Our local LWV will be holding its annual meeting on June 20. Although some of the meeting will be devoted to business items, nonmembers are welcome to attend. You will hear a review of our activities, an idea of what we will be doing the coming election season, and hear from our Deputy Secretary of State Aghogho Edevbie. Please consider joining us.

The Commission has its own webpage at cityofdearborn.org/chartercommission and includes information about its nine commissioners (and how to contact them), the meeting schedule, minutes of the meetings, and information about how to access live meetings through Zoom and Facebook.

Next meeting scheduled is Wednesday, June 5, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.

The City of Dearborn is preparing to make key updates to its Master Land Use Plan, a policy document used by elected and appointed community leaders to guide land-use decisions across the city including those impacting transportation, development, recreation, the economy, natural resources, and arts and culture. Read here for more information, Click here to sign up for updates.

Here is LWVDDH's Position on Dearborn's City Planning:

DEARBORN CITY PLANNING

A. PLANNING PROCESS

1. Citizens should participate in the planning process.

Citizens should be independent and strong members of the City Planning Commission involved in determining goals for the Master Plan and plans for local neighborhoods.

2. Education of the public toward an understanding of city planning and the Dearborn Master Plan is important. The Zoning Board of Appeals and the City Plan Commission should work together, perhaps as part of the same department.

B. MASTER PLAN

1. There should be a Master Plan that is a meaningful, vital part of the total community planning process [incorporating universal design principles]

2. A Master Plan should be developed that has goals in all major areas, including:

a. Transportation, both public and private

b. Commercial development

c. Natural environment

d. Cultural recreation for all ages

e. Public facilities of all types

f. Historic preservation

g. Multi-unit housing

h. Convalescent and retirement facilities

i. Neighborhood community concepts reflecting current situations

j. These goals cannot be static but should change and should be adopted by the City Council.

3. The Master Plan should be developed from input secured from persons in many areas.

4. Zoning should be coordinated closely with the goals of the Master Plan. A public official should have the responsibility for seeing that this is done.

Here is link to other the local positions.

Community conversations are a chance to discuss the issues facing our state with your legislator. Rep. Erin Byrnes will be holding her next Fireside Chat on Monday June 17 at the John F. Kennedy Jr. Library Fireplace from 2 - 3 p. The library is located at 24602 Van Born Road in Dearborn Heights.

FINAL SENATE REMEDIAL PLAN (from 5/8 on) Check here for more information.

June 6—Host a Virtual Public Hearing (10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. and 5:00-7:30 p.m.)

June 11—Host a public hearing in metro Detroit. (10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., lunch from 12:30-1:30 p.m. and 4:00-7:00 p.m.)

June 12—Host a public hearing in metro Detroit. (10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., lunch from 12:30-1:30 p.m. and 4:00-7:00 p.m.)

June 13—Host a public hearing in metro Detroit. (10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., lunch from 12:30-1:30 p.m. and 4:00-7:00 p.m.)

June 20—Commission Meeting (10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.)

June 21—Public Comment Period Closes

June 24—Senate Maps Deliberation (10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. and 4:00-7:00 p.m.)

June 25—Senate Maps Deliberation (10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., lunch from 1-2 p.m.)

June 26—Senate Maps Deliberation (10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.)

June 27—Senate Map due to the U.S. District Court

July 5—Plaintiffs file any objections to the Senate plan with the court.

July 12—The defendants’ responses to any objections by the plaintiffs. The Reviewing Special Master submits his report of the Commission’s work.

July 19—The parties may each file briefs commenting on the Reviewing Special Master’s report.

July 26—The court will adopt a remedial Senate districting plan.

Join us for the Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission's Millennial Roundtable, an engaging and interactive event aimed at empowering the voices of young adults in the redistricting process. This roundtable will provide millennials with a unique opportunity to share their perspectives, ask questions, and learn more about how fair and transparent district maps can shape the future of our state.

June 5, 6;30 pm, Live on IG, FB, YouTube

Register at https://rb.gy/bzjp12

During the event, Commissioner Anthony Eid will discuss the importance of redistricting, outline the commission’s efforts to ensure fair representation, and gather input from attendees on how to best address the needs of diverse communities. Whether you're passionate about civic engagement, interested in political reform, or simply want to make sure your community is fairly represented, your participation is vital.

