July 31,2020 Your Source for Livonia Happenings
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Clarenceville set to have two new Trustees as two incumbents step down
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Livonia Public Schools may have a race shaping up with two challengers squaring off with the four incumbents. But that is not the case in the oldest school district in Michigan as Clarenceville will not have a campaign but will be seeing two new faces serving on the Board of Education.
Two incumbent Trustees are retiring. The two stepping down include Matt Boettcher, President of the Board, who was first elected in 1997 and Brenda Uren, Secretary of the Board, who was first elected in 2008.
Replacing Boettcher and Uren will be newcomers Pam Shroud (pictured left) who has two daughters, one just graduated and one will be a freshman this year, and Chris Kluesner (pictured below left), who has three children, one just graduated and he has two twins who will be Juniors this year.
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Matt Boettcher is an attorney employed with Plunkett & Cooney in Bloomfield Hills. He is a graduate of the University of Detroit and grew up in Livonia. Matt and wife Heidi have four children including three sons who are graduates of Clarenceville High School.
Brenda Uren is a graduate of Clarenceville and has lived in the district all her life. Brenda is employed as a manager. She and husband Jim have two sons, both graduates of Clarenceville High School. Volunteer activities include Botsford's Parent Teacher Organization board member, coordinator of the ABC craft shows and various other activities within the district.
Two other incumbents rounding out the field include Shari Krazel, Treasurer and Jeffrey Bunker.
With no campaign shaping up in Clarenceville attention in the hometown will focus on the Livonia Public Schools.
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Helping our hometown become acquainted with the candidates running for Trustee on the Livonia Board of Education
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Now that there is a campaign for Livonia Board of Education with six candidates having filed FridayMusings will be sharing comments by the candidates as they ratchet up the campaign in a difficult Presidential election year. Our school board candidates will be on the same ballot as our Presidential election. Today we are sharing comments from Dan Centers:
I am excited to announce my campaign for re-election to the Livonia School Board!
Since May of 2014, I have been serving our community on the Livonia School Board. Over those six years we have developed new programs, renovated all of our school buildings, lowered class sizes, added new sport offerings, and given our teachers a long overdue raise. This has been a tremendous challenge, but we accomplished it by working collaboratively and making decisions that put kids first.
Now, we are facing our largest challenge yet: keeping students and staff safe, while providing quality instruction. I have been working hard, assisting Senator Polehanki on the State of Michigan’s Return to Learn Committee, while also being a member of the Livonia Public Schools’ Return to Learn Committee.
Based on this current work, over six years of school board experience, and my time as a classroom teacher, I believe that I am the right person to continue to lead our district through these unprecedented times.
All candidates running for School Board are welcome to submit comments on issues facing our public schools. Other candidates include Crystal Frank (I), Karen Bonifield (I), Tammy Bonifield (I),
Madeline Acosta, and Nicole Hoskins Goudreau. 4 will be elected.
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The hot button race in Livonia is for the Republican
nomination for State Representative
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With the race for the Republican nomination for Congress not picking up steam or interest in Livonia there remains only one hot button race to follow for the upcoming election next week. It is on the Republican side of the ballot. State Representative.
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Republicans have a choice on August 4th in the race for State Representative. The winner will take on Democrat incumbent State Representative Laurie Pohutsky. A campaign that will be watched across the state and is already being targeted by Republicans who hope to win back a seat lost in 2018 when Pohutsky narrowly defeated Livonia City Councilman Brian Meakin.
FridayMusings has been following the Republican race, studying the endorsements, public statements and Facebook postings.
Regina Gargus, Penny Crider and Martha Ptashnik
are all on the face of it platform Republicans. Each are right-to-life, want to curtail spending and oppose any restrictions on guns. So the issue in deciding how and who to endorse comes down to how their message is being delivered, the style, content, and tenor of conversation.
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Gargus is an enigma. Her opposition to the state-wide shutdown is loud and vociferous, using language or sharing memes at times that stop short of a rational discussion. And then she will post some wonderful recipes and comment positively on individuals on the city council who are diametrically opposed to her political positions. No endorsements and with a shrill approach to stating her positions she can not be considered a serious candidate. I think she could offer some serious discussion on a number of issues if she was so inclined.
The race comes down to two wings of the Livonia Republican party. The first is the dominant paradigm of city politics that elected Jack Kirksey Mayor for 16 years. They have, with obvious connections in Lansing that appear to be tied in to the Michigan Republican Party with strong support of Lansing insider organizations. Past Mayor Jack Kirksey, Former Councilmen Jim McCann, John Pastor, Brian Meakin, John Walsh, current Treasurer Lynda Scheel along with current city councilwomen Kathleen MacIntyre, Cathy White and County Commissioner Terry Marecki have all endorsed Ptashnik. Add to that the Great Lakes Education Project, the major supporter in Michigan of for-profit charter schools, and you have a formidable candidate, who with little political experience is clearly in a position to win the nomination by creating an image of a well connected Livonia resident.
