What is LWV? (2 minute video)

Climate Change Awareness - LWV Advocacy

Eight League leaders are set to attend the United Nations Framework Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC) in Copenhagen next week as official non-governmental organization delegates. We are excited to have a delegation on the ground at this important event, and glad to hear that President Obama will be attending as well. Read our statement on this delegation.

 

In light of these historic meetings, the League has signed onto a print/web ad with a number of other organizations. The ad will run in the daily print newspaper Politico on December 4 and online for the following two weeks. View that ad, "It's Time to Make Things Right,"

 

 

http://www.lwv.org/Content/ContentGroups/Advocacy/ActionUpdates/ClimateFinanceAd11.pdf

Census 2010: Constitutional, Beneficial

The US Constitution (Article 1, Section 2) mandates a headcount every ten years of everyone in the US. The population totals from this census will determine the number of seats each state has in the House of Representatives. States also use the totals to redraw their legislative districts. The 2010 Census will be in short form-only ten questions. Census data is completely confidential. Census data is widely and wisely used .The Federal Government uses population data to allocate funds in a number of areas: Title1 grants to educational agencies, Head Start programs; women, infants, and children(WIC) (Food grants); public transportation, road rehabilitation and reconstruction; programs for the elderly; emergency food and shelter, and empowerment zones. Many of the informational meetings stressed the fact that you can count only your primary residence.

So if you travel south in the winter, do not fill out your census form there, fill it out for your home in Michigan. You can go to a Census Bureau office to obtain a form when you return.

Following is a list of twenty of fifty ways census data are used:

· Decision making at all levels of government

· Drawing federal, state, and local districts

· Attracting new businesses to state and local areas

· Distributing over $300 billion in federal funds and even more in state funds

· Forecasting future transportation needs for all segments of the population

· Planning for hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and the location of other health services

· Forecasting future housing needs for all segments of the population

· Directing funds for services for people in poverty

· Designing public safety strategies

· Development of rural areas

· Analyzing local trends

· Estimating the number of people displaced by natural disaster

· Planning investments and evaluating financial risk

· Distributing medical research

· Providing evidence in litigation involving land use, voting rights, and equal opportunity

· Drawing school district boundaries

· Establishing fair market rents and enforcing fair lending practices

· Directing services to children and adults with limited English language proficiency

· Assessing the potential for spread of communicable diseases

Get Involved in Your Hot Topic!

Several of us gathered at the Michael Berry Career Center for the 'Hot Topics' Luncheon -Bon Appetit was a wonderful surprise (most of us had never been there.)

We talked about school funding, war budgets and mercenaries, jobs, outsourcing, fair trade, free trade, the automotive industry, term limits and lobbyists and bureaucrats and contacting our elected officials. It is important to voice your concerns and priorities to our representatives and political leaders, but some want to do more.

What can you do?

What are you interested in?

Choose a few 'hot topics', get informed and find a local group that shares your interest.

For example,

if you care about the environment, get specific. For example, if you are interested in access to clean water (people-oriented) or healthy natural habitats (nature and beauty), there are local groups that focus on that topic.

Here are some examples:

Friends of the Rouge

http://www.hraa.umd.umich.edu/

Alliance for Downriver Watershed

http://www.allianceofdownriverwatersheds.com/index.htm

and MiEarth.org highlights some local organizations here:

http://www.miearth.org/category_home.php?cid=Green%20Team

Health Care Reform - Resources

The Case for Health Care Reform - In Brief:

http://www.milhs.org/Media/EDocs/CaseforNationalHealthReformINBRIEF.pdf

56 page summary from Senator Stabenow:

http://stabenow.senate.gov/healthcare/Patient_protection_section.pdf

Video of former governor and doctor at LWV convention challenging this generation: "Health Care for the 21st Century"

http://dl2.newmediamill.net/media/lwv/flash/convention48th/roberts/kitzhaber.html

Frontline Video Series - 5 capitalistic nations and health care systems.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/sickaroundtheworld/view/

(5 part series, mouseover links just above video frame)

LWV Education papers:

http://www.lwv.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home&Template=/TaggedPage/TaggedPageDisplay.cfm&TPLID=112&ContentID=13340

Voting and Equality...LWV turns 90 next year

Next year will be the 90^th anniversary of the formation of the League of Women Voters. On February 14, 1920, with passage of the 19^th amendment imminent, suffragists met to transform the movement into the LWV to help educate women to be responsible voters. On August 26, 1920, just days after Tennessee became the thirty-sixth (and last needed) state to ratify the amendment, the Secretary of State signed the proclamation enacting the 19^th amendment giving women the right to vote

Because of this important history, next year, the LWV should plan to celebrate our ‘90^th birthday’ on February 14 and continue the celebration to August 26, the 90^th anniversary of “Women’s Equality Day” with passage of the 19^th amendment.

