Sustainability Potluck and Presentation

On Dec 1st, Dearborn's Sierra Club Cool Cities hosted an eye-opening presentation and a great-tasting dinner. The curious and concerned gathered at the SME Bldg, north of HFCC, to hear from several speakers and continue the conversation about having a sustainable climate, healthy food, and green cities.

Maureen McIlrath opened the evening with an inspiring slide show presentation showing the progress in the Going Green Foundations community garden. The promise of abundant produce from this urban farm has already begun, but their ambitious plans include fruit and nut trees, herb and healing gardens, and gardens for seniors and children. The idea of an organic garden at Crowley Park in Dearborn's west side grew into a vision for a fully organic urban food source. This will benefit

the community, our school children as well as for those who work the soil- tending the plants and contributing to the cause. If you have an interest in helping or just want to know more, visit their website, Going Green Foundation.

After some members of the audience went back for seconds and others went for dessert, HFCC Professor Lourdes Lore delivered the first of a 3-part series "Climate Change: A Crisis on Your Plate". This broad topic was fine-tuned for this evening's short presentation, but a handout with links and summaries assured us that we could learn more as time allowed.

While climate change is a global issue, Professor Lore focused our attention on local CAFOs (Confined Animal Feeding Operations) with a map of lower Michigan. Factory farming causes numerous problems for the environment and food safety, as well as offending those who care about the health and living conditions of livestock. Learn more at this informative site, www.NoCAFOs.org and www.factoryfarmmap.org.

Another prominent point made in this presentation was the environmental cost of transporting food across the nation and across the globe. Being an informed consumer and purchasing locally means we can support food producers with sustainable practices. Professor Lore wants us to think differently about the value of healthy food compared to cheaply made food that has costly consequences. She suggested getting involved in community supported agriculture farms (CSAs). An audience member cited Calder Dairy as a sustainable local dairy farm which still delivers milk, eggs and other dairy products in the Dearborn area. Although it isn't an organic farm, it is a small locally owned farm (you can visit and see how the animals are living). Another participant spoke of the opportunity to purchase locally grown organic produce from a partnership out of Ann Arbor. Find out more at www.locavorious.com. Purchasing foods locally, reducing meat and buying from earth-friendly producers will reduce the stress on our environment. "Vote with your fork," says 3votesaday.org, which offers several ideas and helpful resources. If you want to be notified of the Winter 2011 schedule, friend us on facebook or send us your contact information via email.

The evening closed with a briefing on the Michigan Good Food Charter by Kathryn Colasanti of MSU. Michigan Good Food Charter outlines a vision for the food system in Michigan and 25 agenda priorities. Ms. Colasanti highlighted the primary goals (as the definition of good food) that can be accomplished as these priorities are put into effect.

Good Food is:

• Healthy - It provides nourishment and enables people to thrive
• Green - It was produced in a manner that is environmentally sustainable
• Fair - No one along the production line was exploited for its creation
• Affordable - All people have access to it

Would you like to get find out more about this 10 year plan or even get involved in implementing these ideas in your own life and in your community? Click here to learn more about it and begin telling others. As the general public, business community, governmental leaders and non-governmental agencies gain awareness, progress can be made.

200 yr old Burr Oak at HFCC

This venerable tree is a must-see and a fine place to take photos. The over 200 year-old Burr Oak was given a plaque donated by our League which is exhibited on the boardwalk across from the tree which is 177 inches in circumference. To save the tree from lightning, workers have placed lightning rods on three places on the tree. Think about it! This tree was a sapling when George Washington was President of the United States.

By Joe Borrajo

Vice President of LWVDDH

The Next Hot Topic is FOOD!

Ater a busy election season, LWVDDH will move on to emphasize our hottest topics. November is all about FOOD! As usual, we study up on the facts and talk it over first. So will you join us for movie night on Thursday, Nov 18th?

We'll begin with light refreshments at 6:30 and an introduction to our topic. Then we'll watch Food, Inc. (Find out more at http://www.foodincmovie.com/) From 8:30 to 9 we will review the highlights and our priorities. Be a part of our grassroots group and you'll be reminded that doing something important can also be lots of fun.

