In this March newsletter:
- A Message from the Chairwoman
- Notable Announcements
- Valentine CPL Class recap
- Bloomfield Women’s Republican Club Profile
- D’Souza vs. Ayers Debate (still a chance to hear it)
- Meet Christina Barr, 14th CD Committee Member
- Do Something Wild and Crazy
- Passover Suggestion
- Democrat Rep. Brenda Lawrence “Votes for Us” in Washington
- News Links of Interest
Are you a 2016 member of the 14th CD Yet?
Membership is $25 https://mi14gop.nationbuilder.com/donation
A Message from the Chairwoman
Dear 14th District Executive Committee Members, and fellow Republicans;
First and foremost, the Presidential Primary election is just days away----next Tuesday (March 8)! If you are reading this, you will more than likely be voting. However it’s those who are more disconnected, perhaps busy with young children, or the elderly who may need a push to get out and vote - call and offer your help to get them to the polls. I can’t wait to see which GOP candidate the majority like. As to the Democrats, they get to choose from an elderly self proclaimed socialist or someone about to be indicted for being a national security leak/risk. Remind your family, friends and co-workers to take time to vote!!
In conjunction with M. L. King Day celebrations, the MIGOP launched a new website focused on recruiting more members in Detroit. Check it out at http://detroitgop.com/. 14th CD Executive Committee member Wayne Bradley is in the middle of the good work being done around projects such as this. For those on Facebook, please “like” the MIGOP’s work here - https://www.facebook.com/MIGOP/videos/10153493607577921/
The MIGOP State Committee met in Lansing on February 5 and 6 to conduct its normal business. One specific resolution, that I was pleased to introduce though the Issues Committee, related to a temporary suspension of refugee immigration until the background checks of such refugees become more transparent and better communicated to the states to which refugees are being relocated. This resolution passed with flying colors out of the Issues Committee with unanimous support. It was then presented to the Michigan Republican State Committee for a vote, where is approved. A special thanks goes to Dick Manasseri, Sue Burstein Kahn (14th CD State Committeewoman), Linda Stulberg and Dorene Weisberg for their collaborative efforts in helping to write the Resolution. A copy of the final resolution can be seen here [link].
The refugee resolution approved by the State Committee is similar to that passed by the 14th CD Executive Committee at its meeting in January. While resolutions are needed and useful to show our opinion, much of the “action” may be happening right now in YOUR local community.
West Bloomfield is in the midst of a heated debate because the Board of Trustees adopted a CAIR rooted/Muslim Brotherhood “Welcoming Cities” Resolution -- which is way more than it sounds. On the surface, who wouldn't want to be a Welcoming Community? Recently, Congressman David Trott (R-District 11) voted Yes on HR 3892 - Designating the Muslim Brotherhood (CAIR) a Terrorist Organization.This Judiciary Committee vote was 17-10 and the bill now moves to the full House. These terrorists are the folks behind being a “welcoming city”. Really?!
As involved citizens, keep your attention on your local boards for similar decisions. Now is the time to be vigilant! Although there are many portals in which terrorists can infiltrate into this country, this one portal can be shut down. Open borders, student visas, work visas, marriage visas, medical visas and family visas are other ways to enter the country. Farmington Hills City Council is now being asked to adopt a “Welcoming Cities” resolution. Why?
On a lighter note, Wendy Day, MIGOP Vice Chair - Grassroots and State Chair for the Cruz Campaign held a competition to gather socks for needy families. You may recall that we gathered socks at our January 21st meeting. After a heated (no pun intended) competition, I am pleased to report that the 14th CD took 2nd place with 157 pairs donated. Congratulations to the 9th Congressional District, which took 1st place with 181 pairs donated! Thanks to Wendy Day for having a creative way to make the State Committee meeting also do “something good” for local communities. A special thank you goes to Bill Rauwerdink for donating over 100 pairs of socks for the 14th District.