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Another wing of the local Republican scene brings a solid candidate who articulates positions that have been hers for years, especially having worked as the district representative for State Senator Patrick Colbeck during his two terms. Her endorsement by Lynn Mills, Livonia's outspoken advocate of the right-to-life movement in Michigan brings solid support to Crider. Add to that the endorsement of pro-gun advocates like Roger Little, owner of Shooters Service, and pro-business leaders like George Demopolous, owner of the Senate Coney Island and the grassroots organizing that has been her hallmark for the 8 years of service to Colbeck actually should make her the candidate to beat but with the Lansing lobbyist groups lining up with Ptashnik that advantage appears to have been taken away.
The last minute billboard countering an earlier billboard on racial profiling was a political bold move. Her TV coverage detailing the billboard reminded this observer of the last minute TV coverage by Rob Donovic in the City Council race that may have given him a boost in narrowly winning the 4th and last council position. Many political insiders called the billboard "brillant."
Both Ptashnik and Crider received the endorsement of Right-to-Life of Michigan. Always a key endorsement in any primary. Look to those voters aligning with Mills to help get out the vote for Crider.
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But the candidate who will bring the best campaign if not the most money from outside organizations against Pohutsky in November is Martha Ptashnik.
Ptashnik is a Churchill school teacher supported by organizations wanting more of the public school money provided to for-profit charter schools. Pohutsky is a trained scientist supported by environmental groups wanting her continued support for clean water. Ptashnik by virtue of her endorsements supports for-profit charter schools. Pohutsky supports our historic Public Schools. Pohutsky is for a woman's right to choose. Ptashnik adopts the position of right-to-life. A serious debate could be had on a number of issues if the outside groups would hold off on the massive mailings and let the candidates run a local campaign. Don't count on it.
Ptashnik has waged a positive, marginally issue-oriented campaign based on a headline approach to the issues. A headline without the substance of the issue. She will need to move more to specifics on issues to expect to win in November. Her strength as a public school teacher, support from those who know and have led Livonia in the past give her the advantage and should, if she is allowed to run her own campaign based in Livonia and not out of Lansing, could give Livonia a state representative race for the ages.
Martha Ptashnik has shown that she deserves your vote in the Republican primary for State Representative on August 4th.
We shall see how the endorsements fall in November as we see how the campaigns shape up. It should be a good one.
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Friday Business Suggestion
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Built-By-A-Girl, LLC is a Livonia based company offering services including but not limited to flooring, painting, tiling, and general home repairs. They work with clients primarily in Wayne County and southern Oakland County.
The typewriter has used and was most satisfied with Built By a Girl's work at the Musings Estate. Have them scheduled for another project soon.
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All Summer long enjoy the culture of Livonia
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August in Livonia
1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Wilson Barn Farmers Market
4
Primary Election--vote early and often by taking a neighbor to the polls
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Sinjon Smith
Music from the Heart
13
Devin Scillian and Arizona Sun
Music from the Heart
17
2020 Golf Outing Benefitting MiWorkMatters @ Idyl Wyld Golf Course
17 & 19
School Supply Drive
@ Journey Church, 31100 Plymouth Road
20
Jupiter of Cruz
Music from the Heart
22
Grab and Go Backpack and Supplies
Details coming up in Musings August 3
27
Cosmic Groove Band
Music from the Heart
30
The ARC NW 2020 Golf Outing
Fox Creek Golf Course
31
St. Baldrick's 10th Annual Shave-a-thon
One Under @ 12:00 -- 5:00
September in Livonia
5, 12, 19, 26
Wilson Barn Farmers Market
12
Thomas A. Dooley Knights of Columbus Golf Classic @ Fox Hills $100 includes dinner and prizes. To sign up call John Glennon 734-968-2286 or Lou Fiorentino 248-808-3834
October in Livonia
1
1835 Livonia City Hall of Fame
Rosedale Presbyterian Church
Presenting Sponsor: Dan MacIver Financial & Portfolio Advisors
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Thoughts and musings on Friday from our some readers, neighbors and friends
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Karen Bradford, Livonia School Trustee:
I want to thank you for your endorsement of me as a candidate again for School Board. I really appreciate it especially during this crazy time. We have a lot of hard work and difficult decisions to make on behalf of our students and families. I believe I have the skills and experience to do this for another 4 years.
(I look forward to meeting up with you and Crystal Frank next week for the best iced green tea outside of Ann Arbor. The Tuscan outdoor cafe.)
Sherry Klisz:
Bill thank you for sharing My Little Free Library post. That was very kind of you. I have been getting tons of donations with the Library situation. Our neighbors are pleased we are convenient source of books.
