Livingston County is one of the purest pieces of Pure Michigan. State recreation areas, bike trails, and dozens of lakes for fishing and boating add up to a wonderful quality of life that's hard to find anywhere else in Southeast Michigan.
So it's a little surprising that our elected officials have done nothing to protect that quality of life from the latest environmental threat -- deep hydraulic fracturing, otherwise known as "fracking." The state of Michigan's Departmenht of Natural Resources has sold drilling rights to land underneath the Brighton Recreation Area and Lakelands Trail to oil and gas companies that open up the area to "fracking."
"Fracking" would allow companies to drill deep underground and inject millions of gallons of water, chemicals and sand into rock formations to release fossil fuels stored there. The process is not regulated by the federal government under the Clean Water Act, and companies are not required to disclose what chemicals are being used. The mixture of water, chemicals, and sand should be properly disposed of once used. A spill could ruin a lake, pollute drinking water supplies, and devastate our property values along with our recreational opportunities. Even without a spill, the presence of active wells will mean more noise, odors, and vastly increased truck traffic on roads that are already in dismal condition.
Other elected officials have taken steps to address fracking. Oakland County commissioners have held a townhall meeting explaining "fracking" and its impact on the environment when something goes wrong, as it has elsewhere.
Yet Livingston County Republicans have sat on their hands and done nothing. No townhall meeting is scheduled. It's not on agendas of the county commission.
That loud snore you hear? Our Livingston County Commissioners asleep at the switch yet again.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Monday, September 3, 2012
Standing Up for Workers?
This Sunday's church bulletin at a local Catholic church has a stirring statement from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops on the rights of workers as we celebrate Labor Day.
The bishops' statement, borrowing a quote from Pope John Paul II, calls for wages that allow a worker to support a family, legislation to "block shameful forms of exploitation, especially to the disadvantage of the most vulnerable workers, of immigrants and of those on the margins of society."
And it demonstrates strong support for labor unions.
"Unions and other worker associations have a unique and essential responsibility in this needed economic renewal. Our Church has long taught that unions are 'an indispensable elemnt of social life, especially in modern industrialized societies' and are examples of the traditional Catholic principles of solidarity and subsidiarity in action. At their best, unions demonstrate solidarity by bringing workers together to speak and act collectively to protect their rights and pursue the common good. Unions are a sign of subsidiarity by forming associations of workers to have a voice, articulate their needs, and bargain and negotiate with the large economic institutions and structures of government."
That's the church I remember from the 1960s, and I'm glad it's back.
I look forward to the church's on-going campaign to persuade the faithful to live according to the words of the bishops. I plan to attend the informational meeting our church will host on the Protect Our Jobs constitutional amendment expected to be on the ballot this fall. I will read the pastor's column in the bulletin about the need to "inform our consciences" on this important issue. I will listen carefully to the sermons preached about how labor unions demonstrate "traditional Catholic principles" and are "essential" in today's economy. I will read the Michigan bishops' op-eds in the Detroit area newspapers. I will give generously to the people who will be standing at the doors as I leave Mass selling flowers to raise money for striking workers somewhere or to collect donations for out of work families. I will read the flyers placed on the windshield of my car in the church parking lot the weekend before the election.
I look forward to doing all that, but then I remember that we're not talking about fetuses here. The chuch will do all that and more for them. But for those of us who are post-fetuses, well, we'll have to see how much the bishops really mean it when they say labor unions demonstrate Catholic values.
The bishops' statement, borrowing a quote from Pope John Paul II, calls for wages that allow a worker to support a family, legislation to "block shameful forms of exploitation, especially to the disadvantage of the most vulnerable workers, of immigrants and of those on the margins of society."
And it demonstrates strong support for labor unions.
"Unions and other worker associations have a unique and essential responsibility in this needed economic renewal. Our Church has long taught that unions are 'an indispensable elemnt of social life, especially in modern industrialized societies' and are examples of the traditional Catholic principles of solidarity and subsidiarity in action. At their best, unions demonstrate solidarity by bringing workers together to speak and act collectively to protect their rights and pursue the common good. Unions are a sign of subsidiarity by forming associations of workers to have a voice, articulate their needs, and bargain and negotiate with the large economic institutions and structures of government."
