January 17, 2020 Your source for All Livonia news. All the time. All ways positive.
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| Wayne Kids Win ! But the ballot proposal should not be on the March 10th Presidential Ballot. |
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While taking a look at the elections scheduled for 2020 I had never thought about add-on elections as a part of the March Presidential balloting. The more I looked into it the more confused I became. And then I read a comment on the FridayMusings Detroit Institute of Art survey accusing the DIA of "
cherry-picking the Presidential primary election when turnout will be less than November, and skewed to a high Dem turnout," and I decided it took more research.
 Research turned out the potential of other ballot issues that tried to get on the March election date. And when the Wayne County Election Commission this past Monday unanimously voted to deny a ballot question for a committee titled Wayne Kids Win! which would place a new 1 mill tax before the voters to fund after school program I had to dig deeper yet to find out about this proposal.
Find out not only what additional balloting might be on the March election but what in the world is this Wayne Kids Win! and why had no one, or few anyway, heard about it or knew anything about it. The election is only 2 months away and nothing recent is out there
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Musings will try and keep you informed on the issues we will be addressing this year and the impact on our hometown.
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in public. And they were hoping to have it on the ballot in less than 2 months.
Some history first. Three years ago
Wayne County voters approved a 2-mill, six-year millage to provide funding for its school districts. Now here comes a group with another proposal dedicated to after-school programs and attempting to have it placed on the March 2020 ballot. Sounds good on the face of it. But now I am not so sure.
Campaign committee Wayne Kids Win! delivered almost 90,000 signatures, far more than the minimum 53,000 signatures needed, to the Wayne County Clerk's Office in December in the hope of being placed on the March ballot. The campaign hopes to increase access to after-school programs to youth across the county. Sounds great on the face of it but not after researching some more.
The Wayne Kids Win! campaign was set to officially kick off in January with a star packed committee including
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, Wayne County Executive Warren Evans, Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napoleon and DTE Energy President and CEO Jerry Norcia.
With the Election Commission turning down the proposal there could be a court challenge by the committee but a
s of now, the attorney for the Wayne Kids Win! ballot question committee has not petitioned for a legal remedy seeking to overturn the unanimous decision of the Wayne County Election Commission.
This will leave the 0.2 mill 10 year renewal of the DIA millage as the only county-wide proposal on the March 10 election. There are however 13 local municipal millages, bond issues or charter amendments also on the ballot. Fortunately there are none in Livonia.
But it is not over yet.
It is believed that the Wayne County Clerk's office personnel are continuing the required canvass of the approximately 90,000 signatures reportedly submitted on the petitions, which had not been completed at the time of the Election Commission meeting on Monday. It remains to be seen whether the almost 53,000 valid signatures that are required by the Wayne County Charter will be found, allowing for the required declaration of sufficiency. In that event, it also remains to be seen whether the petition will then be submitted to the Wayne County Commission for its consideration and possible adoption, as required by county charter procedures.
  There are a number of serious policy concerns associated with the proposed 8 section ordinance for the implementation and distribution of the approximate $42.5 million this new levy would raise annually, if passed, accompanying the new tax. If the Wayne County Commission has the opportunity to take this matter up in the near future, those issues will be vetted.
There was a resolution which was passed 9-3-2 opposing the placement on the March 10 ballot by the Wayne County Commission on Thursday, January 10. It was offered by Commissioner Glenn Anderson, seconded by Commissioner Terry Marecki, and it enjoyed unanimous support by the western Wayne County Commissioner delegation.
WHEREAS, in a letter dated December 16, 2019, to the Wayne County Clerk and Wayne County Election Commission, the Office of Commission Counsel communicated the position of the Wayne County Board of Commissioners that the Wayne Kids Win! Initiation of Legislation Petition is not eligible to be placed on the March 10, 2020 Presidential Primary election ballot due to legal concerns related to that committee's noncompliance with all applicable laws. In addition, there are numerous policy concerns with the proposed Initiation of Legislation Petition.