In addition to the panelists above, Alyson Grigsby, Education Program Manager at Voters Not Politicians will join the panel.

Come and be a part of this important conversation, and help shape a fairer, more inclusive Michigan. Your voice matters! #ShowUpSpeakUp

Michiganders of all ages can apply for a chance to see their design on an official “I Voted” sticker handed to voters at the polls this year. Learn more and submit your design today at Michigan.gov/IVotedSticker.

ENTRY CATEGORIES

• Elementary/Middle School (K-8)
• High School (9-12)
• General Entry (open to all Michiganders)

CONTEST RULES

• Designs must be completed using official entry form and must be submitted by Sun., June 30, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. 
• Designs MUST include the phrase “I Voted” AND be nonpartisan in nature.
• Artwork must be original, non-AI generated, and not contain copyrighted or trademarked designs.
• A maximum of two entries per person will be allowed.
• 

FINALISTS, WINNERS, AND ORDERING

• Finalists will be selected via online voting open to the public on this page. Voting will occur throughout the month of July.
• Winners will be announced in August and will receive special recognition from Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.
• Winning stickers will be available for election clerks to order for the November election.

Michigan Business United for Elections will help educate citizens about their voting rights, encourage employees to participate in elections

MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. – Today at the 2024 Mackinac Policy Conference, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson was joined by Detroit Regional Chamber CEO Sandy Baruah and Michigan business leaders to launch a new collaboration supporting our state’s safe and secure elections. Michigan Business United for Elections is a nonpartisan, diverse coalition of business leaders from all over the state committed to engaging and informing Michigan voters in the 2024 election cycle.

“I’m proud to announce a partnership with the Detroit Regional Chamber, rallying business leaders as trusted voices to make sure Michigan voters can easily vote and have confidence in our elections in 2024," Secretary Benson said. “A civically engaged business community is the key to a strong and healthy democracy. And a strong, healthy democracy is necessary for a thriving economy, like the one we’re growing in Michigan today and building for the future. Today is just the beginning – we’re inviting all Michigan business leaders to step up and join us.”

“The stability of our society and the strength of our democracy is necessary for businesses and their employees to thrive,” said Sandy K. Baruah, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Detroit Regional Chamber. “The Chamber has been a staunch defender of democracy and is proud to partner with Secretary of State Benson on this initiative. As trusted voices in our community, businesses have an important role to play in supporting democracy and encouraging their employees to participate in the 2024 election regardless of whom they vote for.”

“The Detroit Pistons are active participants in the election process and encourage citizens to exercise their right to vote,” said Arn Tellem, Vice Chairman for the Detroit Pistons. “We are proud to support the Michigan Department of State by making the pledge to offer employees paid time off to vote on Election Day, provide nonpartisan voting information, and encourage our employees to volunteer their time during the upcoming elections.”

"We understand that busy schedules can create challenges on Election Day which is why we feel it is our responsibility to provide the flexibility to make voting easier," said Rachel Stewart, CEO of Gardner White. "As an organization deeply committed to community, this is an opportunity to support our team in an impactful way while encouraging civic engagement."

Michigan Business United for Elections partners have committed to three things in 2024:

• Ensure employees have time off to vote during the early voting period or on Election Day;
• Promote nonpartisan voter education information, including how to register, and the options Michigan voters have to cast ballots;
• Encourage employees to serve as poll workers during the August Primary Election and November General Election.

Secretary Benson and the coalition members invite all Michigan business leaders to join their work to support safe and secure elections – learn more at Michigan.gov/Biz4Elections. 

For information about Michigan’s elections, visit Michigan.gov/Vote.

Ipsos 2024 U.S. National Elections Survey, May 2024.

New Ipsos polling finds political preferences correlate with consumer preferences for household items or services, consumption patterns, and financial products or services. 

New Statewide Poll: Perception-Reality Gaps Point to 'Era of Misinformation, Across Economy, Education, and Democracy / Detroit Regional Chamber. Poll of 600 registered Michigan voters conducted between May 1-5, 2024. Read here.

