THE POLITICS OF HOPE VS FEAR
I recently asked the BING Artificial Intelligence (BING AI) app to help me explore the differences between the Democrats’ current positive message of hope and progress and the Republicans’ current message of chaos and fear. The results I received were interesting and led me to do even more research and discovery.
Democrats are largely associated with liberalism, which is a political philosophy based on belief in progress and positive change. Liberals tend to focus on issues such as social justice, equality, and environmental protection. On the other hand, Republicans are associated with conservatism, which is a political philosophy based on tradition and social stability. They tend to focus on issues such as individual freedom, national security, and free market economic growth.
According to a study conducted by researchers at New York University and UCLA, voters who align with Democrats tend to use the insula region of their brain when processing information related to politics. The insula is involved in internal monitoring of one's feelings and is associated with empathy and social awareness. In contrast, this study also showed that Republican voters tend to use the amygdala region of their brain when processing political information. The amygdala is the center of the brain's threat response system triggering the primordial “fight or flight” response and is primarily involved in processing fear.
The difference between the two parties' messages can be seen in their political messaging strategies. Democrats tend to focus on inspiring hope and optimism among voters by highlighting their vision for a better future. They often use slogans such as "Yes We Can" or "Hope and Change" to convey their message. Republicans, on the other hand, tend to focus on instilling fear among voters by highlighting potential threats to their safety or way of life. They often use slogans such as "Make America Great Again" or "Law and Order" to convey their message.
When I asked the Bing AI app to compare some of the recent political strategies of the Republicans and Democrats the reply was consistent in that the Democrats’ strategy was to focus on protecting the basic freedoms, protections, and rights for people of color, public school students, the disabled, the LGBTQ+ community, and low-income people who have been discriminated against and disenfranchised by actions of Republican state legislatures and governors. The focus of the Democrats in elected leadership positions has been to build the economy from the middle up by crafting and passing bi-partisan legislation that provides widespread economic growth and good paying jobs through investment of tax dollars on projects focused on infrastructure improvement, climate change intervention, and supply chain renovation. The response on the Republican strategies was simply that the party was focused on frustrating the electorate by obstructing the federal legislation process in Washington, and relying on state legislatures to pass laws limiting voter access, remove or limit LGBTQ+ rights, and restrict access to health care while simultaneously using misinformation to create fears of loss:
Democrats are largely associated with liberalism, which is a political philosophy based on belief in progress and positive change. Liberals tend to focus on issues such as social justice, equality, and environmental protection. On the other hand, Republicans are associated with conservatism, which is a political philosophy based on tradition and social stability. They tend to focus on issues such as individual freedom, national security, and free market economic growth.
According to a study conducted by researchers at New York University and UCLA, voters who align with Democrats tend to use the insula region of their brain when processing information related to politics. The insula is involved in internal monitoring of one's feelings and is associated with empathy and social awareness. In contrast, this study also showed that Republican voters tend to use the amygdala region of their brain when processing political information. The amygdala is the center of the brain's threat response system triggering the primordial “fight or flight” response and is primarily involved in processing fear.
The difference between the two parties' messages can be seen in their political messaging strategies. Democrats tend to focus on inspiring hope and optimism among voters by highlighting their vision for a better future. They often use slogans such as "Yes We Can" or "Hope and Change" to convey their message. Republicans, on the other hand, tend to focus on instilling fear among voters by highlighting potential threats to their safety or way of life. They often use slogans such as "Make America Great Again" or "Law and Order" to convey their message.
When I asked the Bing AI app to compare some of the recent political strategies of the Republicans and Democrats the reply was consistent in that the Democrats’ strategy was to focus on protecting the basic freedoms, protections, and rights for people of color, public school students, the disabled, the LGBTQ+ community, and low-income people who have been discriminated against and disenfranchised by actions of Republican state legislatures and governors. The focus of the Democrats in elected leadership positions has been to build the economy from the middle up by crafting and passing bi-partisan legislation that provides widespread economic growth and good paying jobs through investment of tax dollars on projects focused on infrastructure improvement, climate change intervention, and supply chain renovation. The response on the Republican strategies was simply that the party was focused on frustrating the electorate by obstructing the federal legislation process in Washington, and relying on state legislatures to pass laws limiting voter access, remove or limit LGBTQ+ rights, and restrict access to health care while simultaneously using misinformation to create fears of loss:
loss of national identity, loss of personal safety, loss of personal freedom, loss of cultural decency, and loss of economic stability.
The process of crafting meaningful legislation is difficult and time consuming. I have compared this process to sausage making in previous articles for this paper. All too often our elected representatives that we send to Washington or Lansing may never make the effort to propose a piece of meaningful legislation. They simply stand on the sidelines and mechanically vote their party line. They may be too busy raising money for their next election campaign or positioning themselves to be noticed by their favorite 24-hour news channel to bother with the job they were elected to perform. If they ever actually do propose a bill they typically depend on high-paid lobbyists to write the document for them. Naturally, these lobbyists, who are paid by organizations and corporations who stand to benefit from the bills they write, will skew the proposed law to favor their clients rather than the greater good of the legislator’s constituents.
This is why our version of a representative democracy is not a “spectator sport”. Citizens of the United States of America cannot just sit in the bleachers and complain about the referees, the coaches, or the players on the court or the field. We need to get involved by ensuring our family members, friends, and neighbors are properly registered to vote and are making the effort to cast their vote in every election. We also need to get involved to identify, recruit, and support the best possible candidates to represent us at all levels of our elected government. Your city council person or township trustee is the most important elected official as they have more direct influence on your day-to-day life than any other. Once they are in office, we need to hold them accountable for their actions or lack of action in working to meet the needs of all the people they were elected to represent, not just those who voted for them. Voters also need to be engaged in learning for themselves about issues and proposals that may be on the ballot. The old saying that you should never trust a politician who tells you how to pray or trust a clergyperson who tells you how to vote certainly applies in these situations!
In conclusion, the difference between Democrats' message of hope and Republicans' message of fear can be attributed to their different political philosophies and messaging strategies. While Democrats will continue to focus on progress through social, economic, and environmental justice we can only hope that Republicans in leadership positions locally, statewide, and nationally will see the light and shift their focus from creating chaos, instilling fear, and spreading misinformation to a more positive message.
The process of crafting meaningful legislation is difficult and time consuming. I have compared this process to sausage making in previous articles for this paper. All too often our elected representatives that we send to Washington or Lansing may never make the effort to propose a piece of meaningful legislation. They simply stand on the sidelines and mechanically vote their party line. They may be too busy raising money for their next election campaign or positioning themselves to be noticed by their favorite 24-hour news channel to bother with the job they were elected to perform. If they ever actually do propose a bill they typically depend on high-paid lobbyists to write the document for them. Naturally, these lobbyists, who are paid by organizations and corporations who stand to benefit from the bills they write, will skew the proposed law to favor their clients rather than the greater good of the legislator’s constituents.
This is why our version of a representative democracy is not a “spectator sport”. Citizens of the United States of America cannot just sit in the bleachers and complain about the referees, the coaches, or the players on the court or the field. We need to get involved by ensuring our family members, friends, and neighbors are properly registered to vote and are making the effort to cast their vote in every election. We also need to get involved to identify, recruit, and support the best possible candidates to represent us at all levels of our elected government. Your city council person or township trustee is the most important elected official as they have more direct influence on your day-to-day life than any other. Once they are in office, we need to hold them accountable for their actions or lack of action in working to meet the needs of all the people they were elected to represent, not just those who voted for them. Voters also need to be engaged in learning for themselves about issues and proposals that may be on the ballot. The old saying that you should never trust a politician who tells you how to pray or trust a clergyperson who tells you how to vote certainly applies in these situations!
In conclusion, the difference between Democrats' message of hope and Republicans' message of fear can be attributed to their different political philosophies and messaging strategies. While Democrats will continue to focus on progress through social, economic, and environmental justice we can only hope that Republicans in leadership positions locally, statewide, and nationally will see the light and shift their focus from creating chaos, instilling fear, and spreading misinformation to a more positive message.
The Manistee County Democratic Party Supports Gay Pride Month
Gay Pride Month, celebrated annually in June, holds immense importance for various communities, including the Democratic Party of Manistee County. It serves as a time to honor the LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and more) community, celebrate their progress, and reaffirm our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. This month’s article will delve into the reasons why Gay Pride Month is of great significance to the Manistee County Democratic Party.
Advocacy for LGBTQ+ Rights:
The Democratic Party has long been at the forefront of advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. Gay Pride Month provides an opportunity for the party to amplify our commitment to ensuring equal rights and protections for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Democrats we have elected to represent us in Lansing have worked for positive legislative policies such as Michigan’s Elliot-Larson Civil Rights Act which they recently updated to include LGBTQ+ individuals providing comprehensive legal protections against discrimination. By actively supporting Gay Pride Month, the Manistee County Democratic Party demonstrates our dedication to fostering an inclusive society.
Solidifying Support from the LGBTQ+ Community:
The Democratic Party has historically garnered strong support from the LGBTQ+ community due to its progressive stance on LGBTQ+ issues. Celebrating Gay Pride Month allows Democrats to acknowledge this support and show our gratitude. By embracing the month-long celebration, the Manistee County Democratic Party reinforces our commitment to the LGBTQ+ community and strengthens our alliance, resulting in increased political support during elections.
Addressing Past Inequalities:
Gay Pride Month is an opportunity for all people, not just the Democratic Party, to acknowledge and address the injustices and inequalities faced by the LGBTQ+ community today and throughout history. By recognizing the struggles faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, Democrats highlight the importance of social progress and the need for continued efforts to achieve full equality. This is especially important considering the recent efforts by some state legislatures dominated by the ultra-MAGA party to target historically marginalized LGBTQ+ citizens and deny them of their basic human rights. The MAGA-cult fueled focus of hate and misinformation on the less than 0.5% of the US population that identifies as transgender is more than disturbing and a waste of legislative time, money, and resources. Democrats and other voters can use this month to reflect on past policies and work towards rectifying any past shortcomings, demonstrating our dedication to a more equitable future.
Gay Pride Month, celebrated annually in June, holds immense importance for various communities, including the Democratic Party of Manistee County. It serves as a time to honor the LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and more) community, celebrate their progress, and reaffirm our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. This month’s article will delve into the reasons why Gay Pride Month is of great significance to the Manistee County Democratic Party.
Advocacy for LGBTQ+ Rights:
The Democratic Party has long been at the forefront of advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. Gay Pride Month provides an opportunity for the party to amplify our commitment to ensuring equal rights and protections for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Democrats we have elected to represent us in Lansing have worked for positive legislative policies such as Michigan’s Elliot-Larson Civil Rights Act which they recently updated to include LGBTQ+ individuals providing comprehensive legal protections against discrimination. By actively supporting Gay Pride Month, the Manistee County Democratic Party demonstrates our dedication to fostering an inclusive society.
Solidifying Support from the LGBTQ+ Community:
The Democratic Party has historically garnered strong support from the LGBTQ+ community due to its progressive stance on LGBTQ+ issues. Celebrating Gay Pride Month allows Democrats to acknowledge this support and show our gratitude. By embracing the month-long celebration, the Manistee County Democratic Party reinforces our commitment to the LGBTQ+ community and strengthens our alliance, resulting in increased political support during elections.
Addressing Past Inequalities:
Gay Pride Month is an opportunity for all people, not just the Democratic Party, to acknowledge and address the injustices and inequalities faced by the LGBTQ+ community today and throughout history. By recognizing the struggles faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, Democrats highlight the importance of social progress and the need for continued efforts to achieve full equality. This is especially important considering the recent efforts by some state legislatures dominated by the ultra-MAGA party to target historically marginalized LGBTQ+ citizens and deny them of their basic human rights. The MAGA-cult fueled focus of hate and misinformation on the less than 0.5% of the US population that identifies as transgender is more than disturbing and a waste of legislative time, money, and resources. Democrats and other voters can use this month to reflect on past policies and work towards rectifying any past shortcomings, demonstrating our dedication to a more equitable future.