Our office is located at 120 Military at Cherry Hill, inside Christ Episcopal Church. They generously make room for us to host public events. We'll be on the 2nd floor waiting for you!

Then on Wednesday, Dec 1st some of us will go to Sustainable Food Potluck, sponsored by Cool Cities Dearborn and Sierra Club. This will be at UM Dearborn from 6pm to 8pm.

------------
Thursday Nov 18th 6:30-9pm Food Inc Movie Night, LWVDDH office at 120 Military

Wednesday Dec 1st 6 - 8pm Sustainable Food Potluck, UM Dearborn off of Hubbard Dr

Voter Guides for Nov 2

Because our cities are divided into different districts, you may not know who you are to choose from. For example, Dearborn Hts voters might be confused about their state rep district, is it #16 or 17?

Go here to see your exact ballot listing - www.publius.org – and enter your name and city.

Dearborn voters addendum - check your ballot and district in case you are in this district rather than the 15th Congressional District:

Candidates for the Congressional 14th District Representative
Don Ukrainec - Republican
John Conyers Jr. - Democratic
Marc J. Sosnowski - U.S. Taxpayers
Richard J. Secula - Libertarian

Non-partisan candidate Q&A for your community and all proposals are included in the LWVDDH publications below:

Dearborn voters click here:

www.lwvddh.org/voterguide_D.pdf

Dearborn Heights voters click here:

www.lwvddh.org/voterguide_DH.pdf

For Congressional and statewide offices (Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, University leadership and judicial positions). Because of the number of congressional districts, this is a 2 part document.

Pages 1-16 (Governor, SOS, AG to District 1- 9)

http://www.lwvmi.org/documents/LWV2010p1-16.pdf

Pages 17-32 (District 10-15, State Board, University and Judicial offices)

http://www.lwvmi.org/documents/LWV2010p17-32.pdf

Although some are discouraged, some are frustrated, and many are apathetic, being able to vote is a hard-won and highly important citizenship right and duty. Voting Day is November 2 for all those able to get to the polls on that day. Until then, go to the City Clerk's office anytime to vote absentee ballot.

H2O taste test at the 10/10 climate change event

Many joined us at UM Dearborn Sunday afternoon for our sustainability walk and work party. Sierra Club, Dearborn Cool Cities, Student Environment Association (SEA) of UM -D and Fordson High School Environmental Club held the event at the Environmental Interpretive Center. Most of the sunny afternoon was spent walking through the wooded area, painting pumpkins, and eating donuts with a cup of refreshing apple cider. LWVDDH had an information table with a petition and a water taste test. We had LWVMI Voter Guides, Who's Who 2010 and other resources available.

Several participants signed our petition that will be sent to local and state elected officials asking them to take action on curbing climate change with local action and effective policy. We shared a few ideas about simple
actions for sustainability, such as reduce the amount of time we let our cars idle, and to reduce the amount of plastic and energy wasted because of bottled water. 50 million barrels of crude oil are used to make the plastic
bottles and ship them around the nation, while tons and tons of plastic bottles end up in landfills, greenways and waterways. What a waste!

Because of the emphasis on bottled water, we sponsored a blind taste test for bottled vs tap water. Bottled water taste and quality depends on the brand and source, but for our test we used Ice Mountain Spring Water. The large gallon containers were $1.19 each. We also brought glass bottles of Dearborn tap water, which costs $0.0016 per gallon. We refilled and poured the samples from matching glass jars to disguise its source. Tasters drank from unmarked small paper cups, chose descriptive words for each sample - clean, metallic, tasteless etc, and told us their preference of the 2 samples. Though a handful of tasters had no preference, there was almost an even split between tap and bottled.

For those who preferred the bottled water over tap water, a better choice than wasteful, costly plastic water bottles is to simply put a filter on their tap. 25% of bottled water also comes from a municipal tap anyway!
The best suggestion for portable water is a stainless steel bottle rather than plastic because the less plastic we use, the better. Not only that, but plastic containers can leach chemicals into the water - never a good thing. We kept our sample tap water in glass for this event to avoid that plastic taste that is sometimes detected in bottled water.

After we started taking our table down, we attempted to form an evergreen tree shape for an aerial photo. Many participants had left by that time, but we managed with those who were still lingering. When the photos are
published online, we'll post a link.