Elizabeth Cady Stanton and others first seriously proposed women’s right to vote at Seneca Falls, N.Y., on July 19, 1848. Prior to this time, Susan B. Anthony was active in the women’s temperance movement. But when she met Stanton in 1851, they joined forces and worked together over the next half of the century – and what a force they were. Although they both died before the goal was reached, they lived long enough to see significant progress and were primarily responsible for the ultimate success. Carrie Chapman Catt, founder and early leader of the League of Women Voters, younger than Anthony and Stanton, entered the struggle later and became a leader in the suffragist movement that helped lead it to victory with passage of the 19^th amendment.

The sacrifices these three made to win the right to vote for women is amazing and one that few people recognize today. In most cases, they gave their lives to the movement. Becoming public advocates meant that they were playing unconventional, unacceptable, inappropriate roles – to many they were pariahs. It is impossible to conceive of how difficult their lives were, what hardships they endured – public ridicule, terms in jail, and humiliation.

Text taken from League of Women Voters of United States. lwv.org – ‘Women’s Equality Day”

Let’s think of ways we can retell the story next year. Who wants to be on this committee?

Water Crisis in the Great Lakes and Global Waters

The Lake Michigan Interleague Organization, now called LMLWV, held its 42nd annual meeting in Saugatuck, MI the first weekend of October.  This beautiful setting, the stunning shoreline and resounding waves of Lake Michigan, prompted great appreciation and awe as we considered this vast resource.    While the Great Lakes are a great treasure that we share with other states and Canada, they are also a great responsibility.  

 

The weekend was well-planned with interesting topics and speakers, along with a vibrant discussion during the actual annual meeting.  Many started out with a 'toxic tour', a cruise along Kalamazoo River highlighting the challenges faced by this Area of Concern. LWVDDH members Gregg and Jenni Dunn arrived for the dinner and evening program, featuring activist, attorney and author Jim Olson.  While the legal situation concerning aquifer usage by Nestle was a prominent issue (see www.savemiwater.org), so was the overall question about the legal status of water.  Mr. Olson explained the historical basis for water as a Public Trust - something held in common by all people and governed for all people.  The Great Lakes Compact undermined the Public Trust Doctrine by calling water a product.  This little word creates a big legal loophole for commercial interests and private gain.   The evening closed with the profound, award-winning documentary, For the Love of Water (www.flowthefilm.com).  This film reveals the political, ecological and personal issues of the 21st century water crisis.  We purchased a similar DVD called 'Blue Gold', which is available for a future program.

 

On Saturday, the LMLWV meeting was very informative, with reports from State delegates - Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin along with other news and a report about the Healing Our Waters (HOW) Coalition (see www.healthylakes.org).  The updated LWVMI position on preserving and enhancing Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Ecosystem was adopted.  This group focused on the Lake Michigan Basin and we are in the Lake Erie Basin, but the obvious interlink between local bodies of water, global water and our global ecosystem compels us to work together.  This interleague group will continue working with HOW to implement the Great Lakes Restoration as a top area of emphasis.

 

The nature walk and field trip came indoors due to inclement weather as John Legge, West Michigan Conservation Director for the Nature Conservancy explained the complexities of the world's most extensive freshwater dunes.  We learned of threatened species, invasive species and threats to the dune ecosystem.  The surprise invader was 'Baby's Breath, that popular bit of white in floral arrangements.  Don't be fooled by its name, it has a mighty root!  As overwhelming as the problems seemed, Mr. Legge gave us a simple assignment.  By the time the general public is aware of an invasive species problem, it is almost impossible to eradicate it. Early detection and rapid response (EDRR) will be aided by choosing 3 species to know well enough to identify and notify (see www.misin.msu.edu)

 

A final presentation was given by scientist and author Melvin Visser.  His book, Cold, Clear and Deadly is probably as shockingly informative as this afternoon program.   He explained the atmospheric and global source of POPS, persistent organic pollutants, entering the Great Lakes.  Even though these products have been banned in the US since the 80s, their continued use in other nations means these semi-volatiles will evaporate, move and condense across the globe.  Disturbing data and depressing dilemmas bombarded the audience, but the speaker directed us to a solution.  Pressure our state to be honest about fish advisories.  For example, Large Trout are highly contaminated and yet are not given any restrictions on consumption.  PCB contamination has been proven to hinder motor skills and intelligence.  Michigan needs to take this problem seriously, and LWVMI is a player as a member of the Michigan Environmental Council (www.environmentalcouncil.org).  He also promoted the Stockholm Convention on POPs, which you can read about at chm.pops.int and get this hot topic into our conversations and actions, locally and globally.

