Newsletter August 2015

In this August newsletter:




Notable Announcements:

  • August 4-8: Wayne County Republican Party booth at the Wayne County Fair, Belleville, volunteers needed, contact Dillon at (734) 718-0207
  • August 6: First Republican Presidential Debate on Fox News at 9 p.m. (EDT)
  • August 6: Republican Presidential Debate Viewing Party from 8:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. at John Cowley and Sons Irish Pub in Farmington, MI
  • August 17:  Oakland County Young Republicans meeting with guest speaker Kris Ann Hall, U.S. Constitution expert at 7 p.m. at the Black Finn Restaurant in Royal Oak
  • August 19:  Craft Beer & BBQ on the Lake hosted by the Greater West Bloomfield Republicans  (see details below) http://secure.campaigner.com/Campaigner/Public/t.show?8iih8--4lsrz-ku2v0p7&_v=2
  • August 25: Oakland County Republican Party Executive Committee meeting, 7 p.m.
  • September 10: Attorney General Bill Schuette BBQ,  Village Club, Bloomfield Hills
  • September 15: Eastside Republican Club hosts Maura D. Corrigan, a visiting fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (see details below)
  • September 17: 14th District Republican Committee Meeting, Jimi’s Restaurant in Royal Oak. 6 p.m. dinner & networking, 7 p.m. business meeting topic: “The Rubrics of Winning a Presidential Election”
  • September 19 and 20: Republican Mackinac Leadership Conference on Mackinac Island (see details below)  
  • September 30:  Eastside Republican Club dinner featuring Ronna Romney-McDaniel at Sinbad’s Restaurant  (see details below)    

.facebook_1436445264829.jpg


Eastside Republicans have Winning Formula

This is the third in a series profiling groups in the 14th District that support GOP positions.
The late Thomas R. McCleary clearly had a winning formula for what a local Republican organization ought to be.
 
He once said: “We believed a monthly forum would keep Republicans informed on local and state issues, and keep our membership enthused between elections.”
 
It was in 1993 that Mr. McCleary and Andrew Richner, also now deceased, founded the Eastside Republican Club. ERC’s descendants have carried on the tradition of the monthly forum. Talk about a legacy!
 
Convening each month at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial in Grosse Pointe Farms,The Eastside Republican Club serves Detroit's near east side, including the Grosse Pointes, by hosting informative speakers.

ERC Officers 2015.jpg
ERC Top Brass, from left: Mary Zeock, Ken Chadwell Jr.,  Susan Gillooly, Kathleen Hackleman, Annette Feldpausch and Kathleen. Inset is Michael Vethacke.
 

Elected as 2015 ERC officers at the January annual meeting were Park residents Ken Chadwell, Jr., chairman; Susan Gillooly, vice chairman; Marie Hackleman, secretary; and Michael Vethacke, treasurer.  Board members are Kathleen Koppin of Grosse Pointe, Annette Feldpausch of Grosse Pointe Woods and Mary Zeock of Grosse Pointe Woods.

In addition, while the ERC does not provide financial assistance to any candidate, the ERC-P.A.C. was established to perform that function with funds generated expressly for that purpose. The PAC has been named to memorialize Mr. McCleary.  
 
“The PAC provides a useful service to our community by endorsing candidates for partisan office, and in local nonpartisan elections it often provides guidance and endorsement in contests for judicial office,” said Jay Hackleman, a spokesman for ERC and editor of the group’s newsletter, Eastside Republican Review. “The PAC hosts an annual fundraiser which draws in excess of 100 patrons at $50  per person. In addition, several dozen sponsors routinely contribute to this PAC fundraising effort.”

Hackleman  said the ERC chairman and board are responsible for arranging speakers for monthly ERC meetings. During the months leading up to an election, the ERC usually invites candidates to speak. Attendance ranges from 50 to 100 at each meeting. ERC meetings are open to the public at no charge. They are normally held on the third Tuesday of the month from September through June.

Maura D. Corrigan, a visiting fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, former Michigan Supreme Court Justice and director of Michigan’s Department of Human Services, will speak to the ERC Forum on Tuesday, Sept. 15, at the War Memorial.
Over the past few months ERC Forum speakers have included:

  • Michigan Appeals Court Judge Michael Riordan, explaining the source of “rights;”
  • Rocky Raczkowski, speaking about the Proposition 1 tax hike, which was rejected by voters;  
  • Sen. Judy Emmons, who spoke on human trafficking abuse;
  • University of Detroit-Mercy economics professor Harry Veryser, who talked about Detroit’s economic progress;
  • Detroit Police Chief James Craig; and,
  • Lansing political expert Bill Ballenger.