This was not a one-time feel-good event for us, nor for the other participants. We'll keep the momentum going at the UM Dearborn Sustainability Festival and Roundtable III in a couple of weeks, Oct 18th -23rd. Jenni Dunn will be speaking at this event to encourage informed and active citizenry with a briefing on local government, advocacy on issues and making an impact for good in our community. Connections made at this and future events will strengthen our small voices and make a big difference!

Dearborn Voters! 15th District State Rep and Ballot Proposals Video

The City of Dearborn hosted the candidates forum on Sept 29th which included a round of questions for 3 candidates vying for the Michigan House of Representatives, 15th District.  George Darany, Suzanne Sareini and Daryl Smith answered several questions.  We also heard from LWVDDH President Mary Bugeia about the 2 state-wide ballot proposals and a brief statement from a candidate for Wayne County Executive.

 

http://www.cityofdearborn.org/component/content/article/49/481-special-events

 

Dearborn Cool Cities 10/10 Walking Party with the Sierra Club

I am inviting you to attend our Cool Cities event sunday afternoon, Oct 10th at the U of M Dearborn campus.

Will you join us from 2pm to 4pm for a family-friendly afternoon at the Environmental Interpretive Center (EIC)? Along with a guided "Walk for Sustainability", we'll take time to discuss options for residents, businesses and city leaders to keep Dearborn "cool". Afterwards, join participants of all ages for gourd-painting, refreshments, and a little networking.

To find out more about the 10/10/10 theme, please visit http://www.350.org/.

Contact lwvddh@gmail.com if you would like more information.

Statewide Primary Voter Guides are HERE!

Read the LWVMI Voter Guide for Michigan Governor.

See your local and state-wide candidates in one combined voter guide.

Dearborn Hts Voters

Dearborn Voters

To determine your specific district and candidate listing, and proposals that will be on your ballot, got to Michigan's SOS page


Voters not in Dearborn or Dearborn Hts areas can find their voter guides here:LWVMI 2010 Voter Guides posted online for Michigan voters.

Year at a Glance - LWVDDH President's Report

Last June you elected me as your new president.
I would like to introduce others who became part of my Board. Jenni Dunn was elected Secretary. Joe Borrajo continued as vice President and Arnika Eskeland continued as Treasurer. Directors are Carolyn Buell, Kathleen Gapa, Barbara Goryca, Mona Hammoud, Judy Patrick, and Toni Tront. Off–board portfolios were held by Mary Jo Durivage, Betsy Cushman, Chris Sullivan and Agnes Dobronski.

The Transition happened immediately with (summer activities for)an August 4 Primary Election looming – the Voter Service Committee under the direction of Betsy Cushman was activated to prepare Voter Guides for the Dearborn City Council race. They were published and distributed throughout the city and posted on our website. In addition, the local newspapers quoted our material in editions of their papers.

On June 24th Carolyn Buell and I attended a joint conference Southeast Michigan and Toledo Council of Governments regarding plans for rapid transit and found that Ohio was further along because their communities were in agreement.
On June 30 – Judy Carty & I were invited to speak at the Outer Drive Kiwanis.
Members of our league assisted in a project to interview 100 candidates for Detroit City Council and 40 for Charter Commission. The interviews were taped for viewing on Public Television in partnership with Uof M, LWV-MI, Arise and MIVOTE.


On July 13- league members held an informal discussion about pending health-care reforms, sharing personal experiences about insurance coverage. Discussion covered the need for access to adequate facilities and preventive care as well as insurance.
Our league through Voter Service activity really became visible in the community sponsoring three forums:

• On September 23 a candidate forum for what was on the Dearborn ballot was held at Henry Ford Village. Under suggestion of Agnes Dobronski we allowed each candidate to speak for four minutes and everyone liked that format.
• On September 29, a Forum for the Dearborn candidates was held in Council chamber.
Explanations were given about the Henry Ford Community College millage renewal and the Wayne County Millage renewal. Four candidates for School board and fourteen candidates for city council participated.
• On September 30, a forum for Dearborn Heights Council was held in the Heights council chambers. Ballot proposals were presented and six of eight council candidates participated.
• On October 13 – A Dearborn Mayoral forum was held with two candidates.
For the November Election, once again Voter Guides were prepared under the direction of Betsy with help from Kathy Gapa, Chris Sullivan, Judy Carty, Judy Patrick, and myself. Diane Locke designed the layout of the data. Five thousand copies were printed and distributed. The VG was available on our website. Toni Tront did a great job of publicizing our activities into the local newspapers.

