A pair of top political leaders – Lt. Gov. John Cherry and U.S. Rep. John Conyers of Detroit – will keynote the 27th annual Winans Dinner sponsored by the Livingston County Democrats next week.
Cherry and Conyers will be the highlight of the event being held Friday, May 7, at Lakelands Golf and Country Club in Hamburg Township.
"We are honored to have two speakers coming to our event who have such distinguished records of service to the people of Michigan. Each one is inspiring but the two together will deliver a powerful message designed to drive us to continue fighting for change in November," said Judy Daubenmier, chair of the Livingston County Democrats.
The theme of the event is, "We don’t quit," based on a line from President Obama’s 2010 State of the Union speech.
The event will allow attendees to meet the candidate for the Democratic nomination for 8th District Congress, Kande Ngalamulume of East Lansing, as well as Democratic candidates for the state Senate, state House, and county commission.
John Cherry is in his second term as lieutenant governor under Governor Jennifer Granholm. Prior to being tapped as her running mate, Cherry served more than 20 years in the Michigan House and Senate, where he was minority leader. He was named one of Michigan’s Most Effective Legislators by The Detroit News and in 2005 was named the Conservationist of the Year by the Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC). He is the immediate past Chair of the Great Lakes Commission and also has served as Chair of the National Lieutenant Governor's Association.
Throughout his career, Cherry has focused on families and education, including heading a commission on higher education and economic growth which underscored the role of higher education in creating and keeping jobs in Michigan. As a legislator, he wrote or co-sponsored several important laws dealing with workers’ rights, environmental protection, and conservation. He and his family live in Genesee County.
John Conyers, who represents Michigan’s 14th Congressional District, is the head of the House Judiciary Committee. Elected to Congress from Detroit in 1964, Conyers is the nation’s second-longest serving member of Congress, behind fellow Michigan Congressman John Dingell. He was present in Selma, Alabama, in 1963 for Freedom Day, was one of the founding members of the Congressional Black Caucus and was one of the original members of the Nixon Enemies List.
As the head of the House Judiciary Committee, he has worked for national health care, has investigated torture in Iraq, and fought the abuses of the George Bush administration.
Ngalamulume, 31, grew up in East Lansing and is a graduate of Michigan State University. He left Michigan after graduation to work for a health insurance company in Philadelphia, but quit his job to return to Michigan and run against Republican Mike Rogers.
The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a cocktail hour featuring a cash bar. Besides dinner, the event will include a silent auction. Tickets are $50 per person until April 30 and then $60.
Please contact the Livingston County Democrats at 810-229-4212 by email at livcodems@sbcuc.net, or by mail at Livingston County Democrats, 10321 Grand River Road, Suite 600, Brighton, MI 48116 for more information. Checks may be made out to Livingston County Democrats.
The Winans Dinner is named in honor of Michigan’s first Democratic governor after the Civil War, Edwin Winans of Hamburg Township, who served in Congress before being elected governor in 1891.
Showing posts with label Lt. Gov. John Cherry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lt. Gov. John Cherry. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
John Cherry's Statement on Leaving the 2010 Race for Democratic Nomination for Governor
John Cherry has made it official, telling supporters that he will not be a candidate for the Democratic nomination for governor in 2010. Here is his statement:
"Today I am announcing that the exploration of a gubernatorial candidacy is coming to an end, and I will not be a candidate for Governor in 2010.
"A year ago, when this exploratory process began, I set several goals that I thought I needed to attain if a candidacy was to be successful. I believed that at least a thousand Michigan citizens needed to express their support for my candidacy. That number was exceeded significantly. I also believed that in 2009 I would have to obtain at least half of the petition signatures necessary to obtain a position on the ballot. We succeeded in reaching that number as well.
"However, I also believed that I had to secure enough money to make my candidacy fully viable. I was not successful in that endeavor to the degree that was needed. With that in mind, I have come to the conclusion that to wage a successful campaign will be difficult at best.
"Of course, I find this a disappointing circumstance for two reasons. First, a number of good friends stepped forward to offer their support, and they worked very hard to build a very impressive grassroots network. I hate to disappoint them with this news. Many of them also contributed hard earned money to help support our efforts. That does not, however, diminish the effort that they and the campaign team made to build a successful candidacy.
"I am also disappointed because I truly believe that 2010 will be a critical year and election for Michigan. We stand before a simple choice between a race to the bottom or a vision of Michigan as we would like it to be. There are many who for political reasons choose to demean the notion of Michigan as a state that is investing and building for the future. They would rather have us blame our present economic circumstances on the victims of the global forces that disrupted the family and economic lives of thousands of Michigan citizens.
"I had hoped that my campaign could argue for a Michigan that could put its great assets to work to create a new, vibrant 21st Century economy-- our great workforce and citizenry, internationally renowned institutions of higher education, and the 20 percent of the world's supply of fresh water that surrounds us. Those are strong building blocks for the future. The only thing that stands in the way of creating a strong future out of them is the negative political cult of personality that seeks political advantage at the expense of our civil endeavors.