Fostering Inclusion and Diversity:
Inclusivity and diversity are core values of the Democratic Party. Gay Pride Month provides an opportunity to amplify these principles by highlighting the LGBTQ+ community's contributions and showcasing the party's support for intersectional equality. By promoting diverse voices and perspectives within the LGBTQ+ community, the Democratic Party underscores the importance of representation and inclusivity in political discourse and decision-making processes.
Advancing Social Justice:
The Democratic Party views Gay Pride Month as an integral part of its broader commitment to social justice. Recognizing and addressing the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community aligns with the party's broader platform of advocating for marginalized groups and dismantling systemic inequalities. By actively supporting Gay Pride Month, the Manistee County Democratic Party demonstrates our dedication to addressing social injustices across all sectors of society.
Gay Pride Month holds immense significance for the Democratic Party locally and across this nation as it provides an opportunity to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, solidify support from the community, address past inequalities, celebrate progress, foster inclusion, and advance social justice. By actively participating in and supporting the month-long celebration, the Manistee County Democratic Party showcases our commitment to equality, diversity, and the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights. As the party continues to evolve and respond to the needs of diverse communities, Gay Pride Month serves as a powerful reminder of the strides made and the work that remains to create a more inclusive and equitable society.
Celebrating Progress and Achievements:
Gay Pride Month offers a chance for the Democratic Party to celebrate the remarkable progress made in advancing LGBTQ+ rights. From the legalization of same-sex marriage to the increasing visibility and acceptance of transgender individuals, there have been significant strides towards equality. The Democratic Party takes pride in championing these advancements and recognizes the collective effort needed to overcome challenges. By celebrating progress during Gay Pride Month, we reinforce our commitment to continuing this positive trajectory.
Inclusivity and diversity are core values of the Democratic Party. Gay Pride Month provides an opportunity to amplify these principles by highlighting the LGBTQ+ community's contributions and showcasing the party's support for intersectional equality. By promoting diverse voices and perspectives within the LGBTQ+ community, the Democratic Party underscores the importance of representation and inclusivity in political discourse and decision-making processes.
Advancing Social Justice:
The Democratic Party views Gay Pride Month as an integral part of its broader commitment to social justice. Recognizing and addressing the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community aligns with the party's broader platform of advocating for marginalized groups and dismantling systemic inequalities. By actively supporting Gay Pride Month, the Manistee County Democratic Party demonstrates our dedication to addressing social injustices across all sectors of society.
Gay Pride Month holds immense significance for the Democratic Party locally and across this nation as it provides an opportunity to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, solidify support from the community, address past inequalities, celebrate progress, foster inclusion, and advance social justice. By actively participating in and supporting the month-long celebration, the Manistee County Democratic Party showcases our commitment to equality, diversity, and the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights. As the party continues to evolve and respond to the needs of diverse communities, Gay Pride Month serves as a powerful reminder of the strides made and the work that remains to create a more inclusive and equitable society.
Celebrating Progress and Achievements:
Gay Pride Month offers a chance for the Democratic Party to celebrate the remarkable progress made in advancing LGBTQ+ rights. From the legalization of same-sex marriage to the increasing visibility and acceptance of transgender individuals, there have been significant strides towards equality. The Democratic Party takes pride in championing these advancements and recognizes the collective effort needed to overcome challenges. By celebrating progress during Gay Pride Month, we reinforce our commitment to continuing this positive trajectory.
Celebrate Earth Day at the 2023 GLEF in Manistee!
We will be celebrating Earth Day later this month. This is a day when we all can come together to celebrate the work being done to protect our environment and those groups, individuals, organizations, and businesses that are working to create a more sustainable future for us all here on planet earth. We have a great opportunity to join in a community celebration as we are proud to be hosting the 2023 Great Lakes Environmental Festival on Friday April 21st and Saturday April 22nd right here in Manistee!
We have a lot to celebrate as we are most fortunate to be surrounded by nature’s bounty of fresh water, clean air, and extensive carbon-sequestering forests all right outside our door and easily accessible to all of us who call this home. We must be forever vigilant to protect these resources so they are available for the greater good of everyone in our society. This means we need to be continuously educating ourselves and others so each of us can implement the science-based best practices that will protect and heal the damage done to our global environment.
The 2023 Great Lakes Environmental Festival (aka: GLEF) will provide attendees with just that kind of information! The GLEF organizers have recruited a group of subject matter experts who will be delivering engaging informative lectures hourly from 12 noon to 5 pm on Friday April 21st and Saturday April 22nd at the West Shore Community College Building on River Street in Manistee. Interspersed with the lectures will be short videos that have been produced by local high school students and student artwork that will demonstrate to adults that our children understand the challenges caused by climate change and their effect on the future of this planet.
On Saturday April 22nd from 10am to 3pm there will be an Environmental Expo at the Wagoner Senior Center on St Mary’s Parkway in Manistee that will feature information tables and booths from local and regional environmental activist organizations and businesses. There will also be a display of electric vehicles in the parking lot. Shuttle bus service will be provided between the Expo and the WSCC building to enable folks to park their cars at the Senior Center and do their part to reduce their carbon footprint while enjoying the 2023 GLEF.
We will be honoring organizations that have proven to be consistent guardians of the Great Lakes and our regional environment during this year’s GLEF. The US Coast Guard will be conducting a water rescue demonstration in the Manistee River between the Maple Street and US 31 bridges. The Little
River Band of Ottawa Indians will be
We have a lot to celebrate as we are most fortunate to be surrounded by nature’s bounty of fresh water, clean air, and extensive carbon-sequestering forests all right outside our door and easily accessible to all of us who call this home. We must be forever vigilant to protect these resources so they are available for the greater good of everyone in our society. This means we need to be continuously educating ourselves and others so each of us can implement the science-based best practices that will protect and heal the damage done to our global environment.
The 2023 Great Lakes Environmental Festival (aka: GLEF) will provide attendees with just that kind of information! The GLEF organizers have recruited a group of subject matter experts who will be delivering engaging informative lectures hourly from 12 noon to 5 pm on Friday April 21st and Saturday April 22nd at the West Shore Community College Building on River Street in Manistee. Interspersed with the lectures will be short videos that have been produced by local high school students and student artwork that will demonstrate to adults that our children understand the challenges caused by climate change and their effect on the future of this planet.
On Saturday April 22nd from 10am to 3pm there will be an Environmental Expo at the Wagoner Senior Center on St Mary’s Parkway in Manistee that will feature information tables and booths from local and regional environmental activist organizations and businesses. There will also be a display of electric vehicles in the parking lot. Shuttle bus service will be provided between the Expo and the WSCC building to enable folks to park their cars at the Senior Center and do their part to reduce their carbon footprint while enjoying the 2023 GLEF.
We will be honoring organizations that have proven to be consistent guardians of the Great Lakes and our regional environment during this year’s GLEF. The US Coast Guard will be conducting a water rescue demonstration in the Manistee River between the Maple Street and US 31 bridges. The Little
River Band of Ottawa Indians will be
presenting a lecture on their research work on reviving wild rice habitat in our waterways. Both organizations will be honored by the 2023 GLEF for their work as Environmental Guardians of the Great Lakes!
Now, many of you may be wondering what all this environmental festival stuff has to do with what it means to be a Democrat in Manistee County. I hope you can agree with the scientists who study climate change and a large majority of people who believe in science that it is being hastened by human activity. Protecting the environment is a key issue for the Democratic Party both nationally and here in Manistee County. Supporting the 2023 Great Lakes Environmental Festival is one way that Democrats in Manistee County can help get the word out to more of our neighbors that they too can take action to slow the damage being done by climate change.
I have no doubt that some who read this will be among the minority who do not believe we are currently experiencing climate change or its’ adverse effects. To those doubters I say that it is not normal for our winters here in NW Michigan to be mild as they have been over the past few years. The lack of significant snow cover hurts our local winter tourist-based economy. There was no significant ice formation on any of the Great Lakes this past winter meaning a large amount of water was lost to evaporation. That evaporated water will eventually fall on areas that may already be saturated with heavy rains and damaging floods. Our summer storms coming off the warmer waters of Lake Michigan are more intense and damaging. Toxic algae blooms caused by runoff from big corporate farms and inhumane confined animal feeding operations entering the warmer waters of all the Great Lakes have threatened the safe drinking water of many large population centers.
Climate change doubters must also be aware that as the temperatures rise, and fresh water supplies dwindle that we are living in the region that has the potential to become the primary global climate change refuge. Millions of climate change refugees displaced by rising sea levels, lack of fresh water, high temperatures, and toxic air will be clamoring to live right here in Manistee County. We must demand that our elected officials take the action necessary to enable them to stay in their current homes and not have to leave just to find dry land, clean water, clean air, and a safe environment.
We look forward to providing a fun and educational Earth Day experience for you, your family, and your friends at the 2023 Great Lakes Environmental Festival on April 21st and 22nd in Manistee on beautiful Lake Michigan!
Now, many of you may be wondering what all this environmental festival stuff has to do with what it means to be a Democrat in Manistee County. I hope you can agree with the scientists who study climate change and a large majority of people who believe in science that it is being hastened by human activity. Protecting the environment is a key issue for the Democratic Party both nationally and here in Manistee County. Supporting the 2023 Great Lakes Environmental Festival is one way that Democrats in Manistee County can help get the word out to more of our neighbors that they too can take action to slow the damage being done by climate change.
I have no doubt that some who read this will be among the minority who do not believe we are currently experiencing climate change or its’ adverse effects. To those doubters I say that it is not normal for our winters here in NW Michigan to be mild as they have been over the past few years. The lack of significant snow cover hurts our local winter tourist-based economy. There was no significant ice formation on any of the Great Lakes this past winter meaning a large amount of water was lost to evaporation. That evaporated water will eventually fall on areas that may already be saturated with heavy rains and damaging floods. Our summer storms coming off the warmer waters of Lake Michigan are more intense and damaging. Toxic algae blooms caused by runoff from big corporate farms and inhumane confined animal feeding operations entering the warmer waters of all the Great Lakes have threatened the safe drinking water of many large population centers.
Climate change doubters must also be aware that as the temperatures rise, and fresh water supplies dwindle that we are living in the region that has the potential to become the primary global climate change refuge. Millions of climate change refugees displaced by rising sea levels, lack of fresh water, high temperatures, and toxic air will be clamoring to live right here in Manistee County. We must demand that our elected officials take the action necessary to enable them to stay in their current homes and not have to leave just to find dry land, clean water, clean air, and a safe environment.
We look forward to providing a fun and educational Earth Day experience for you, your family, and your friends at the 2023 Great Lakes Environmental Festival on April 21st and 22nd in Manistee on beautiful Lake Michigan!
Walk for Warmth
FiveCAP's Annual Walk for Warmth
Date: February 18th Time: 9:30 am for Registration Place: FiveCAP Office, 65 1st Street, Manistee This is easy. Just show up and take a Stroll. The walk is usually about two miles, but if you can't make it two miles, you can drop out and go back to the FiveCAP Office where there will be refreshments. (Democratic event sponsored by the Blue Tigers.) |
Manistee County Blue Tigers
Presents
LIL’ BIG SHOTS TALENT SHOW
Hosted by (from Hollywood) Brandon Phillips - Actor, Dancer, Comedian
Presents
LIL’ BIG SHOTS TALENT SHOW
Hosted by (from Hollywood) Brandon Phillips - Actor, Dancer, Comedian
As a dancer Brandon has worked with artist such as Beyonce’, Will Smith, Mariah Carey, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, John Legend and Justin Timberlake. As an actor, appeared in the films “Coach Carter,” “Stomp The Yard,” and “Post Grad.” He’s also made his mark on Television Shows “Days of Our Lives,” “CSI: NY,” “Southland,” “Greek,” “NCIS:LA,” “Castle” and “Good Trouble” Brandon took his first shot at Stand Up Comedy in 2014. immersing himself in the comedy circuit and by 2016 he performed regularly in some of the most historic clubs in the country including The World Famous Comedy Store,
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Auditions scheduled via email video or Zoom.)