 

Luncheon Topic: Why We Need a Free Press

LWV OAKLAND AREA - Annual Fall Luncheon

Monday, October 19, 2009 at 12 noon

"Why We Need a Free Press"

at

First Baptist Church

300 Willits

Birmingham, MI 48009

(1 block North of Maple Rd, 1 block West of Old Woodward)

Parking (1^st 2 hours free) at adjacent Garage. Enter at Bates and Willits.

Enter the Church via the BACK Door which leads into Fellowship Hall.

SPEAKERS:

Greg Kowalski, Editor of Birmingham Eccentric

Garry Gilbert, Interim Director of Journalism Dept, Oakland University

Rana Elmir, Communications Director, ACLU of Michigan

Lunch will be served at 12 noon and we will hear from the Speakers at 1 p.m.

There will be an opportunity for Questions and Answers.

Thank you to Dorothy Conrad and Marge Polidori who are again hosting the fall luncheon.

Out customary lunch of pita sandwiches, veggies, dessert and beverages will be served.

Indicate your choice of pita and send the reservation with a check to LWVOA for $20 per attendee for lunch and speakers to Marge Polidori at the address on the reservation form below.

The meeting is open to the public so invite your friends, family or neighbors to hear about this

important constitutional freedom. If you cannot make lunch, but would like to hear the speakers,

the charge is $5. Call our office at 248-594-6602 and leave a message if any questions.

_________________________________________________________________________

RESERVATION FORM for FALL LUNCHEON

Monday, October 19th at 12 Noon

$20 Lunch & Speakers (lunch, beverages & dessert)

$5 Speakers only at 1 pm

PLEASE MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO LWVOA

Please RSVP by Thursday, Oct. 15th (print and mail form)

Dearborn Ballot and Candidate Forums on CDTV

CANDIDATE FORUMS & BALLOT PROPOSAL now showing on local access channels,

Comcast 12, Wide Open West 10.

Dearborn Heights City Council candidate forum will be shown at 11:30am and 5:30pm

Dearborn School Board candidates & ballot proposal:

>>MWF – 7AM, 3PM, 11PM;

>>T &TH – Noon and 8PM;

>>SAT & SUN – 1AM, 9AM, 5PM.

Dearborn City Council candidates:

>>MWF – 2:30 AM, 10:30AM, 6:30PM;
>>T & TH – 7:30 AM & 3:30 PM;

>>Sat & SUN – 4:30AM, 12:30PM & 8:30PM

Voter Guides issued by the League of Women Voters are available at libraries and the City Clerk's offices.

Stay tuned for viewing times for the Oct 13th LWV Dearborn Mayoral Candidate Forum.

HFCC Student Convention Oct 16th

HFCC and League host 6th Annual Michigan Student Political Issues Convention – Civic Action Project
HFCC in conjunction with the League of Women Voters Dearborn-Dearborn Heights is hosting the 6th Annual Michigan Student Political Issues Convention on Friday October 16, 2009 from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM on the college's main campus, located at 5101 Evergreen Road in Dearborn. Hundreds of students are expected to attend the political forum from colleges and universities in southeastern Michigan.

Distinguished panelists include State Senator Irma Clark-Coleman, Mayors J. O'Reilly and D. Paletko, State Representatives G. Polidori and G. Cushingberry and A. Meisner, Treasurer Oakland County.

The programs purpose is to empower young people with the knowledge and skills to become politically engaged. The Civic Action Project at Henry Ford Community College is integrated into higher education courses helping build responsible, effective and informed citizens in the world. The key to the program is activities that allow students to develop a unified voice on an issues agenda of their choosing.

The convention includes an interactive local leaders' panel where leaders are invited to hear students concerns and respond to them. Followed by concurrent workshops developed by students which may include: jobs, economy, healthcare, alternative energy, global warming, overpopulation, unemployment, education and violence. To develop a final agenda, the students work together researching issues, learning about compromise and empathy in the act of limiting their agenda to certain issues. Finally, they request local leaders take action on specific issues which fall within their realm of influence.

"The key to this program are activities which allow students to develop a unified voice on an issues agenda of their choosing," indicates Professor A. Perry of HFCC.

The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan organization which encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

let's go to the movies! Oct 15th

Join LWVDDH and AAUW at the Henry Ford Centennial Library on Thursday, October 15th, 6:30pm.  The free movie, Iron-Jawed Angels, is a dramatic and inspiring tale of the fight for voting rights.  It hasn't been that long since the USA 'gave' women a voice at the ballot box.   See our Movie Flyer (pdf req'd) to find out more.