That's the church I remember from the 1960s, and I'm glad it's back.
I look forward to the church's on-going campaign to persuade the faithful to live according to the words of the bishops. I plan to attend the informational meeting our church will host on the Protect Our Jobs constitutional amendment expected to be on the ballot this fall. I will read the pastor's column in the bulletin about the need to "inform our consciences" on this important issue. I will listen carefully to the sermons preached about how labor unions demonstrate "traditional Catholic principles" and are "essential" in today's economy. I will read the Michigan bishops' op-eds in the Detroit area newspapers. I will give generously to the people who will be standing at the doors as I leave Mass selling flowers to raise money for striking workers somewhere or to collect donations for out of work families. I will read the flyers placed on the windshield of my car in the church parking lot the weekend before the election.
I look forward to doing all that, but then I remember that we're not talking about fetuses here. The chuch will do all that and more for them. But for those of us who are post-fetuses, well, we'll have to see how much the bishops really mean it when they say labor unions demonstrate Catholic values.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Whose Side Is Livingston County Goverrnment On?
Some Livingston County residents are seeing the power of big oil right in their own backyards.
Residents along a 50-mile stretch of an Enbridge Oil Company pipeline are being intimidated by the company, which has posted armed guards on the easements and in at least one case cut down trees on a resident's property near the pipeline.
But the latest display of power is Enbridge's ability to buy the power of government to intimidate property owners. The Livingston Press and Argus reports that the company has a contract with the sheriff's department to post deputies along the pipeline construction areas allegedly to "keep the peace" between property owners and the pipeline construction crew. But since there have been no actual incidents between property owners and Enbridge, what's the point? Intimidation.
What's especially galling is that the off-duty deputies are wearing uniforms, despite being paid for by Enbridge.
That's what happens when corporations have huge amounts of money to spend. They buy whatever they want, including the services of our taxpayer-supported law enforcement.
Residents along a 50-mile stretch of an Enbridge Oil Company pipeline are being intimidated by the company, which has posted armed guards on the easements and in at least one case cut down trees on a resident's property near the pipeline.
But the latest display of power is Enbridge's ability to buy the power of government to intimidate property owners. The Livingston Press and Argus reports that the company has a contract with the sheriff's department to post deputies along the pipeline construction areas allegedly to "keep the peace" between property owners and the pipeline construction crew. But since there have been no actual incidents between property owners and Enbridge, what's the point? Intimidation.
What's especially galling is that the off-duty deputies are wearing uniforms, despite being paid for by Enbridge.
That's what happens when corporations have huge amounts of money to spend. They buy whatever they want, including the services of our taxpayer-supported law enforcement.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
All (Bad) Roads Lead to Home
Last weekend, I was lucky enough to get away for 48 hours, driving more than 500 miles to northern Michigan and back along the shore of Lake Michigan. What a great reminder how beautiful Pure Michigan is!
But after eight hours or more in the car, it was when we hit the border of Livingston County that things literally went to pot. The roads in Livingston County were worse than anywhere else that we drove during those two days, and we were on a number of back roads going from one beach town to another.
That's why the Democratic candidates for Livingston County Commission made improving our roads one of their top priorities in the 2012 campaign platform, released Monday. As the coverage in Hartland Patch points out, the plan is a bold one for moving Livingston County forward, rather than standing pat.
Besides calling for improvements to our roads, the platform also calls for protecting our environment in Livingston County by backing a moratorium on deep drilling until reasonable regulations are in place, more services for senior citizens, improvements to public safety, more transparency in county government, and closer oversight of the agreement on economic development with Ann Arbor SPARK.
The Democratic candidates are offering a bold choice -- move foward or stand pat. Voters in August kicked out two of the "stand pat" incumbents. They'll have a chance to do it again in November.
But after eight hours or more in the car, it was when we hit the border of Livingston County that things literally went to pot. The roads in Livingston County were worse than anywhere else that we drove during those two days, and we were on a number of back roads going from one beach town to another.
That's why the Democratic candidates for Livingston County Commission made improving our roads one of their top priorities in the 2012 campaign platform, released Monday. As the coverage in Hartland Patch points out, the plan is a bold one for moving Livingston County forward, rather than standing pat.
