In this Edition:
- Message from the Chairwoman
- Map of the 14th Congressional District
- Strobl Making his Mark at Age 19
- Help us Build a Better Logo
- Kateff welcomes Carson Candidacy
- Support Israel with Purchases
- 14th Executive Committee Weighing Goals
- Meet Sue Burstein-Kahn: State Committeewoman
- Walker Headlining Oakland County Lincoln Day Dinner
- Learn How to Run Meetings
- Walk for Israel
- Israeli Soldiers Coming to Oakland County
- Help Sought in Fight Against Prop 1
A Message from the Chairwoman
Dear 14th District Committee Members, and fellow Republicans
I trust that you had an enjoyable Easter or Passover Holiday. It is always a joy to spend time with the family and share with traditional activities that the holiday brings. I hope you had the opportunity to spend some quality time with yours.
This is the very first Newsletter for the 14th District!
I congratulate and thank Newsletter Editor Glenn Gilbert; writers Bill Rauwerdink and Christina Barr
and tech admin Matt Schonert for his incredible effort to make this possible! Although this newsletter and our new website (www.14cd.com) are still “under construction”, please stay tuned for much, much more great information we will regularly provide to you and other interested voters in an effort to grow our District. Your comments, suggestions and ideas are welcome!
Please forward this newsletter to your friends, coworkers and neighbors to get the word out that the 14th District is making great strides to broaden our group and grow our base!
Send Your Newsworthy Articles To [email protected]
Did you hear about the latest liberal frenzy that took place last week at the University of Michigan- Ann Arbor Campus? Grant Strobl and Brian Koziara, two young men of the 14th District Committee, appeared on Fox & Friends, Detroit Fox 2’s “Let it Rip”, the Frank Beckmann Show on WJR-Radio, the New York Times and several others.
The story hit the news media in a storm, when Grant Strobl, founder and Chairman of “Young Americans for Freedom (YAF) at the University of Michigan” and Brian Koziara, YAF Advisor objected to the university cancellation of the “American Sniper” movie screening during the University’s UMix initiative.
After hearing that the university changed the movie to Paddington Bear, Strobl, Koziara and YAF members at the University of Michigan started a petition and contacted the media.
Then, U Mich football coach Jim Harbaugh tweeted “Michigan football will watch ‘American Sniper’, proud of Chris Kyle and proud to be an American, and if that offends anybody, then so be it”.
These smart and calculated actions and strong beliefs in our FREEDOM made a difference and the University backed down. The University of Michigan has indeed been left in an embarrassing situation.
Grant Strobl, Brian Koziara and your club initiatives are an inspiration to all of us!
Congratulations on your success! #WeApplaudU #GoBlue
Media:
http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/clip/11375447/let-it-rip-pt-2-39american-sniper39-at-u-m?hc_location=ufi
Gentle Reminders
- Do you plan to attend the Lincoln Day Dinner on May 4? Want to sit among 14th district friends? We have filled two14th District tables thus far. Deadline to join us at a 3rd table is April 23 - bring your $65 check payable to14th CD to the meeting or mail to Treasurer Chris Konja, 6575 Stonebridge E, West Bloomfield, MI. 48324. Checks must be received no later than April 23. We need 8 more patriots to complete a 3rd table. You are all welcomed to join us!
- Are you a member of the 14th yet? Mail your $25 check to Treasurer Chris Konja 6575 Stonebridge E., West Bloomfield, MI. 48324. Revenue will go to support candidates and organizations the 14th CD committee chooses to support.
- Deadline for the 14th district "Design a Logo Contest” is April 27, 2015. Don’t miss out this once in a lifetime opportunity! Your name will go into the archives as the chief designer of our new & historical logo, forever!
- “Like “ us on Facebook: Michigan's 14th Congressional District Republican Committee
- Log in and check out our new 14th District website: www.14cd.com
- Follow us on Twitter: Michigan's 14th CDRC @14cdrc
14th District Opportunities for YOU
- Poll Watching on election day- May 5 - Are you interested in making sure the integrity of the election process is secure? We are looking for “Poll Watchers” for the very important May 5 election. Areas in particular that need your help are the Grosse Pointes. Would you like to give your time to help this process? Contact Gina at 517-599-2925, [email protected]
- Volunteers for the Lincoln Day Dinner are needed. If you are interested in helping out, please call Executive Director Ian Barber at 248.499.7288.