 

We look forward to seeing many of you and talking a bit before the movie starts.  We've got local elections coming up and hope that citizens increase participation.   Encourage your neighbors and friends to attend this movie and perhaps we'll all be motivated to take part in democracy.  It works better that way!

 

Health Care Reform

"The public option is the key to consumer choice and to lowering health care costs...

 

The current health care system is endangering our economy, our health, and our national security. Congress needs to pass comprehensive health care reform and the public option is vital...Offering everyone the choice of a government administered health insurance plan like Medicare that would compete with private health insurance plans is key to lowering costs and providing real choice to consumers.

 

The public option is critical to health care reform. Congress and the President need to demonstrate real leadership and move forward, not backward, with true health care reform."

 

Excerpt from LWV Press Release.  Sept 30, 2009

 

Speaker Kay Perry on Prison Reform

On Sept 17th, LWV Speaker Kay Perry presented background information on prison reform questions. The meeting was held at the Dearborn Police Station Training Center.

The scope of the current LWVMI study focuses on these 3 points:
• How and why persons are sent to prison or jail
• How individuals are treated while in prison or jail
• How, when, and why individuals are released from prison or jail to the community

On the first point, the purpose of imprisonment includes retributive, restorative and therapeutic justice.

Retributive justice is based on punishment.
Restorative justice emphasizes repairing the damage.
Therapeutic justice addresses special case scenarios (mental health, drug use).

Treatment of prisoners while incarcerated as well as release and transitioning to society are also important aspects of this study. Local LWV groups in Michigan will be expressing their views in the spring to direct the state league on this issue.

Department of Peace? LWV Study

Dear Fellow Leaguer:

Early in 2010 Leagues will participate in National Program Planning.  Some are recommending a study of a Department of Peace.

 

"The LWV Columbia/Boone County (MO) proposes the adoption of a national study by the LWVUS at the National Convention in 2010 on the establishment of a cabinet level Department of Peace."

Rationale:  "This study would support and expand LWVUS positions on:  Violence Prevention in the U.S.; International Relations; US Relations with Developing Countries; the United Nations; and Arms Control.  By doing this at the Cabinet level the approach of peace and nonviolence would be included in the consideration of all problems from the outset.

Responsibilities:  The Department of Peace will develop and manage programs which A) reduce the levels of violence in the U.S., and B) increase the chance of peaceful resolutions of conflicts internationally.

A current bill in congress addressing this issue is HR 808.  As with most major programs it is likely to take several years and many modifications before a bill is passed.

 

If you have any interest, email us and we will put you in touch with the coordinators from the LWV C/BC (MO) Peace Committee.

 

LWV Supports Public Option/Health Care Reform

PUBLIC OPTION IS ESSENTIAL TO HEALTH REFORM
League Urges Congress and President to Continue Support for Public Option

Washington, DC – "The public option in health care reform may not be essential to bureaucrats or insurance companies but it absolutely is essential to the almost 47 million uninsured Americans who live day to day without health care coverage," said League of Women Voters National President Mary G. Wilson. Calling on Congress and the President not to succumb to the bullying tactics being used by special interest groups, Wilson urged Congress and the President not to waver in their support of the public option included in H.R. 3200, America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009, recently passed by three House committees.

America is facing a health care crisis caused by a combination of skyrocketing costs and an insurance system that leaves millions of Americans without any coverage. "The current health care system is endangering our economy, our health, and our national security," Wilson said. "Last fall, voters elected a Congress and President that promised to reform our heath care system. Voters made it clear that they want a change in our health care system, a change that puts the brakes on the excesses created by a system dominated by large insurance companies," she continued.

"It is universal coverage that will determine the humanity of our system and a public option will make that possible for Americans who cannot obtain coverage through the traditional employer-sponsored plans," noted Wilson. "We believe that health care reform legislation must guarantee access to comprehensive and essential benefits to all U.S. residents."

"But the possibility of universal coverage is not the only advantage of the public option," warned Wilson. "We must control costs and the public option is the best chance to bring costs into line with reality. As a nation, we are spending $1 out of every $6 we earn on health care. Over the last three decades, increases in the amount we spend on health care have consistently risen faster than wages and inflation. Health care reform must provide effective cost controls, equitable distribution of services and allow for efficient and economical delivery of care. Offering everyone the choice of a government administered health insurance plan like Medicare that would compete with private health insurance plans is key to lowering costs."

"The public option is critical to health care reform," Wilson concluded. "Now is not the time for politicians to get cold feet just because a handful of special-interest-backed protesters spread lies and make noise at public forums. Congress and the President need to demonstrate real leadership and move forward with true health care reform."