On October 15 – members of AAUW , local teachers and students, as well as our league members turned out to view the film “Iron Jawed Angels” that dramatically portrayed the struggle for women to ‘earn’ the right to vote.

On November 20 – Jenni Dunn chaired a “Hot Topics” discussion of several issues.

Joe Borrajo had been working on a project for our league to sponsor a plaque for the magnificent Oak Tree on the campus of HFCC.

On December 13 – Mona and Abed Hammoud hosted a luncheon meeting at their home. Abed, who is an Assistant Wayne County Prosecutor, presented information about mortgage fraud and his analysis of the past election.

January brought the Voter Service Committee into action again to update the Who’s Who of elected officials to reflect the most recent elections.

On January 23- we had a meeting to discuss National Program Issues. We did a review of the established positions to determine if they were still adequate to meet changing conditions. We discussed proposals for new studies suggested by other leagues. Our league favored a study on establishing a Department of Peace. We learned that most leagues favored a study on the Federal Role in Education.

At our February 4th board meeting – members were invited to help celebrate the 90th anniversary of the LWVUS which was established on Valentines Day (February 14). We received congratulations from Congressman Dingell, Mayor Daniel Paletko, and Dearborn Council members Tom Tafelski and Nancy Hubbard.

On February 18 we hosted a meeting about the 2010 Census. It was held at the Centennial Library with Census specialist Ahmed Nassar.

At our March 4th board Meeting we welcomed Barbara Adams as our new treasurer. We thanked Arnika Eskeland for her many years of dedicated work as our treasurer and we will miss her when she moves to Maryland.

On March 18- we concluded our study about Prison Reform and submitted the consensus response. Members appreciated the depth of information presented and the thoughtful discussions which led us to favor restorative and alternative measures to address criminal behavior. We noted a need for alternative treatment for mentally ill persons who commit crimes.

March 31 & April 1 found league members Joe Borrajo, Judy Carty, Kathy Gapa, Judy Patrick, Toni Tront, and I, monitoring student government elections at the University of Michigan – Dearborn campus. We enjoyed interacting with the students and watching their enthusiastic campaigning.

April 16, Agnes Dobronski and I attended the Volunteer Recognition luncheon at Henry Ford Village. Our leagued was thanked for the candidate forums and voter Guides.

On April 21, Carolyn Buell, Judy Carty, Kathy Gapa, Dennis Kirchoff, and I attended the workshop in Lansing hosted by the LWV-MI. After learning about advocating for reforms to make voting easier – we visited our local legislators in the Capitol or in their office to urge no excuse absentee voting and early voting. We interviewed Representatives Polidori, & Constan who presented us with a proclamation about
the 90th anniversary of LWV. We also interviewed Senator Tupac Hunter and spoke to the staff of House Speaker Andy Dillon.

Our April 29 meeting was a showing of the video “Blue- Gold, World Water Wars” a 90 minute thought provoking documentary identifying world water shortages and the need to prevent wasteful use of fresh water resources.

Our May 20 meeting continued our environmental concerns. Carolyn Buell brought information from National Graphic, Kathy Gapa brought statistics about the Great lakes, Judy Patrick offered information about the use of wind-turbines, especially as it relates to off-shore locations in Lake Erie.

June 15 , five of our members ( Joe Borrajo, Carolyn Buell, Jenni Dunn, Kathy Gapa and Tony Perry) assisted with video interviews of candidates for State Office. The project was possible through partnering with the Center for Michigan, Detroit Public Television, MIVOTE, out of U of M and LWV-MI.