- Sunday, May 17, 1:30, “Walk for Israel” Parade. Put your walking shoes on, and join us as we show our support for Israel. The Greater West Bloomfield Republicans and the Oakland County Young Republicans will be among many folks showing their support. Would you like to join us and “Walk for Israel”? The parade is about ¾ of a mile long. Meet us at 3999 Walnut Lake Road in West Bloomfield at 1:30, and look for the Republican float. For more information call 313 920 3080.
I look forward to seeing you at our next meeting on Thursday, April 23, 6:00pm for dinner and networking. Pasquales address: 31555 Woodward Avenue, Royal Oak. We ask you to purchase a $17 dinner buffet with us so we are able to meet our dollar commitment to Pasquales.
Next 14th Meeting: Thursday April 23, 6:00pm
Pasquales Restaurant, 31555 Woodward Avenue, Royal Oak, MI
We will choose goals and solidify plans for the 14th district for the next year, meet National Committeewoman candidates and much more!
This is an open meeting for all republican patriots! See you at 6:00pm.
Looking forward to seeing you there and helping us to grow!
Warmest Regards,
Janine Kateff
14th District Chairwoman
586 917 6118
Map of the 14th Congressional District
Strobl Making His Mark At Age 19
Grant Strobl can’t understand why “The Conscience of a Conservative” is no longer
on the top of the list as required reading for activists.The book, written in 1960 by U.S. Sen. Barry Goldwater, really launched the modern conservative movement and “is based on ideas most conservatives agree on,” Strobl said.
Strobl noted that the book is a required text in one of his classes at the University of Michigan, where he is a freshman studying international studies and German.
At age 19, Strobl, of Grosse Pointe Shores, serves on the 14th District Republican Committee in Michigan. His involvement in politics dates to 2008, when his mother Renee, a physical therapist, became involved in the unsuccessful candidacy of Mary Treder Lang in her race for state representative. Renee Strobl was interested in the issue of direct access to physical therapy services.
Strobl has already found himself in the national spotlight.
In December, U-M professor of communications Susan Douglas, in the online publication “In These Times,” wrote: “I hate Republicans. I can’t stand the thought of having to spend the next two years watching Mitch McConnell, John Boehner, Ted Cruz, Darrell Issa or any of the legions of other blowhards denying climate change, thwarting immigration reform or championing fetal ‘personhood’ ...”
Strobl, chairman of the campus Young Americans for Freedom, protested, and ended up on national TV.
“I have never read an article that showed so much vitriol toward a specific group of people,” he told Fox News broadcaster Steve Doocy. “If this was against liberals, or religion, or really any other group of people, the response would be much different.”
You can see the interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvgViR_iCgU
Strobl is attending U-M on a full tuition, four-year Bentley scholarship. The Alvin M. and Arvella D. Bentley Scholarships recognize recipients as among the most outstanding Michigan residents to apply to the U-M.
For information on the Bentleys, see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alvin_Morell_Bentley
Strobl is happy that the 14th District leadership has two Bentley scholars, four years apart. The other is a good friend of his, Brian Koziara.
Besides his involvement with YAF, Strobl was involved with Nick Hawatmeh’s campaign for state representative as chief technological officer and strategist last year.
He also served as a new media intern for Gov. Rick Snyder’s re-election campaign.
Strobl was a Parks and Harbor Committeeman for the Village of Grosse Pointe Shores, where he advocated for long-term harbor improvements and oversaw capital improvement and infrastructure projects.
Strobl plans to attend law school and envisions himself “somewhere in politics” 10 years from now, pushing for free enterprise, limited government, education policy reform and exposure of all viewpoints on issues.
Outside interests include skiing, hiking and enjoying nature, particularly in northern Michigan.
His dad, Don, owns the Strobl Construction Co.
In the media: http://video.latino.foxnews.com/v/4164946983001/university-of-michigan-reverses-ban-on-american-sniper/
Help us design a better logo
Do you have an idea for a better logo for the 14th District Republican organization?
We’re sponsoring a contest.
Here are the rules
- Logo must be in PDF, high resolution format.
- Must say, minimally, "14th District Michigan Republican Committee," but can have more words.
- Must use an image that somehow relates to our district. (e.g., statue, skyline, landscape.)
- Include the colors red, white and blue.
- Can reproduce well in color and black and white.
- Submit to Janine Kateff at [email protected] by April 27.
Kateff welcomes Carson candidacy
While “it is way too early to choose a candidate,” new 14th District Republican Chair Janine Kateff said the party should be enthusiastic about the prospect of retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson’s candidacy.
“All I ask is we give him a good look, a fair shot and see what happens.”
Kateff expressed her views in two recent interviews on Fox 2 Detroit.
