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Lansing 
Mon Mar 24, 2008 at 23:26:35 PM EDT
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(From the diaries - promoted by lpackard)
WILS talk host Jack Ebling recently talked with Lansing Mayor Verg Bernero about the city's upcoming budget battle. Jack also gets some interesting insight from Bernero about former state government collegue and current Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick.
Jack also talked to Cooley Law School professor Mark Dotson about Motown's Mayor and the upcoming legal battle in Wayne County.
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Mon Mar 03, 2008 at 00:32:05 AM EST
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Florida Governor Crist said that he would be open to a “redo” of his state’s Democratic primary. Michigan’s Governor has not been so generous. The Democratic Party stripped Michigan and Florida of their delegates for moving their primary before February 5th in violation of party rules. Governor Jennifer Granholm of Michigan said in February that, “The DNC created this problem by the sanctions they used and unfairly applied. The DNC has to fix this problem.” As both a Democrat and a resident of Michigan, I have to say she could not be more wrong. Moving the primary ahead to January 15th brought Republicans and Democrats together in Lansing in ways they would not previously. To read the rest of this article please visit: http://mersmanpolitical.blogspot.com/2008/03/florida-gov-supports-new-democratic.html
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Tue Feb 26, 2008 at 10:25:54 AM EST
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In an age where traditional news outlets are being forced to either go the way of the dinosaurs or to completely reinvent the wheel, worthy sources of information to feed our media hunger are hard to find.
If you're left unsatisfied and bored with the same newswire report recycled nine different times in four different papers, be sure to check Issue Media Group's emerging online magazines (e-zines) that are popping up around the state.
Rapid Growth in Grand Rapids and surrounding West Michigan
Capital Gains in Lansing and surrounding Mid-Michigan
Model D in Detroit
Metromode for Southeast MI
For a bit about each, jump below the fold with me...
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Wed Jan 23, 2008 at 09:52:07 AM EST
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While not as sexy as drug overdoses or the withering away of Fred Thompson’s presidential aspirations, the crisis in Darfur is still going on, unabated. Despite the lack of media attention, it is imperative that we act to help turn the situation around.
Earlier this year, the African Union mission was replaced with a UN-Hybrid force. However, the Sudanese government has refused to allow this force the equipment it needs to carry out its mission, in addition to banning troops from some major donor nations. Unless this changes soon, this force will be rendered as ineffective as the AU force of old.
Michigan can help. $150 million of taxpayer dollars are invested in companies that support President Al-Bashir’s genocide. If Michigan passes HB 4854 and SB 555, it would join with 22 other states in pressuring these companies to change their tune.
Please help. Urge your state senator to call for the introduction and passage of these groundbreaking pieces of legislation. Together, we can make a difference.
-Tom Choske
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Thu Dec 06, 2007 at 19:45:27 PM EST
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The good news: The national Democracy for America (DFA) is considering holding a regional training session in the Lansing area.
According to their training FAQ:
"We offer a comprehensive campaign training, meaning that we cover a wide range of campaign related topics. There is heavy emphasis on Field (voter contact, targeting, volunteer recruitment), Communications (crafting a message, working with the media) and Finance (fundraising tactics and strategies). We also offer more specialized sessions on topics such as online organizing, event planning, precinct organizing and more. We try to tailor our training topics to the needs of the activists and candidates on the ground."
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Sun Dec 02, 2007 at 19:21:03 PM EST
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(You should be there!!
Bump! - promoted by JPowers155)
Please join the MichLib front page crew at 621 in downtown Lansing on Wednesday, December 5th from 6:00 p.m. - ???. We're welcoming Eric Baerren, MichLib's Managing Editor to the Capitol City and giving local progressives, lobbyists and legislators a chance to meet and greet Michigan's leading progressive political bloggers. The Uni-blogger himself is coming down from the wilds of Mt. Pleasant to see what life here in the political swamp is all about. We've moved the venue from Tavern to 621 to accomodate our group a bit better. Don't forget to bring your check to join MichiganLiberal.com if you haven't already. Membership makes a perfect holiday gift for all of the progressives in your life plus it's energy efficient and contributes to the local economy. For more details... go below the fold.
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Thu Sep 27, 2007 at 16:08:20 PM EDT
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October marks the beginning of the ENERGY STAR Change a Light, Change the World Campaign. It is a national call-to-action to encourage individuals to help change the world, one energy-saving light bulb step at a time. On October 1, Urban Options is launching the Change a Light Change Michigan 2007 campaign along with 7 Lansing area Ace Hardware stores to sell ENERGY STAR compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) for a discounted price. The sale will begin on October 1 and run through November 30 while supplies last. Michigan residents may purchase up to 12 CFLs for as little as 99 cents depending on the style of bulb purchased. On Monday, October 1 there will be a special one day event hosted by Mayor Virg Bernero of Lansing and Mayor Samir Singh East Lansing. Joining the Mayors will be Michigan Public Service Commissioner Monica Martinez and Lansing Board of Water & Light's General Manager J. Peter Lark. The event, where Ace Hardware will have CFLs available at a discount will be held at Lansing City Hall (124 W. Michigan) from 10am - 2pm. Press conference is at 11am. Each ENERGY STAR qualified bulb uses up to 75 percent less energy than regular bulbs, lasts up to 10 times longer, saves an average of $30 in energy costs over its lifetime and helps the environment by preventing greenhouse gas emissions. Participating Lansing area Ace Hardware Stores include: Vet's Ace Hardware (Lansing), Okemos Hardware, Ace Hardware of Holt, Ace Hardware (Mason), Ace Hardware & Lumber (Eaton Rapids) and Laingsburg Ace Hardware. For more information, go to the Urban Options website.