Now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Wayne County Commission on this 9th day of January 2020, does hereby authorize the Wayne County Commission Counsel to take all actions necessary to represent the interests of the Wayne County Board of Commissioners and protect the Wayne County Charter, including participation in a lawsuit, if any, on behalf of the Wayne County Board of Commissioners, related to the Wayne Kids Win! Ballot Question Committee's Initiation of Legislation Petition, including, but not limited to, the eligibility and placement, or not, of the Initiation of Legislation Petition on the March 10, 2020 Presidential Primary election ballot.
As the Resolution by the Board of Commissioners specifies, the county commission's attorneys delivered a letter to Wayne County Clerk Garrett and the Wayne County Election Commission on December 16th, indicating legal reasons why this proposal is not eligible for the March 10, 2019 Presidential Primary ballot, as sought by the petitioning committee.
With so many organizations seeking millage renewals and new taxes it is good to see some elected officials looking out for the taxpayers.
The shortfall on petition signatures, the objection by the Wayne County Board of Commissioners, the lack of adequate time, which may have been the plan all along by the ballot committee, and the piggy backing on the Presidential Primary are four solid reasons why this committee should follow an open and transparent process complying with Wayne County requirements in an attempt to put it on the November ballot. Not an election in which we should be concerned with who we will nominate for President of the United States.
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| Livonia excels in making room for youthful singers. Livonia Youth Choir Winter Auditions are here. |
 Does your child love to sing?
Girls and boys in 2nd through 8th grade are invited to Livonia Youth Choir's winter auditions! If your child is interested in learning to sing or getting better at singing, this is a wonderful opportunity for them.
If being part of a music or drama program in high school is a goal, this is a great way to get them prepared. Rehearsals are every Monday evening during the school year with a concert at Christmas time and a concert in the spring.
Winter Auditions are this coming Monday, January 20, 5:30 -- 6:30. Auditions take place at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 39020 Five Mile.
Livonia Youth Choir is a tuition-based, non-profit organization.
There are two levels, Lyric is the younger group and Bella Voce is the advanced group. Auditions are necessary for beginners to the choir only, once you're in you don't have to audition again until you're ready to fly up to the next level.
If you have any questions please don't hesitate to send us a message here at [email protected]!
Monday will be your child's favorite day of the week!
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| Who Am I? Thoughts offered up by Jonathon Wennstrom, Principal. Buchanan Elementary School |
It is with pleasure that FridayMusings shares some thoughts from Jon Wennstrom, written and posted January 7th, taken with permission from his blog, found at
JonWennstrom.com.
Jon is the principal at Buchanan Elementary School and is a member of the Livonia Rotary Club:
One of the most basic questions every child asks is "Who am I?" The answer is usually provided early on from parents sharing about their family, their heritage, and history. As an adopted child, I didn't have any of that information and was left for many years with the question of "Who am I?" remaining unanswered.
A couple of years ago, I resolved to seek an answer to that question. After a lot of work, I was able to obtain my original birth certificate (They are sealed when a child is adopted). Having only a name and birthday, I sought out to find my birth mother. As the new year began, I made a phone call to a person in Phoenix, Arizona, who could potentially be my biological mother. I got an answering machine and left the awkward message that I was born on July 7, 1972 in Chicago and I think she may be my birth mother and to call me if she would like to communicate with me. Nearly a week later, I received a return phone call. She told me that she knew this day would come eventually and was glad that I had reached out. For the next two years, we called each other on holidays and birthdays, but the conversations were always short and sometimes awkward. As the new year approached this year, I took a chance and offered to fly out to Phoenix to meet her if she was willing. She said yes!
On Friday evening, January 3, I got on a plane and flew from Detroit to Phoenix. I arrived at midnight and prepared to meet my mother for the first time. On Saturday, I called her house and asked where she wanted to meet. She said she would pick me up around noon and we would go to a park, where we could spend the day together and talk. Around 2:30 she arrived to pick me up. After an embrace, I asked if we could get our picture together to remember the moment. She explained that she had tried to gather the courage to walk out the door for several hours. I knew how she felt, because I was nervous as well. Both of us had been thinking the same thing all morning....What if I am a disappointment?
