April 2007

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=90 BGCOLOR="#0000BF" TEXT="#F7F7FF" bgproperties="fixed" background="044005a0exvipq.gif"> <div> <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#FFCC33" FACE="Copperplate Gothic Bold" ><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Eastside Republican Club"><U><B>Home</B></U></A><B>  </B><B> </B></FONT><B>  | </B><B> </B><B> </B><B>  </B><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Copperplate Gothic Bold" ><B>Eastside Republican Club</B></FONT></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="erc_meeting_dates.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Events"><U><B>Events</B></U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="eastside_republican_review_summary.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="ERC Review"><U><B>ERC Review</B></U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="michigan_s_13th_district.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Congressional District News"><U><B>Congressional District News</B></U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="civic___governmental_links.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Links"><U><B>Links</B></U></A><B>   |   </B><A HREF="erc_officers.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="About Us"><U><B>About Us</B></U></A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=124 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <bR> <div> <B>April 2007</B></div> <div> <A HREF="link_to_michigan_gop.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Michigan Republicans"><U><B><IMG SRC="05358580.gif" border=0 width="88" height="88" ALT="Michigan GOP" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <A HREF="april_2007_review_m.htm#anuzis" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="April 2007"><U><B>Anuzis says</B></U></A><B>...</B></div> <div> <A HREF="april_2007_review_m.htm#district_13" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="April 2007"><U><B>District 13 News</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="april_2007_review_m.htm#gaffney_on_taxes" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="April 2007"><U><B>Gaffney on Taxes</B></U></A></div> </td> <td valign="top" height=390 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <bR> <div> <B> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="77" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 89 ><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="12234d530.gif" border=0 width="77" height="83" ALT="Eastside Republican Review" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></B></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="top_of_page_1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Copperplate Gothic Bold" ><I><B>Eastside Republican Review</B></I></FONT></div> <div> <I><B>A Publication of the Eastside Republican Club</B></I></div> <bR> <div> P. O. Box 361025     Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan 48236     (313) 886-3785</div> <bR> <div> Web Site - <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="www.eastside-republican-club.org" TARGET="_top" TITLE="www.eastside-republican-club.org"><U>www.eastside-republican-club.org</U></A></FONT></div> <div> ________________________________________________________________________</div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B>April 2007</B><B> <A NAME="miller"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> <div> <B>THE CHAIRMAN'S MESSAGE</B></div> <div>  Julie Corbett, Chair ERC</div> <div> I would like to thank all the members of the Eastside Republican Club (ERC) for electing me as your chair. Like many other political or civic organizations, the ERC has a number of different activities ours being specifically to inform our constituency and continue grassroots efforts to move positive legislation forward and elect the finest candidates to represent us.</div> <div> <IMG SRC="14e89de80.jpg" border=0 width="157" height="232" ALT="Julie Corbett" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="4" VSPACE="2"><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >A current grassroots movement gaining popularity is the Michigan Fair Tax. The February ERC Forum featured Ron Babin who spoke expressly about the advantages to the state of Michigan if this legislation is passed. The MiFairTax would replace Michigan's current complex and unfair tax system with a simple retail sales tax. It would eliminate current sales tax, personal income tax, single business tax, personal property tax, the six mills state education tax on business and sales tax on all business- to-business purchases.</FONT></div> <div> Supporters claim that it would significantly lower the cost of goods and services produced in Michigan by removing the cost of business taxes and tax compliance costs that are hidden in today's prices. It would make Michigan products more competitive with foreign products and return jobs to Michigan while providing a more stable revenue source raising the same amount of money for Michigan government. It would dramatically lower tax rates for lower and middle-income Michigan residents using monthly “prebates” to offset the sales tax on all purchases up to the poverty level. If you desire more information, log onto <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://mifairtax.org/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://mifairtax.org/"><U>mifairtax.org</U></A></FONT> on the Internet.