ALL TALENTS AGES 4 – 16 WELCOME! !
All Entrants will be awarded a Participation Ribbon
(Participants limited to 20. First come, first served.)
TALENT SHOW: July 2, 2022, from 1:00 – 3:00 at the Lion’s Pavilion
at the First Street Beach
Included in the Manistee National Forest Festival.
Receive Registration Forms at: [email protected]
313-478-5347 or click below to fill out form
Application Form
Program Booklet with Donation
EVERYONE – Come Enjoy Manistee’s Lil’ Big Shots! ! !
(Prizes given!)
All proceeds go to Blue Tigers, the community outreach project, which provides scholarship
assistance for high school certification, GED and emergency funding to local students.
ALL TALENTS AGES 4 – 16 WELCOME! !
All Entrants will be awarded a Participation Ribbon
(Participants limited to 20. First come, first served.)
TALENT SHOW: July 2, 2022, from 1:00 – 3:00 at the Lion’s Pavilion
at the First Street Beach
Included in the Manistee National Forest Festival.
Receive Registration Forms at: [email protected]
313-478-5347 or click below to fill out form
Application Form
Program Booklet with Donation
EVERYONE – Come Enjoy Manistee’s Lil’ Big Shots! ! !
(Prizes given!)
All proceeds go to Blue Tigers, the community outreach project, which provides scholarship
assistance for high school certification, GED and emergency funding to local students.
2023-2024 Strategy Brainstorming Session
Date: January 14th:
Time: 10 AM-4 PM, with breaks and lunch Place: West Shore Community Collage Manistee What to bring:
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This is our chance to examine what went right and what went wrong
and how we can make the next electoral season work better for the good guys.
and how we can make the next electoral season work better for the good guys.
Open House Every Day
339 River Street, Manistee 12 PM - 8 PM*
Campaign Headquarters
Button and Brochures, Free Wifi - Come and Bring Friends
* If Volunteers Available
339 River Street, Manistee 12 PM - 8 PM*
Campaign Headquarters
Button and Brochures, Free Wifi - Come and Bring Friends
* If Volunteers Available
Monthly Meeting
Date: August 18, 2022, 7 PM
Place: Merchants Building at the Manistee County Fairgrounds in Onekama 1. Support our Manistee County Candidates 2. Learn about the Propositions on the Ballot in November. 3. Get Information on State Rep. Candidates, Albro and Hosticks and State Senate Candidate Sabo. 4. Learn how YOU can Help Support Whitmer, Benson and Nessel. |
VIDEOS FROM THE 2021 Li'l Big Shots Show
Click on the YouTube Link for Large Screen
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Monthly Meeting
Date: May 19, 2022 Time: 7:00 PM Place: West Shore Community College Facility, 400 River Street, Manistee and Zoom Program: Cathy Albro, Chair, Michigan Rural Caucus |
As a graduate of MSU, Cathy taught elementary students and later worked with teachers to develop engaging curriculum and teaching methods. Working for the HighScope Foundation, Cathy’s work took her to many schools where she observed the huge inequities in education for children living in poverty, including many Native American reservations.
Cathy was also an entrepreneur; founding an accredited child care center and assisting businesses in opening on-site centers for their employees. Cathy also owned a “learning store” in Grand Rapids for 30 years.
Due to her life experiences and the state of our country, Cathy decided to run for Congress and was the Democratic nominee for Michigan’s 3rd District in 2018. She lost to incumbent, Justin Amash with 44% of the vote.
Cathy and her husband, Rick, live on a small farm in Bellaire in northern Michigan. Cathy is happy to continue her political career to help strengthen democracy in rural Michigan.
Cathy was also an entrepreneur; founding an accredited child care center and assisting businesses in opening on-site centers for their employees. Cathy also owned a “learning store” in Grand Rapids for 30 years.
Due to her life experiences and the state of our country, Cathy decided to run for Congress and was the Democratic nominee for Michigan’s 3rd District in 2018. She lost to incumbent, Justin Amash with 44% of the vote.
Cathy and her husband, Rick, live on a small farm in Bellaire in northern Michigan. Cathy is happy to continue her political career to help strengthen democracy in rural Michigan.
Monthly Meeting
Date: April 21, 2022 Time: 7:00 PM Place: West Shore Community College Facility, 400 River Street, Manistee and Zoom Program: Voters not Politicians on Secure MI Vote |
Town Hall Meeting - Your Voting RightsSponsored by the
Manistee County League of Women Voters January 25, 2022, 7:00 PM via ZOOM Featuring: Jill Nowak, Manistee County Clerk Michelle Graves, Manistee News Advocate Managing Editor Sandra Nelson, Manistee League of Women Voters Board Pamela Tompke, Past President Manistee County Clerks Association ZOOM Info: Meeting ID: 879 6074 4116 Passcode: 252465 |

Jessica Ayers was the recipient of the Blue Tigers financial Scholarship in 2019. The Blue Tigers is the Community Outreach program, of the Manistee County Democrats, designed to assist students who wish to complete their GED (General Education Diploma) or complete their high school diploma. This outreach program also assists college students who may have an emergency need for assistance.
With the support of Maryann Allen, from Michigan Works, Jessica completed the application and was found to be worthy of the scholarship. She said, “I am truly grateful and I believe that finishing my high school diploma will greatly increase my opportunities to find a well paying job that will give my family and I stability and a better future.”
Jessica plans to gain more skills in Banking or Financing. She has three (3) years of experience in Money Handling and she currently has three (3) job offers.
Jessica lives in Brethren with her husband, Wesley, and two children ages 5 and 1 ½.
Applications for the Blue Tigers Scholarship can be found at Michigan Works or manisteecountydemocrats.us.
With the support of Maryann Allen, from Michigan Works, Jessica completed the application and was found to be worthy of the scholarship. She said, “I am truly grateful and I believe that finishing my high school diploma will greatly increase my opportunities to find a well paying job that will give my family and I stability and a better future.”
Jessica plans to gain more skills in Banking or Financing. She has three (3) years of experience in Money Handling and she currently has three (3) job offers.
Jessica lives in Brethren with her husband, Wesley, and two children ages 5 and 1 ½.
Applications for the Blue Tigers Scholarship can be found at Michigan Works or manisteecountydemocrats.us.
Feeding America
October 27, 2021, 10 AM, Armory Parking Lot
Just Show Up
More than usual need because of Friendship Society Director's Illness
Just Show Up
More than usual need because of Friendship Society Director's Illness
Three Witches Halloween Party & Fundraiser Friday, Oct. 29, 7 pm!
Join us for a spooky good time and some serious fundraising for Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Attorney General Dana Nessel, and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.
We’ll have a good old-fashioned Halloween party with a witch’s hat contest and a pumpkin carving contest, along with scary videos, live music, and visits from each of the three witches.
First, get your Halloween Party pass! Just register here.
BONUS! Sign up by October 20 and we’ll home-deliver a Halloween Trick-or-Treat bag!
Click here to donate via Act Blue
Your donation will be split equally among Governor Whitmer, Secretary of State Benson,
and Attorney General Nessel.
Get ready for a scary good time!
Wear a scary/crazy mask or make-up.
Decorate your Zoom background with scary stuff.
Carve a pumpkin, take a picture, and send it to [email protected]
We’ll vote for the best one. The winner gets a bottle of Witches Brew wine
and, next spring, one of our new Those Women from Michigan t-shirts!
Make a witch’s hat, take a selfie, and send it to [email protected].
We’ll vote for the best three, and give them to Gretchen, Jocelyn, and Dana!
The winners will get a bottle of Witches Brew wine and one of our new
Those Women from Michigan t-shirts!
Then brew up some magic potion to make the evening a smashing success!
We’re looking forward to a BOO-TIFUL TIME!
Paid for by Benzie, Manistee, and Mason County Democratic Parties. Act Blue will split your donation evenly between the Gretchen Whitmer for Governor, Friends of Dana Nessel, and Jocelyn Benson for Secretary of State campaign committees.
We’ll have a good old-fashioned Halloween party with a witch’s hat contest and a pumpkin carving contest, along with scary videos, live music, and visits from each of the three witches.
First, get your Halloween Party pass! Just register here.
BONUS! Sign up by October 20 and we’ll home-deliver a Halloween Trick-or-Treat bag!
Click here to donate via Act Blue
Your donation will be split equally among Governor Whitmer, Secretary of State Benson,
and Attorney General Nessel.
Get ready for a scary good time!
Wear a scary/crazy mask or make-up.
Decorate your Zoom background with scary stuff.
Carve a pumpkin, take a picture, and send it to [email protected]
We’ll vote for the best one. The winner gets a bottle of Witches Brew wine
and, next spring, one of our new Those Women from Michigan t-shirts!
Make a witch’s hat, take a selfie, and send it to [email protected].
We’ll vote for the best three, and give them to Gretchen, Jocelyn, and Dana!
The winners will get a bottle of Witches Brew wine and one of our new
Those Women from Michigan t-shirts!
Then brew up some magic potion to make the evening a smashing success!
We’re looking forward to a BOO-TIFUL TIME!
Paid for by Benzie, Manistee, and Mason County Democratic Parties. Act Blue will split your donation evenly between the Gretchen Whitmer for Governor, Friends of Dana Nessel, and Jocelyn Benson for Secretary of State campaign committees.
18th Annual Don Jennings Award Dinner
Date - September 11th
Place - Manistee National Golf and Resort 4797 Grant Highway (US-31 Manistee, MI 49660 Time - 5:00 PM Social Hour 6:00 PM Dinner Keynote Speaker - Mark Brewer Awardee - TBA Cash Bar Tickets - $65.00 Click Below to Purchase |
18th Annual Don Jennings Award Dinner
Date - September 11th
Place - Manistee National Golf and Resort 4797 Grant Highway (US-31 Manistee, MI 49660 Time - 5:00 PM Social Hour 6:00 PM Dinner Keynote Speaker - Mark Brewer Awardee - TBA Cash Bar and Silent Auction Tickets - $65.00 Click Below to Purchase |
Volunteer at the Manistee County Fair
Going to the Fair!
Going to the Fair! Going to the Manistee County Fair! August 16th to 21st 12 pm to 10 pm Email: [email protected] or [email protected] Drop In when Available |
Princess of Manistee Evening Cruise
Date: August 13, 2021
Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM |
Dress Warm for the Lake Breezes.
Limited Attendance so -
RSVP to Peggy Raddatz at 231-510-3726 or email [email protected] on or before August 10. |
I am sorry to have missed everyone at last month’s membership meeting in Arcadia. I hadn’t been feeling well and thought it might be wise to avoid going out. Because of the symptoms I was experiencing, it was decided that I should get tested for the COVID-19 virus. Luckily, I tested negative, recovered and doing fine. The experience did, however, bring me to a new, more, personal awareness of how much our lives have changed in the last few months and how vulnerable our country is in dealing with this crisis, especially at the national level. The spectacle of our President, first ignoring the early signs, then playing down the seriousness of the crises, all the while doing everything he could to avoid any responsibility and even politicizing the issue, is a national disgrace.
When we think of the devastating impact that the COVID-19 virus has had on our society we need to be grateful that, while deadly, it did not bring with it the lethality of say, the Ebola virus. Where would we be now if it had? Yet, all indications are that this virus, as with the 1918 pandemic, will be with us for some time to come. Is a society that so strongly values its personal freedoms over the welfare of its collective whole, really prepared for a protracted struggle against this deadly enemy? I have my doubts,
judging by the number of people I see around me, when I go out, not taking the very simple, known effective steps to prevent the spread of this disease. Learning to live with this new reality is going to require us all to recognize our connections to and dependency upon each other and adjust our behavior accordingly.