"I am disappointed that I will not be the candidate to carry that message.
"Most importantly, though, I wish to thank my family-- my wife Pam, my children, my mother, and my brother and sisters for their help, support, and love. While ending the campaign is a disappointment for us, the effort brought us new friendships, introduced us to amazing people, and opened our eyes to a Michigan that is truly inspiring. For that we are extremely grateful."
"Today I am announcing that the exploration of a gubernatorial candidacy is coming to an end, and I will not be a candidate for Governor in 2010.
"A year ago, when this exploratory process began, I set several goals that I thought I needed to attain if a candidacy was to be successful. I believed that at least a thousand Michigan citizens needed to express their support for my candidacy. That number was exceeded significantly. I also believed that in 2009 I would have to obtain at least half of the petition signatures necessary to obtain a position on the ballot. We succeeded in reaching that number as well.
"However, I also believed that I had to secure enough money to make my candidacy fully viable. I was not successful in that endeavor to the degree that was needed. With that in mind, I have come to the conclusion that to wage a successful campaign will be difficult at best.
"Of course, I find this a disappointing circumstance for two reasons. First, a number of good friends stepped forward to offer their support, and they worked very hard to build a very impressive grassroots network. I hate to disappoint them with this news. Many of them also contributed hard earned money to help support our efforts. That does not, however, diminish the effort that they and the campaign team made to build a successful candidacy.
"I am also disappointed because I truly believe that 2010 will be a critical year and election for Michigan. We stand before a simple choice between a race to the bottom or a vision of Michigan as we would like it to be. There are many who for political reasons choose to demean the notion of Michigan as a state that is investing and building for the future. They would rather have us blame our present economic circumstances on the victims of the global forces that disrupted the family and economic lives of thousands of Michigan citizens.
"I had hoped that my campaign could argue for a Michigan that could put its great assets to work to create a new, vibrant 21st Century economy-- our great workforce and citizenry, internationally renowned institutions of higher education, and the 20 percent of the world's supply of fresh water that surrounds us. Those are strong building blocks for the future. The only thing that stands in the way of creating a strong future out of them is the negative political cult of personality that seeks political advantage at the expense of our civil endeavors.
"I am disappointed that I will not be the candidate to carry that message.
"Most importantly, though, I wish to thank my family-- my wife Pam, my children, my mother, and my brother and sisters for their help, support, and love. While ending the campaign is a disappointment for us, the effort brought us new friendships, introduced us to amazing people, and opened our eyes to a Michigan that is truly inspiring. For that we are extremely grateful."
Cherry's Decision Changes Race Instantly
There's an old saying that 24 hours is an eternity in politics -- and Gov. John Cherry's decision to bow out of the 2010 race for the Democratic nomination proves the validity of that once again.
Cherry's departure is good news for the other two already announced candidates -- Rep. Alma Wheeler Smith and former state Rep. John Freeman. at least temporarily. Democrats likely will take a closer look at them now.
But the race won't stay that way for long. New candidates will emerge, generating new excitement. If House Speaker Andy Dillon gets in the race, others will follow, as more progressive party members will demand an alternative. Lansing Mayor Virgil Bernero will likely hop in, as will someone else whose name we aren't even thinking of right now.
Cherry's departure, however, means that the candidate most experienced in working with Democrats and Republicans in the Legislature -- and most concerned about working people -- won't be at the helm. And that's sad.
But his departure also says a lot about the kind of guy Cherry is. It took guts to make this assessment. More than one politician would have stubbornly stayed in the race, making it about him or her and not about what's best for the party and the state.
Cherry's departure is good news for the other two already announced candidates -- Rep. Alma Wheeler Smith and former state Rep. John Freeman. at least temporarily. Democrats likely will take a closer look at them now.
But the race won't stay that way for long. New candidates will emerge, generating new excitement. If House Speaker Andy Dillon gets in the race, others will follow, as more progressive party members will demand an alternative. Lansing Mayor Virgil Bernero will likely hop in, as will someone else whose name we aren't even thinking of right now.
Cherry's departure, however, means that the candidate most experienced in working with Democrats and Republicans in the Legislature -- and most concerned about working people -- won't be at the helm. And that's sad.
But his departure also says a lot about the kind of guy Cherry is. It took guts to make this assessment. More than one politician would have stubbornly stayed in the race, making it about him or her and not about what's best for the party and the state.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Should Michigan Give Its Water Away?
Alaska has a lot of oil, and it doesn't give it away. Michigan has a lot of water, and it shouldn't give it away, either.
Alaska state government rakes in plenty of revenue from the oil it sells to the rest of the United States and elsewhere, enough so that residents get a check from the state government. The state actually charges companies royalties for taking its oil.
Water is just as vital a commodity as oil. Yet Michigan doesn't tax the water that companies take from here to sell elsewhere.
Lt. Gov. John Cherry says the state should impose a 10-cent a bottle fee on the water corporations bottle here, according to a Lansing State Journal article. That kind of royalty would raise $118 million a year.