At the same State Committee meeting mentioned earlier, a discussion was held to “close” future primaries (after the 2016 elections). The purpose in closing a primary election is so voters will no longer be able to cross a party line to vote for a less desirable candidate in the “other party”. Example, currently Democrats can vote in the Presidential primary as a Republican, and believe me they are definitely doing it! All a Democrat needs to do is request a Republican ballot.
By voting across a party line in the OPEN primary, a person can vote for the candidate that will have the toughest time beating their Democrat candidate. The same can be done by a Republican - simply ask for a Democrat ballot to vote for for the candidate that will work to their strategic advantage. To have a closed primary, each state party would need to register everyone in the state as a Republican or Democrat. Once registered the only ballot each person would get for future elections would be their declared party ballot. No more cross over.
We will be hearing more on this from State Committee.
Are you a Precinct Delegate? Did you know your term as delegate expires on August 3 unless you re - apply? May 3 is precinct delegate filing deadline. Even if you are a current delegate, you must refile with your county clerk to get on the August ballot. The PD Affidavit needed to file can be found here - print it, get it notarized and return to your local COUNTY Clerk before May 3.
https://www.michigan.gov/documents/Aff-ID_Precnt_139901_7.pdf
Oakland CountyRepublicans will hold their convention of all duly elected Precinct Delegates and At-Large Delegates at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at the American Polish Cultural Center, 2975 E Maple Rd, Troy, MI 48083.
Wayne County 14th District Republican Convention will be at 7:00 p.m.on Tuesday, March 22 at St. John’s Episcopal Church on Woodward in Detroit.
The purpose of the County Convention is to elect delegates for the State Convention. Please attend everyone!!!!
One year ago, I was elected as your Chair along with 24 other brave volunteers to represent the 14th District Republican Committee for a two year term. I promised to 1.) Grow our base; 2.) Raise Funds; 3.) help win elections; and 4.) not take sides during any Primary. Your “Team of 25” has done their work, and accomplished many secondary goals. We’ve had steady growth with an average of 65 people attending monthly meetings, we now have money in the bank and gained 5 new elected Republican seats in the 14th District. Yes we are working on more!
Importantly, we passed 2 resolutions standing against: Civil Asset Forfeiture and, in January, a Refugee Resettlement Resolution. Each Resolution has moved up the GOP “food chain”. As a result, legislation has been enacted to change Civil Asset Forfeiture in Michigan. Also, a similar Refugee Resettlement Resolution was passed at the State Committee level as mentioned earlier, with promises in Lansing and Washington D.C. for consideration. Together we are making a difference in the 14th District.
Please LIKE our Facebook page, check us on Twitter, visit our awesome website and come to our meetings. We have barely scratched the surface of the work that needs to be done.
A special shout out goes to last month’s speakers who attended Candidate night. Thank you to Chairwoman Ronna Romney McDaniel, our featured speaker. See a full list of 14th District candidates here - http://www.14cd.com/candidates
Our March meeting will be amazing! The 14th District Rules Committee will present their proposed rules for the upcoming county and state conventions. We hope this will save valuable time so we will have more time to debate and vote. Our speaker lineup includes Supreme Court Justice David Viviano (though he is NOT CONFIRMED) who will be on the ballot in November and Dr. Howard Klausner, candidate for U.S. Congress for the 14th District to replace Democrat Brenda Lawrence our current “Representative who Votes for Us”. Join us for a lively meeting!
March has in it a “national holiday” for our Irish friends. So HAPPY ST. PADDY’S to all those Irish celebrants out there for a fun, green and safe March 17th! Please note that we have our monthly 14th CD meeting that same day, so come and celebrate with us immediately after the meeting at Jimi’s Restaurant.!
Next 14th CD Meeting: March 17 at 6:00pm
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 us grow!
Warm Regards,
See you on St Paddy’s Day!