Clean Energy - Repower America

The Alliance for Climate Protection launched Repower America to galvanize the American public and promote comprehensive climate and clean energy legislation.  They link economic and environmental issues with national security.  Investing in renewable energy sources means economic growth, domestic-sourced energy and a cleaner environment.

 

LWVDDH encourages you to read this Repower MI Fact Sheet so that you can be an educated advocate, promoting the facts in your community and with your elected officials.  If you'd like local contact or other information, email us at lwvddh@gmail.com.

 

 

Dearborn Primary Results

The city of Dearborn posted the results. 

 

Go to http://www.cityofdearborn.org/cityclerk/EL45.htm

 

got electronic waste???

Barb Goryca, our natural resource go-to person, reported that Free Geek is an ideal choice for disposing of old tvs, computers and other electronic waste.   Some electronic collection agency may send hazardous waste to foreign dumps, but Free Geek commits to recycling (according to BAN principles) whatever cannot be reused.

 

"How You Can Help

This is how you can help:  become involved - donate your time. Donate some computer equipment.  Provide some unwanted electronic devices to us.  Send in money. Every little bit can helps. "

http://motorcityfreegeek.org/

 

Public Transit Loses to Polluters in Climate Bill Subsidies | The Washington Independent

Public Transit Loses to Polluters in Climate Bill Subsidies | The Washington Independent

Shared via AddThis

Climate Change/Energy Bill

LWVDDH sent a letter of support to Congressman Dingell regarding HR 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act(ACES), sometimes referred to as the Climate Change Bill.   While he had already expressed support for the bill and likely 'yes' vote, we expressed our support and interest in keeping the bill strong. 

 

We appreciate Congressman Dingell's vote for this bill, as well as his overall environmental record.

 

 Find out how other House Reps voted here:

   http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2009/roll477.xml

 

Communicating with our elected officials is important before and after these important votes.  Contact Representative Dingell or another House member here:   
   https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml

 

As you may have heard, the Senate version is already disappointing those concerned about climate change and clean energy.   Tell your Senators to support strong climate change legislation by clicking here to send them an email message.

 

Detroit City Council Candidate interviews

Taped interviews of over 100 city council candidates is viewable online at MiVote.org and on Detroit Public Television.

 

LWV members from the metro area, including Toni Tront, Mary Bugeia, Kathy Gapa and Judy Carty from our own Dbn/Dbn Hts group, participated, as well as League members from Ann Arbor, Detroit, Grosse Pointe,  Northwestern Wayne and Oakland Area.

 

The Institute for Local Government at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, League of Women Voters Detroit Metro Area (LWVDMA), ARISE Detroit!,  WWJ Radio and Detroit Public TV worked together to complete this video project.

The candidates were asked the following:

 

1.    What specific experience qualifies you to play a leading role in determining the budget, ordinances and other public policies that will guide the city for the next four years?

2.    Tight budgets inevitably require sacrifice.  As a city council member, what programs or services would you be willing to cut in order for the city to focus on core services?

 

You can browse through the list of profiles and select which candidates to watch by clicking on their image, or search by name for a particular candidate. 

 

 

Climate Change and the Midwest

A day full of engaging speakers inspired summit participants Thursday at the Midwest Fair Climate Summit. Topics related to energy, weather, food, justice, jobs and more sparked a sense of purpose among all to continue beyond this day of discussion.

Participants from Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois and Indiana shared stories and information, looking forward to the opportunity to address climate change and other environmental concerns, locally and globally.

A few who shared personally, such as LaDonna Redmond (Graffiti and Grub) and Elisa Young (MeigsCAN) helped us understand the way environmental injustice affects our fellow Americans. Others had a global view (WEDO, NWF) with economic and scientific data that supported the concerns about Climate Change, while offering hope that the green wave can lift all boats.

LWVDDH leader recognition

Betsy Cushman and Mary Bugeia were recently given awards by LWV of Michigan. Mary Bugeia, received the 2009 Maryann Mahhafey Community Service Award for demonstrating outstanding commitment to her community and its citizens. Betsy Cushman, received the 2009 Leadership in Civic Emplowerment award, which recognizes outstanding leadership efforts in providing citizens with information and encouraging informed voters through League work at the state and/or local levels.

Voter Guide for Dearborn City Council

Our Voter Service Committee has completed the Non-partisan Voter Guide for the August 4th Primary in Dearborn. There are 25 candidates running for 7 seats on Dearborn City Council. On August 4th, vote for up to 7 candidates to proceed to the General Election.

It's available online at www.lwvddh.org/voterguide.pdf and will be distributed throughout the city.