She noted that Carson is a Michigan native who the state should be proud of. He graduated from the University of Michigan Medical School.
Kateff said Carson would likely be the only African American presidential candidate, should he decide to run.
“African Americans are starting to say they can identify with some of the values and principles of the conservative movement — some of the traditional values, like personal responsibility, fiscal responsibility,” Kateff said during one of the Fox interviews.
Carson in March announced formation of a committee to explore a presidential run. He rose to prominence in 2013 when he compared Obamacare to slavery at the National Prayer Breakfast.
As a pediatric neurosurgeon “his credibility on that issue is unmatched,” Paul Welday told Fox 2. Welday is Kateff’s predecessor as 14th District chair.
To suggestions that Carson has no experience as a public officeholder, Kateff said:
“Our founding fathers, from way back, never intended for people who get up and run for these seats to be seasoned politicians. They were intended to be people who came out of their homes, from their farms and go to work in Washington. Do we just want people who know how Washington works, because the fact is, Washington isn’t working right now. We want some fresh new faces. I say let’s give this guy a chance. He’s home-grown, he’s raised right here in Detroit. He does have some great things to say. Let’s give him a shot.”
Kateff said Carson “is very grassroots driven. People can really identify with him.”
You can see the interviews here:
Support Israel With Purchases
Purchase of Israeli goods can help that nation survive, according to Ed Kohl, a member of the Greater West Bloomfield Republicans' Board of Directors, an affiliate club located in the 14th District.
The campaign to purchase Israeli goods is affiliated with Buy Israel Goods.
The organization is a consumer guide for the retail purchase of Israeli goods and connected with the American-Israel Chamber of Commerce and StandWithUs.
Kohl is a board member of StandWithUs-MI, executive board member of the Zionist Organization of America-MI, regional director of Volunteers for Israel and past president of Adat Shalom Synagogue in Farmington Hills.
Kohl said Israeli companies to patronize include: Ahava, Amir Foods, 778 jams, Aroma coffee houses, Israeli wineries, Eden, Jaffa, Keter Plastics, Osem, Sabra, Tribe, Soda Stream and Tivall.
Local retailers that carry Israeli products include Plum Market and Hillers, as well as many chain retailers such as Costco and WalMart.
"The frequent purchase of Israeli products will have a broad and significant impact on the Israeli economy and its citizens, and perhaps even on its ability to survive," states Buy Israel Goods on its website.
14th Executive Committee Weighing Goals
The new 14th District Republican Executive Committee will decide at it meeting on April 23 whether to take a stand on Proposal 1, the sales and gasoline tax increase question on the special May 5 ballot.
The committee, during its March meeting at Pasquales restaurant in Royal Oak, heard a presentation from Scott Hagerstrom, director of grassroots and strategic engagement with the Coalition Against Higher Taxes and Special Interest Deals.
More than 50 people attended the meeting and also took part in a brainstorming session to discuss goals and projects for 14th District Republicans.
Suggestions ranged from conducting a school for political candidates to participation in community events such as parades and the Walk for Israel.
Others ideas included establishing a mentorship program for youth, public events in connection with Black History Month, continued involvement in Rebuild Detroit, a book drive, creation of a master list of conservative organizations in the district, arranging conservative speakers for high school assemblies and outreach to Chaldeans, Jews and African Americans.
Meanwhile, newly elected District Chair Janine Kateff outlined her personal goals for the district.
These included candidate recruitment, attendance at club meetings in the district, increasing the Republican vote in 2016, regular district meetings and maintenance of a new website, newsletter and Facebook page.
She pledged not to take sides in primary elections and not to publicly criticize any elected Republican officeholders.
Kateff said that there is a wide divergence of viewpoints among 14th District party activists “and we all get along. Respect and listen to what other people are saying,” she urged activists, stressing the GOP’s emphasis on smaller government, lower taxes and personal responsibility.
The committee also heard from Kathy Berden, a candidate for the Republican National Committee post that will be determined when the state committee meets in May. Berden is among those seeking to replace Ronna Romney McDaniel, who was elected as the state party’s new chair in February.
The committee also heard a spirited presentation from Darwin Jiles, ethnic vice chair.
The prayer was offered by Bishop W.T. Isaac of the Promise of Abraham Church in Detroit.
A location for the next meeting has not yet been determined. Meetings are open to all 14th District Republicans.
Meet Sue Burstein-Kahn: State Committeewoman
This is the first in a series of profiles on our 14th District state committee members.
Sue Burstein-Kahn has been a Republican precinct delegate in Farmington Hills for four years.