Janine Kateff
14th District Chairwoman
email - [email protected]
Like our Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/mi14gop
website- 14cd.com
2016 membership registration - https://mi14gop.nationbuilder.com/donation
twitter - https://twitter.com/
586 917 6118
Notable Announcements:
- March 3: GOP Presidential debate at the Fox Theatre in Detroit broadcast on Fox
- March 3: Michigan Political Leadership fundraiser featuring GOP strategist Karl Rove and others in Livonia. Please contact Jennifer Oram for tickets at [email protected]
- March 7: Oakland County Lincoln Day Dinner featuring Ohio Governor John Kasich; register at https://www.oaklandgop.net/2016-lincoln-day-dinner
- March 8: Michigan Presidential Primary
- March 10: Republican Presidential Debate from Miami, Florida broadcast on CNN
- March 15: Bloomfield Republican Women’s Club meets at 6 p.m. at the Birmingham Athletic Club and features Peter Hoekstra, who served nine terms in the U.S. House and is now Shillman Senior Fellow on Terrorism. Register at www.bloomfieldrwc.com
- March 17: 14th District Republican Committee Meeting, Jimi’s Restaurant in Royal Oak with a 6:00 p.m. dinner and networking, and 7:00 p.m. business meeting.
- March 21: Oakland County Young Republicans meeting with Michigan Representatives Jim Tedder (R-District 43) and Jim Runestad (R-District 44) at 7 p.m. at Black Finn in Royal Oak. Email Shawn at [email protected] for details.
- March 22: Oakland County GOP Convention (to elect delegates to MIGOP State Convention) 7:00 p.m. at the American Polish Cultural Center, 2975 E Maple Rd, Troy
- April 7: Young Americans for Freedom (YAF) at the University of Michigan is sponsoring Ben Shapiro (a frequent Fox contributor) at Rackham Amphitheater. While the event is open to the public, seating is first come, first seated. Students with MCard receive front/priority seating. Stay updated at http://www.yafumich.com/news.
- April 8 and 9: MIGOP State Convention in Lansing (to elect delegates to the GOP National Convention in Cleveland
Valentine CPL Class Recap
Greater West Bloomfield Republicans President Ben Ohly reported “Due to our just completed fundraiser, we now have 15 more trained CPL (Concealed Pistol License) citizens working hard to keep personal safety in place for all of us. Despite Thursday’s 6-8” snowstorm, students rallied and drove to class. Target Sports (West Bloomfield) which hosted the Thursday range portion of the training worked with us to make sure everyone completed their range work. Mark Cortis, our NRA certified instructor, did a fantastic job. He was able to combine the personal side of self defense with the legal side that was very helpful to our students. Mark also provided great one-on-one instruction to students on the range.”
Congratulations to the GWBR team for arranging this event. We should all be grateful for our right to bear arms and protect ourselves and our families from harm. Join the NRA.
Bloomfield Women’s Republican Club Profile
Seventh in a series profiling groups in the 14th District that support GOP positions.
Day after day in the news we hear that America is not treating its veterans well, and who can doubt that it is true?
The Bloomfield Republican Women’s Club is doing something about it.
In April the Club will host its annual Movie Night, from which the funds collected will assist a veteran’s charity. This year the Bloomfield RWC is funding the cost of an orchard for an organization called Zero Day, a group whose purpose is to retrain troops suffering with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder for job placement outside of the military.
The Bloomfield RWC is the largest and oldest Republican women’s club in the state of Michigan. It operates under the Michigan Federation of Republican Women and the National Federation of Republican Women.
It was founded in 1959 by Lois Davies, Ann Romney’s mother. Davies was the first president. Ann Romney is the wife of Mitt Romney, the 2012 GOP nominee for President. Oakland County Republicans are familiar with the story of how Mitt and Ann Romney grew up in Bloomfield Hills and met while both were in elementary school.
“The focus of our general meetings is education on various issues,” said President Aleta Moffitt. “We have had nationally recognized speakers present topics on national debt, communism, Common Core, Agenda 21, as well as local issues. Over a year, we regularly hold six of these types of general meetings over a lunch or dinner setting.”