A note on why you are voting for 7, though 14 will be on the November ballot:

"Primaries can also be used in nonpartisan elections to reduce the set of candidates that go on to the general election (qualifying primary). (In the U.S., many city, county and school board elections are non-partisan.) Generally twice as many candidates pass the primary as can win in the general election, so a single seat election primary would allow the top two primary candidates to participate in the general election following."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Primary_election

TRANSPORTATION.CALL TO ACTION

Now is the time to contact your state representative. (see elected officials contact info: 'Who's Who')
Ask them to support the transportation package.
 
BACKGROUND
 
Key legislation will be introduced in the Michigan House of Representatives to increase funding for transportation needs.  The 13-bill pack, led by Rep. Pam Burns would:
 
a.     Replace Michigan's 19 cent per gallon tax
with tax on fluctuating wholesale prices, with a cap.
 
b.      Almost double the annual registration fees for cars and trucks over  a period of five years; owners of older, less expensive cars would receive a break on registration fees.
 
c.       Increase funding for rapid transit.
 
Dollars generated through this transportation funding package can be used for local road improvements, stimulus dollars could not.  Supporters of this legislation include the Michigan Chamber of Commerce.
 
These bills will not move unless legislators hear from local officials about the dire condition of our transportation system.

25 Dearborn City Council Candidates - Aug 4th Primary

There will be no primary election in Dearborn Heights.

In Dearborn, there will be no primary election for the offices of mayor and city clerk. However, there WILL be an August 4 Primary for City Council. The 25 candidates are: (vote for up to 7)

Robert Abraham, Joseph Agius, David Bazzy, Terry Burke, Khalil Dakhlallah, Patrick D'Ambrosio, George Darany, Mark Dawdy, Stephen Dobkowski, Jr., Sharon Dulmage, Rabih Hammoud, George Hart, Nancy Hubbard, Patrick Kiernan, Scott Marquette, Brian O'Donnell, Suzanne Sareini, Ali Sayed, Molly Sharp, Mark Shooshanian, Nancy Siwik, Hussein Sobh, Thomas Tafelski, Doug Thomas, Adrenne Wygonik

Westwood and Crestwood Election Result

One more time, we see how every vote counts.
In Dearborn Heights, Crestwood School District election, both incumbents Ron Panetta and Ed Garcia were re-elected (1,481 and 1,402 votes respectively). Challenger Wanda Saad came in third with 1,364 votes, therefore she lost the election by only 38 votes. Challenger Zenna Elhassan received 970 votes. For detailed results, you can go to the Dearborn Heights City Clerk's results by clicking on this link:

http://www.egovlink.com/public_documents300/dearbornheights/published_documents/Forms/City%20Clerk/School%20Board%20Election/School%20Board.pdf

Watch Crestwood and Westwood School Board Forum

The City of Dearborn Heights is airing the Crestwood and Westwood Candidate Forums on

WDHT (channel 12 Comcast, channel 10 WOW)

twice a day, 7 days a week

11 a.m. & 5 p.m.

 

Next week there should be a DVD of the forums available in both of the Dearborn Heights Libraries. 

 

We will also try to upload them for internet viewing next week - stay tuned!

 

Crestwood Candidate Bio - Wanda Saad

My name is Wanda Saad, 43, and my husband Al and I have been raising our four children in Dearborn Heights for over 18 years.

I've volunteered countless hours in the Crestwood schools as well as being a member of several Crestwood school improvement teams. I want to take the commitment I brought to those events to a new level and serve as your next Crestwood school board member.

I am a passionate advocate for placing educational excellence first. We need to continue to improve student learning and provide quality instruction in classrooms by supporting our teachers, students, and parents.

Crestwood Candidate Bio - Zenna F. Elhasan

Education:
University of Detroit Mercy School of Law - Juris Doctorate
Wayne State University - post graduate studies in Biological Sciences and Biochemistry
University of Michigan - Bachelor's of Science with a major in Biology

Employment:
Attorney with Allen Brothers, PLLC, a Detroit-based law firm.

Personal:
Dearborn Heights resident; 31 years old; non-incumbent; I am married to Mohamed and we have three children: Hadi (4), Noah (3) and Jacob (2). I am a practicing attorney and serve as assistant corporation counsel for the City of Dearborn Heights. I am a member of the Dearborn Heights Chamber of Commerce, a member of both...

Save Your Savings - Financial Literacy Workshop

 A Free Financial Advice and Counseling Session

Monday, April 13, 2009 from 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

 

Social Sciences Building

University of Michigan-Dearborn campus

4901 Evergreen Road, Dearborn, Michigan.

 

Congressman John D. Dingell and Senator Carl Levin are co-hosting this workshop in collaboration with a group of federal government agencies and local consumer advocacy organizations.