Fortunately, most of us understand this, but there are many people in our society who still cling to the fantasy of independence. They believe that individuals can and should be completely free of outside controls and infringement on their domain. They feel that being forced to wear a face mask is an assault on their right to live free and independently of everyone. The ridiculousness of this view was made clear to me in a recent piece I listened to on NPR. The speaker described how, during his isolation at home, he decided to keep himself occupied with a special project, by attempting to personally thank everyone who was responsible for providing him with the cup of coffee that he took such pleasure in each morning. This led him to the grocery store where he thanked the workers there. This of course made him realize that the coffee had to be
delivered to the store by someone, i.e. truck drivers, road builders, factory workers, wholesale dealers and on and on. Eventually he was led to travel to Columbia to thank the owner of a coffee plantation who reminded him of all the workers that he employed. It seems his morning cup of coffee that he so enjoys connects him directly to an international network of people!
Of course, we were also reminded of this supply system when we went to Meijer two months ago to buy hand sanitizer, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, etc. and found empty shelves. How really independent of each other are we? So, it seems, that all the clichés we hear every day around the idea of humanity’s connection and unity are really true. We truly are our brother’s keeper, and he is ours. My wellbeing is your wellbeing. What diminishes me, diminishes us all. This is really the idea that is driving the mass
demonstrations going on around the country and the world during this time. It is also the truth that will move us all safely through this current threat to public health. Stay safe everyone and take heart.
When we think of the devastating impact that the COVID-19 virus has had on our society we need to be grateful that, while deadly, it did not bring with it the lethality of say, the Ebola virus. Where would we be now if it had? Yet, all indications are that this virus, as with the 1918 pandemic, will be with us for some time to come. Is a society that so strongly values its personal freedoms over the welfare of its collective whole, really prepared for a protracted struggle against this deadly enemy? I have my doubts,
judging by the number of people I see around me, when I go out, not taking the very simple, known effective steps to prevent the spread of this disease. Learning to live with this new reality is going to require us all to recognize our connections to and dependency upon each other and adjust our behavior accordingly.
Fortunately, most of us understand this, but there are many people in our society who still cling to the fantasy of independence. They believe that individuals can and should be completely free of outside controls and infringement on their domain. They feel that being forced to wear a face mask is an assault on their right to live free and independently of everyone. The ridiculousness of this view was made clear to me in a recent piece I listened to on NPR. The speaker described how, during his isolation at home, he decided to keep himself occupied with a special project, by attempting to personally thank everyone who was responsible for providing him with the cup of coffee that he took such pleasure in each morning. This led him to the grocery store where he thanked the workers there. This of course made him realize that the coffee had to be
delivered to the store by someone, i.e. truck drivers, road builders, factory workers, wholesale dealers and on and on. Eventually he was led to travel to Columbia to thank the owner of a coffee plantation who reminded him of all the workers that he employed. It seems his morning cup of coffee that he so enjoys connects him directly to an international network of people!
Of course, we were also reminded of this supply system when we went to Meijer two months ago to buy hand sanitizer, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, etc. and found empty shelves. How really independent of each other are we? So, it seems, that all the clichés we hear every day around the idea of humanity’s connection and unity are really true. We truly are our brother’s keeper, and he is ours. My wellbeing is your wellbeing. What diminishes me, diminishes us all. This is really the idea that is driving the mass
demonstrations going on around the country and the world during this time. It is also the truth that will move us all safely through this current threat to public health. Stay safe everyone and take heart.
Buy Don Jennings Tickets
MANISTEE COUNTY DEMOCRATS April 2020 2
I hope this newsletter finds everyone safe and healthy during this unprecedented public health emergency. Thankfully, most citizens in our area are practicing behaviors that are proven effective against this virus and following the guidelines ordered by the state. So far, we have seen very few cases of the infection in our part of the state. We all need to continue behaving responsibly so that the whole community can remain safe.
I was very disturbed by the comments of the four sheriffs in our region that were publicly released on April 15. As elected public officials they have a sworn duty to uphold the law and to serve the public’s best interests in keeping us all as safe as possible. By picking and choosing which laws to enforce and which to ignore, they are communicating a dangerous message to the public and setting a poor example of how government officials should behave in office.
Law enforcement officials have always had discretion in applying the law. When stopping a motorist for driving 5 mph over the speed limit, for example, they can issue a ticket or give a warning. Publicly announcing that they will not enforce speed limits only encourages drivers to ignore speed limits and thereby make our roads more dangerous than they already are. This puts everyone at risk. Similarly, announcing that certain restrictions will be ignored by law enforcement sends a dangerous message that can only result in more people being exposed to this highly contagious virus.
Like it or not, we are literally and irrevocably, in this health crisis together. We are highly social beings that depend on each other for our very lives. Too often we forget about the connections we have to other people and how fundamentally important they are to our everyday well-being. If there is a positive side to this pandemic, it is a reminder to us of just how connected and dependent we are on each other and other people around the world. How we behave as individuals effects the whole of humanity. It is this social power that is the driving force behind our success as a species. To place our imagined individual rights above the health and safety of our community is suicidal. Yet that is exactly what these sheriffs have done.
The right to rake our lawn, go fishing, or put our boats in the water should not be more important than public safety. This emergency has come upon us very quickly and has called for rapid responses from leaders at all levels, especially in the areas of health services and government. By now it is abundantly clear that we were not fully prepared. Restrictions had to be devised and communicated to the public very quickly. In such an environment, some restrictions were probably not thoroughly thought out with all implications considered or all bases covered.
Its not unreasonable for those who have to enforce restrictions to have doubts or objections about them. The proper way to deal with such a situation is to communicate concerns to higher authorities so that policies can be reasonably adjusted or reevaluated. Our sheriffs instead chose to go public with their objections and act in defiance of the Governor’s orders, accusing her of “overstepping her authority.” This kind of open defiance is shameful and should not be forgotten by voters in November when it is time to elect a new county sheriff.
In their statement, the sheriffs seem more concerned with getting the economy opened so that businesses can resume making money than with public safety. It is true that the current situation places a great burden on working people and businesses. It is also likely that many more people will die or become seriously ill if we all resume our normal activities too soon. Many experts in science and medicine have warned that the viral pandemic could worsen if we reopen too soon.
Finally, you have to wonder why these and other sheriffs around the state have behaved so irresponsibly in ignoring the common good. My own feelings are that they have simply taken a page out of the Republican playbook to politicize a major national health crisis. You know, the page about divide and conquer. Instead of trying to face this crisis with unity and purpose, they are trying to make this a personal rights issue, a position guaranteed to divide us along political lines.
Perhaps this is their way of supporting Donald Trump and his eagerness to resume business as usual with a casual disregard for the lives of citizens. What does that say about our national values and the importance of human life? If you believe, as I do, that the health, well-being, and safety of people ought to be our first consideration in response to this pandemic, it should be our duty to communicate our displeasure with this shameful declaration from our sheriff. His e-mail address is: [email protected]. Please let him know how you feel.
I hope this newsletter finds everyone safe and healthy during this unprecedented public health emergency. Thankfully, most citizens in our area are practicing behaviors that are proven effective against this virus and following the guidelines ordered by the state. So far, we have seen very few cases of the infection in our part of the state. We all need to continue behaving responsibly so that the whole community can remain safe.
I was very disturbed by the comments of the four sheriffs in our region that were publicly released on April 15. As elected public officials they have a sworn duty to uphold the law and to serve the public’s best interests in keeping us all as safe as possible. By picking and choosing which laws to enforce and which to ignore, they are communicating a dangerous message to the public and setting a poor example of how government officials should behave in office.
Law enforcement officials have always had discretion in applying the law. When stopping a motorist for driving 5 mph over the speed limit, for example, they can issue a ticket or give a warning. Publicly announcing that they will not enforce speed limits only encourages drivers to ignore speed limits and thereby make our roads more dangerous than they already are. This puts everyone at risk. Similarly, announcing that certain restrictions will be ignored by law enforcement sends a dangerous message that can only result in more people being exposed to this highly contagious virus.
Like it or not, we are literally and irrevocably, in this health crisis together. We are highly social beings that depend on each other for our very lives. Too often we forget about the connections we have to other people and how fundamentally important they are to our everyday well-being. If there is a positive side to this pandemic, it is a reminder to us of just how connected and dependent we are on each other and other people around the world. How we behave as individuals effects the whole of humanity. It is this social power that is the driving force behind our success as a species. To place our imagined individual rights above the health and safety of our community is suicidal. Yet that is exactly what these sheriffs have done.
The right to rake our lawn, go fishing, or put our boats in the water should not be more important than public safety. This emergency has come upon us very quickly and has called for rapid responses from leaders at all levels, especially in the areas of health services and government. By now it is abundantly clear that we were not fully prepared. Restrictions had to be devised and communicated to the public very quickly. In such an environment, some restrictions were probably not thoroughly thought out with all implications considered or all bases covered.
Its not unreasonable for those who have to enforce restrictions to have doubts or objections about them. The proper way to deal with such a situation is to communicate concerns to higher authorities so that policies can be reasonably adjusted or reevaluated. Our sheriffs instead chose to go public with their objections and act in defiance of the Governor’s orders, accusing her of “overstepping her authority.” This kind of open defiance is shameful and should not be forgotten by voters in November when it is time to elect a new county sheriff.
In their statement, the sheriffs seem more concerned with getting the economy opened so that businesses can resume making money than with public safety. It is true that the current situation places a great burden on working people and businesses. It is also likely that many more people will die or become seriously ill if we all resume our normal activities too soon. Many experts in science and medicine have warned that the viral pandemic could worsen if we reopen too soon.
Finally, you have to wonder why these and other sheriffs around the state have behaved so irresponsibly in ignoring the common good. My own feelings are that they have simply taken a page out of the Republican playbook to politicize a major national health crisis. You know, the page about divide and conquer. Instead of trying to face this crisis with unity and purpose, they are trying to make this a personal rights issue, a position guaranteed to divide us along political lines.
Perhaps this is their way of supporting Donald Trump and his eagerness to resume business as usual with a casual disregard for the lives of citizens. What does that say about our national values and the importance of human life? If you believe, as I do, that the health, well-being, and safety of people ought to be our first consideration in response to this pandemic, it should be our duty to communicate our displeasure with this shameful declaration from our sheriff. His e-mail address is: [email protected]. Please let him know how you feel.
Election Reflections
By Rick Schrock
Our greatest success was restoring checks and balance to our political systems. We can now block the most damaging of the Republican policies. We can hope that political balance will lead to governance by finding common ground and working together. Time will tell if Republicans are
interested in working together. My hope is that Democrats will lead by example to cross the aisle for common sense policies.
The State of Michigan government will change significantly. Last month the GOP owned every branch of state government. The 2018 election changed everything. The Governor, Secretary of State, and Attorney General shifted to the Democrats. This team is all women and exceptional women. It is a spectacular team. From legislation to voting rights to consumer advocacy, we will see
a shift that will favor working people.
The state legislature is still controlled by the GOP in both houses even though Democrats received the most votes overall. The Gerrymandering by the Republicans was skillfully done and highly successful. The passage of Proposition 2 and a Democratic Governor should bring an bring an end
to this kind of election rigging.
The Michigan Supreme Court will shift more to the center. The 5-2 court was dominated by Republican supported Justices. That now shifts to 4-3. Two of the Republicans are willing to go against popular GOP thinking at times. I expect to see a more centrist court than we have seen in the past.
At the national level the Democrats gained control of the House. The Senate will be controlled by the Republicans but the margin is very small. Finally we will see some checks and balance in Washington DC.
We have a lot of good news. We need to celebrate. But we also need to step up to the bad news. Manistee County has traditionally reflected state and national trends. We supported Obama, Grandholm, Levin, Stabenow, and other in the past. This year was different. In 2018 the Democrats
carried the statewide offices, but without the majority of Manistee County voters. Our State Rep candidate and our US Rep candidates did not carry Manistee County. This year Manistee County shifted from leaning blue to being a solid red county.
It is easy to observe that all across the US rural areas are voting more and more with the GOP. Urban areas are voting more Democratic. We are rural. There is a temptation to think Manistee County voting more Republican is just inevitable. We are tempted to think we are helpless victims of a national trend. I believe that would be a mistake. Our challenge is to run the right candidates, promote key issues we have in common, and organize to get our voters to the polls.