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Wed Sep 19, 2007 at 17:44:15 PM EDT
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Dear Michigan Senate:
I've had enough.
As the parent of a teenager, you might understand that I say that a lot. The frustrations of dealing with a pre-adult (her term, not mine) can be overwhelming. There is constant bickering, attempts at back-talk (NOT ALLOWED), ceaseless bargaining for more, MORE, MORE when it's something she wants, and the most amazing cases of hysterical amnesia that conveniently pop up when chores, tasks and general help-out-edness falls by the wayside. But I understand that living in this kind of an environment is part of the job when it comes to parenting. And despite the fact that I sure do get tired of saying I've had enough right before I lower the boom, I know that in order to raise a polite, dependable, trustworthy child, it's important to be relentless as a parent and not shirk my responsibilities just because it might be easier to do so.
This is why, Michigan Senate, I'm writing you today.
I've had enough.
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Sat Sep 08, 2007 at 09:26:57 AM EDT
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Greetings from the Michigan Juggernaut Contingent at the Michigan Policy Summit 2007 in Lansing.
Today progressives/liberals from all over the state will be gathering here to discuss a whole myriad of issues from across the state.
All of the major advocacy groups will be here, from the economic, to the environmental, labor, LGBT, Women's Issues, and everything else in between.
MichLib has a great contingent of bloggers here this morning and we'll be reporting throughout the day. Feel free to weigh in, ask questions, and add your two cents.
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Fri Sep 07, 2007 at 16:08:55 PM EDT
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Community is now the hot commodity. Many people in the Lansing area are gearing up for the Lansing Localvores Eat Local food challenge (September 8-15). Now local business owners are getting into the act, hoping to remind the community to shop local. Capitol Area Local First (CALF) is a growing local business coalition whose goal is to encourage consumers to shop at locally-owned businesses and keep dollars spent within the community. The statistics here are staggering. Whereas shopping at a locally owned business keeps $73 of every $100 in the community, shopping at chain stores or other non-locally owned businesses keeps only $43 of every $100 in the community. If there is one thing everyone agrees on, it is that these are difficult economic times in Michigan. It makes a lot of sense to keep as many dollars as possible here in our own community.
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Mon Aug 20, 2007 at 16:53:10 PM EDT
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(From the diaries - promoted by lpackard)
Now that my family has "dumped the junk" and gone organic when we can, the next logical step no farther away than my front door. It's time to become a Localvore.
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Wed Aug 15, 2007 at 08:07:19 AM EDT
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(Another blogger-friendly candidate - promoted by lpackard)
Chris Lewless has officially declared his candidacy for the Lansing School Board. A former candidate for the Michigan House, Lewless lives in Lansing with his wife and two children. Chris is the man who knocked on 20,000 doors during his run for the 68th District. He earned the respect of many of us here at MichLib with his passion for Lansing, his ability to communicate with and for the people and his devotion to his family. School board elections are less than three months away. Please consider jumping in and helping Chris out with his campaign. To volunteer or donate, email Chris at christopher_lewless@yahoo.com. Website coming soon!
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Mon Aug 13, 2007 at 08:53:00 AM EDT
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( - promoted by LiberalLucy)
Did you hear about the newspaper that angered an entire town (and state government), saw a massive drop in its circulation, a devastating loss in ad revenue, and never quite bounced back?
Welcome to Lansing, ladies and gents, and to our own sad excuse of a newspaper, the Lansing State Journal.
As if all of this wasn't enough, that very same paper keeps trying to find ways to slither back into hearts, homes, and local retailers by justifying its actions.
Despicable, just plain despicable.
It happened in the Sunday edition of the LSJ, which I only read online and slowly but surely I find myself picking up less and less. Matt Miller, who typically covers MSU and higher education issues, did a piece titled "Privacy vs. openness: A delicate balance".
How interesting, isn't it?
The story starts out about the salaries and budgets over at MSU, and about how the information is open to anyone because the school operates as a public university. But true to the LSJ's modus operandi, that's not really what the article's about.
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Mon Jul 23, 2007 at 19:19:51 PM EDT
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Since my wife and kids are out of town this week I thought it would be an excellent time to catch up on my blogging. This is cross-posted at the Mid-Michigan Democracy for America blog, http://www.mmdfa.blo... .