 
The ERC has a Facebook page at Facebook.com/EastsideRepublicanClub  The club also is on Twitter:Twitter.com/EastsideGOP
 
The ERC chairman can be contacted via Facebook or by using this email address: [email protected].



Local GOP Candidates Plan to Make a Difference this November

With much focus on the 2016 Presidential election, we all need to also focus on a select number of local city elections.    As of publication of this newsletter the following is a list of candidates who have announced for the office indicated.  Please connect with them to offer your financial support or walk neighborhoods to get out the vote out for our Republican candidates!

Support our great local Republican candidates!  Please report any other 14th CD candidates for local elected office in November 2015 to Janine or Glenn Gilbert ([email protected]) so we can help promote their efforts.



GWBR’s Host Summer Craft Beer Event on Cass Lake

Celebrate summer in Michigan style on the shores of Cass Lake as the Greater West Bloomfield Republicans host their Craft Beer and BBQ Festival.   The event will feature a catered BBQ and varieties of Bell’s award-winning craft beers. Other refreshments also will be available.  The Festival will be at the home of Orchard Lake City Councilman (and GOP leader) Jerry and Mrs. Gail Kosmensky which is located on the shores of beautiful Cass Lake.   Other local GOP leaders will be attending including Republican Oakland County Commissioner John Scott.   Tickets at $60 per person are available at http://secure.campaigner.com/Campaigner/Public/t.show?8iih8--4lsrz-ku2v0p7&_v=2



Prevailing Wage Repeal is Possible

The MIGOP State Committee at its July meeting passed a resolution supporting the repeal of the prevailing wage laws in Michigan.  "Prevailing wage" prohibits awarding contracts to the lowest bidder unless that bidder pays wage rates that a local union states are prevalent in a particular area.  Such "prevailing wages" tend to be higher than the market wage rate in most markets.  For the answers to questions about the negative effects on Michigan taxpayers and  citizens, you can go to www.prevailingwagetruth.com.  To sign a petition to add your voice in support, call your district chair (Janine), a GOP club leader or visit the Oakland County Republican Office. Deadline to sign is August 15..



MIGOP July State Committee Meeting Recap

The MIGOP State Committee met in Lansing on July 17 and 18.   Five of the 14th CD’s elected members attended. (Sue Burstein-Kahn was absent.).  At this meeting the State Committee passed three  resolutions, as follows:

  • Armenian genocide -- recognition of the 100th anniversary and calling for end to genocide
  • Israeli sovereignty -- support for Israel's national security and opposing the Iran nuclear deal
  • Prevailing wage -- support for repeal of Michigan's prevailing wage policies

State Committee members were asked to get signatures to support the repeal of prevailing wage in Michigan. Those interested should consider taking action as noted in above in this newsletter.

Lastly MIGOP Grassroots Vice Chair Wendy Day hosted a food drive gathering items for deployed U.S. soldiers. The 14th District came in second place by delivering a substantial amount of donations. In all, 23 boxes were donated and will be shipped.

The next State Committee meeting will be held on Sept. 19 and 20 at the Mackinac Leadership Conference.



Politicians Well Paid for their Services

Told repeatedly that Michigan has a “revenue” problem and needs more taxes collected, this article provides an interesting look at the spending problem that also needs to be addressed.  For example, U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) is currently paid $64,348 annually in retirement benefits by Michigan taxpayers on top of her U.S. Senate salary of $174,000.  Closer to home, Oakland County Commissioner Nancy Quarles (D-17th District) receives $18,488 annually in pension payments from Michigan taxpayers on top of $32,093 annually as a Oakland County Commissioner.  Republican officials (examples include former Gov. John Engler) receive similar payments.  See the whole story at: http://www.theoaklandpress.com/20130901/former-michigan-lawmakers-get-hefty-pensions-while-detroit-city-workers-hope-to-save-theirs



Eastside Republicans Host Annual Event at Sinbad’s

John Stempfle, Eastside Republican Club-P.A.C. chairman, announced Ronna Romney- McDaniel as speaker for their annual fundraising banquet to held on Wednesday, September 30, at Sindbad’s Restaurant in Detroit.