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), consumers conduct some type of financial transaction requiring an educated decision every day: shopping for a mortgage or auto loan; understanding and reconciling credit card statements and utility bills; choosing savings and retirement plans; comparing health insurance policies; understanding their credit report and how it affects their ability to get credit and at what cost; or simply deciding how to pay for a purchase. Education is undoubtedly the first line of defense for consumers when it comes to protecting themselves from frauds or rip-offs.

Too many Michigan consumers have fallen victim to confusing or crooked financial schemes. We believe it is imperative that the community be armed with information that will help them make sound decisions when it comes to their finances. This free seminar on April 13th will provide information on how to identify and avoid credit and financial fraud, predatory lending, student loan scams, business opportunity fraud, credit card scams, mortgage foreclosure rescue scams and other unscrupulous investment activities. There also will be financial counselors on site to provide free one-on-one advice after the event.

I encourage you to share this information with anyone you believe might benefit. The seminar is free and open to the public. Free parking is available in the parking structure located on Monteith Boulevard on the University of Michigan-Dearborn campus; campus maps and directions can be found at: http://www.umd.umich.edu/maps_directions/ .

 

For more information on the financial literacy seminar, please call Senator Levin's Detroit office at 313-226-6020 or Congressman Dingell's Dearborn office at 313-278-2936.

April 30th Public Event: "Green Cities"

"CHOOSING A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT".......
"How Green Is Your City" and "Tips For A Greener Household"
 
Thursday, April 30, 2009 - University of Michigan-Dbn, Environmental Interpretive Center
Gathering for environmental information 6:30pm - Speaker Presentation: 7:00pm
 
Global warming is a catastrophic threat to our environment, our health and our economy. The scientific evidence is clear that climate change, caused largely by human emissions of greenhouse gases, is here now. Green thinking municipalities and more earth friendly residents are a part of the answer. Join us to know what you can do about it.
 
Speakers will include:
Mayor Jack O'Reilly, Opening Statement
Mayor Daniel Paletko, "How Green Is You City"
Jim Murray, Director of Dearborn Department of Public Works, and Former Chairperson of the Rouge River Advisory Council
Pam Brady, VP. LWV of Troy, MSU Cooperative Extension Service and SOCRRA Master Recycler
 
Mayor Paletko will speak about the joint agreement between DTE Energy and Dbn Hgts to save energy and lower citizens electricity bills.
Mr. Murray will include in his talk information about the seven rain gardens Dearborn has added to its DPW yard to slow polluted stormwater from entering the Rouge.
Pam Brady will pass on her years of expertise regarding our ability to reduse, reuse, and recycle. She will include information on Electronic Waste and those contacts available in this area.
The seminar is sponsored by the League of Wormen Voters, Dearborn/Dearborn Heights
 
The program is free, but advanced registration is suggested.

 

Click here forPrintable Flyer and Map.

 

DIRECTIONS: UofM Dbn. EIC is off Evergreen Rd, between Ford Rd and Michigan Ave. Turn west
at the light near the north end of campus, Monteith Blvd. Take this straight to the end...the EIC is the last building after the free parking structure.

Dbn Hts School Boards - Apr. 6 Candidate Forum

LWVDDH will be hosting a candidate forum for
 Westwood and Crestwood School Districts.

Monday Evening, April 6th

Live forum begins at 6:30pm

(forum will be taped for showing on local channels)

The public is welcome to attend and participate.

Dearborn Heights City Council Chambers
6045 Fenton, Dearborn Heights MI 48127

Contact us at lwvddh@gmail.com for more information.

March Newsletter - Important Dates!

The LWVDDH 'Voter' is now online as a pdf (Adobe reader required). This newsletter contains details about upcoming local events so you can be informed and actively involved in important topics.

Events such as:
Wednesday, March 18 about Supreme Court Elections.
Friday, March 20 about Investing in Kids.
Tuesday, March 24 about the Rouge River.

There is so much to cover at this time, that we are planning a discussion and casual breakfast on Saturday, March 28th. Let us know if you wish to attend - lwvddh@gmail.com

March 20th - Invest in Kids! Public Event

March 20th - Invest in Kids! Public Event
The most effective solutions to improve our economy and prevent crimes are the (underfunded) programs which help our children get ready for the global competition in the future ‐ programs like early childhood development, high quality after‐school programs, and abuse and neglect prevention.

Attend this presentation and be a part of the solution! (Click for flyer)

Arab American National Museum
Friday Evening, March 20th
Welcome and Refreshments 6-7pm
Presentation 7-8pm

This program is sponsored by The League of Women Voters of Dearborn –Dearborn Heights in cooperation with the Arab American National Museum, ACCESS, and Fight Crime Invest in Kids - Michigan.