MMDFA had a big meeting this month. In addition to our regular members, we had some guests: Meridian Charter Township Trustee John Veenstra, Lansing City Council member (and 3rd Ward candidate) William Matt, Lansing City Council candidates Jonathan Solis (at-Large) and Drew Vinson (1st Ward), and Jake Coffey from Americans Against Escalation in Iraq (AAEI). We also had two special items on the agenda in addition to our usual business: Endorsements for the Lansing City Council primary on August 7th and a presentation by AAEI.
In regards to the Lansing City Council, the group spent several minutes questioning the candidates about their qualifications and their positions on various issues. Mr. Veenstra in particular wanted to know where the candidates stood on regional issues, such as the portion of Meridian Ctwp. annexed by Lansing ("College Heights"). All of the candidates gave good responses to our questions and demonstrated to our satisfaction that they were both fiscally responsible and socially progressive, so they all received our endorsement. I was especially impressed by Mr. Solis' line: "I don't want to bring jobs to Lansing; I want to create jobs in Lansing."
Moving on, we also viewed a presentation by AAEI. Their national website is http://www.noiraqesc... . In the Mid-Michigan area, they are particularly involved in putting the pressure on our U.S. RubberStamp Representative Mike Rogers (R-Brownnose). Since they are targetting five of our Michigan rubberstamps (Rogers in the 8th, Fred Upton in the 6th, Joe Knollenberg in the 9th, Thad McCotter in the 11th, and Vern Ehlers in the 3rd) there is plenty of opportunity for everyone in the progressive community throughout the mitten to get involved.
Our next meeting is Wednesday August 1st. If you're a Lansing area progressive, we'd love to have you stop by!
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Fri Jul 13, 2007 at 11:36:55 AM EDT
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Cross-posted on DailyKos
Shameless. That's what I am doing. I'm not usually in the habit of asking for favors, let alone asking for money, but hey, what is a close knit family of a thousand people for if not to lend support?
My name is Bill, and I am running for Lansing City Council. Can you please spare 5 bucks to help me with my campaign?
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Fri Jun 22, 2007 at 08:09:27 AM EDT
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Here in the Lansing area, a small bomb was dropped at the Lansing State Journal yesterday. Executive editor of the LSJ, Mickey Hirten, decided to create a searchable online database, available to the public through the LSJ website, that provides :
- Names
- Titles
- Departments
- Salaries
- Counties of Employment
for Michigan's 53,000-plus non-exempt state classified employees as provided by the state Department of Civil Service in June 2007.
To our MichLib community, has the LSJ gone to far, or is this long-overdue?
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Thu Jun 21, 2007 at 02:02:38 AM EDT
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Just to buck the trend, lighten the mood, and to shamelessly plug this Sunday's MichLib picnic, consider this your official ask, er, again.
Just in case you already have several excuses ready for me to explain your absence, let me spare you the trouble:
1) I'm not a blogger. Good! It's not just for the bloggers. MichLib's not a whole lot without our readers, and consider this your reward for being a faithful reader/lurker/supporter. What other website, besides offering dazzling news, snark, and investigative analysis into your state's government wants to feed and entertain you?
2) I've got the significant other/kids this weekend. Well, then it certainly makes sense for you to let them loose at a beautiful park to stuff themselves silly, run around till they drop, or be entertained by others while you enjoy good food, friends and fun.
3) I'm broke. That's okay too. We're good liberals, and money doesn't matter, especially when it's a free picnic. I realize I may be encouraging a stampede, but college students, we'll feed you, and I promise, no Ramen noodles!
4) I don't know anyone else from MichLib. Pshaw. You know us because you read us. Now's the chance for us to prove we're not quite the hopeless geeks you thought we might be.
5) I'm about to give birth. Okay, well I'm not going to fight you on that one, especially if we're talking about future Democratic voters.
For everyone else, well, there's just a whole lot more reasons why you should come than why you shouldn't.
So, who's in?
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Sat Jun 02, 2007 at 19:38:14 PM EDT
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(Coming up this Friday - promoted by lpackard)
Greetings, everybody!
Now that the weather has finally let up, and now that we're in the doldrums between the midterms and the 2008 cycle, it feels like a good time for a meeting of the minds. We had one in January that was fairly well-attended (considering that it was held in the middle of a winter storm), but that was ages ago, and it's time for another!
Join me for details after the flip...
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Thu Feb 22, 2007 at 08:18:44 AM EST
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Stop the Escalation
There's lots of things in Michigan and Lansing that we all need to fight for, but as a country, we need to stand up to those who aren't looking out for our troops best interests.
I hope you'll consider taking a half-hour out of your lunch break today to do something to protect our troops from their own worst enemy, our President.
Our troops are the people that voluntarily risk everything to ensure our country stays great. Don't they deserve us fighting for them?
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Mon Feb 19, 2007 at 08:19:59 AM EST
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In my very un-official role as Cruise Director for Mich Lib and the Michigan blogosphere, I've decided to publish a weekly Cruise Director Report with everything that's happening in Lansing and the blog world. (Don't worry, I won't even try to compete with the awesome Morning Round-up over at Pohlitics.)
If you're interested, you can pop over to Liberal, Loud and Proud for the full skinny. If you have anything you'd like me to add, please be sure to drop me a line.
All the best!
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