(It was the perfect picture to kick off our weekly feature. A Smile for Livonia.)
Richard Woltman:
Hopefuly, F/B and other social media sites are not the final arbiters of vexing social issues and questions. School Supplies Drive. GREAT IDEA!
Bill Heaton:
Your introduction in today's Musings is a very good approach - speak the positive,
silence the negative.
Dave Spivey:
Thank you for the ongoing work you do in Friday Musings and your support for a growing, healthy and inclusive Livonia. It makes a difference. Your quote from Margaret Wheatley is spot on. To paraphrase my Mom, "Reflection isn't for the faint of heart." Stay strong and positive.
(
Congratulations on the birth of your first grandchild. Kai Spivey.)
Robin Henke:
I for one certainly support your right to only report on the good, I do not think I am alone in looking to you for the larger picture. Perhaps in time you will reconsider. Or at least invite me to lunch for an occasion al chat.
(I will call your bluff. Lunch it is. Pick the day. And thanks for the kind note.)
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House Passes Congresswoman Haley Stevens-Led Bill to Create $50 Billion Child Care Stabilization Fund,
Including $1.4 Billion fo
r Michigan
Without adequate support, Michigan could lose 121,264 licensed child care slots, 41% of the child care supply
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This week the House of Representatives voted to pass H.R. 7027, the Child Care is Essential Act, legislation introduced by Rep. Haley Stevens (MI-11) alongside Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03), Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), and other House and Senate Members.
The Child Care is Essential Act would create a $50 billion Child Care Stabilization Fund and invest in child care so that providers across Michigan have the resources they need to safely reopen. Without adequate investments in the child care industry, families across the country will be unable to return to work.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, child care providers are figuring out how to support families while keeping children and staff safe. Nearly all child care providers are serving fewer children than usual, if they are open at all. On average, providers are serving 67 percent fewer children now than they were prior to the pandemic, significantly reducing their revenue. At the same time, providers are required to implement enhanced health and safety protocols that carry significant costs. Many states require that providers regularly do deep cleanings and disinfecting, which can add several hours of work each week. Even more costly are new limitations on classroom sizes.
Without adequate support from the federal government Michigan could lose 121,264 licensed child care slots, approximately 41% of the child care supply. The $1.4 billion Michigan would receive from the Child Care is Essential Act would help child care providers stay open, keep employees on payroll, and safely operate under new guidelines.
“We cannot talk about reopening our economy without having a conversation about how families will care for their children,” said Rep. Stevens. “Child care providers in Michigan and across the country are facing serious challenges, with many providers shut down or operating well under capacity for the duration of the pandemic. I was proud to introduce the Child Care is Essential Act in May, and even more proud to cast a vote for this important legislation today. We need these businesses to stay afloat, both to provide safe and affordable child care for frontline workers right now and to ensure that child care services will be available to families as our economy reopens. With this $50 billion investment, our nation can take a step toward safely reopening and rebuilding our economy.”
“Families need assurance that as they return to work, high-quality child care centers are available to them. During the pandemic, our sector has seen an unprecedented number of child care centers closing their doors. We thank Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI) and her colleagues for their efforts to prevent the collapse of the sector, as we work to ensure a safe and healthy learning environment for children.” – Mark Bierley, CEO, Learning Care Group
“The bipartisan passage of the Child Care Is Essential Act sets the stage for crucial negotiations on a COVID-19 recovery package that will determine whether the child care industry can survive this economic crisis. We are grateful to Congressional leaders like Congresswoman Haley Stevens for prioritizing the dire needs of America’s child care providers, who say they cannot remain in business without significant financial relief.” said First Five Years Fund Executive Director Sarah Rittling.
In May, Congresswoman Stevens sent a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy calling on Congress to establish a Child Care Stabilization Fund, similar to what was funded for the K-12 system as part of the CARES Act, to provide dedicated assistance that meets the unique needs of child care providers.
The Child Care is Essential Act includes:
- Stabilization grants for personnel costs, sanitation and cleaning, training and other goods and services needed to maintain or resume operation of the child care program.
- Support for child care workers. This bill requires employers to keep child care workers on payroll at the same compensation level as pre-COVID as a condition of receiving stabilization grant funds.
- Support for working families by requiring providers to relieve families of copayments or tuition.
- Promotion of health and safety through compliance with public health guidance.
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Regardless of what school will look like
let's use August to either donate supplies
or head out to pick up some supplies
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Will you partner with Journey Church to help set up our students for success?
No matter what back-to-school looks like this fall supplies will still be needed. In the classroom or at home the students still have work to do. And, you can help!
They are collecting the following items:
Notebooks, Pencils, Pens, Rulers,
Hi lighters, Crayons, Glue Sticks, Folders
Mark your calendar now and start collecting those school supplies
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