This is a free PUBLIC Event!

Email us if you have questions or to let us know you will be attending.

Electoral College or National Vote? Study up!

The NATIONAL POPULAR VOTE Compact:
A Legitimate Step Forward for the Election of the President
or
An Attempted End-run Around the Constitution?
The League of Women Voters of the United
States believes that the direct-popular vote
method for electing the President and
Vice-President is essential to
representative government. The League
of Women Voters believes, therefore, that
the Electoral College should be abolished.

What do you think?
At the 2008 Convention, the delegates voted to
adopt a new study, "The Advisability of
Using the National Popular Vote Compact
among the States as a Method for Electing
the President."

Visit the LWV website and participate in this study.
(Log in required/New Users need to register)

You may also read about it on p3-4 of the LWV Oakland Area newsletter.

School Funding Talking Points from Dearborn Superintendent

Key Discussion Points Regarding The
Proposed 2009-10 State of Michigan Budget
Prepared by Superintendent Brian Whiston

Please call Governor Granholm’s office at (517) 373-3400 and ask her to treat all districts the same. If cuts need to be made then all districts across the state should be cut the same per-pupil amount. Cutting more funds from some districts and less from others is not equitable and pits school district against school district.

(House and Senate Representatives from Dearborn understand the devastating impact these cuts will have on our schools. At this time, sharing your thoughts directly with the Governor will have the most impact on the proposed state budget.)

Contact Information
- Contact the Governor- on the WEB - http://www.michigan.gov/gov/0,1607,7-168-21995---,00.html
Click on “Share your Opinion”. Fill out the form and express your opinion.
- Governor’s office is 517-373-3400.
============================================
• Based on the information from Lansing here is how the state budget will impact Dearborn Public Schools:
Per student funding cut $59/student impact on Dearborn $1,064,411
20j funding cut $34.20/studet impact on Dearborn 616,928
Bilingual (sec 41) totally eliminated impact on Dearborn 381,000
At Risk (sec 31a) impact on Dearborn 5,875,000
Total $7,937,339

• The district projected a $1.8 million reduction in per-student funding for 2009-10. The proposed state cuts will require the district to make an additional $6.1 million in reductions totaling more than $17 million in reductions for the 2009-10 school year.

• Dearborn Public Schools is one of a few districts in the state that is considered a “Donor District.” This means that more local tax dollars are sent to Lansing to fund public education across the state than the district receives from the state. Currently, taxpayers in Dearborn send $14 million more dollars to Lansing than the district gets back.

• 20j funding was created in 1999 to ensure equal funding increases to all school districts. There are 43 districts in the state (approximately 200,000 students) that benefit from 20j funds.

• 31a funding helps those students who are at risk of not being successful in school. 31a funds must be used for programs or staff that provides instruction beyond what is provided in the classroom. In Dearborn, thousands of students across the district receive instruction and benefit from staff or programs funded by 31a.

• Dearborn was able to convince legislators that the district had unique instructional needs and is the only district to receive both 31a and 20j funding. This status is appropriate to meet the education and instructional needs of our students.

• While the proposed state budget will affect many people and programs in the state, and Dearborn citizens are willing to bear a fair share of the burden, cutting 20j and 31a funds impacts the district disproportionately to any other school district.

• The loss of both 20j and 31a funding will cause an additional hardship for our district by reducing approximately $6.5 million in funding and would have a crushing effect on the operation of the district.

• The loss of 31a money singles out Dearborn and hurts some of those most in need.

• Dearborn is a leader in education initiatives and reform in servicing a diversified and needy student population. The district needs the Governor’s support in continuing to bring excellence to southeast Michigan.

• Many have speculated that there may be financial help in the Federal stimulus package. Currently, it appears that federal funding will be earmarked for exclusive use in specific federally funded programs such as Title I and IDEA. An infusion of money in those programs, while helpful, will probably not allow any significant release of district funds to other, general budget it

Henry Ford Centennial Library - Events this week

Women that changed America -- HFCL Auditorium
Tuesday, March 3, 2009, 7:30pm - Free
Women's history comes alive with the re-enactment of two extraordinary Michigan women, Sarah Emma Edmonds a Civil War solider, spy and nurse and Laura Smith Haviland, pioneer activist who established one of the first Michigan stations of the Underground Railroad to Canada.

 

Friends of the Library Dearborn (FOLD) Used Book Sale
Wednesday, March 4, 2009, 9:30am-6:00pm
F.O.L.D. Used Book Sale - HFCL First Floor, South West Corridor.

March specials are two sets of the World Book Encyclopedia, Life magazines from the 1950's, fine jazz on LP records, books for adults and children to improve their reading skills and $1 bargains on movies on VHS.