She calls herself a “reformed Democrat”, finding her passion for the Republican Party after 9/11, which she said was a defining moment and wake-up call and in large part shaped her current political views. She realizes that strong national security and defense must be “the” primary purpose for elected leaders. “Without a safe and secure country, the rest of what we have is for nothing,” Burstein said.
Burstein is an active member of the Farmington Area Republican Club; member the Executive Committee for Oakland County Republican Party; OCRP 400 Club; and most recently elected to the MIGOP State Committee. She has also been active in Farmington Public Schools for almost two decades, currently serving on the Facilities Utilization Committee.
Professionally, Burstein is the Executive Director of ALS of Michigan – Lou Gehrig’s Disease, where she has been since 1999. Prior, she was the Executive Director for Kenny Foundation. She is also past president of Community Health Charities of Michigan.
Burstein is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University, with a B.A. in Political Science. She pursued additional post-graduate education at Walsh College.
A life-long resident of Michigan, she has lived in Farmington Hills for the past 28 years with her husband, Murray Kahn, who is the first conservative elected to Farmington Public Schools Board in over two decades.
Walker headlining Oakland County Lincoln Day Dinner
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker will be the keynote speaker at Oakland County’s Lincoln Day dinner on Monday, May 4.
Dinner starts at 7 p.m. at the Suburban Showcase Collection in Novi.
The 14th District Committee is offering tables of 10 or indivdual seats at $65 per person. Mail your $65 check payable to "14th Congressional District" to Treasurer Chris Konja, 6575 Stonebridge E., West Bloomfield, MI. 48324 before April 23.
Learn How To Run Meetings
“Meetings That Work 2015,” a workshop designed to teach proper methods of conducting meetings, will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 25 at the Oakland County Executive Office Center, 2100 Pontiac Lake Road, Building 41 West in Waterford.
It is sponsored by the Louise Saks Parliamentary Unit, a division of the National Association of Parliamentarians. For more information contact Gretchen at [email protected], or call 248-650-1146.
Walk for Israel
Visit www.WalkForIsrael.org to learn more and register for the event. Last year approximately 30 Republicans walked with a Republican float in this parade.
Please come and join us to show your support, get some exercise and meet new folks!.
Sunday, May 17, 2015
8:00 am: 5K Family Fun Run Starts
11:00am: Walk Programs Start/Open to the Public
12:30pm: Kosher Lunch (no charge)
1:30pm: Walk Start
Israeli Soldiers Coming To Oakland County
The 6th StandWithUs Israeli Soldier’s Tour will make fours stops in Oakland County Thursday and Friday, April 16 and 17. All events are free and open to the public.
Israeli Soliders’ Stories is a program featuring a diverse group of young Israeli reserve duty soldiers with combat experience who served with the Israel Defense Forces. The two men who will be in Michigan are Lt. Hen Mazzig, StandWithUs director of Israeli education who served in a unit called COGAT (Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories) for almost five years as an intermediary between the IDF and the Palestinian Authority, the U.N. and the many non-governmental organizations; and a soldier known only as Matan, who served as an officer and deputy company commander in the Givati Infantry Brigade in the IDF, commanding 95 soldiers and officers.
Their Oakland County stops are:
- From 1 to 2 p.m. April 16, sponsored by the Institute for Retired Professionals at the Jewish Community Center, 6600 W. Maple Road in West Bloomfield. Call 248-967-4033 for information.
- From 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. April 17 at Hadassah House, 5030 Orchard Lake Road in West Bloomfield. Co-sponsors are the Greater Detroit Chapter of Hadassah, Detroit Jewish Community News and Jewish Community Relations Council. Call 248-683-5030 for information.
- From 1 to 2 p.m. April 17, sponsored by the National Council of Jewish Women, Greater Detroit Section, 26400 Lahser Road, Suite 306 in Southfield. Call 248-355-3300 for information.
- From 3:30 to 4:45 p.m. April 17, hosted by Shalom Ministry at The Prevailing Church, 3118 Greenfield Road in Royal Oak. Call 248-747-2104 for information.
Help Sought In Fight Against Proposal 1
Concerned Taxpayers of Michigan is seeking donations to help reach absentee voters who will oppose Proposal 1, the Michigan sales tax increase proposal on the May 5 ballot.
“We need to reach absentee voters, right now,” said Adam de Angeli of Concerned Taxpayers of Michigan. “We now have hard-hitting postcards on hand to mail to the likeliest absentee voters.”
For information, see https://michigantaxpayers.com/donate-cards.php
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