The Dexter Leader
A Heritage Newspaper
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Cherry raises money for county Dems
PUBLISHED: March 20, 2008
Michigan's Lt. Governor John Cherry urged local Democrats to continue to press for improving the lives of state residents through a number of initiatives.
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Cherry was the featured speaker at a successful fund-raising event Saturday for the Western Washtenaw Democrats.
Local Democratic activists packed a private dining room at the Chelsea Grill to hear Cherry speak about issues important to the community, including job creation, preservation of the state's natural resources and access to affordable health care.
Cherry also aimed his remarks at rebuilding the state's economy through higher education.
"Some of the states with the highest percentage of post-high school student attainment include Massachusetts and California with 28 percent," he said.
"Michigan's is 24 percent, and that needs to be higher. More of our students need to continue on to college to help build the economy in this state, and it's a strategy we need to continue to see that it happens."
Local state legislators Sen. Liz Brater and Rep. Pam Byrnes were also speakers at the dinner, along with state Sen. Mark Schauer of Battle Creek, who is running for Congress in Michigan's 7th District, which includes the western townships of Washtenaw County.
Democratic activist Barb Fuller organized the event and presented some welcoming remarks.
Joining the large and diverse group of Democratic donors were Chelsea City Councilman Kent Martinez-Kratz, Dexter Village Councilman Paul Cousins, Scio Township Trustee Jim Dries.
Also attending were Ron Allen President, United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 190; Greg Stephens, Business Manger of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 252 (and candidate for the University of Michigan Board of Regents); Jeff Souza, Chairman of the Washtenaw County Democratic Party; and Scio Township Planning Commissioners Chris Green and Tom Hanson, who are also candidates for Scio Township trustee positions.
WWDems Vice President Jane Pacheco explained the money raised that night would go to Democratic candidates seeking election this fall. "Through our fund-raising efforts we will be in a position to make a financial impact in the coming election," Pacheco said.
Byrnes pushes for Northern spring peepers
State Rep. Pam Byrnes, D-52nd District, announced that her bill to make Northern spring peepers the official amphibian of the state of Michigan passed out of the Great Lakes and Environmental Committee and now heads to the full House for a vote.
Byrnes said she was inspired to introduce the legislation after she visited a fourth-grade class at Klager Elementary School in Manchester during March is Reading Month last year.
"The students gave the most wonderful presentation about peepers," Byrnes said. "They made an excellent case for the importance of frogs in our ecosystem. The class voted and decided the Northern spring peeper would be the best candidate for Michigan's official state amphibian."
Walberg fighting for jobs
U.S. Congressman Tim Walberg (R-Michigan) issued the following statement after voting against last week's energy tax increase legislation. The legislation would raise taxes on energy produced in America and increase American reliance on foreign energy.
"Gas prices are above three dollars across south-central Michigan and have risen steadily since last year, causing families on a budget to cringe every time they travel to the pump," Walberg said.
"The answer to our current energy situation is simple: we need to break our dependence on foreign oil. Instead of working towards this goal, Democratic leadership crafted legislation that actually increases our dependence on foreign oil. This bill will raise taxes on American energy producers and send American jobs overseas by removing incentives for American manufacturers to invest and grow, while failing to produce any more energy.
"America needs to become energy independent and turn to alternative energy sources."
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