What's on your mind Manistee County? 
All politics is local!
The second all-you-can-eat “Hot Pizza” buffet was a great success as folks sat around a dinner table and talked about State/National level issues which affect Manistee County 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. Guest Speaker was Anne Magoun, Past President, LWV of Michigan.
The audience cited many examples where national issues are impacting local quality of life, either directly, or indirectly via the State's budget crisis.
On the national level:
* the Iraq war drew the most heated discussion - the audience weighing in on the immediate and long term costs: cost in fatalities and injuries to our military forces; costs of providing adequate medical and recovery care via an oft criticized Veterans Administration system; costs to the families of National Guard members who are left trying to maintain a life and family on vastly reduced incomes; the almost mind boggling daily dollar expenditure of Iraq; and the cost to America's long term security from losing the good will of the Iraqi people.
* the dire need for an equitable, unpoliticized energy policy which focuses on all options available from conserving or reducing consumption, wise use of renewable sources, better public education of how energy is generated, the environmental trade offs, and who uses what.
* the concern of how to balance security with civil liberty. Are we safer now? Or have we given up too many personal freedoms? Audience members questioned the dollar amount spent.
* the audience expects the next administration to have a far more rational foreign policy which acknowledges cultural differences.
* Many also demanded a humanitarian response to those in need in the US - a recognition that providing a basic human services safety net is our obligation to each other as human beings, not an entitlement.
On the State level:
* the most consistent complaint was the failure, at both national and state levels, to address the health insurance crisis. Audience members gave surprising details of what their personal policies cost per month ($3-400) and the cost per employee to provide workplace coverage ($1,000 per month) Audience members received a package of materials that explained that nearly 3/4 of each premium is collected to cover the uninsured expenses of the providers. Next year's candidates will be pressured to provide answers of how affordable health insurance can be made available to all to bring per person costs down. One employer noted that $12,000 per year, per employee is the equivalent of being able to hire several new ones.
* the audience expressed utter frustration with the conduct of state government in allowing the budget issue to be held hostage to partisan bickering since the prior 2006 election. In referring to education hand outs, it was noted that Michigan's tax system is unfair at many levels and the current solution to 'cherry pick' which items will be subject to a service tax smacked too much of political clout. Ending term limits, eliminating the State Senate, or moving to a part time legislature were all offered as solutions.
* the unhealthy combination of fund raising and judicial elections was seen as contributing to the current distrust of the legal system. Audience members wanted to see judges appointed based on legal experience and expertise not elected on party lines.
* at both national and state levels, the environment and water resources in particular were of great importance. The audience had grave concerns about Great Lakes water 'raiding parties' from the parched south, also the impact on shoreline communities from climate change and falling lake levels.
* the need to provide affordable access to higher or skilled trades education for all was seen as a priority for paving the way to prosperity both locally and at the state level.
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
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.