Besides calling for improvements to our roads, the platform also calls for protecting our environment in Livingston County by backing a moratorium on deep drilling until reasonable regulations are in place, more services for senior citizens, improvements to public safety, more transparency in county government, and closer oversight of the agreement on economic development with Ann Arbor SPARK.
The Democratic candidates are offering a bold choice -- move foward or stand pat. Voters in August kicked out two of the "stand pat" incumbents. They'll have a chance to do it again in November.
Friday, August 24, 2012
Denby Tongue-Tied Once Again
There it is again.
The sentence that is increasingly being linked with Rep.Cindy Denby's name in the Livingston Press and Argus -- "State Rep. Cindy Denby, R-Handy Township, didn't return a call for this story."
It's not the first time by a long shot. In June, Denby couldn't be bothered to comment on a story about the synethic drugs being sold under the name K-2. And I've noticed numerous other examples.
In the newspaper for Friday (Augst 24, 2012), Denby wasn't available to talk about Gov. Rick Snyder's decision to go ahead with planning a health insurance exchange under the Affordable Care Act after lawmakers failed to act.
Did she avoid it because the topic was uncomfortable to talk about? Republicans claim the Affordable Care Act is a "government take-over of the health care system," but the exchanges are nothing more than a big marketplace where people can go and buy PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE. So Denby would have had to try to explain why it was a bad idea to let people know what private insurance is available in the marketplace in one, easy-to-access portal -- basically a website like Travelocity or Orbitz. Was she unable to do that?
Was she afraid to criticize the governor of her own party for going ahead despite the Legislature's refusal to act?
Did she just not think her constituents needed to know what she thought on this issue? Did she not have the "time" to return one phone call?
It's impossible to know, but any of these possibilities -- lack of knowledge, lack of courage, failure to prioritize the issue -- don't speak well of her as a public servant.
The media exists to hold public officials accountable. Dodging press calls has become a regular habit for Denby. She is increasingly leaving the impression that she doesn't think she is accountable to the media -- even friendly media. And that's never good for a public servant.
The sentence that is increasingly being linked with Rep.Cindy Denby's name in the Livingston Press and Argus -- "State Rep. Cindy Denby, R-Handy Township, didn't return a call for this story."
It's not the first time by a long shot. In June, Denby couldn't be bothered to comment on a story about the synethic drugs being sold under the name K-2. And I've noticed numerous other examples.
In the newspaper for Friday (Augst 24, 2012), Denby wasn't available to talk about Gov. Rick Snyder's decision to go ahead with planning a health insurance exchange under the Affordable Care Act after lawmakers failed to act.
Did she avoid it because the topic was uncomfortable to talk about? Republicans claim the Affordable Care Act is a "government take-over of the health care system," but the exchanges are nothing more than a big marketplace where people can go and buy PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE. So Denby would have had to try to explain why it was a bad idea to let people know what private insurance is available in the marketplace in one, easy-to-access portal -- basically a website like Travelocity or Orbitz. Was she unable to do that?
Was she afraid to criticize the governor of her own party for going ahead despite the Legislature's refusal to act?
Did she just not think her constituents needed to know what she thought on this issue? Did she not have the "time" to return one phone call?
It's impossible to know, but any of these possibilities -- lack of knowledge, lack of courage, failure to prioritize the issue -- don't speak well of her as a public servant.
The media exists to hold public officials accountable. Dodging press calls has become a regular habit for Denby. She is increasingly leaving the impression that she doesn't think she is accountable to the media -- even friendly media. And that's never good for a public servant.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Democrats Reaching Out to Business
Do far-right Republicans with their anti-tax, anti-regulation speak for all businesses?
The Michigan Democratic Party doesn't think so, and now the party has started a new organization to work more closely with business people.
The Michigan Democratic Business Council will be chaired by a Hamburg Township Democrat, Michael Magdich.
"I am very excited about the MDBC and its ability to help Michigan businesses move forward. As someone with nearly 20 years’ experience in the automotive and renewable energy industry, I know how important government policy is," Magdich said in a news release earlier this week announcing the formation of the Michigan Democratic Business Council.