McDaniel was elected chairman of the Michigan Republican Party in February 2015.
The annual P.A.C. event is usually held each spring and Stempfle explained, “The P.A.C. banquet is later than usual to accommodate the schedule of our new state chairman.”  To purchase tickets email [email protected]



Register Now to Attend the Mackinac GOP Leadership Conference


Since 1953, Michigan Republicans have gathered every two years at the historic Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island to discuss ideas, to learn how to articulate the Republican message and to interact with fellow Republicans from across the state — and the country.  The Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference has become one of the premier Republican events in the Midwest.   With former HP CEO Carly Fiorina, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush all confirmed  to speak, the conference this year stacks up to be one of the best ever.   Register at http://www.mackinac2015.org/



Meet Matt Beer: State Committeeman


This is the fifth in a series of profiles about our 14th District state committee members.untitled.pngDetroit's College for Creative Studies  attracts talent from around the USA and the world.  Among those attracted to CCS was Matt Beer, elected to represent the 14th Congressional District as State Committeeman for this two-year cycle.

Born in Kansas City, Mo. to parents who were public school teachers, Matt moved to the Detroit area in 1997.  At CCS, Matt majored in Industrial and Furniture Design and he graduated in 2000.
Now a Farmington Hills resident, Matt is employed as a Construction Project Manager, where he focuses on multi-family and senior assisted living developments.
 
In addition to his role on the MIGOP's State Committee, where he serves on  its Coalitions Committee, Matt is a member of the Oakland County Republican Party Executive Committee and the 14th District Executive Committee.   In addition to GOP activities, Matt volunteers for Rebuild Detroit, which focuses on advancing the "re-creation" of metro Detroit. Thank you for your service Matt.



Improved Map of the 14th District

Our first newsletter in April  had a map of our “uniquely” shaped Congressional District.   However, one helpful reader provided a much improved District map below.  Thanks — you know who you are — and keep those suggestions coming!  Also the 14th CD website has an interactive map to use in planning meeting locations.  Even more information about the 14th CD can be found here:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michigan%27s_14th_congressional_district

Screen+Shot+2015-04-14+at+8.11.58+PM.png

 



Democrat Rep. Brenda Lawrence ‘Votes for Us’ in Washington

Your Democratic 14th Congressional District U.S. Representative Brenda Lawrence has been busy in Washington, D.C.  Here is a recap of several of her recent votes.   Her role in supporting the Democrat Party line can be seen pretty clearly.   Her votes often are like this:  think of a logical idea/opinion and then vote the opposite way.   After considering her positions, please feel free to call her office at 202-225-5802.

  • HR 2578 (Massie Amendment) passed 250 to 171, with Lawrence voting AGAINST.   This amendment prohibits federal agencies from defining ammunition as “armor-piercing” unless such ammunition will be used in handguns.  Standard rifle ammunition in wide use could be restricted without this definition restriction under regulations proposed by Obama.
  • HR 2577 (Lee Amendment) failed 247 to 176, with Lawrence voting FOR.  This amendment permitted commercial air flights and commercial ship movement to Cuba.
  • HR 2577 (Capps Amendment) failed 222 to 202, with Lawrence voting FOR.  This amendment would spend $26.6 million to create a “Pipeline Safety Oil Spill Trust Fund” for the purpose of creating new regulations on oil and gas pipelines.
  • HR 2578 passed 242 to 183, with Lawrence voting AGAINST.   This resolution  would spend $51.4 billion to fund various federal agencies for the next fiscal year.  This amount $1.3 billion more than the current fiscal year, but $661 million less than Obama requested.  Agencies funded include the census, FBI, NSF, EEOC and others.



News Links of Interest



A Message from the Chairwoman

Dear 14th District Executive Committee Members, and Fellow Republicans;

Greetings and Happy Summer to you and your family.

Good news and bad news.


Bad news first:
 
There is so much happening in our country today that sometimes I don't know what to do or where to turn. Which issue do I choose to fight?  Do you feel the same?