Most recently, Carolyn Buell, Kathy Gapa, Judy Patrick and I are busy again gaining information for a Voter Guide for the August 3 Primary Election. Friday, we mailed letters to 44 candidates who will be on the ballot for Dearborn & Dearborn Heights. This election covers Michigan Governor, State Senate & Representatives, Wayne County Executive, Wayne County Commissioners, Wayne County Sheriff, Circuit Court and Probate Court judges. Dearborn Heights also has a council seat race.

I cannot believe that the first year of my presidency has gone by. I am so proud of our accomplishments and so thankful for the members who stepped forward to make
these possible.

Offshore Wind Turbines - Judy Patrick

Our recent focus on the Great Lakes led to a discussion on offshore wind turbines as a means of providing alternative energy.

Alternative energy means anything other than deriving energy using fossil fuel combustion. Ninety percent of our current energy usage comes from fossil fuels with possibly 70 years left with that resource. It is evident, then, that there is a clear need to invest in alternative energy sources.

So what are the advantages of offshore wind? There are none on a large scale. However, wind energy in general can supply supplemental power that can be fed into the power grid and sold to consumers. Wind energy is emissions free.

Intense wind is needed and greater sources of wind can be found on water.
A disadvantage of wind is that it is a highly variable source of energy with low efficiency. (20-30%). Getting the wind power to the grid is a major factor and challenge. The grid must have the capacity to receive the wind energy.
The grid must also be flexible to respond to changes in the rise and fall of demand. An example of problems in the grid occurred in Michigan several summers ago when we experienced serious “black-outs.”

Bird and bat mortality is a serious concern particularly if offshore wind turbines are placed in migratory paths. This also applies to butterflies and dragonflies. Generally, environmental groups support the move to renewable energy. However, they caution that much study is needed on how offshore wind turbines would affect wildlife and the environment and how to regulate them.

There has been some recent political activity in Michigan related to offshore wind energy. Bills were introduced this year by Senator Patricia Berkholz of Saugatuck and Representative Geoff Hansen of Hart. Birkholz”s legislation would mandate the Michigan Public Service Commission develop rules and procedures for issuing permits and for site selection. Hansen’s Bill would set up a public notice and review process for offshore wind farm proposals, including hearings at which citizens could voice their opinions. In May, Representative Tim Bledsoe of Grosse Pointe held a community forum about the proposed Canadian wind turbines on Lake St. Clair.

Asian Carp

ASIAN CARP
Silver and bighead carp were first
captured from the wild in the 1980’s, and
continued escaping aquaculture facilities
through the 1990’s.Both fishes grow quickly
to large size (50 to 100 pounds). Thousands of
carp can be caught from an area less than half
an acre. These carp pose a considerable
hazard to boaters, mainly due to silver carp
jumping into moving boats, causing human
injuries and property damage. Damage from
a jumping carp hitting an object might
reasonably be compared to being hit with a
bowling ball. Water skiing is a risky sport in
waters that silver carp inhabit.
These carp are in direct competition
with native fishes for food and space, and may
prey on larvae of native fishes. Most native
fishes eat plankton during part of their life
cycle, the same food that Asian carps eat. Like
the introduced zebra mussel, Asian carp have
the potential to disrupt the ecology and the
food web of large river systems.

HFCC Earthstock 2010, Thursday, April 22, 11am-5pm

The HFCC Earthstock 2010 event will showcase local bands and campus musicians, educate participants about environmental issues and provide information about how to get involved with a variety of causes. Several student clubs and local and national environmental organizations will participate in this worthwhile event.

 

There will be food, fun, prizes, and special activities. The entire campus is invited to come out and celebrate together. The Student Environmental Association encourages HFCC instructors to bring their classes and would like administrators and college employees to stop by and join the celebration. 

 

Organized by the Student Environmental Association at Henry Ford Community College

11:00-11:20am                Student Council Trivia

11:25-1140am                 Introduction by Bill Secrest

11:45-12:05pm                Jesse Walker from the Clean Water Action

12:10-12:40pm                The Wall Clocks

12:45-1:05pm                  Jim Magyari from Feed My Sheep

1:10-1:40pm                    Amateur Anthropologist

1:45-2:25pm                    DJ Eryk White

2:30-3:00pm                    The Rugs

3:05-3:35pm                    DJ BAM

3:40-4:10pm                    Mason Grahl

4:15-4:35pm                    Mary, Stephanie and Tiffany - singing

4:40-5:00pm                    Dr. Robert Pizzimenti of Innate Chiropractic

Whatever Happened to Health Care Reform?