How do we earn the votes of rural voters? That is the question we must ask over the next year. Can moderates win anymore? Can a candidate run on character rather than
policy? Do we need candidates who are bold leaders? We are not helpless. In a year of
many Democratic successes Manistee County fell short. This happened all across the
country in rural counties. Our challenge is for 2020 is for Democrats to reconnect with rural voters
interested in working together. My hope is that Democrats will lead by example to cross the aisle for common sense policies.
The State of Michigan government will change significantly. Last month the GOP owned every branch of state government. The 2018 election changed everything. The Governor, Secretary of State, and Attorney General shifted to the Democrats. This team is all women and exceptional women. It is a spectacular team. From legislation to voting rights to consumer advocacy, we will see
a shift that will favor working people.
The state legislature is still controlled by the GOP in both houses even though Democrats received the most votes overall. The Gerrymandering by the Republicans was skillfully done and highly successful. The passage of Proposition 2 and a Democratic Governor should bring an bring an end
to this kind of election rigging.
The Michigan Supreme Court will shift more to the center. The 5-2 court was dominated by Republican supported Justices. That now shifts to 4-3. Two of the Republicans are willing to go against popular GOP thinking at times. I expect to see a more centrist court than we have seen in the past.
At the national level the Democrats gained control of the House. The Senate will be controlled by the Republicans but the margin is very small. Finally we will see some checks and balance in Washington DC.
We have a lot of good news. We need to celebrate. But we also need to step up to the bad news. Manistee County has traditionally reflected state and national trends. We supported Obama, Grandholm, Levin, Stabenow, and other in the past. This year was different. In 2018 the Democrats
carried the statewide offices, but without the majority of Manistee County voters. Our State Rep candidate and our US Rep candidates did not carry Manistee County. This year Manistee County shifted from leaning blue to being a solid red county.
It is easy to observe that all across the US rural areas are voting more and more with the GOP. Urban areas are voting more Democratic. We are rural. There is a temptation to think Manistee County voting more Republican is just inevitable. We are tempted to think we are helpless victims of a national trend. I believe that would be a mistake. Our challenge is to run the right candidates, promote key issues we have in common, and organize to get our voters to the polls.
How do we earn the votes of rural voters? That is the question we must ask over the next year. Can moderates win anymore? Can a candidate run on character rather than
policy? Do we need candidates who are bold leaders? We are not helpless. In a year of
many Democratic successes Manistee County fell short. This happened all across the
country in rural counties. Our challenge is for 2020 is for Democrats to reconnect with rural voters
The 2018 election is over. Now it is time to reflect on our successes, our failures, our opportunities, and let those reflections shape our approach to 2020.
Richard Bernstein Keynote Speaker at the
Don Jennings Award Dinner
The Manistee County Democratic Party announces the Keynote Speaker for their 15th Annual Don Jennings Award Dinner is Michigan Supreme Court Justice Richard Bernstein. The Award Dinner will be held Saturday, September 8, 2018 at the Manistee National Golf and Resort.
Justice Richard Bernstein became the first blind justice elected to the Michigan Supreme Court in November 2014. With a commitment to justice and fairness, Bernstein began his 8-year term in January 2015.
Prior to being elected to Michigan’s highest court, Justice Bernstein was known as a
tireless advocate for disabled rights as an attorney heading the public service division for The Sam Bernstein Law Firm in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Blind since birth, Justice Bernstein is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Michigan and earned his juris doctorate from Northwestern University School of Law.
Committed to taking action to help clients who needed him, Justice Bernstein’s cases
often set national standards protecting the rights and safety of people with and without disabilities.
Bernstein previously served an eight-year term on the Wayne State University Board of Governors, elected by voters statewide, serving as its Chair from 2009-2010. He also served as an adjunct professor in the political science department at the University of Michigan.
Prior to being elected to Michigan’s highest court, Justice Bernstein was known as a
tireless advocate for disabled rights as an attorney heading the public service division for The Sam Bernstein Law Firm in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Blind since birth, Justice Bernstein is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Michigan and earned his juris doctorate from Northwestern University School of Law.
Committed to taking action to help clients who needed him, Justice Bernstein’s cases
often set national standards protecting the rights and safety of people with and without disabilities.
Bernstein previously served an eight-year term on the Wayne State University Board of Governors, elected by voters statewide, serving as its Chair from 2009-2010. He also served as an adjunct professor in the political science department at the University of Michigan.
Justice Bernstein, Cont.
Honors Justice Bernstein has received include: “Michiganian of the Year” by the Detroit News, one of Crain’s Detroit Business’ “40 Under 40” and recognition on worldwide television by CNN as a leader in keeping government honest. He was selected by The Young Lawyers Section of the State Bar of Michigan as the 2003-2004 Regeana Myrick Outstanding Young Lawyer Award recipient for outstanding commitment to public service and is the recipient of the 2008 John W. Cummiskey Pro Bono Award from the State Bar of Michigan in recognition of his leadership as an advocate and activist. Michigan Lawyers Weekly named Justice Bernstein a 2009 Leader in the Law, and the University of Michigan presented him with the James T. Neubacher Award in 2011 for his unwavering commitment to equal rights and opportunities for people with disabilities. Also in 2011, L. Brooks Patterson, Michigan’s Oakland County Executive, selected Justice Bernstein as one of the region’s Elite 40 Under 40. In 2013, Justice Bernstein was inducted into the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.
In his spare time, Justice Bernstein is an avid runner, completing 18 marathons.
For further information or to make reservations for the 15th Annual Don Jennings Award Dinner on Saturday, September 8, 2018 at the Manistee National Golf and Resort, please contact Peggy Raddatz at 231-510-3726 or email [email protected]. There is a $5 discount for tickets reserved before August 24th. You can also buy tickets on-line at manisteecountydemocrats.us.
Honors Justice Bernstein has received include: “Michiganian of the Year” by the Detroit News, one of Crain’s Detroit Business’ “40 Under 40” and recognition on worldwide television by CNN as a leader in keeping government honest. He was selected by The Young Lawyers Section of the State Bar of Michigan as the 2003-2004 Regeana Myrick Outstanding Young Lawyer Award recipient for outstanding commitment to public service and is the recipient of the 2008 John W. Cummiskey Pro Bono Award from the State Bar of Michigan in recognition of his leadership as an advocate and activist. Michigan Lawyers Weekly named Justice Bernstein a 2009 Leader in the Law, and the University of Michigan presented him with the James T. Neubacher Award in 2011 for his unwavering commitment to equal rights and opportunities for people with disabilities. Also in 2011, L. Brooks Patterson, Michigan’s Oakland County Executive, selected Justice Bernstein as one of the region’s Elite 40 Under 40. In 2013, Justice Bernstein was inducted into the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.
In his spare time, Justice Bernstein is an avid runner, completing 18 marathons.
For further information or to make reservations for the 15th Annual Don Jennings Award Dinner on Saturday, September 8, 2018 at the Manistee National Golf and Resort, please contact Peggy Raddatz at 231-510-3726 or email [email protected]. There is a $5 discount for tickets reserved before August 24th. You can also buy tickets on-line at manisteecountydemocrats.us.

The 15th Annual Don Jennings Award for Social Justice and Political Activism is unanimously awarded to David Berns by the Manistee County Democratic Party. The award will be presented at the Don Jennings Award Dinner to be held September 8 at the Manistee National Golf and Resort at 6:00 pm.
David Berns dedicated his career to fighting for social justice. He leads with kindness and compassion while bringing everyone to the table. He has served in both Democratic and Republican administrations concentrating not on increasing or decreasing spending in human services but rather on investing in better outcomes for children, adults and families. He learned long ago that we all benefit when we create communities that maximize the potential for all.
David received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Public Human Services Association. He was specifically recognized for addressing the inequalities in the nation’s child welfare systems resulting from poverty. Several studies have showcased his integration of financial assistance programs as primary prevention supports in child welfare. These efforts resulted in substantial reductions in the need for foster care and the safe reunification of children with their families in Michigan, Colorado and Arizona.
David has been designated as a Social Work Pioneer by the National Association of Social Workers. This is one of the highest honors bestowed in the profession of social work. This award noted his work as the state child welfare director in Michigan. Dave assisted the six graduate schools of social work in Michigan to improve their curriculum in child welfare and to provide opportunities for child welfare workers to obtain their MSW degrees without having to quit their jobs. This resulted in hundreds of DHS child welfare workers obtaining their MSW degrees.
Mr. Berns was selected as the Social Worker of the Year in Colorado for his leadership in welfare reform. Several studies noted his implementation of the TANF program in Colorado Springs as the most humane and successful welfare reform approach in the nation. The effort was based not on punitive mandates but rather on providing the supports necessary for all families to maximize their own self sufficiency.
David Berns moved to Manistee in 2014 when he retired from his position as Director of the Department of Human Services for the District of Columbia. He became the vice chair and then chair of the Manistee County Democratic party. He continues to work on issues of social justice. He is opposed to the ill conceived work requirements recently added to the Medicaid program. Dave is trying to guide the state toward a more humane implementation of the plan based on supporting people to be successful rather than punishing them when they are unable to obtain employment.
David and Colleen (Tabaczka) Berns have been married for over 50 years. They have two children, (Christine Garrett and Matthew Berns) and five wonderful grandchildren.
David Berns dedicated his career to fighting for social justice. He leads with kindness and compassion while bringing everyone to the table. He has served in both Democratic and Republican administrations concentrating not on increasing or decreasing spending in human services but rather on investing in better outcomes for children, adults and families. He learned long ago that we all benefit when we create communities that maximize the potential for all.
David received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Public Human Services Association. He was specifically recognized for addressing the inequalities in the nation’s child welfare systems resulting from poverty. Several studies have showcased his integration of financial assistance programs as primary prevention supports in child welfare. These efforts resulted in substantial reductions in the need for foster care and the safe reunification of children with their families in Michigan, Colorado and Arizona.
David has been designated as a Social Work Pioneer by the National Association of Social Workers. This is one of the highest honors bestowed in the profession of social work. This award noted his work as the state child welfare director in Michigan. Dave assisted the six graduate schools of social work in Michigan to improve their curriculum in child welfare and to provide opportunities for child welfare workers to obtain their MSW degrees without having to quit their jobs. This resulted in hundreds of DHS child welfare workers obtaining their MSW degrees.
Mr. Berns was selected as the Social Worker of the Year in Colorado for his leadership in welfare reform. Several studies noted his implementation of the TANF program in Colorado Springs as the most humane and successful welfare reform approach in the nation. The effort was based not on punitive mandates but rather on providing the supports necessary for all families to maximize their own self sufficiency.
David Berns moved to Manistee in 2014 when he retired from his position as Director of the Department of Human Services for the District of Columbia. He became the vice chair and then chair of the Manistee County Democratic party. He continues to work on issues of social justice. He is opposed to the ill conceived work requirements recently added to the Medicaid program. Dave is trying to guide the state toward a more humane implementation of the plan based on supporting people to be successful rather than punishing them when they are unable to obtain employment.
David and Colleen (Tabaczka) Berns have been married for over 50 years. They have two children, (Christine Garrett and Matthew Berns) and five wonderful grandchildren.
When I entered this race, I did so with a vision of putting people first – before profits, before greed, before hate. That’s why I chose “people first for the 101st” as our campaign motto. I hoped for the opportunity to represent the people of this district with integrity and to
take our message of hope, love, and service to others to Lansing. While I am sorry that I will not get that opportunity, I have no regrets.
I met beautiful people that were kind, considerate, and honorable no matter their political party.
Though we have lost the race, I hope you will join me and continue fighting for the good in this world, for a better society, for a
government we’re proud of that demonstrates transparency. I am not done and I hope you aren’t either. Join me in holding Lansing
accountable for the decisions that impact our lives, our families, and our livelihood.
I give the deepest, deepest thanks to our amazingly dedicated supporters and volunteers, our hundreds of donors, our friends, family and every voter who stood behind us. Your voice matters and the fight isn’t over.
People first!