Other officers are Diane Bernier, first vice president; Sharon White, second vice president; Joyce MacLeish, corresponding secretary; Mary Young, recording secretary; Judy Tully, treasurer; Susan Stone, assistant treasurer; and Ruth Katsnelson and Linda Stuhlberg, delegates-at-large.
“I also have a board of 14 other ladies that are chairpersons for our various committees and projects,” Moffitt said. “As part of our mission we encourage members of our Club to engage in campaigns and run for elected positions. However, we do not actively recruit candidates for any political office. It is our policy that the club (as a whole) remains neutral during the primary season.”
The Bloomfield RWC recently held a symposium geared to how to effectively communicate the conservative message and Republican platform without the defensiveness or using rhetoric. Moffitt said it was a huge success. The club also hosted a luncheon with conservative author Dinesh D’Souza in February. The club will host a candidate forum in early June.
“Most of our meetings are held at the Heather’s Country Club in Bloomfield Hills,” Moffitt said. “We offer membership to anyone. A large number of our membership resides outside of the Bloomfield Hills area. However, only women are considered voting members, also if you are a member of another club affiliated with the Michigan Federation you are given associate status.”
For more information the club has a website at www.bloomfieldrwc.com.
D’Souza vs. Ayers Debate (still a chance to hear it)
So, you missed the big debate hosted by Young Americans for Freedom at the University of Michigan? Not to worry. The entire and uncut debate is available at this link livestream.com/yaf/debate. Grant Strobl, who kicks off the video, is chairman of the U of M Chapter of the YAF and is a member of the 14th CD’s Executive Committee. This event was financially supported by the 14th Congressional District.
Meet Christina Barr, 14th CD Committee Member
This is the sixth in a series of profiles about our 14th District Executive Committee leadership.
Christina Barr says “a proper church girl is always active in her community.”
In her case, one of the beneficiaries of that perspective is the Republican Party.
“I’ve always been a conservative,” she says. “I come from a very religious family and my Christian conscience greatly aligns with the values of the Republican Party.”
Barr puts her talents and beliefs into practice as the creative director of the state GOP. It is just the latest step in her progression of service.
“In school, I was always a conservative voice,” she says. “I didn’t really take an active role in the party until 2012 when we started attending events and became acquainted with grassroots activists. In 2014, I ran for state representative. After a razor-thin primary loss, I was selected by the 14th District Committee to step in and run for U.S. Congress in the same year. I now serve on the Oakland County Executive Committee and the 14th District Committee.”
But “first and foremost, I’m a minister in my church and a gospel singer.” She is a member of Family Worship Center, where her father is pastor.
For her, theology and political principles go hand in hand.
“My father, Apostle Keith Barr, is an extremely intelligent man who has always been informed, and he encouraged us to learn as much as we could,” she says. “Some secular people are under the impression that if you let religious principles guide your political decisions, you are only a creature of emotion and have no intellectual backup for your thinking. Liberal policies are the ones that fail our society constantly, but Democrats continue to make their pitches through emotional appeal and no substance. Inflated government corrupts and interrupts the lives of the American people and Conservative values prove time and time again improve our nation.”
Barr graduated in the top ten at Holly High School and is also a graduate of the Detroit based College for Creative Studies. She is founder of Ninja Dust Publishing with nine published books under her belt.
“My goal is to write 30 books by the time I’m that age. I love to write. If I can be undisturbed in my room all day so I can write, that’s a fantastic day for me. I love to sing, and I’ve been doing that since I was five. I come from a very musical family. I’m a huge nerd as well. You can always find me with my family at opening night for a comic book movie.”
Barr lived in Pontiac until she was in the seventh grade, when her family moved to Davisburg. She is now back in her hometown.
She feels outreach is important to growing the party.
