing for students," she said. "I am all for groups that prevent discrimination and violence and hate crimes and hate-related messages. I think in order to have a Gay Straight Alliance, it should focus on prevention of violence and promoting tolerance, not to teach students about homosexual or heterosexual behavior." Yes, that's a real quote.

Friday Coffee Talk

by: BZP

Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 07:29:52 AM EST

Happy Friday. Enjoy your morning cup-o-links!

• Capitol Journal: UFC bill clears the Senate. "Bills that would sanction mixed martial arts contests in Michigan, including those under the rapidly-growing Ultimate Fighting Championships banner, passed the Senate today, paving the way for Michigan to cash in on the MMA phenomenon."
• Mark Meadows: Misinformation surrounds move by State Police. Rep. Meadows shares a set of facts surrounding the Triangle Project, which he has been fighting to shut down.

• Freep: Report: Mich. 10th in U.S. for global warming emissions. "That's more global warming gases than 91 developing nations combined, said the report by the National Environmental Trust."
• Freep Op-Ed: Package is a complete energy plan for state. DTE CEO Anthony Earley shares his support for the House version of the energy plan, which he says, "offers a path to a clean, affordable and reliable energy future for Michigan."
• AA Biz Review: U-M considers new $50.9 million health data center. "The proposal calls for the construction of a 47,000-square-foot building on the university's north campus that will house an 11,000-square-foot data center."
• Oakland Biz Review: Vehicles ready for auto show limelight. "While GM stole the show last year with its Chevrolet Volt concept, Chrysler could be positioned for similar performance this year. The newly independent automaker plans to unveil a sportwagon called the Dodge ZEO that will run on electric-only propulsion and have a range of at least 250 miles."
• Lessenberry: Trashing Michigan. "Yes, Michigan has money problems. But they weren't bad enough to prevent the legislature from spending twelve million dollars on a presidential primary that only one party is taking part in." And yet, we can't fund the DEQ.
• AP: State asks more questions as decision nears on U.P. mine. "You could knock me over with a feather if there's anything other than approval" from the DEQ, said Michelle Halley, attorney for the National Wildlife Federation, which is fighting the project.

• Tim Skubick: Lt. gov. has a Gore choice. Hey, there are worse people one could be compared with than Al Gore.
• Coalition for Progress: Future Political Training Opportunities. "Are you a progressive candidate or activist looking to develop your skills? If you didn't have a chance to attend Camp Wellstone in Lansing in October, or Camp Millie in Benzonia in November, there will be future training opportunities next year."
• Walberg Watch: Does Walberg Support Torture? It looks like the minister voted against a bill because it contained a provision that would ban waterboarding. WWJD?
• Media Mouse: Ehlers Votes against Bill Containing Torture Prohibition. Same goes for Congressman Ehlers.

• Battle Creek Enquirer Editorial: Michigan ranks near last in funds to reduce smoking. "If the tobacco industry finds it profitable to spend hundreds of millions of dollars a year marketing its products in Michigan, it only makes sense that spending a few million dollars annually promoting the dangers of tobacco also could be effective in reducing smoking."
• The Upper Hand: Campaign Manager Needed for Clean Energy Campaign. "The Campaign manager will work statewide with a diverse coalition of organizations and individuals concerned about proposed new and expanded coal fired power plants throughout the state."

Wednesday Coffee Talk/Open Thread

by: BZP

Wed Oct 10, 2007 at 07:30:18 AM EDT

Lots to talk about today, so let's get to it...

• Michigan Messenger: New DHS director faces some uncomfortable questions but passes confirmation hearing. Michigan's wannabe Ann Coulter tried to give Ismael Ahmed some grief yesterday, but the Senate's Families and Human Services Committee voted unanimously to support his appointment after hearing 30 speakers offer testimony in support of the new DHS Director.
• State News: Group seeks to extend term limits for state legislators. Term limits appear to be the hot topic since last week's budget deal went through.
• Rudy Giuliani: Michigan needs fiscal discipline. Rudy says the answer to Michigan's problems are more tax cuts. Boy, thanks for those pearls of wisdom.
• Senate Dems: Senate Democrats, Business Leaders Urge Support for Clean Energy Development. There's still more work to be done on the budget, but it's time to take up important bills on renewable energy and energy efficiency. The Bay City Times has a short post about this renewed legislative push here, and Kevin has a related post up about the BlueGreen Alliance over on Michigan Messenger.
• Department of History, Arts and Libraries: Great Lakes Arts, Culture, and Heritage Survey Results Give Michigan a Powerful Tool in Leveraging a Key Economic Sector. Okay, so that lengthy headline is pretty self-explanatory. Check out the release for more info.