Although this may seem like old news, and some are just glad to talk about something else after months of 'debate', let's take a moment to review. What is actually going to happen to individuals/employees, employers that provide benefits, health care providers, insurance providers, and public programs?

The Kaiser Family Foundation has published a summary of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Health Care Reform recently signed into law). It includes details from the 'fix' that was passed shortly afterward.

http://www.kff.org/healthreform/upload/finalhcr.pdf

Pulling Weeds at Waterloo State Park

"Volunteers are needed to help hand-pull garlic mustard, an invasive non-native plant, at several parks. This activity will help protect and restore the unique natural areas in these southeast Michigan state parks. Volunteering for these workdays is a great way to "GO-Get Outdoors" and enjoy the wonderful, warm spring air."

If you can spare part of your weekend, attend one of these work days. Registration is required for planning the work teams (see registration link below).

On Saturday, April 24th, LWVDDH member Jenni Dunn invites interested and able-bodied volunteers to join the work at Waterloo State Park near Chelsea, MI. Pulling garlic mustard is probably not your idea of a fun day at the park, but the natural beauty of Michigan's woodlands is worth a few hours of hard work, isn't it?


Click here for other dates, times and locations of the workdays.

Volunteers should bring appropriate clothing for outdoor work, including long pants, boots, gloves, eye protection and drinking water. Register as an individual for the date and location of your choice, or contact Jenni to register with the April 24th work group.

Please contact Laurel Malvitz-Draper, Resource Steward for the Stewardship Unit, at 248-359-9057 or malvitzl@michigan.gov to find out more about this program and read about it on the Stewardship Program on the Michigan DNR web pages.

LWV President, "Historic" Health Care Reform

Washington, D.C. – Statement from Mary G. Wilson, President of the League of Women Voters of the United States:

"Today's votes by the U.S. House of Representatives mark an historic milestone in American political history.  The path that began with Social Security and continued with Medicare is reaching fruition with this health care legislation.  Comprehensive health care reform will begin to undo decades of neglect and inaction that has left millions of Americans uninsured and at risk.

"This legislation is a monumental step in the fight for social justice. 

"Too many citizens lack adequate health insurance coverage and rising costs threaten everyone.  Passage of comprehensive health care legislation greatly expands coverage to include millions more Americans; protects the coverage that currently delivers care to most; reduces costs over the long term; and accomplishes these goals at a reasonable cost. 

"It would be difficult to overstate the importance of today's actions, and we commend our elected representatives for standing up for Americans and having the courage to do what needs to be done to confront the health care crisis in our country.  The League congratulates the House leadership on a closely-fought victory. 

"We can expect transformational reform from these bills.  Access to health care will be extended to all Americans.  Mechanisms to control rising costs will be put in place.  And the marketplace will be expanded and safeguards put in place to protect consumers.

"Truly, this legislation is monumental, historic and transforming.

"Today we took the critical step in dealing with the current health care crisis.  Tomorrow, many Americans will wake up to a new week and a new future that looks a great deal more promising."

 

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. Membership in the League is open to men and women of all ages.

ACTION ALERT: Pass Strong Health Care Legislation Now!

ACTION ALERT: Pass Strong Health Care Legislation Now!

The House of Representatives is poised to take final action on health care reform legislation in the next few days. If ever there was a time to let your Representative know of your support for comprehensive health care reform, this is it! Please contact your Representative today and urge him or her to vote for the legislation that is coming to the House floor that will establish comprehensive health care reform...

The federal government needs to take strong action to extend health care coverage and reduce health care costs for individuals, businesses and communities. The current state of health care in this country is unsustainable. America is facing a health care crisis caused by a combination of skyrocketing costs and an insurance system that leaves 47 million living day-to-day without coverage. The federal government needs to take strong action to reduce costs for individuals, businesses and communities. 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 spent on health care have consistently risen faster than wages and inflation. If nothing is done, we could be spending $3 trillion for health care by 2011 and $4.2 trillion by 2016.