“There’s no point in always preaching to the choir,” Barr says. “In a church, if there’s no evangelism, your church doesn’t grow, so there needs to be a connection between us and people who see the world differently. Some people will never listen or change, but if we can have a rational discussion, it would open up the eyes of a lot of people. We don’t need to change our values to reach a broader audience. We just have to always approach the folks across the aisle with an intellectual argument.”
“I believe in conservative principles because they work, so there’s no point in compromising and being wrong just to win. Logical people will see the truth eventually if we stay true to our convictions,” stated Barr.
Concerning minorities, Barr says “I think if we let it be known that there’s an opportunity to enter the Republican Party and have their voices heard, we’ll see a difference in our membership.”
Do Something Wild and Crazy
Who doesn’t want to become a Parliamentarian? Doesn’t everyone?
Here is your chance. The National Association of Parliamentarians is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and as a part of that you can learn how to make meetings work! This class will end, forever, the fear of not knowing Robert’s Rules of Order. Why not become an expert? This training will be held at the Bloomfield Township Public Library on April 11, 2016. Registration is required at $15 per person. Call Dianne at 313-477-0264 or email her at [email protected] for details.
Passover Suggestion
Passover will begin on the evening of April 22 with the First Seder. Several Jewish members of the 14th CD suggested that consideration be given to purchasing Passover goods made in Israel. They suggested looking here http://www.buyisraelgoods.org for all your Passover needs imported from Israel.
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 and shocking votes. Her role in supporting the Democrat Party line and not Michigan values can be seen very clearly here. 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.
- Amendment 2 to HR 2019 passed 318 to 109 with (you guessed it) Lawrence voting AGAINST. This was the annual “tax extenders” process to renew tax breaks scheduled to end. Routinely these tax breaks are extended for a short time period, but this bill makes many of them permanent. Included among those now permanent are the child tax credit, the earned income credit, the college tuition credit and the R&D tax credit.
- HB 3762 passed 240 to 181 with (spoiler alert) Lawrence voting AGAINST. This repeals the individual and employer insurance mandates in Obamacare. Further it repeals the medical device tax and the “Cadillac”health plan tax. Importantly, it prohibits Medicaid payments to fund Planned Parenthood for one year.
- HB 1155 passed 245 to 174 with Lawrence voting (yet again) AGAINST. This creates a Retrospective Regulatory Review Commission to reduce the cost of regulations by 15%. It requires all federal regulations to be reviewed to identify old, burdensome, ineffective or costly regulations. Before any agency creates a new regulation it would need to eliminate one that had been identified by the Commission. Lastly, all new regulations would need to be reviewed after ten years to determine the rule’s effectiveness.
- HB 1927 passed 211 to 188 with Lawrence voting AGAINST. This prohibits federal courts from certifying a class action lawsuit unless the plaintiff’s can demonstrate that each proposed member of the class has suffered an injury of a similar type and scope.
- HB 598 passed 413 to zero (yes, you read that correctly) with Lawrence voting FOR. This law mandates greater spending transparency by requiring that the OBM website identify each program of the federal government authorized to spend more than $1,000,000, along with data about the program(s) activities, any prior funding, employee information and other financial data. One can always hope that this helps!
News Links of Interest
- Creative people have different habits. Learn here.
- Become an expert on the US Constitution with this free course
- Interactive map shows winter activities in Oakland County
- Detroit arena will have a huge effect on midtown--learn more
- 2017 is the year to say goodbye to The Joe
- Vernor’s celebrates its 150th anniversary
- West Bloomfield High School films compete at Novi film festival
- Twelve locations/pictures that will remind you how beautiful Michigan really is.
- Things successful people say each day
- Eight ways to avoid a tax scam
- How to register your drone with the FAA
- Isle Royale National Park is ranking #1 in the U.S.A.
- Things to know about your cell phone’s battery
- Oakland County Community College sign language program is recognized
- Twenty five celebrities that are Republican
- Michigan’s homegrown businesses
- Midtown is Detroit’s safest neighborhood