• AP: Go Solar program turns power users into power savers. "I view it as prepaying for utilities," said Skinner, 56. "We're bargaining over time that it'll be worth it because one day, we'll get free energy."
• DFP: Chrysler, UAW push the deadline. A nice update on the status of the negotiations. We'll know what happens by 11 a.m.
• State News: Adjunct physics professor at MSU wins Nobel Prize. "This year?s Nobel Prize for physics winners Albert Fert and Peter Grunberg?s research could potentially allow for more songs on an MP3 player or more memory on a laptop. Fert, an MSU adjunct professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, along with Grunberg, discovered and pioneered a giant magnetoresistance field in 1988."

And we're back!

by: LiberalLucy

Fri Sep 21, 2007 at 01:17:22 AM EDT

Update (1:13 a.m.)With 48 yes votes on the board, the Democrats are looking for 8 more votes. You'll notice that some very safe Dems are staying yellow. This is political voting strategy at it's best.

Speaker Dillon and Republican Chris Ward are on the floor discussing right now. As NoviDemocrat accurately pointed out, Ward of Brighton is the only Republican to vote yes. He's also as far from the Republican side of the floor as he can get. Let me be the first to (very cautiously) applaud Chris Ward.

There's also some very interesting swing votes being pulled individually out to caucus rooms.

Expect to see a possible few red votes on the Republican and Democratic side turn green. There's a system of signals that have been set up, and when one key vote 'goes' red or green, that's when the previously few selected go as well. From this angle, it's like watching legislative Battleship being played. This is where term-limits start to really hinder the process and the People.

----------------------------------------------
The Governor has made a noticeable appearance on the floor talking with some key Democratic legislators, as is Lt. Governor John Cherry.

Attendance just ended, Rep. Agema was the only member 'excused', uhh, I'm not sure about that.

The voting board just opened on 5195, and the only difference is that the tie-bar for the use (service) tax has been removed.

Tallying the votes now.

What you can't see from HouseTV

by: LiberalLucy

Thu Sep 20, 2007 at 22:54:05 PM EDT

Here's a brief list while I wait for both parties to return from Caucus.

• Sen. Mickey Switalski (D-Roseville) and Sen. Valde Garcia (R-Howell) have both been present on the floor tonight talking with various members of each party's caucus.
• The Gallery is chock-full of lobbyists some wringing their hands, others typing a million miles a minute on their Blackberries.
• Leon Drolet is sucking off power and wireless Internet from the state with his laptop in gallery. Very few people have been seen with him, but Rep. John Garfield (R-2 Drinking While Driving) of Rochester Hills has been quite cozy with him. If Drolet ever bothers to follow the law and file his donations, you'll see quite a sizable chunk of change from the Terrible Toupee himself.
• The Lt. Governor, Budget Director and former Senate Democratic Leader Bob Emerson, and representatives from the Governor's office are all present.

Wednesday Coffee Talk/Open Thread

by: BZP

Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 07:35:52 AM EDT

Round and round the budget talks go. Where they stop, nobody knows!

• AP: Lawmakers continue to discuss budget solutions. Kathy Barks Hoffman has a rundown of yesterday's action on the budget. You can read more on the Free Press and over on WILX.
• BFM: The Senate Republicans come for the poor. Republicans will only go along with a tax increase if they can screw the poor. Anyone surprised?
• Michigan Messenger Opinion: Today's budget impasse began in 1983. Celeste takes us down memory lane.
• BFM: Matt Miner's words come back to haunt him. From yesterday's Free Press: "Backers of the Senate's so-called "continuation budget" said it was needed because negotiators have run out of time to complete the budget and enact legislation to implement an agreement before Oct. 1." As Z points out, just over a month ago Matt Miner said this was a terrible idea: "It's the Legislature's job to enact a budget and we take that very seriously. We would never not want to have a budget in place."
• BFM: Michigan League For Human Services alarmed by early out bill. Surprise-surprise... another one of Bishop's "reforms" gets terrible reviews.
• AP: Commission preparing to cut short state worker layoff notice. The Michigan Civil Service Commission is laying the groundwork for a shutdown.