As we sat on the bench under the Arizona sun, I asked if I could write in a journal as I asked her questions, because my mind was so scattered, I wouldn't be able to remember a thing. She agreed and I asked questions ranging from her childhood and adult life, to the family history and our heritage, to the details of my adoption. I felt
 like a reporter getting information and it actually helped take some of the emotional stress off both of us. She then asked about my life and my adoptive family. During the visit, I shared a picture book I had made for her of my years growing up and a CD of music I had written and performed several years ago. She then shared with me pictures of herself through the years and gave me three stones that represented meaningful moments in her life. After several hours, we went to Olive Garden, where we enjoyed a meal together and continued our conversation. After the meal, we took another picture together, this one feeling much more comfortable with one another. She dropped me off at the hotel and I told her I would call her when I landed in Detroit the next day. I did and we agreed to continue visits each year.
Part of me was glad that it was such a whirlwind trip, with a return to school the very next day. It helped me process the experience, without too much downtime. What did I discover? I discovered a lot of facts about my biological parents and my heritage. I discovered that I really miss my parents who raised me and who have since passed away. Most importantly, I discovered the answer to the question, "Who am I?". I'm a person who is grateful for the blessings and people in my life. I'm a person who makes A LOT of mistakes, but wants to continually improve myself. I'm a person who now knows that who we are is not defined by our past, but by our hearts, our dreams, and our actions.
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Click on this image for all movie times at the Phoenix
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Musings follows our City Council
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Livonia City Council Study and Regular Meeting -
January 15, 2020
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Livonia City Council Study Meeting -
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| Livonia City Council Regular Meeting - |
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Musings reader survey results
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Mass Transit Survey Taken January 6-15
73.5% Yes
20.5% No
5.8% Undecided
DIA Survey Taken January 15 - 24
62.5% Yes
31.2% No
6.2% Undecided
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Musings follows the 2020 elections
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Joe Biden D
Michael Bloomberg D
Cory Booker D
Pete Buttigieg D
Julian Castro D
John Delaney D
Tulsi Gabbard D
Amy Klobuchar D
Bernie Sanders D
Joe Sestak D
Tom Steyer D
Elizabeth Warren D
Marianne Williamson D
Andrew Yang D
United States Senate
Gary Peters (D-I)
John James (R)
United States House of Representatives
Haley Stevens (D-I)
Whitney Williams (R)
Eric Esshaki (R)
Michigan House of Representatives
Laurie Pohutsky (D-I)
Martha Ptashnik (R)
Wayne County Commissioner
Terry Marecki (R-I)
Livonia Board of Education
Dan Centers
Karen Bradford
Tammy Bonifield
Crystal Frank
Clarenceville Board of Education
Matt Boettcher
Brenda Uren
Shari Krazel
Jeffrey Bunker
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January in Livonia
Dickerson Art Gallery will be presenting recent works from the following artists at the Bennett Civic Center Library during the month of January:
Durwood Coffey, Barb Gibson,
Mark Krecic, Jon Lange, Vic Leo,
Kay Masini,
Marcia Polenberg,
Ted Ramsay, Mireille Ripley,
Gwen Roth,Tim Tonachella,
Paul Zenian, and guest artist,
Danny Rebb
January 18
CLARENCEVILLE Senior All Night Party
BOWLING FUNDRAISER @ MerriBowl
January 18 @ 2:00 - 3:00
Congresswoman Haley Stevens Town Hall
Birmingham Unitarian Church
Special Education
January 18 @ 11:00 - 2:00
Franklin High School
PTA DADS Chili Cook-off
January 19 @ 1:00 - 4:00
January 20 @ 2:00
Livonia Historic Society @ Greenmead's Blue House
"Shanty Boys, Peaveys, and River Hogs-
Michigan's Lumbering Days"
January 23
Senior Center Book Club: Failures of Presidents
A Project of AlphaUSA
Moderated by Chuck Dardas and the typewriter
February in Livonia
February 1 @ 2:00 - 4:00 or 6:00 - 8:00
Daddy-Daughter Dance
Elk's Lodge 31117 Plymouth Road
For more information, call (734) 466-2900.
