HCHS Vice Chair (Acting) Elected

HCHS Vice Chair (Acting) Elected

We are pleased to announce that the long-vacant Vice Chair position has been (almost) filled!

At the December business meeting, Lois Gemignani stepped up to be nominated for this position, and was unanimously accepted by the membership.

Filling an executive position,according to the HCDP bylaws, requires a 2-week advance notice to the Executive Committee, so a formal vote will be taken by attending Executive Committee members at the January meeting to confirm Lois' election, but we will be very happy to fill this seat. Welcome Ms. Gemignani!

Training Available for Those Interested in Running for Office

Are you interested in, or curious about running for local office? 2024 is right around the corner so the time is now to act on that interest. Please know that if you have questions about running for any office in Houghton County we’d be happy to help. Just email us at [email protected].

Last week we told you about the Michigan Township Association’s handy guide to understanding and running for township offices.

This week we want to make you are aware of two events coming in January from the National Democratic Training Committee (NDTC). Both events are geared to those considering a run for office.

So You Want to Run for Office

On January 8th at 1PM the NDTC is is hosting this Zoom based training session. The training aims to help you: understand the steps necessary to run for office; explain best practices for choosing which office to run for; identify what support you’ll need; and prepare you for sharing your decision to run with your family and friends. You can learn more about this training event, and sign up to attend on this NDTC event page.

Running in a Red District

On January 9th at 1PM the NDTC is hosting this Zoom based training session. This training walks you through the essential considerations of running for office in a red area. With a special emphasis on precinct prioritization, you’ll walk away with more confidence in reaching out to potential Democratic voters. You can learn more about this training event, and sign up to attend on this NDTC event page.

Michigan Democrats Protecting Our Democracy

Last week in our “At the Capital” item we highlighted Governor Whitmer’s signing of an historic package of Voter Rights bills. As citizens our vote is our primary direct means of participating in our democracy. It’s well worth understanding what our Democratic legislators have done for us citizens with this legislation. The below comes from the newsletter of the Washtenaw County Democrats, who have provided a great summary.

Public Service Commission Approves Line 5 Tunnel Project

In the latest step in the slow-moving saga of Enbridge’s Line 5 pipeline, the Michigan Public Service Commission has approved the company’s plan to encase a portion of the pipeline running through the Straits of Mackinaw in a “protective” tunnel. The approval came on Friday, Dec. 1st, despite overwhelming public comment against the project. The three person Commission voted 2-0 to approve, with the newest member abstaining.

Rep. Greg Markkanen joined a group of Republican legislators celebrating the approval. You can learn more about the Commission’s approval in this article from WDET.

The commission’s approval does not necessarily mean the tunnel project will go forward. The next approval is up to the Army Corps of Engineers. The process for that approval is not expected to reach completion until at least 2026. The state’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy had previously approved the plan (in 2021). And there are even more i’s to be dotted and t’s crossed by Enbridge, as detailed here.

Governor Whitmer revoked Enbridge’s easement under the Straits in 2020, but the company has ignored the deadline to shutdown. Attorney General Dana Nessel filed a lawsuit to void the easement in state court. A federal appellate court is reviewing whether the case belongs in state or federal court.

The Houghton County Democratic Party is opposed to the continued operation of Line 5 and urges you to take action to remove the threat posed by the pipeline running through the Straits of Mackinac.

Holiday Shopping - Our Meme of the Week

Looking to support good paying American jobs? This holiday season you may be able to do just that and get your holiday gift shopping done at the same time.

Our Meme of the Week comes from the Facebook account of the AFL-CIO who celebrate the launch of their latest holiday gift guide.

“We've launched our biggest union-made holiday gift guide EVER—there's something for everyone.

Check out our full guide at aflcio.org/MadeInAmerica/holiday-gifts!“

At the Capitol

• While our legislature continues their holiday break (the 2024 session begins January 10th), take time to reflect and savor the progress our state has made in the last year with this look back by Susan J Demas - How Michigan Became the Progressive Powerhouse of the Midwest. MORE: Michigan Advance

Around the State

• We try to stay focused on the positive work done by Democrats, but we’ve had occasion to comment here before on the growing disarray in the Michigan Republican Party. It’s hard not to pay attention when the level of chaos is as high as it has been this year. Now it seems that Kristina Karamo, the state Republican Party chair, may not be in her position for much longer as her party grows more and more dissatisfied with the lack of fundraising and perpetual infighting. MORE: MLive

HCDP Monthly Meetings: First Wednesday of each month. Potluck at 6 PM, Meeting at 7 PM. In the conference room at the Houghton Super 8, and by Zoom (starting at 7 PM).

NEXT MEETING: JANUARY 3RD

Community Events

TUES 12/7

This month's regular meeting of the Houghton County Board of Commissioners is this afternoon at 4 PM in the Conference Room on the fifth floor of the Houghton County Courthouse. Find more information on the Board's webpage (find the Microsoft Teams virtual meeting info in the Agenda).

WED 12/13

The Houghton City Council meets at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday. The Meeting Agenda can be found in the Searchable Document Center of the Council's website.

Wednesday is also the 386th Birthday of the National Guard. The National Guard trace their roots back to the first milita established in North America. On December 13th, 1636, the Massachusetts General Court in Salem issued an order requiring all able-bodied men between 16 and 60 years old to create a standing army for protection.

The Guard is considered a reserve service, and is unique in that Guard members swear allegiance to both the US Constitution and that of their state. Learn more about the history of the National Guard here.