There will be lots of Republican whining about another tax. And the bottling companies are going to threaten to take the jobs elsewhere. But are there lots of other places with so much extra water that they're giving it away? And why do Republicans want to ship our water elsewhere for free?
If Alaska can charge for its oil, Michigan can charge for its water.
Alaska state government rakes in plenty of revenue from the oil it sells to the rest of the United States and elsewhere, enough so that residents get a check from the state government. The state actually charges companies royalties for taking its oil.
Water is just as vital a commodity as oil. Yet Michigan doesn't tax the water that companies take from here to sell elsewhere.
Lt. Gov. John Cherry says the state should impose a 10-cent a bottle fee on the water corporations bottle here, according to a Lansing State Journal article. That kind of royalty would raise $118 million a year.
There will be lots of Republican whining about another tax. And the bottling companies are going to threaten to take the jobs elsewhere. But are there lots of other places with so much extra water that they're giving it away? And why do Republicans want to ship our water elsewhere for free?
If Alaska can charge for its oil, Michigan can charge for its water.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Cherry to Visit at Livingston Dems' Holiday Party
A Cherry will be at the Livingston County Democratic Party's annual holiday potluck on Saturday (Dec. 5, 2009).
No, not Lt. Gov. John Cherry, but his sister, Sen. Deb Cherry.
The event will begin at 4 p.m. at party headquarters, 10321 E. Grand River, Suite 600, Brighton, MI.
Bring a dish to share and a donation for Gleaners Community Food Bank or the Adopt-a-Family program.
The food is always great!
No, not Lt. Gov. John Cherry, but his sister, Sen. Deb Cherry.
The event will begin at 4 p.m. at party headquarters, 10321 E. Grand River, Suite 600, Brighton, MI.
Bring a dish to share and a donation for Gleaners Community Food Bank or the Adopt-a-Family program.
The food is always great!
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Cherry Campaign Puts up Video Bio of Lt. Gov.
If you don't know much about Lt. Gov. John Cherry, you'll want to check out the new video bio that his campaign has up on youtube.
It features photos, set to music, of Cherry's life and career as a political activist, conservationist, and legislator. It's a succinct summary of a long career of activism. We hope Lt. Gov. Cherry will be visiting Livingston County soon.
It features photos, set to music, of Cherry's life and career as a political activist, conservationist, and legislator. It's a succinct summary of a long career of activism. We hope Lt. Gov. Cherry will be visiting Livingston County soon.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Support for Lt. Gov. Cherry Piling Up
Lt. Gov. John Cherry is wasting no time lining up people to support him for the Democratic nomination for governor in 2010.
His organization apparently wants to live up to its name -- "A Whole Lot of People Supporting John Cherry."
The organization on Thursday (March 19, 2009) rolled out a list of local officials supporting the lieutenant governor. Many are from Southeast Michigan:
Leigh Greden - Ann Arbor City Council
Sandi Smith - Ann Arbor City Council
Christopher Taylor - Ann Arbor City Council
Margie Teall - Ann Arbor City Council
Charlie Brunner - Bay City Mayor
Marilyn Stephan - Berkley Mayor
Phil O'Dwyer - Berkley City Council
Charles Smiley - Burton Mayor
Ellen Ellenburg - Burton City Council
Michael Bridges - Farmington Hills City Council
Sue Osborn - Fenton Mayor
L.D. Hollenbeck - Ithaca City Council
Jim Ellison - Royal Oak Mayor
Gary Lelito - Royal Oak City Commissioner
Michael Estes - Traverse City Mayor
William Lattimore - Southfield City Council
Carl Solden - Waterford Twp. Supervisor
Other Democrats are looking seriously at the race, too, such as Rep. Alma Wheeler-Smith of Ann Arbor and John Freeman. Even former Michigan State University football Coach George Perles says he wants to run. So far, we haven't see much of their organizations.
His organization apparently wants to live up to its name -- "A Whole Lot of People Supporting John Cherry."
The organization on Thursday (March 19, 2009) rolled out a list of local officials supporting the lieutenant governor. Many are from Southeast Michigan:
Leigh Greden - Ann Arbor City Council
Sandi Smith - Ann Arbor City Council
Christopher Taylor - Ann Arbor City Council
Margie Teall - Ann Arbor City Council
Charlie Brunner - Bay City Mayor
Marilyn Stephan - Berkley Mayor
Phil O'Dwyer - Berkley City Council
Charles Smiley - Burton Mayor
Ellen Ellenburg - Burton City Council
Michael Bridges - Farmington Hills City Council
Sue Osborn - Fenton Mayor
L.D. Hollenbeck - Ithaca City Council
Jim Ellison - Royal Oak Mayor
Gary Lelito - Royal Oak City Commissioner
Michael Estes - Traverse City Mayor
William Lattimore - Southfield City Council
Carl Solden - Waterford Twp. Supervisor
Other Democrats are looking seriously at the race, too, such as Rep. Alma Wheeler-Smith of Ann Arbor and John Freeman. Even former Michigan State University football Coach George Perles says he wants to run. So far, we haven't see much of their organizations.
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