My Deepest Thanks –
Kathy Wiejaczka
My advocacy for people began 39 years ago. That’s when I became a registered nurse. My evolution as a professional nurse progressed through many specialty areas such as pediatrics, obstetrics, home care, hospital supervisor, mental health nurse, school nurse, and nursing instructor. The bottom line is I care about people. I care about our environment. I care about children and their education; our future lies in the well-rounded education of our youth. I know that I can offer much to the 101st constituency by way of transparent, honest, ethical problem solving. Throughout my entire career, my focus incorporates my energetic, passionate, commitment to people and their needs.
After attending the Women’s March in Washington, D.C. on January 21, 2017, my desire to run for the 101st seat solidified. Marching with my beautiful 33-year old daughter, Adele, surrounded by incredibly loving and diverse people brought such clarity to my next role. This role involves running for office, not waiting for someone else, but to gather my courage and strength and use it for a different kind of good for humanity, for the 101st District.
My Dad, as a WWII veteran on the front lines in Germany and France, infused in me the importance of faith, family, country, and our fellow human beings. He was a union steward, and strong Catholic, and many times while growing up I heard his words, “If someone needs your help, you help them”. Paramount to my work as a nurse involves patient/family advocacy. Always putting their needs before my own, tirelessly under stressful times, helping them to achieve independence or health. This is what I do. So, now I look forward to advocating on a different level, on a legislative level for this district in Lansing.
Whatever the challenges, I am ready to meet them head on with total commitment. It is with love for my fellow man, woman, and child that I go forth. A quote by Representative Cummings exemplifies my focus: “I have my own definition of successful and that is lifting up the lives of ALL American people. In other words making their lives better.”
Thank you.
Kathy Wiejaczka RN, MSN
After attending the Women’s March in Washington, D.C. on January 21, 2017, my desire to run for the 101st seat solidified. Marching with my beautiful 33-year old daughter, Adele, surrounded by incredibly loving and diverse people brought such clarity to my next role. This role involves running for office, not waiting for someone else, but to gather my courage and strength and use it for a different kind of good for humanity, for the 101st District.
My Dad, as a WWII veteran on the front lines in Germany and France, infused in me the importance of faith, family, country, and our fellow human beings. He was a union steward, and strong Catholic, and many times while growing up I heard his words, “If someone needs your help, you help them”. Paramount to my work as a nurse involves patient/family advocacy. Always putting their needs before my own, tirelessly under stressful times, helping them to achieve independence or health. This is what I do. So, now I look forward to advocating on a different level, on a legislative level for this district in Lansing.
Whatever the challenges, I am ready to meet them head on with total commitment. It is with love for my fellow man, woman, and child that I go forth. A quote by Representative Cummings exemplifies my focus: “I have my own definition of successful and that is lifting up the lives of ALL American people. In other words making their lives better.”
Thank you.
Kathy Wiejaczka RN, MSN
Words from the County Chair

Kathy Wiejaczka
Candidate
101st District
Indivisible
Donald Trump is the biggest popular-vote loser in history to ever call himself President. In spite of the fact that he has no mandate, he will attempt to use his congressional majority to reshape America in his own racist, authoritarian, and corrupt image. If progressives are going to stop this, we must stand indivisibly opposed to Trump and the Members of Congress (MoCs) who would do his bidding. Together, we have the power to resist — and we have the power to win.
We know this because we’ve seen it before. The authors of this guide are former congressional staffers who witnessed the rise of the Tea Party. We saw these activists take on a popular president with a mandate for change and a supermajority in Congress. We saw them organize locally and convince their own MoCs to reject President Obama’s agenda. Their ideas were wrong, cruel, and tinged with racism— and they won.
We believe that protecting our values, our neighbors, and ourselves will require mounting a similar resistance to the Trump agenda — but a resistance built on the values of inclusion, tolerance, and fairness. Trump is not popular. He does not have a mandate. He does not have large congressional majorities. If a small minority in the Tea Party could stop President Obama, then we the majority can stop a petty tyrant named Trump.
To this end, the following chapters offer a step-by-step guide for individuals, groups, and organizations looking to replicate the Tea Party’s success in getting Congress to listen to a small, vocal, dedicated group of constituents. The guide is intended to be equally useful for stiffening Democratic spines and weakening pro-Trump Republican resolve.
We believe that the next four years depend on Americans across the country standing indivisible against the Trump agenda. We believe that buying into false promises or accepting partial concessions will only further empower Trump to victimize us and our neighbors. We hope that this guide will provide those who share that belief with useful tools to make Congress listen.
We know this because we’ve seen it before. The authors of this guide are former congressional staffers who witnessed the rise of the Tea Party. We saw these activists take on a popular president with a mandate for change and a supermajority in Congress. We saw them organize locally and convince their own MoCs to reject President Obama’s agenda. Their ideas were wrong, cruel, and tinged with racism— and they won.
We believe that protecting our values, our neighbors, and ourselves will require mounting a similar resistance to the Trump agenda — but a resistance built on the values of inclusion, tolerance, and fairness. Trump is not popular. He does not have a mandate. He does not have large congressional majorities. If a small minority in the Tea Party could stop President Obama, then we the majority can stop a petty tyrant named Trump.
To this end, the following chapters offer a step-by-step guide for individuals, groups, and organizations looking to replicate the Tea Party’s success in getting Congress to listen to a small, vocal, dedicated group of constituents. The guide is intended to be equally useful for stiffening Democratic spines and weakening pro-Trump Republican resolve.
We believe that the next four years depend on Americans across the country standing indivisible against the Trump agenda. We believe that buying into false promises or accepting partial concessions will only further empower Trump to victimize us and our neighbors. We hope that this guide will provide those who share that belief with useful tools to make Congress listen.

The Manistee County Democratic Party announces the Keynote Speaker for their 15th Annual Don Jennings Award Dinner is Michigan Supreme Court Justice Richard Bernstein. The Award Dinner will be held Saturday, September 8, 2018 at the Manistee National Golf and Resort.
Justice Richard Bernstein became the first blind justice elected to the Michigan Supreme Court in November 2014. With a commitment to justice and fairness, Bernstein began his 8-year term in January 2015.
Prior to being elected to Michigan’s highest court, Justice Bernstein was known as a tireless advocate for disabled rights as an attorney heading the public service division forThe Sam Bernstein Law Firm in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Blind since birth, Justice Bernstein is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Michigan and earned his juris
doctorate from Northwestern University School of Law.
Committed to taking action to help clients who needed him, Justice Bernstein’s cases often set national standards protecting the rights and safety of people with and without disabilities.
Bernstein previously served an eight-year term on the Wayne State University Board of Governors, elected by voters statewide, serving as its Chair from 2009-2010. He also served as an adjunct professor in the political science department at the University of Michigan.
Honors Justice Bernstein has rec eived nclude: “Michiganian of the Year” by the Detroit News, one of Crain’s Detroit Business’ “40 Under 40” and recognition on worldwide television by CNN as a leader in keeping government honest. He was selected by The Young Lawyers Section of the State Bar of Michigan as the 2003-2004 Regeana Myrick
Outstanding Young Lawyer Award recipient for outstanding commitment to public service and is the recipient of the 2008 John W. Cummiskey Pro Bono Award from the State Bar of Michigan in recognition of his leadership as an advocate and activist. Michigan Lawyers Weekly named Justice Bernstein a 2009 Leader in the Law, and the University of Michigan presented him with the James T. Neubacher Award in 2011 for his unwavering commitment to equal rights and opportunities for people with disabilities. Also
in 2011, L. Brooks Patterson, Michigan’s Oakland County Executive, selected Justice Bernstein as one of the region’s Elite 40 Under 40. In 2013, Justice Bernstein was inducted into the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.
In his spare time, Justice Bernstein is an avid runner, completing 18 marathons.
For further information or to make reservations for the 15th Annual Don Jennings Award Dinner on Saturday, September 8, 2018 at the Manistee National Golf and Resort, please contact Peggy Raddatz at 231-510-3726 or email [email protected]. There is a $5 discount for tickets reserved before August 24th.
Prior to being elected to Michigan’s highest court, Justice Bernstein was known as a tireless advocate for disabled rights as an attorney heading the public service division forThe Sam Bernstein Law Firm in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Blind since birth, Justice Bernstein is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Michigan and earned his juris
doctorate from Northwestern University School of Law.
Committed to taking action to help clients who needed him, Justice Bernstein’s cases often set national standards protecting the rights and safety of people with and without disabilities.
Bernstein previously served an eight-year term on the Wayne State University Board of Governors, elected by voters statewide, serving as its Chair from 2009-2010. He also served as an adjunct professor in the political science department at the University of Michigan.
Honors Justice Bernstein has rec eived nclude: “Michiganian of the Year” by the Detroit News, one of Crain’s Detroit Business’ “40 Under 40” and recognition on worldwide television by CNN as a leader in keeping government honest. He was selected by The Young Lawyers Section of the State Bar of Michigan as the 2003-2004 Regeana Myrick
Outstanding Young Lawyer Award recipient for outstanding commitment to public service and is the recipient of the 2008 John W. Cummiskey Pro Bono Award from the State Bar of Michigan in recognition of his leadership as an advocate and activist. Michigan Lawyers Weekly named Justice Bernstein a 2009 Leader in the Law, and the University of Michigan presented him with the James T. Neubacher Award in 2011 for his unwavering commitment to equal rights and opportunities for people with disabilities. Also
in 2011, L. Brooks Patterson, Michigan’s Oakland County Executive, selected Justice Bernstein as one of the region’s Elite 40 Under 40. In 2013, Justice Bernstein was inducted into the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.
In his spare time, Justice Bernstein is an avid runner, completing 18 marathons.
For further information or to make reservations for the 15th Annual Don Jennings Award Dinner on Saturday, September 8, 2018 at the Manistee National Golf and Resort, please contact Peggy Raddatz at 231-510-3726 or email [email protected]. There is a $5 discount for tickets reserved before August 24th.

All Ages Fund Raiser for Mike Taillard (Candidate for State Senate)
Date: April 28, 2018
Location : The Barn Hall - 3888 N Old US Highway 131
Cadillac, Michigan 49663
Click for full notice
Date: April 28, 2018
Location : The Barn Hall - 3888 N Old US Highway 131
Cadillac, Michigan 49663
Click for full notice

All Ages Fund Raiser for Mike Taillard (Candidate for State Senate)
Date: April 28, 2018
Location : The Barn Hall - 3888 N Old US Highway 131
Cadillac, Michigan 49663
Click for full notice
Date: April 28, 2018
Location : The Barn Hall - 3888 N Old US Highway 131
Cadillac, Michigan 49663
Click for full notice
Tim and Wanda Joseph traveled to Nigeria in January to participate in a work camp organized by the Global Missions and Services office of the Church of the Brethren and the Nigerian sister denomination, Ekklesiyar ‘Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN). On February 15, 7pm at the Manistee Dial A Ride Building, 180 Memorial Drive, Manistee for the Manistee Dems, they will present a report of their experience and share some reflections on life in a country where politicians are more interested in padding their pocketbooks than addressing the deep problems of their nation. Sound familiar? Tim and Wanda came away with many questions about the consequences for a nation when the rule of law is disregarded and when there is not the political will to ensure the safety and well being of the citizenry. They also came home with a deep appreciation for the beauty, resiliency, deep faith and courage of the Nigerian people.
A news report by Zakaria Musa of the EYN news service described the work camp: “This work camp brought together six American volunteers with as many as 300 Nigerian church members to begin the rebuilding of a church in Michika, Adamawa State, Nigeria that had been destroyed in 2014 by the Islamic Jihadists, called, Ahall Sunna Wa Lidda’awati wal Jihad, known as Boko Haram Terrorists. This is the place where the present EYN President was Pastor until 7th Sept 2014 when the church was attacked, killing some members, Assistant Pastor Rev. Yahaya Ahmadu was gunshot to the point of death and the entire church structures (Pastor's home, offices, schools, the church and properties, library, stores) were destroyed.