Co-sponsored by Livonia Elk's Lodge and
Livonia Parks & Recreation
February 1 @ 6:30 -- 9:30
Soup, Chili, Bread, Pierogies
Livonia Democratic Club
UAW Local 182
February 4 @ 6:30
Livonia Garden Club
Civic Park Senior Center
Tips for preparing for a flower show
February 7, 8, 9
Friends of the Livonia Library Used Book Sale
February 11
Nonviolence: The Way to Peace/ Colleen Mills
Livonia Citizens for Peace
Livonia Senior Center
February 12
Livonia GOP Lincoln Day Dinner
February 16 @ 3:00
Livonia Community Theatre
St. Paul's Persbyterian Church
February 16 @ 1:00
Cardboard Boat Races
Jack Kirksey Recreation Center
Registration begins on Monday, Jan. 6
February 22 @ 4:00
PASSPORT TO SCANDINAVIA
Livonia Symphony Orchestra
Clarenceville's Historic Louis Schmidt Auditorium
February 23 @ 4:30 - 8:30
The Ian Clemens 4th Annual Trivia Night
Hosted by The Ian Clemens Foundation
St. Mary's Cultural Center
February 29
The Arc of Northwest Wayne County
Laurel Manor
Ball for All Leap Year Fundraiser
March in Livonia
March 3 @ 6:30
Livonia Garden Club
Civic Park Senior Center
Four seasons of garden interest
March 14
33rd Annual Bowling for Braille Books
Novi Bowl Family Fun Center
March 21
@ 9:00 - 3:00
April in Livonia
April 7 @ 6:30
Livonia Garden Club
Civic Park Senior Center
Sustainable Food System
April 14
Today's Africa Through American Eyes
Dr. Peggi J. Tabor, PhD
Livonia Citizens for Peace
Livonia Senior Center
May in Livonia
May 5 @ 6:30
Livonia Garden Club
Civic Park Senior Center
Plant Legends and Stories
May 16 @ 9:00 - 10:00
Livonia Garden Club Plant Sharing Event
Greenmead Historical Park
Rain or Shine
Everyone is encouraged to come and take plants whether or not they have plants to share
May 17 @ 3:00
Red Wing Alumni v Livonia All Stars
Eddie Edgar Arena
June in Livonia
June 7 @ 3:00
Livonia Civic Chorus Spring Concert
Churchill High School Performing Arts Center
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Congratulations Erin Schrieber
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| The question is on the table: How will you vote on the Detroit Institute of Arts Ballot Proposal? |
The
Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) will seek another tri-county millage on the 2020 Presidential Primary ballot.
Voters in Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne counties passed a 10-year millage in 2012, which added around $23 million a year in funding to the museum. At the time, the DIA said it would not seek a renewal, but instead set up an endowment that could fund 60 percent of its $38 million annual operating budget.
The current 0.2-mill, 10-year property tax won't lapse until 2022, but the museum has decided to act during a presidential primary, rather than wait for an off-year ballot when its prospects might be dimmer.
The DIA says the new millage will allow the museum to continue to offer many of its services, educational opportunities, and admissions free of charge.
The endowment promised in 2012 has reached $230 million, however in 2014 it had to raise $100 million to prevent DIA artworks being sold during Detroit's bankruptcy.
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Musings readers share their thoughts
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On the Electric Charging Stations
Jacqueline Nicolas CPA: In regards to your article regarding electric station in Livonia, I don't recommend it. DTE might allow individuals to install electric stations in their garage. What will this do to the City electric stations?
The typewriter: agree about charging stations at home. DTE does offer incentives. I was thinking of people coming either from out of town or neighboring communities visiting Greenmead, city hall, Wilson Barn, school board.
It would provide a message that Livonia was a welcoming community for those with electric vehicles. B
ut I do appreciate you writing to disagree.
Jacqueline Nicolas CPA: Got it. I was thinking from the accounting, rate of return on investment, side when I sent you the email. It is always great to promote Livonia as a welcoming city for electric car users.