We cannot afford to do nothing. If comprehensive and effective health care legislation is not passed now, more Americans will lose coverage, endangering both our economy and our health.

TAKE ACTION

1. Contact your Representative now, by clicking here and entering your zip code. You may also call the Capitol Hill switchboard at 202-225-3121 and ask for your Representative. Tell your Representative to support comprehensive health care reform legislation.
2. Send this alert to other concerned citizens - your grassroots network, your friends and coworkers. Encourage them to contact their elected leaders.

BACKGROUND

Learn more about what the League is doing to support health care reform.

 

Explanations of Questions on the 2010 Census Form

See a sample census form

How many people were living or staying in this house, apartment, or mobile home on

April 1, 2010?

The Census Bureau asks this question to help get an accurate count of the number of people in

the household on Census Day, April 1, 2010. The answer should be based on the guidelines in

the 'Start here' section. We use the information to ensure response accuracy and completeness

and to contact respondents whose forms have incomplete or missing information.

Were there any additional people staying here April 1, 2010 that you did not include in

Question 1?

Asked since 1880. The Census Bureau asks this question to help identify people who may have

been excluded in the count provided in Question 1. The information is used to ensure response

accuracy and completeness and to contact respondents whose forms have incomplete or

missing information.

Is this house, apartment, or mobile home: owned with mortgage, owned without

mortgage, rented, occupied without rent?

Asked since 1890. Homeownership rates serve as an indicator of the nation's economy. The

data are also used to administer housing programs and to inform planning decisions.

What is your telephone number?

The Census Bureau asks for a phone number in case they need to contact a respondent when

a form is returned with incomplete or missing information.

Please provide information for each person living here. Start with a person here who

owns or rents this house, apartment, or mobile home. If the owner or renter lives

somewhere else, start with any adult living here. This will be Person 1. What is Person

1's name?

Listing the name of each person in the household helps the respondent to include all members,

particularly in large households where a respondent may forget who was counted and who was

not. Also, names are needed if additional information about an individual must be obtained to

complete the census form. Federal law protects the confidentiality of personal information,

including names.

What is Person 1's sex?

Asked since 1790. Census data about sex are important because many federal programs must

differentiate between males and females for funding, implementing and evaluating their

programs. For instance, laws promoting equal employment opportunity for women require

census data on sex. Also, sociologists, economists, and other researchers who analyze social

and economic trends use the data.

What is Person 1's age and Date of Birth?

Asked since 1800. Federal, state, and local governments need data about age to interpret most

social and economic characteristics, such as forecasting the number of people eligible for

Social Security or Medicare benefits. The data are widely used in planning and evaluating

government programs and policies that provide funds or services for children, working-age

adults, women of childbearing age, or the older population.

Is Person 1 of Hispanic, Latino or Spanish origin?

Asked since 1970. The data collected in this question are needed by federal agencies to

monitor compliance with anti-discrimination provisions, such as under the Voting Rights Act

and the Civil Rights Act. State and local governments may use the data to help plan and

administer bilingual programs for people of Hispanic origin.

What is Person 1's race?

Asked since 1790. Race is key to implementing many federal laws and is needed to monitor

compliance with the Voting Rights Act and the Civil Rights Act. State governments use the

data to determine congressional, state and local voting districts. Race data are also used to

assess fairness of employment practices, to monitor racial disparities in characteristics such

as health and education and to plan and obtain funds for public services.

Does Person 1 sometimes live or stay somewhere else?

This is another question the Census Bureau asks in order to ensure response accuracy and

completeness and to contact respondents whose forms have incomplete or missing

information.

Sandra Day O'Connor at Wayne State Feb 9th

League Members Only (non-members are welcome to join - go to www.lwvddh.org/join.html)

An invitation to "Options for an Independent Judiciary in Michigan," featuring retired Associate Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, has just been extended to League members. The symposium takes place on Tuesday, February 9th, from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, at Wayne State University in Detroit.

Please note that they are not able to provide lunch and parking to new registrants. If you would like to attend,
Read more details and a description of all the featured speakers at www.lwvddh.org/wsuevent.pdf
RSVP at http://www.specialevents.wayne.edu/2010symposium. If you have problems registering, contact me and I will try to help.