At the work camp, everyone, old and young Nigerians and Americans were engaged in doing something differently and encouragingly on the foundation laying, ranging from ground breaking, block molding, cement mixing, mason work, digging, watering, labor work, chalking, stones fetching and breaking, to offloading of blocks to mention a few of the tasks completed. There were others who, just like the Biblical Nehemiah, led rebuilding.”
Date: October 8, 2017
Time: 4:00 PM
Place: Tim and Wanda Joseph's Farm
11171 Kerry Road -- Brethren
Brats and Cider Served
Bring some apples to press
Bring a dish to pass
Bring your own Table Service
Bring a Friend!
Candidates from the 1st Congressional District to Speak
There will be MUSIC and
Lively Political Discussion
Questions? Call Tim (231)477-5381 or (231)690-7746
Time: 4:00 PM
Place: Tim and Wanda Joseph's Farm
11171 Kerry Road -- Brethren
Brats and Cider Served
Bring some apples to press
Bring a dish to pass
Bring your own Table Service
Bring a Friend!
Candidates from the 1st Congressional District to Speak
There will be MUSIC and
Lively Political Discussion
Questions? Call Tim (231)477-5381 or (231)690-7746
Annual Country Picnic
Date: September 17
Place: Manistee National Golf & Resort
Cost: $60.00
($55.00 before September 8th)
Keynote Speaker: Abdul El-Sayed
Michigan Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate
Cash Bar, Silent Auction
Place: Manistee National Golf & Resort
Cost: $60.00
($55.00 before September 8th)
Keynote Speaker: Abdul El-Sayed
Michigan Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate
Cash Bar, Silent Auction
Annual Don Jenning Dinner
2016 Manistee County Election Results
by Rick Schrock
Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton had one of the lowest performances ever seen in Manistee County for a Presidential campaign. She received only 39% of the vote here. Compare that to 57% for Obama in 2008 and 52% for Obama in 2012.
The presidential primary in March was an indicator of things to come. Trump stormed Manistee County with a 15% lead over his closest competitor in the Republican primary. Clinton was soundly defeated when she took only 40% of the vote in Manistee county while Bernie Sanders took 58% of the vote. Little changed for Clinton between the primary and the general election.
“Down ballot” Democratic candidates were overwhelmingly rejected by voters in Manistee County and across the country. As a result we will have single party rule in Michigan and in Washington DC. This is very bad news for the redistricting following the 2020 census.
A preliminary look at voting statistics seems to indicate we had three distinct groups of voters in 2016. We saw a new pattern of voters and that changed everything.
Every election both parties see their “base voters” show up. These are people with definite party preferences and consistently vote for members of their party. The numbers we see show those people showing up this year pretty much the way we expected. It appears that almost all of Clinton's support came from this group.
The second group of voters we saw were new faces. They were the “Trump surge”. These seem to include a lot of people who had given up on voting in the past, but were motivated to come out because of Donald Trump. It appears they voted for change and that meant voting against Democrats up and down the ticket. This created a huge tidal wave of Republican votes. This group was largely overlooked in polling predictions before the election.
The third group of voters are our old friends. These are Independents and ticket splitters who usually only vote in presidential years. Democrats normally love these people because they tend to reject the more extreme ideas of Republicans these days and lean towards more moderate Democrats. This is where Democrats typically pick up a lot of votes. These Independents create our margin of victory every four years. This year they surprised us. In overwhelming numbers they rejected Clinton and then split their tickets in various ways for other Democrats. As a party we failed to fully appreciate just how significant their anti-Clinton feelings were.
Ticket splitters rejected Clinton and then 9% of them turned around and voted for Dan Scripps. Ticket splitters rejected Clinton and then 11% voted for Meg Batzer. Meg had enough base voters in her Democratic leaning district to add to the ticket splitters to win easily. With such a low county wide base vote for Clinton the 9% ticket splitters voting for Scripps were not enough to counter the Trump surge. Almost every Republican on the ballot won due to the Trump surge.
Almost no Democrats can survive when our presidential candidate performs 16% below the Republican candidate in Manistee County. There are simply not enough Independent ticket splitters. All the voter analysis I see points to the presidential race determining the fate of the rest of the Democratic candidates.
There is good news. Democrats will still hold 3 of the 7 seats on the County Commission. Democrats also will hold the County Treasurer and the County Register of Deeds offices. Our continued power sharing at the county level is an indication of the fairly even split between Democrats and Republicans in Manistee County during normal elections.
Dan Scripps to Reprise his Run
Sept 14, 2015 [I'm e]xcited today to launch my campaign for State Representative for Michigan's 101st District, which includes Benzie, Leelanau, Manistee, and Mason Counties.We deserve better than what we're getting from our state government. While the legislature focuses on playing games and blaming one another instead of working together to solve problems, it’s no wonder that our roads are crumbling, local schools are squeezed, and more and more families feel that no one is listening to them. It’s time again to have a Representative that puts people first.
I’m running for State Representative to again give local families a voice in state government. For Northwest Michigan to succeed in this economy, we need a Representative who listens to local people and leads on the issues most important to them. From creating good paying, year-round jobs to investing in our schools to protecting our Great Lakes to fixing our roads and building the infrastructure of the future, I look forward to again representing the people and priorities of Northwest Michigan in the State Capitol.
Additional details around a series of coffee hours and town hall meetings will be released soon, but in the meantime, please Like this page to stay up to date on campaign activities and events. I'm excited to be in the race, and look forward to speaking with local residents, listening to your concerns, and again representing your priorities as your Representative.
I’m running for State Representative to again give local families a voice in state government. For Northwest Michigan to succeed in this economy, we need a Representative who listens to local people and leads on the issues most important to them. From creating good paying, year-round jobs to investing in our schools to protecting our Great Lakes to fixing our roads and building the infrastructure of the future, I look forward to again representing the people and priorities of Northwest Michigan in the State Capitol.
Additional details around a series of coffee hours and town hall meetings will be released soon, but in the meantime, please Like this page to stay up to date on campaign activities and events. I'm excited to be in the race, and look forward to speaking with local residents, listening to your concerns, and again representing your priorities as your Representative.
101st State Rep District
Alan Marshall 2016
Don Jenning Awardee
Dan Scripps on Education
By unanimous vote, Manistee County Democrats awarded the 13th Annual Don Jennings Award to long time Democrat Alan Marshall.
Marshall served for 10 years on the Manistee City Council and is currently serving on the Manistee County Board of Commissioners.
His nomination form stated he is “a true Red, White and Blue Democrat. Alan is always ready to help out and be a spokesperson for those who can’t speak for themselves. I know that he has taken concerns from his constituents and has tried to get results for them. The thing about Alan is that even if the complaint doesn’t come back with the outcome you want, it’s OK. If Alan handled it then you know that everything possible had been done.”
Another person stated Marshall truly cares about people and his community. He is a thoughtful watchdog, and is willing to ask the hard questions when others just want to rubber stamp decisions and go home. He gives of his time and energy generously to so many events and organizations in Manistee County.
Marshall will be stepping down from the political arena and retiring to take life a little easier.
The Don Jennings Award Dinner will be held with a social hour 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. Oct. 15 at the Little River Casino Resort and Conference Center. Tickets can be purchased by sending a check to P.O. Box 65, Manistee, MI 49660, or online at Manisteecountydemocrats.us or reserving tickets by email at[email protected].
For information, call Peggy at (231) 510-3726.
Marshall served for 10 years on the Manistee City Council and is currently serving on the Manistee County Board of Commissioners.
His nomination form stated he is “a true Red, White and Blue Democrat. Alan is always ready to help out and be a spokesperson for those who can’t speak for themselves. I know that he has taken concerns from his constituents and has tried to get results for them. The thing about Alan is that even if the complaint doesn’t come back with the outcome you want, it’s OK. If Alan handled it then you know that everything possible had been done.”
Another person stated Marshall truly cares about people and his community. He is a thoughtful watchdog, and is willing to ask the hard questions when others just want to rubber stamp decisions and go home. He gives of his time and energy generously to so many events and organizations in Manistee County.
Marshall will be stepping down from the political arena and retiring to take life a little easier.
The Don Jennings Award Dinner will be held with a social hour 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. Oct. 15 at the Little River Casino Resort and Conference Center. Tickets can be purchased by sending a check to P.O. Box 65, Manistee, MI 49660, or online at Manisteecountydemocrats.us or reserving tickets by email at[email protected].
For information, call Peggy at (231) 510-3726.
Ken Falk in Battle for Sheriff

For over 24 years, I have been employed with the Manistee County Sheriff’s Office. I have experience in most of the positions within the Sheriff’s Office. For the past eight years, I have been the Manistee County Emergency Manager.
I have written and have been involved with numerous grants, bringing over $100,000 to Manistee County for public safety. I brought the Wireless Emergency Notification System (WENS) to Manistee County.
I’m running for the office of Sheriff because I feel I know Manistee County’s strengths and weaknesses, when dealing with public safety issues. I will continue the professionalism the Manistee County Sheriff's Office gives to our community. I have lived in Manistee County almost my entire life and want to keep this community as safe and prepared as possible.
I have written and have been involved with numerous grants, bringing over $100,000 to Manistee County for public safety. I brought the Wireless Emergency Notification System (WENS) to Manistee County.
I’m running for the office of Sheriff because I feel I know Manistee County’s strengths and weaknesses, when dealing with public safety issues. I will continue the professionalism the Manistee County Sheriff's Office gives to our community. I have lived in Manistee County almost my entire life and want to keep this community as safe and prepared as possible.
Hillary for America Fellowship
This fall we are looking for individuals in Michigan who want to be a part of a historic opportunity to help elect the first female President of the United States, Hillary Clinton.
We are an organization whose motto is “Engage, Organize, Win,” and Hillary for America deeply values the empowerment of others through training, skill building and fellowship opportunities. Fellows will be trained on the basics of organizing and campaign fundamentals and then placed in a community to carry out grassroots activities. This eight-week program is designed to test, train and develop a new class of organizers, and to help the campaign expand our outreach efforts in communities across the country.
FELLOWS WILL BE ASKED TO COMMIT TO A MINIMUM OF 15- 30 HOURS PER WEEK AND WILL:
People interested in serving as Hillary for American Fellows should visit http://hrc.io/MI-fellows to apply.
Hillary for America seeks fellows on an equal opportunity basis. We are committed to diversity, and have the highest commitment to obtaining and retaining a diverse team of fellows. We believe every fellow has the right to work in an environment free from discrimination as is consistent with our commitment to diversity, respect, and inclusion.
Walt Herzig
Hillary for Michigan State Director
We are an organization whose motto is “Engage, Organize, Win,” and Hillary for America deeply values the empowerment of others through training, skill building and fellowship opportunities. Fellows will be trained on the basics of organizing and campaign fundamentals and then placed in a community to carry out grassroots activities. This eight-week program is designed to test, train and develop a new class of organizers, and to help the campaign expand our outreach efforts in communities across the country.
FELLOWS WILL BE ASKED TO COMMIT TO A MINIMUM OF 15- 30 HOURS PER WEEK AND WILL:
- Participate in training on field organizing, messaging, and other activities
- Organize in a community, working in conjunction with grassroots leaders and campaign staff
- Engage new potential volunteers through phone calls and canvassing
- Empower new voters by collecting voter registration forms
- Hold organizational meetings to recruit new volunteers and supporters in communities
- Use social networks to help amplify our message and to talk about the work that we do
- Continue to build the movement to help elect Democrats up and down the ticket this November
People interested in serving as Hillary for American Fellows should visit http://hrc.io/MI-fellows to apply.
Hillary for America seeks fellows on an equal opportunity basis. We are committed to diversity, and have the highest commitment to obtaining and retaining a diverse team of fellows. We believe every fellow has the right to work in an environment free from discrimination as is consistent with our commitment to diversity, respect, and inclusion.
Walt Herzig
Hillary for Michigan State Director
Glen Lottie 2015 Don Jennings Awardee

Glenn has led a long and productive life and Manistee County has benefited from Glenn’s community involvement since his retirement and move to Northern Michigan in 1998.