Magdich said the top goal of the organization is to "gather information from the business community in Michigan on the issues that are affecting them the most so that we can address them together -- to become the conduit of new ideas... ideas in line with our values as Democrats, that direct new policies and reform outdated ones, for the betterment of the business community here in Michigan."
Magdich said the group also hopes to:
Build strong relationships with the business community
Increase support for Democratic candidates and issues
Share information that will help businesses
Aid in networking and business development
Assist businesses in promoting their service or products
Aid in candidate recruitment and development.
Magdich says the group is seeking input from the business community and is inviting business owners or business people to complete a survey available here.
The Michigan Democratic Business Council will hold its first meeting during the Michigan Democratic Party State Convention from 10 am. to noon Sept. 8 in Michigan Room II and III of the Radisson Hotel, 111 N. Grand Avenue, Lansing,MI 48933. The agenda will include an introduction about the group, a discussion of its objectives, a plan for the next steps, as well as an opportunity to get involved.
For more information, contact the Michigan Democratic Business Council, P.O. Box 28, Dexter, MI 48130
or email MichiganDBC@live.com.
The Michigan Democratic Party doesn't think so, and now the party has started a new organization to work more closely with business people.
The Michigan Democratic Business Council will be chaired by a Hamburg Township Democrat, Michael Magdich.
"I am very excited about the MDBC and its ability to help Michigan businesses move forward. As someone with nearly 20 years’ experience in the automotive and renewable energy industry, I know how important government policy is," Magdich said in a news release earlier this week announcing the formation of the Michigan Democratic Business Council.
Magdich said the top goal of the organization is to "gather information from the business community in Michigan on the issues that are affecting them the most so that we can address them together -- to become the conduit of new ideas... ideas in line with our values as Democrats, that direct new policies and reform outdated ones, for the betterment of the business community here in Michigan."
Magdich said the group also hopes to:
Build strong relationships with the business community
Increase support for Democratic candidates and issues
Share information that will help businesses
Aid in networking and business development
Assist businesses in promoting their service or products
Aid in candidate recruitment and development.
Magdich says the group is seeking input from the business community and is inviting business owners or business people to complete a survey available here.
The Michigan Democratic Business Council will hold its first meeting during the Michigan Democratic Party State Convention from 10 am. to noon Sept. 8 in Michigan Room II and III of the Radisson Hotel, 111 N. Grand Avenue, Lansing,MI 48933. The agenda will include an introduction about the group, a discussion of its objectives, a plan for the next steps, as well as an opportunity to get involved.
For more information, contact the Michigan Democratic Business Council, P.O. Box 28, Dexter, MI 48130
or email MichiganDBC@live.com.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Enderle's First Ad Takes on Rogers' Silence on Oil Spill
Lance Enderle's campaign for the 8th Congressional District seat took a big step forward with the release of the campaign's first internet ad this week.
The ad links Republican incumbent Mike Rogers with Enbridge Pipeline Co., the company responsible for a tar sands oil spill in the Kalamazoo River and its tributaries two years ago, as well as the company's reconstruction of a portion of its pipeline in Livingston County. That reconstruction has riled homeowners who are trying to get fair settlements from the company for additional assessments needed for the reconstruction. Some homeowners have complained that the company cut down trees outside of the existing easement or posted armed guards near the portion of the pipeline on their easements.
The ad takes Rogers to task for remaining silent after the spill and amid the current controversy. Enderle's campaign needs help to get the ad on the air and you can help by visiting his website to make a donation. This ad deserves to be seen widely so share it with your friends now and help Lance get it on the air with a donation!
The ad links Republican incumbent Mike Rogers with Enbridge Pipeline Co., the company responsible for a tar sands oil spill in the Kalamazoo River and its tributaries two years ago, as well as the company's reconstruction of a portion of its pipeline in Livingston County. That reconstruction has riled homeowners who are trying to get fair settlements from the company for additional assessments needed for the reconstruction. Some homeowners have complained that the company cut down trees outside of the existing easement or posted armed guards near the portion of the pipeline on their easements.
The ad takes Rogers to task for remaining silent after the spill and amid the current controversy. Enderle's campaign needs help to get the ad on the air and you can help by visiting his website to make a donation. This ad deserves to be seen widely so share it with your friends now and help Lance get it on the air with a donation!
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