The Wolves of K Street: The Secret History of How Big Money Took Over Big Government by Brody Mullins. 2024.

"A dazzling and infuriating portrait of fifty years of corporate influence in Washington, The Wolves of K Street is a masterpiece of narrative nonfiction—irresistibly dramatic, spectacularly timely, explosive in its revelations, and absolutely impossible to put down."

Diminished Democracy: From Membership to Management in American Life by Theda Skocpol, 2003.

"Pundits and social observers have voiced alarm each year as fewer Americans involve themselves in voluntary groups that meet regularly. Thousands of nonprofit groups have been launched in recent times, but most are run by professionals who lobby Congress or deliver social services to clients. What will happen to U.S. democracy if participatory groups and social movements wither, while civic involvement becomes one more occupation rather than every citizen's right and duty? In Diminished Democracy, Theda Skocpol shows that this decline in public involvement has not always been the case in this country-and how, by understanding the causes of this change, we might reverse it."

The Great Abolitionist: Charles Sumner and the Fight for a More Perfect Union by Stephen Puleo, 2024.

"The groundbreaking biography of a forgotten civil rights hero".

Wayne County residents can take advantage of free Household Hazardous Waste Days in 2024, sponsored by Wayne County. All events are open 8 am - 1 pm.

June 29 - Henry Ford College, 5101 Evergreen, Dearborn

August 31 - Westland Shopping Center, 35000 W. Warren Rd.

October 19 - Wayne County Community College, Taylor

A partial list of acceptable items: Paints, stains, dyes; floor wax, floor care products, carpet cleaners; pharmaceutical waste (non-controlled substances); antifreeze, motor oil gasoline, automotive batteries,; cell phones, telephones; and smoke detectors, fire extinguishers. A partial list of UNACCEPTABLE items: Refrigerators, microwaves, ammunition, guns, tires, shingles, and concrete.

Welcome to the Little Black Dress Empowerment Expo - where bold, thriving, and purposeful women come together to celebrate empowerment!

Join us on Sat Jun 08 2024 at Robichaud High School in Dearborn Heights for a day filled with inspiration, networking, and empowerment. A little black dress is not required. This event addresses health & wellness under the symbol known for freedom, independence and strength - the little black dress. Get ready to connect with like-minded women. This event is all about embracing your strength, owning your voice, and stepping into your power. Don't miss out on this opportunity to be connected with a community of fierce and fabulous women! Click here for more information and to register. This is a free event to the public but registration is required. Event is presented by the local Top Ladies of Distinction chapter.

Littlefield Action for Social Justice will be moderating a panel discussion on Saturday, June 15th, 6-8 pm at City Hall Artspace. The panelists include Dearborn residents Dr. Julia Kapilango (H2BE founder), DeJuan Bland (Lead Organizer for MOSES), and Deborah Fair (Past President of the Michigan Black Presbyterian Caucus). following the panel, there will be time for Q&A, light refreshments and music curated by H2BE.

June 5 - World Environment Day

June 19 - Juneteenth

June 20 - LWVDDH Annual Meeting

Check our website for more calendar items.

The League of Women Voters Dearborn-Dearborn Heights is a member organization with affiliation with LWVUS and LWVMI. Membership dues run from July 1- June 30. Dues are $70.00 for individuals, $105.00 for households, and $10.00 for students . To join or renew online, please go to www.lwvddh.org and click "Join/Renew" on main page.  An application form can also be found there and can be mailed to LWVDDH, 120 N. Military, Dearborn MI 48124.  Please make check payable to League of Women Voters Dearborn-Dearborn Heights. Thank you.

Alicia Mazurek, Co-President

Jennifer Oliver, Co-President

Karen M. Jones, Vice-President

Colleen Kurecka Kim, Treasurer

Geraldine Grunow, Secretary

Mariam Bazzi, Director

Geri Biggs, Director

Betsy Cushman, Director, Voter Services Co-Chair

Laura Dudgeon, Director

Mary Jo Durivage, Director, Membership Coordinator

Marlyne Kilbey, Director, Allegria Village Liaison

Connie Mitchell, Director

Jennifer Teller, Director, Assistant Treasurer

Barbara Wallace, Director