Glenn has been busy! He served on the Manistee County Commission, including Chair, the Soil Conservation District, the Spirit of the Woods Conservation Club, the Manistee Historical
Society, the Dickson School renovation project, and is still active in the Kaleva Lions Club. He has chaired the United Way and the
Manistee County Democratic Party.
In 2014, Glenn was prompted to run as a candidate for MI Senate District 35 because our Republican incumbent was not representing Northern Michigan citizens and our values. Although he didn’t win, Glenn’s presence in the election process brought Senator Booher “out of the woodwork “and he even visited the Manistee Democratic headquarters to meet Glenn.
Glenn’s comments at the League of Women Voters Candidate Forum was highlighted by a sincere, honest and heartfelt comment about his philosophy of life, “We have to keep fighting the good fight and let people know the truth.” With his wife Pat at his side, the citizens of Northern Michigan have benefited from Glenn’s caring, humble, and faithful service.
Glenn has been busy! He served on the Manistee County Commission, including Chair, the Soil Conservation District, the Spirit of the Woods Conservation Club, the Manistee Historical
Society, the Dickson School renovation project, and is still active in the Kaleva Lions Club. He has chaired the United Way and the
Manistee County Democratic Party.
In 2014, Glenn was prompted to run as a candidate for MI Senate District 35 because our Republican incumbent was not representing Northern Michigan citizens and our values. Although he didn’t win, Glenn’s presence in the election process brought Senator Booher “out of the woodwork “and he even visited the Manistee Democratic headquarters to meet Glenn.
Glenn’s comments at the League of Women Voters Candidate Forum was highlighted by a sincere, honest and heartfelt comment about his philosophy of life, “We have to keep fighting the good fight and let people know the truth.” With his wife Pat at his side, the citizens of Northern Michigan have benefited from Glenn’s caring, humble, and faithful service.
Can Democrats be Fiscally Conservative?
I was at a recent debate of local candidates for County Sheriff. In the Manistee County Sheriff race, there are two Republicans and our Democratic candidate, Ken Falk. All three were asked “How will your party affiliation affect the way you carry out your duties?” Ken and one of the Republicans stated that they would perform their duties without regard to party affiliation. This is a reasonable answer given the duties of our chief law enforcement officer. None of us want differential treatment based on politics.
Putting politics aside, I hope our next Sheriff manages the office with an eye toward Democratic ideals of social justice, equality, liberty, diversity, restorative justice, rehabilitation, and all of the rights and responsibilities included in our constitution. The County Sheriff can and should establish a culture within his or her department that promotes these ideals. Possibly these topic can be explored in more depth in the next debate.
The answer to this question from the second Republican candidate was a little more enlightening and much more concerning. He said he would be guided by Republican conservative values. His explanation centered on being fiscally conservative with taxpayer resources. Being fiscally prudent is laudable and promoted by Democrats. But the actions of prominent Michigan Republicans demonstrate that they have a much different definition of fiscal conservatism.
A closer look at Republican actions shows their policies have little to do with the public interest. Consider Governor Snyder’s decision to forgo payment of $150 per day to treat the water in Flint resulting in untold harm to children and millions of dollars in damages. Consider the Republican’s decimation of the Detroit Public School system resulting in further economic decline and poverty in Michigan. And look at the consequences of the Republican’s inadequate attention to our roads and infrastructure. All of these and more are examples of the Republican’s conservative fiscal policy designed to cut taxes for the rich while neglecting the needs of our middle class and lower income citizens.
Most Democrats especially in rural areas promote liberal views on social justice, equality, liberty, diversity, opportunity for all and the principles in our constitution. And Democrats also demand fiscal accountability from our public officials. Unlike many Republican officials, our brand of “fiscal conservatism” requires consideration of the consequences of failure to properly invest in the public interest.
Democrats recognize that budget cuts to slash taxes for the rich are much more expensive in the long run. Good outcomes from strategic investments in people and in infrastructure are much more effective than the short-term gains resulting from making government “smaller” at any cost. Our form of conservatism truly puts people first by investing in success for all and not just for a few. Based on this definition, it is not only possible for Democrats to be fiscally conservative but actually the prevalent position of most Democrats.
David Berns, Chair
Manistee County Democratic Party
I was at a recent debate of local candidates for County Sheriff. In the Manistee County Sheriff race, there are two Republicans and our Democratic candidate, Ken Falk. All three were asked “How will your party affiliation affect the way you carry out your duties?” Ken and one of the Republicans stated that they would perform their duties without regard to party affiliation. This is a reasonable answer given the duties of our chief law enforcement officer. None of us want differential treatment based on politics.
Putting politics aside, I hope our next Sheriff manages the office with an eye toward Democratic ideals of social justice, equality, liberty, diversity, restorative justice, rehabilitation, and all of the rights and responsibilities included in our constitution. The County Sheriff can and should establish a culture within his or her department that promotes these ideals. Possibly these topic can be explored in more depth in the next debate.
The answer to this question from the second Republican candidate was a little more enlightening and much more concerning. He said he would be guided by Republican conservative values. His explanation centered on being fiscally conservative with taxpayer resources. Being fiscally prudent is laudable and promoted by Democrats. But the actions of prominent Michigan Republicans demonstrate that they have a much different definition of fiscal conservatism.
A closer look at Republican actions shows their policies have little to do with the public interest. Consider Governor Snyder’s decision to forgo payment of $150 per day to treat the water in Flint resulting in untold harm to children and millions of dollars in damages. Consider the Republican’s decimation of the Detroit Public School system resulting in further economic decline and poverty in Michigan. And look at the consequences of the Republican’s inadequate attention to our roads and infrastructure. All of these and more are examples of the Republican’s conservative fiscal policy designed to cut taxes for the rich while neglecting the needs of our middle class and lower income citizens.
Most Democrats especially in rural areas promote liberal views on social justice, equality, liberty, diversity, opportunity for all and the principles in our constitution. And Democrats also demand fiscal accountability from our public officials. Unlike many Republican officials, our brand of “fiscal conservatism” requires consideration of the consequences of failure to properly invest in the public interest.
Democrats recognize that budget cuts to slash taxes for the rich are much more expensive in the long run. Good outcomes from strategic investments in people and in infrastructure are much more effective than the short-term gains resulting from making government “smaller” at any cost. Our form of conservatism truly puts people first by investing in success for all and not just for a few. Based on this definition, it is not only possible for Democrats to be fiscally conservative but actually the prevalent position of most Democrats.
David Berns, Chair
Manistee County Democratic Party

Don Jennings dinner honors local businessman
(Justine McGuire on October 19th, 2014 Manistee News-Advocate)
Toni Trucks, award-winner Lee Trucks, U.S. Sen. Carl Levin, D-Detroit, and Mary Trucks pose at the Don Jennings Award Dinner on Saturday. (Justine McGuire/News Advocate)
MANISTEE — The theme throughout the evening at the 11th annual Don Jennings Award Dinner on Saturday was to get people out to vote for the general election on Nov. 4.
Several notable Democrats gave speeches, including U.S. Sen. Carl Levin, D-Detroit, and award winner Lee Trucks.
“We have to focus on identifying voters and getting them to come out on Nov. 4,” Levin said. “Democrats don’t come out as much in off-year elections. If there’s a good turn out, we will win. Most of the people are with us on the issues.
“I cannot imagine Michigan electing a Republican to be my successor,” he added. “I want to sleep at night. When you get to be 80, it’s important to sleep.”
Lon Johnson, Michigan Democratic Party chair; Jerry Cannon, candidate for the U.S. Congressional 1st District; Tom Stobie, candidate for the Michigan House 101st District; and Glenn Lottie, candidate for the Michigan Senate 35th District, all talked about the need to mobilize voters.
The party is in the process of reaching out to registered voters who didn’t vote in the 2010 mid-term election.
Joanna Collins introduced Trucks who spoke last. She said he lives the Democratic values every day, especially supporting the American dream. She nominated Trucks for the award.
For the past 11 years, the Manistee County Democratic Party has honored the memory and work of Don Jennings, a local attorney who was an advocate and fighter for social justice and human rights throughout Manistee County and the State of Michigan.
It has been the tradition each year to honor a local citizen who has worked to further justice in the community and the world.
Trucks has lived in Manistee since 1977 when he and his brothers, Jon and Jeff, started Jackpine Quick Print, which later became Jackpine Business Center. He continues to work in that business today.
“From his time as a young boy in Baldwin, to his student time at the University of Michigan to a five-year call to service teaching in Nigeria, then earning his master’s degree, to his role as an administrator of child development, to his long career as a Manistee merchant, business owner and community activist, (Trucks) has always lived his values to uphold the principles of compassion, understanding, fair treatment for all human beings and to advocate for peace, just the way that Don Jennings lived his life,” Collins said.
Trucks took the podium to cheers and a standing ovation.
“We need to witness Democratic values everyday in our lives,” Trucks said near the end of his speech. “We, as Democrats, believe in economic and social justice. We need to live up to our values every day. We need to tell others that poverty and ignorance are not OK, that racist and sexist jokes are not funny, that all human beings have dignity and deserve our basic respect. I can’t say that I have been or will be perfect in living up to those ideals, but if there’s any reason that I’ve been given the Don Jennings Award, I hope it’s because I’ve tried.”
(Justine McGuire on October 19th, 2014 Manistee News-Advocate)
Toni Trucks, award-winner Lee Trucks, U.S. Sen. Carl Levin, D-Detroit, and Mary Trucks pose at the Don Jennings Award Dinner on Saturday. (Justine McGuire/News Advocate)
MANISTEE — The theme throughout the evening at the 11th annual Don Jennings Award Dinner on Saturday was to get people out to vote for the general election on Nov. 4.
Several notable Democrats gave speeches, including U.S. Sen. Carl Levin, D-Detroit, and award winner Lee Trucks.
“We have to focus on identifying voters and getting them to come out on Nov. 4,” Levin said. “Democrats don’t come out as much in off-year elections. If there’s a good turn out, we will win. Most of the people are with us on the issues.
“I cannot imagine Michigan electing a Republican to be my successor,” he added. “I want to sleep at night. When you get to be 80, it’s important to sleep.”
Lon Johnson, Michigan Democratic Party chair; Jerry Cannon, candidate for the U.S. Congressional 1st District; Tom Stobie, candidate for the Michigan House 101st District; and Glenn Lottie, candidate for the Michigan Senate 35th District, all talked about the need to mobilize voters.
The party is in the process of reaching out to registered voters who didn’t vote in the 2010 mid-term election.
Joanna Collins introduced Trucks who spoke last. She said he lives the Democratic values every day, especially supporting the American dream. She nominated Trucks for the award.
For the past 11 years, the Manistee County Democratic Party has honored the memory and work of Don Jennings, a local attorney who was an advocate and fighter for social justice and human rights throughout Manistee County and the State of Michigan.
It has been the tradition each year to honor a local citizen who has worked to further justice in the community and the world.
Trucks has lived in Manistee since 1977 when he and his brothers, Jon and Jeff, started Jackpine Quick Print, which later became Jackpine Business Center. He continues to work in that business today.
“From his time as a young boy in Baldwin, to his student time at the University of Michigan to a five-year call to service teaching in Nigeria, then earning his master’s degree, to his role as an administrator of child development, to his long career as a Manistee merchant, business owner and community activist, (Trucks) has always lived his values to uphold the principles of compassion, understanding, fair treatment for all human beings and to advocate for peace, just the way that Don Jennings lived his life,” Collins said.
Trucks took the podium to cheers and a standing ovation.
“We need to witness Democratic values everyday in our lives,” Trucks said near the end of his speech. “We, as Democrats, believe in economic and social justice. We need to live up to our values every day. We need to tell others that poverty and ignorance are not OK, that racist and sexist jokes are not funny, that all human beings have dignity and deserve our basic respect. I can’t say that I have been or will be perfect in living up to those ideals, but if there’s any reason that I’ve been given the Don Jennings Award, I hope it’s because I’ve tried.”