What's on your mind Manistee County? 
Manistee County Elected Officials: Listen Up!
Were the ears of our elected officials burning Wednesday night, October 3, 2007, when a dedicated group of area citizens gathered at the Tuscan Grille to “Have Their Say” on local issues of great concern to them?
We certainly hope our current, and prospective, elected officials were listening!
The citizens of Manistee County want their elected leaders to “take note” of the things folks are concerned about in our county. Some concerns have been on the citizen radar screen for a long time and we urge our elected officials to begin focusing on leadership, not politics, to resolve these issues.
The first of the League of Women Voter’s (LWV) Manistee County October Forums, in partnership with AAUW and The Women’s Economic Resource Center, was a unique and invigorating evening. It was a chance for the local electorate to express their concerns about Manistee County.
Over an all-you-can-eat “Hot Pizza” buffet, folks sat around a dinner table and talked about Manistee County “Hot Topics” that concern them. Dendra Best, LWV Manistee County President, made introductions, explaining the principles of the League and the purpose of the forums. Dave Yarnell, past Chamber Director, served as the facilitator for the evening. All attendees were given ample time to express their opinions and concerns.
The major areas of concern articulated during the evening were as follows:
* An overwhelming desire to see solid, informed, leadership, guidance and direction
* A vastly improved information network between elected officials and citizens
* A strong desire/need for governmental consolidation to improve the efficiency of providing government services
* Too much duplication and overlap of services which would be better provided on a countywide basis such as fire/police protection
* Strong hunger for more cooperation and sharing of information and funding sources among governmental and municipal units - even though the County has held so-called summits, little effort has been made to include the general public.
* Strong desire for improved, diversified economic stability with sustainable, positive business growth
* Need for strong, enforced zoning regulations, land use, a central master plan that is followed by all county governmental units - questions were raised why there were so many 'studies' and stand-alone plans and so little implementation. enVision Manistee County was identified as another example of a great idea which has seemed to lose its way.
* Environmental policy embraced by all governmental units implementing energy conscience planning
* Improved and planned infrastructure i.e road repairs which make sense rather than being pet projects.
* More affordable housing - encouraging small community growth where people can afford decent housing based on the current mean wage in this area.
* Improved relationship, respect and cooperation with the local Tribal community
* Encourage civil discourse and behavior particularly respect for all people regardless of gender/religion/ethnic background
* Develop and communicate better tax incentives for all business and give property tax breaks for people trying to develop or improve Downtown Manistee. The extremely high property tax millage within the City of Manistee was seen as a disincentive to make physical improvements at a time Manistee is trying to promote itself and its image.
* The audience was strongly in favor of a county wide solid waste and recycling program with curbside pickup.
* Retention of good medical staff in the area - rural healthcare is about to take another hit from both state and federal budget woes at a time we are seeing an ever 'greying' of the population.
The evening finished with all folks satisfied that they had a chance to “have their say!” with the most encouraging aspect being that not only did they list the problems but they also listed the solutions! All departed thinking of, and visualizing, constructive ways to solve some of the above dilemmas.
Coming up with the problems and concerns is not complicated. The hard part is getting elected officials to listen and come up with equally creative ways to resolve these issues. The LWV Manistee County will formulate a local voter guide around these concerns, forming questions related to these issues to query local candidates for the 2008 elections.
These stimulating citizen’s forums continue for three more October Wednesday nights.
Three more opportunities to, ‘Have your Say!’ and learn how you can become part of the SOLUTION!
Wednesday, October 10, 2007, 7pm, Tuscan Grille, highlighting “Hot Pizza and Hot Topics” on a State/National level. Guest Speaker: Jessica Reiser, President, LWV of Michigan
Wednesday, October 17, 2007, 7pm, Tuscan Grille, “Run, Manistee, Run! Part One"
Nuts and bolts of how to run for elected office. Do you have what it takes to track down and file the right forms, withstand the stress and stick with it!
Wednesday, October 24, 2007, 7pm, Tuscan Grille, “Run, Manistee, Run! Part Two”
So you want to run for local office? Or help a friend run for office? Become involved in shaping the important issues to keep your community strong? Guest Speaker: Rich Robinson, State of Michigan Executive Director of Michigan Campaign Finance Reform
Do you believe government IS for the people, BY the people? Civic engagement is critical for a healthy democracy. It is our responsibility, yours and mine, as citizens to know how government works, hold our elected officials accountable and consider becoming part of the solution by serving as an elected official or on a local board or commission. We need to ensure our leaders are actively protecting the basic civil liberties we fought to obtain.
"Plan to join your fellow citizens for these historic October Forums. Come share your concerns and learn what “Hot Topics” are on the mind of other voters. Learn what it would take to become a candidate for a local office in “Run, Manistee, Run”! Come prepared to be inspired by great debates, civil discourse, motivating guest speakers and enthusiasm to consider becoming part of the solution in 2008!" says Linda Albee League Publicity Chair.
"The loudest call from this past meeting was a dire need to encourage more citizen involvement in community/governmental activities. Too many meetings see no public attendance. Too many elections are uncontested in Manistee county. Don't like that? Here's your opportunity to do something about it!"
The LWV, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. The League is where hands-on work to safeguard our democracy leads to civic improvement. For information about the LWV Manistee County or the October Forums call Dendra Best, 231.864.2686 or Linda Albee, 231.723.0032.
In 2006, barely a handful of seats were contested in Manistee County.
If this concerns you as much as it does us, then please plan to attend these training programs to prepare good people to run for office, serve on boards or commissions.
Join us for these 4 important Wednesdays in October to determine what the hot issues are for Manistee voters and encourage good citizens to “Run, Manistee, RUN” in 2008!
Come prepared for great debates, excellent speakers and plenty of motivation to take on running for local office in 2008.
Run, Manistee, RUN in 2008!The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. For additional information about League of Women Voters Manistee County or the October Forums please call, or email, Dendra Best 231.864.2686 or Linda Albee 231.723.0032.