Tim Klisz: I'm in the front page of local Livonia news. We need to keep up with Westland and Novi and make public EV Chargers are reality in Livonia!
On the Electric Charging Stations-let the dialogue continue
Emily Ambrose Bauman: I didn't see mention of the 7 or 8 Tesla charging stations already in Livonia, in the Meijer parking lot on Middlebelt Rd, between Plymouth and Schoolcraft. I see them used frequently, and there is always 2-3 still available for more Teslas. This is an awesome location already in Livonia that can draw from more towns as well.
Timothy J. Klisz: Emily Ambrose Bauman we are aware of the Tesla supercharger station in Livonia which is the only of its kind in Wayne County. Unfortunately, it only works with Tesla vehicles. Since there are lots of non-Tesla EVs out there, the genetic charger stations are what DTE sponsors and can be used by all EV owners. This is what I was proposing for the city to install. Like Westland and Novi have already.
Emily Ambrose Bauman: thanks Tim--I was wondering if I was missing something, since the article began with a discussion around Teslas, not electric cars in general--that makes sense and yes, of course we need more charging stations since electric cars are our future, even if it is not a Tesla.
Timothy J. Klisz:
I'm very ready to work with the city and DTE to make EV Chargers a reality for many Livonia locations. Thanks Bill for starting the conversation!
On the DIA ballot proposal:
Peg Podnar: I'll Vote for the DIA. they should never have had to use that money to protect the art from the horrible bankruptcy declaration.
Anonymous comment on FridayMusings survey: I usually DO NOT support any new taxes such as regional transport nor Act 345 to fund police and fire retirements thru a special property tax mileage.....but I will support a .2 mill for the DIA because it is very low cost and it is something I will use.
Anonymous comment on FridayMusings survey: They have not kept faith with the voters who supported them in 2012- not only coming back for a renewal they promised not to seek, but doing so two years early, and also cherry-picking the Presidential primary election when turnout will be less than November, and skewed to a high Dem turnout.
On the Phase One Trade Agreement
Haley Stevens, United States Congresswoman: We cannot afford an ongoing all-out trade war with China. It is essential for us to level the playing field for our manufacturers and workforce. Wednesday's Phase One trade agreement allows us to reset the relationship with China and provides pathways for American competitiveness and success.
Before celebrating, we need to see this agreement enforced and followed up with a more substantive Phase Two to prevent the furtherance of harmful practices that damage our workforce and economy.
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Proud sponsor of the Detroit Red Wings v Livonia All-stars coming to town May 17, 3:00.
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| Time to register for Livonia baseball and softball |
LJAL (Livonia Junior Athletic League), an inductee into the 1835 Livonia City Hall of Fame, has been around since 1957 to provide children 8 to 17 who reside in Livonia & Clarenceville school districts the opportunity to play organized sports. They offer baseball, softball, basketball, football, cheerleading & lacrosse.
LJAL House Baseball & Softball registration for Spring 2020 season is open through March 22, 2020.
Please follow this
link, click
here
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Congresswoman Haley Stevens:
Protecting Older Workers against Discrimination Act
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 On Wednesday, Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed
H.R. 1230, the bipartisan Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act. According to the AARP, roughly 3 in 5 workers age 45 and older have seen or experienced age discrimination in the workplace.
"Older Americans face discrimination in the workplace every day, but it often goes unreported because current law makes age discrimination difficult to prove," said Congresswoman Stevens. "The Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act will restore and strengthen workplace protections for older adults at a critical time when Americans are staying in the workforce longer and as the number of age discrimination complaints continues to increase. I was proud to support this bipartisan legislation in the Education & Labor Committee and on the House floor to allow older Americans to reach their full potential in the workplace, which will have a positive impact on the whole economy."
Rep. Stevens also cosponsored a bipartisan amendment that was unanimously adopted to study how older adult women are adversely impacted by gender and age discrimination in the workplace or employment.
The Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act is supported by numerous key organizations, including AARP, Leadership Council of Aging Organizations, National Council on Aging, Justice in Aging, AAUW, Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities, American Association of People with Disabilities, Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund, National Disability Institute, Easterseals, National Partnership for Women & Families, National Women's Law Center, National Education Association, AFSCME, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, and Paralyzed Veterans of America.
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Penny Crider announces her campaign for State Representative
seeking the Republican nomination to oppose
incumbent State Representative Laurie Pohutsky |
FridayMusings will continue to be your source for election news including information about the candidates as they announce their candidacy. Today Musings provides information about Penny Crider taken directly from her website:
I'm Penny Crider and I'm excited about the opportunity to be your next State Representative for Livonia in District 19.
I have a deep love for this city. I was raised here, went to school here and have raised my family here. Very simply, Livonia is HOME. So why am I running for the District 19 House seat? I want to be the voice of this community who currently don't have a real voice in Lansing. I want to represent the majority of this community who want and expect someone to stand up for their values.
My personal motto for this campaign is 'FAMILY FIRST' and that's not how we're being represented today in Lansing by our Governor.
I am the daughter of parents that grew up during the great depression. Their experience in those tough times made my Mom and Dad very conservative, personally and fiscally, in the way they lived their lives. This traditional conservatism rubbed off on me. My father was a Combat Engineer in the United States Army and served his beloved country with the 32nd division "Red Arrows" in the Pacific Theater from the beginning of WWII (Feb, 1942 - Oct, 1945) through to the end. My Father's patriotism and love of country is also something I am proud to have inherited.
Though I was born a Yooper in Marquette MI, I grew up in metro Detroit, moving to Livonia as a young  child. I attended the Clarenceville Schools from my days at Edgewood Elementary through my graduation from Clarenceville High School. I meet my now Husband Ken while he was a junior at "C-Ville" High and we have been happily married for almost 35 years. Our one and only son attended Livonia Schools and carried on what is now a family tradition by marrying his high school sweetheart.
My initial career was to raise my son, a decision I will never regret. After twenty years of managing our household, I attended Madonna University for an accelerated course in medical billing and coding. But as fate would have it I had a chance meeting with my State Senator, Patrick Colbeck and I was hired right away to be his District Manager.
One of the many things I learned that will serve me well in this race is my interaction with constituents in the district and solving their problems. Those skills will serve me well as your next state representative.
This next chapter of my life will be dedicated to serving those who live in a city I love.
Principles
I have been a "small Government" warrior for all of my adult life with a history to prove it. I will fight to protect the US and State's Constitutions and fight to protect Life and Liberty. I understand that the Constitutions protect our God given Rights and that our Constitutions puts limits on the government not the governed
Experience
As an 2nd amendment activist in the 1990's I fought to make Michigan a "shall" issue state and have been a permit holder ever since. I have also been a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves, the unborn. I have been a Precinct Delegate, A Delegate to the National Convention, A District Manager to a State Senator, an Activist, a Wife to a Precinct Delegate, Proud Wife to a State Elector and a Vice-Chairman for the Wayne 11th CDRC. I proudly voted for Ronald Reagan in 1984 and I have been a Republican my entire adult life.
Most importantly I am one of you, I am a hard working, blue collar, life loving, CPL carrying, conservative christian, platform Republican, mom, wife and a Livonian, and soon to be your next State Representative.
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| Happy 100TH Birthday Alice Hosbeck |
Wayne County Commissioner Terry Marecki: Monday was a very special day as many gathered to celebrate Alice Hosback's 100th birthday. She is genuinely kind to everyone she meets and has a zest for life. Alice is a lifelong Livonia resident, and has been an active volunteer at the Civic Park Senior Center for many years. Happy 100th Birthday, Alice!
State Representative Laurie Pohutsky: Yesterday I had the opportunity to attend the 100th birthday celebration for Alice Hosback. It was wonderful to hear about her life and to be able to celebrate with her!
  
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| Infrastructure discussion comes to Livonia |
Click on this image to be taken to the registration page for this free event
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| February is nearly here and so are more theatre opportunities |
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Tickets are now on sale and they have added a matinee on Saturday.
This is in the Black Box theatre and only 100 seats are available!
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