Sincerely,

Kris Zawisza
LWVMI Project Director
517-484-5383

Who's Who 2010 Just Released

Here's the new Who's Who 2010!   (online at www.lwvddh.org/whoswho.pdf)

 

Thank you! to the following people and organizations:

 

Dianne Locke for the layout, numerous revisions, and for successfully requesting funding from the Dearborn Heights Rotary

 

Judy Carty, Judy Patrick, Kathy Gapa, Dianne Locke, Chris Sullivan, Mary Bugeia and Betsy Cushman for updating and proofing. 

 

Dearborn Federal Savings Bank and Dearborn Heights Rotary for help with underwriting.

 

Anyone interested in helping distribute these around our community, email us at lwvddh@mailcity.com.  Ask about locations too if you want to get one (or 2 or 3).  We don't mind if you pass them around to others.   The more we know about our elected officials the better.  More importantly, the better our democracy when these officials know what the voters think.  Our Who's Who includes email addresses and other contact information.

 

Census 2010 - The Basics by Mary Bugeia

Goal is to count every individual living in the United States. (Not just citizens – everyone)

PURPOSE:

• According to the constitution, a census of the population must be conducted every ten years in order to determine the apportionment of congressional seats. For Michigan this is very important because in recent decades we have been loosing representation going from 19, to 17, to the current 15. It is expected that Michigan will loose another seat, maybe two, depending on how much population we loose and other states gain. It is also used for redistricting state legislator seats, and voting districts.
• In addition, every year, more than $300 billion in federal funds are awarded to states and communities based on the census. This = more than $3 trillion over a 10 –year period
• Federal programs are funded on a formula for community block projects, S-chip for child heath, assistance to college students. The data helps guide local decision makers in important community planning efforts including where to build new roads (transportation), hospitals, and schools.

HOW:

• Establish partnerships with local governments, community based organizations, faith based organizations, schools, media, businesses and others - - to ensure a complete and accurate count. Beginning in 2007 – boundaries of counties, townships, and incorporated places were verified. Regional and local Centers were established.
• The Census document of one page, two sided, has ten questions regarding name, address, number of persons in residence, ethnicity of each, age of each person.
• Document will be mailed to every household during the month of March. People are to fill it out according to who is living in the place on April 1, and mail it back.
• If you do not return the form… then you will be contacted by telephone, then in person.
• It may cost $80,000,000 to follow-up for every 1% of people who do not return the form. 

WHERE:

• Typical living situations, group homes, U.S Military, college students, foreign students living in the U.S., people on the move (where they live most of the time.) 
• Special concern for Michigan is the… Snowbirds….. People living several months in another state. If you know any – urge them to wait and fill out the form at their Michigan residence.
• Foreclosed homes – look for people who may be with relatives.

PRIVACY:

• Official Census workers will have badges, will not ask to enter your home (unless you invite them), and will not ask for your social security number.

• The LAW Title 13 U.S. Code. Data for the Census may not be shared with any other agency like the IRS. It is a Federal law – if anyone releases data = 5 years in prison, or $250,000 fine.
• For genealogy purposes the data may be used after 72 years.

JOBS:

• Applicants have to take a test, undergo a background check, and take an oath.

 

TIMELINE:

• March 2010 – U.S. Postal Service deliver the 130 million Questionnaires to the American Public.
• Mid March – April – collect the completed questionnaires. (Anticipating  70% return)
• April – July follow –up of non- returns.
• December 31, 2010 - Deliver the counts to President per the Constitution – announce total population for the United States and for the 50 states.
• April 2011 – Deliver counts to state governors for redistricting of state legislators.

There is another survey called AMERICAN COMMUNITY SURVEY asking more involved questions about home, mortgage, utilities, home insurance, auto ownership, employment, level of education, etc.

 

action alert - don't weaken clean air act

ACTION ALERT: Stand Up Against Weakening the Clean Air Act

 

The Senate is expected to vote on an amendment that would weaken the Clean Air Act and block EPA action against climate change. If it passes, the amendment will put public health at risk and jeopardize long-overdue action to cut emissions from the biggest polluters.

 

Get more information and take action here:

http://www.capwiz.com/lwv/issues/alert/?alertid=14566696&type=CO