There are so many issues! In just 3 minutes, I came up with this list:

  1. We are a Borderless Country (e.g., a person deported five times and obviously here illegally shoots an innocent victim and elected officials seem to have no interest).
  2. Federally funded Planned Parenthood (talk about an oxymoron name) dissecting babies and then selling baby parts (and the media reports about Cecil the lion),
  3. Muslim Refugee resettlements right here in our Michigan cities funded and supported by--guess who---us the taxpayers,
  4. The Iran nuclear deal with frightened and angry Republicans (and most other informed citizens) calling out to do something to stop a deal with a terrorist state which has sworn to destroy the USA and Israel,
  5. People elected as Republicans not doing a very good job voting like they support the Republican platform,
  6. Congressional leaders lying to other elected representatives (e.g., Sen. McConnell) to get votes (google Ted Cruz for details), 
  7. A Supreme Court that has become a political body rather than one which interprets the laws actually written by elected officials,
  8. A push to legalize marijuana here in Michigan organized by "Republican" lobbyists, 
  9. The constant threat of terrorism,  yet those responsible to protect us all are under daily pressure to "stand down",
  10. An unstable economy where more adults have stopped LOOKING for work than at any time in our history and yet the government says our economy is good,
  11. Obamacare, which after six years a large majority of those polled want it repealed yet our leaders seem intent on ruling against the majority,
  12. Our President refusing to call terrorists what they are---radical Muslims
  13. IRS corruption and intimidation of citizens ignored

the list goes on and on and on.

Recently, I heard Obama say if he could run again he was confident he would be re-elected.  Could the chaos in the country lay the groundwork for declaring "martial Law” to insure that those in power remain? The times are changing so fast that anything could happen.  Things that could "never happen" now happen through Executive Orders and bureaucratic regulation/rules, with the people's elected officials not even considering a law.

Many of us pray and ask for guidance. Keep Praying.

What I do know is we must get a strong footing, remain vigilant, continue to fight, and never give up


Now some Good News:


I am pleased to announce that our daughter recently graduated from Law School and has been offered a job at an Austin, Texas law firm.  Mom and Dad will need the next few years to recoup from the out of state tuition expenses, but are as proud as parents can possibly be. Isn’t that what we all want for our kids?  Success, debt free education and a path for happiness and prosperity? I believe firmly that the work that you and fellow Republicans do for the party will help to shape the future for our kids and grandchildren.  Isn't that why we do it?  Keep volunteering my friends and never give up. We will bring change.

 I met a young man recently, tatoos and all, and was so moved to hear him say, “we need to find ways to make Republicans cool again”.  Is that refreshing or what?  We have recruited his mind and energy to help us follow that path. Watch for some exciting new paradigms for cool Republicans.

The recent State Committee meeting held in Lansing the weekend of July 17 and 18 was informative. As we gear up for the campaign season, there are many activities going on.  Among them are new leadership in Lansing shaped by Chairwoman Ronna Romney McDaniel and Vice Chairman Jeff Sakwa, new activities planned for the only political office in Detroit that will take a leadership role in community events, and  a strong belief that “Michigan Matters” in the presidential race.  
 

  1. Also discussed at State Committee were three talking points about  Hillary Clinton:Did you know that Hillary took 8 questions in her first month as a presidential candidate?
  2. Hillary loves roped lines so her constituents can’t get close to her. She was seen telling some folks to go to the end of the line.
  3. The average American could pay bills for a decade with the money Hillary Clinton gets paid for one speech.

Discussions also included the recent shootings in Chattanooga where 8 military men were shot down because they were unable to protect themselves. IMG_2276.jpgOxymoron = military officers not able to carry weapons. This must stop. Give our military the right to carry to defend themselves!

Looking forward to seeing you on Sept 17, 6:00pm at Jimi’s restaurant for our next Committee meeting and a presentation by Adam Raezler, policy analyst, about the “Rubrics of Winning a Presidential Election”.


Get involved, engaged and make it happen!

Next 14th CD Meeting:  September 17 at 6:00 p.m.
Meeting location- Jimi’s Restaurant
714 S Washington Ave, Royal Oak, MI 48067
JOIN US!


All Republicans are welcome to attend this open meeting!  Please join us with your ideas, energy and help to make us grow!

Warmest Regards,


Janine Kateff
14th District Chairwoman

Email: [email protected]
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mi14gop
Website: 14cd.com
Twitter -  https://twitter.com/
Phone: 586-917-6118