</div> <div> Speaking of the Internet, many of you are probably watching with interest the evolution of the presidential campaign strategies. Of the major declared candidates, those who have moved aggressively to the Internet are Senator Barack Obama, former Senator John Edwards, Senator John McCain, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, and former Massachusetts Governor, Mitt Romney. Former New York Mayor, Rudy Giuliani's web project HumanEvents@HumanEventsOnline.com invites friends who make up their mind early to join Team Rudy. McCain's people are attracting web watchers by posting picks for the NCAA men's basketball tournament; <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="www.impact.myspace.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="www.impact.myspace.com"><U>www.impact.myspace.com</U></A></FONT> links all the major candidates' MySpace sites. Mitt Romney supporters can go to <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="www.mittrommey.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="www.mittrommey.com"><U>www.mittrommey.com</U></A></FONT> for the latest.</div> <div> The Middle East will be controversial and most likely the key issue.</div> <div> My son, Major John Gregory Corbett, USMC, forwarded a message from Lt. Col. James W. Wiecking, USMC, summarizing the status of the Iraq situation. He claims the while there is much work to be done, there are encouraging signs of progress on the fourth anniversary of the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom. A democratically elected government operating under one of the most progressive constitutions in the Arab world has replaced the regime of a brutal dictator. He claims that Iraqi security forces are stepping up to take control of their country's security and continue to gain strength and are fighting alongside coalition forces operating nine national police brigades. The 31 Iraqi Army brigades total almost 329,000 members. Nine of the 10 Iraq Army divisions are taking the lead in their areas of operation and three of Iraq's 18 provinces have acquired full responsibility for their own security.</div> <div> Lt. Col. Wieking states that, “Our new strategy builds on what has proven to work and corrects for what has not worked in Iraq. It specifically accounts for the heightened levels of sectarian violence seen over the course of the past year and is designed to help Iraqis defeat extremists from all communities and provide the space necessary for advancing meaningful political reconciliation.” What remains to be seen is how the presidential candidates will address the issues. As we move forward toward the upcoming local and national elections, local issues remain a serious concern. Sam Logan, publisher of the <I>Michigan Chronicle</I> addressed the ERC in March and discussed the outlook of Detroit. The April ERC Forum speaker will be Jim Nicholson, CEO PVS Chemicals. The topic of his talk will be, “Detroit Moving Forward.” Our June ERC Forum speaker will be Nolan Finlay, writer for <I>The Detroit News</I>.</div> <div> On May 30, 2007, United States Congressman, Thaddeus G. McCotter will be the keynote speaker of the ERC PAC's annual reception and dinner at Sinbad's Restaurant. In June the ERC picnic is planned and Forums will resume in the fall with Larry Reed, President of the Mackinac Center speaking September 18, 2007, followed by Scott Romney in October. The October forum may also host candidates for local school board elections. State Representative Ed Gaffney will give a legislative update in November.</div> <div> Finally, let me express my thanks and gratitude to Marti Miller, past ERC chair, for outstanding leadership over the past two years. I am also grateful for the assistance she is giving as I gradually attempt to lead as gracefully as she.</div> <div> <A HREF="#top_of_page_1" TITLE="April 2007"><U>back to top of page 1</U></A><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > <A NAME="top_of_page_2_1_1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></FONT>                                                                                                           <A HREF="#top_of_page_1" TITLE="April 2007"><U>back to top of page 1</U></A></div> <div> <IMG SRC="14e9bb1c0.jpg" border=0 width="187" height="284" ALT="James Nicholsoln, CEO of PVS Chemicals, Detroit" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="4" VSPACE="2"></div> <div> <B>JIM NICHOLSON TO ADDRESS APRIL ERC FORUM</B></div> <div> James B. Nicholson, CEO of PVS Chemicals in Detroit and 1996 Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, will address the ERC on Tuesday, April 17, at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial.</div> <div> Titled “Detroit: Moving Forward,” Nicholson's remarks are expected to present his optimistic perspective on the future of Detroit and Southeastern Michigan. Nicholson is president and chief executive officer of PVS Chemicals, Inc., an international manufacturer, distributor and marketer of chemicals and related environmental services.</div> <div> Headquartered in Detroit since its founding in 1945, PVS employs 850 people worldwide, including the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Europe and Asia. Before joining PVS in 1972, Nicholson held international positions with The First National Bank of Chicago in London, England, and Dublin, Ireland.</div> <div> Nicholson is chairman of the board of LaSalle Bank Midwest, N.A., and the Amerisure Companies, and a member of the boards of the Handleman Company and Cooper Natural Resources. He is chairman of the board of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, The Futures Foundation, and the Huron Clinton Metroparks Foundation. He chairs the Detroit metropolitan area's Tourism Economic Development Council, and is a member of the executive committee of the board of Detroit Renaissance.</div> <div> Nicholson is a current member and past chairman of the boards of the Wayne County Airport Authority, and Detroit Public Television. He is past chairman of the boards and a current advisor to The Michigan Chapter of the Nature Conservancy, and the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit. He also serves on the boards of the McGregor Fund, the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, the Parade Company, Digital Detroit, The Futures Foundation, Michigan Colleges Foundation, and the Detroit Economic Club. In addition, he is a member of the council of the graduate school of business at The University of Chicago.</div> <div> In 1965 Nicholson earned his BA in Economics from Stanford University and in 1967 his MBA from the University of Chicago. The next year he received a Master of Science in Economics from the London School of Economics.</div> <div> A Detroit native, Nicholson and his wife, Ann, reside in Grosse Pointe Farms.</div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="14eb8dfc0.jpg" border=0 width="141" height="252" ALT="U.S. Congressman Thad McCotter" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="6" VSPACE="2"></B></div> <div> <B>CONGRESSMAN THAD McCOTTER</B></div> <div> <B>TO HEADLINE 2007 PAC DINNER</B></div> <div> Lita M. McKeehan, chairman of the Eastside Republican Club Political Action Committee, has announced U.S. Congressman Thaddeus McCotter, as guest speaker for the P.A.C.'s annual fundraiser to benefit local candidates.</div> <div> The event is set for 6 p.m., Wednesday, May 30, 2007, at Sindbad's in Detroit. Congressman McCotter represents the 11th District of Michigan, a suburban district of Detroit that includes portions of Western Oakland and Western Wayne Counties. As a 30-year resident of Livonia, McCotter has represented portions of the 11th District for over a decade, first as a Schoolcraft Community College trustee, a Wayne County commissioner, a Michigan State senator, and now as the District's U.S. Representative.</div> <div> In November 2006, McCotter was elected by his colleagues to serve as chairman of the Republican House Policy Committee, a leadership position once held by former Pres. Gerald Ford. McCotter also serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Budget Committee.</div> <div> Elected in 2002 to the 108th Congress, McCotter serves on the International Relations Committee, Committee on Small Business and the Budget Committee. In addition, Thaddeus' leadership experience and legislative record led to his appointment as an assistant majority whip. In the Michigan Senate, Thaddeus served as the assistant majority floor leader, and earned a reputation as a tax-cutting, fiscal conservative. In 1999, the Senate majority leader appointed McCotter to chair the Senate law revision task force where his work helped to repeal over 50 arcane Michigan laws. Prior to becoming a State Senator, Thaddeus was elected in 1992 to the Wayne County Commission, where he was the driving force behind an amendment that required approval by two-thirds of commissioners to put a new tax on the ballot, and 60% voter approval to pass the tax.</div> <div> Thad has received numerous awards for his leadership and legislative achievements, including the “Legislator of the Year” award from the Police Officers' Association of Michigan, the “Municipal Achievement” award from the Michigan Municipal League, the “Outstanding Michigander” award from the Michigan Jaycees, and Crain's Detroit Business named McCotter to its 1995 “40 Under 40” list of prominent local figures under 40 years of age.</div> <div> A graduate of Redford's Catholic Central High School, McCotter was a first team all-Catholic football player. In 1987, he graduated <I>summa cum laude</I> with honors from the University of Detroit where he later earned a law degree before being admitted to the bar in 1991.</div> <div> Reservations are required for the event. For more information call Tom McCleary.