• Ann Arbor News: Start of commuter rail to Detroit delayed. Bummer: "The long awaited start of the Ann Arbor-Detroit commuter rail service - most recently proposed for early 2008 - has been delayed again, this time to late 2009 or early 2010."
• BFM: Walker gets new manufacturing plant. Z gives us another nice profile on The Tech Group's new 114k square foot manufacturing facility in Walker. Can you say, "21st Century Jobs?"
• BFM: Granholm announces $10 million investment by Aernnova, 1,257 Michigan jobs. Gotta love the sound of this: "Grupo Aernnova, a company based in Spain that designs and produces aeronautical structures and components, has chosen Michigan over competing sites in 15 states to establish a new, state-of-the-art aerospace engineering center in Washtenaw County's Pittsfield Township."
• LSJ: Wind turbines whirl away, empowering local businesses. Local businesses are taking advantage of green energy. Hopefully more headlines like this will convince the Legislature to enact a Renewable Portfolio Standard for the state in the not-too-distant future.

Hail, Hail the Gang's all Here

by: LiberalLucy

Sun Sep 16, 2007 at 18:25:52 PM EDT

Despite having an active role in talks all weekend-long, Governor Granholm made her first tour of the House floor today, shaking hands, and offering a big smile for the weary Democrats as they stood firm in their weekend-long Battle to Save the State.

Lt. Governor John Cherry, a permanent fixture during this standoff, combined with the Governor, have been fairly effective during talks.

Later this afternoon, Senate Democratic Leader Mark Schauer (D-Battle Creek) made an extended appearance on the floor and in talks. Also seen from the Senate Democratic Caucus was Gretchen Whitmer of East Lansing,  Mickey Switalski of Roseville, and Deb Cherry of Burton.

While Republican Majority Leader Mike Bishop (R-Hair Gel) was noticeably absent from the discussions, Senators Valde Garcia of Howell and Allan Cropsey of Dewitt were present throughout the weekend. Garcia in particular is rumored to be one of the most amenable of his caucus to work with a mixed package of reforms and revenue enhancements, as Dillon has continuously offered.

And so the wait continues....

Wednesday Coffee Talk/Open Thread

by: BZP

Wed Aug 15, 2007 at 07:04:10 AM EDT

Morning, everyone. Just wanted to kick things off with a shout out to our most recent BlogAd sponsor, ED in 08 (it's the one above/below the leopard ad). The stated goal of ED in 08 is, "to ensure that the nation engages in a rigorous debate and to make education a top priority in the 2008 presidential election. We hope that candidates will offer genuine leadership rather than empty rhetoric and tell voters how they intend to strengthen America’s schools so all students receive the education they deserve."

Considering the way college students here in Michigan have been getting manhandled by all the recent tuition hikes (thanks to you-know-who), this is definitely something I think our readers might be interested in. Show them some love for supporting MichLib.

Anyway, enough chitchat... on to the links!

Current & Pending Legislation

• My Left Pinkie: Unclear on the concept, Senator? The Left Pinkie is gearing up for the looming Right to Work for Less fight.
• Derek Melot: Always time to party. Are the presidential primary bills as important to the future of our state as the budget? Derek doesn't seem to think so: "While Michigan lawmakers can't seem to find the money to fill a $1.8 billion budget hole, or service cuts of the same size the public wouldn't riot over, time is spent on nonsense like Senate Bills 624-25."
• BFM: Privatization kills union and 40 jobs. The Comm Guru, on the Howell Public Schools Board of Education's vote to break the custodians' union: "Granted, this case of privatizing is not part of any Republican conspiracy, but overall it fits right into their mission to break unions. Republicans in both the House and Senate have bills pending to make Michigan a right to work for less state, and if that fails, a rightwing extremist who specializes in fraudulent and deceptive petition drives is marshaling money and resources to launch a petition drive to place it on the ballot."

Budget Battle

• BFM: Granholm slams Legislature on budget stall. The Governor is heading to Sweden and Germany to bring jobs back to Michigan. As for the legislature... "Not only are they Absent in August, they haven't even set a calendar for September yet."
• Detroit News: Stop playing games on state reforms. The Lt. Gov doesn't mince words in this excellent Op-Ed: "If ever there was a time to move beyond political gamesmanship in Michigan, it is now. The Senate Republicans insist -- with good reason -- that government reforms are key to resolving the budget crisis in Michigan. But if they believe their own rhetoric, it is time for them to finally pass government reforms."