</div> <div> <A HREF="#top_of_page_2_1_1" TITLE="April 2007"><U>back to top of page 2</U></A> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > <A NAME="top_of_page_3_1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></FONT>                                                                                              <A HREF="#top_of_page_1" TITLE="April 2007"><U>back to top of page 1</U></A></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="anuzis"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B><IMG SRC="124ba0fa0.jpg" border=0 width="160" height="250" ALT="State Chairman, Saul Anuzis" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="6" VSPACE="4"></B></FONT></div> <div> <B>OPINION: HOW WOULD DEVOS</B></div> <div> <B>HAVE SOLVED BUDGET CRISIS?</B></div> <div> Saul Anuzis. Chairman of the Michigan Republican Party</div> <div> In the budget crisis, I am asked daily what the Republicans would do differently from what Gov. Jennifer Granholm is proposing. It got me thinking: If Dick DeVos had been elected governor, you would see a much different message coming from the Executive Office?</div> <div> Here is what I think DeVos would have done: immediately freeze all new state spending, including hiring. Until we have the crisis figured out, the state will not spend a penny more than it spent last year and will look for ways to cut costs dramatically. We can figure out how to live within our means in a $41.5 billion budget.</div> <div> Issue an executive order that state employees can no longer receive both a pension and a state salary. Along these same lines, he would have eliminated all unnecessary government positions. He would conduct a thorough review of each state department, looking for duplication and waste. Sign the recently introduced House legislation that requires immediate reporting if a department is going to go over its appropriated budget allotment and fire those responsible for overspending. Government, like Michigan residents, must live within its means. He would have fired the director responsible for the budget, not reward such behavior by making that person his chief of staff.</div> <div> Allow for the competitive bidding of teacher health care benefits, saving the state more than $400 million without losing ANY benefits. Require a 10 percent across-the-board cut for all state departments in their operating budgets, saving at least $26 million. Work with the Legislature to immediately reform Medicaid to allow for healthy living incentives, saving the state $240 million. Review eligibility requirements to stop the ever expansion of Medicaid recipients as a not-so-subtle way to nationalize health care.</div> <div> Create a new business tax that is fair, clear and rewards success. Raising taxes on business or individuals is not acceptable. Michigan cannot tax our way out of this recession. No other government in history has ever done that. Lead by example. Rather than spend money traveling the state to ask people what they think government should do, ask the Legislature and policy experts in government to stay in Lansing until the crisis is resolved. Rather than traveling to Japan and Germany, meet with Comerica, Pfizer and other existing companies to ask what we can do to keep them here and help them expand. Maintain open lines of communication with Michigan corporations so the governor is not the last to know when a company is thinking about leaving.</div> <div> Stop any further spending of the “21st Century Jobs Fund.” The fund is being reviewed by the Michigan Senate to determine the fund's effectiveness and whether it has been misused.</div> <div> Follow the lead of Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard and allow for competitive bidding of prison food. In Oakland County, it has saved $1.6 million per year. If the results are there, look at doing similar competitive bidding for other areas of government food service. Granholm is quick to say Republicans need to offer alternatives; we have, and we will.</div> <div> Dick DeVos wouldn't need to travel the state to see what he should do. He would lead Michigan. And it is time Granholm does.</div> <div> <B> <A NAME="gaffney_on_taxes"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B><IMG SRC="124f8cd40.jpg" border=0 width="140" height="212" ALT="Rep. Ed Gaffney" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="6" VSPACE="2"></B></div> <div> <B>STATE LEGISLATIVE UPDATE</B></div> <div> Representative Ed Gaffney has been busy working on his legislative agenda to benefit the First District and all citizens of Michigan. State budgetary discussions have taken most of the legislature's time and energy during the first three months of session.</div> <div> In the midst of the state budget crisis and a deficit of more than $900 million, House Republicans are fighting to protect Michigan residents from the burden of higher taxes and to ensure respect for taxpayers' hard-earned dollars. While the Governor along with the Democratic House and Republican Senate leadership continue to scramble to solve the state's long-term budget woes, it appears at this time the Governor's proposed 2 percent service tax is dead. Meanwhile, the Senate has passed the Governor's Executive Order, which provides for a $34 per pupil cut in funding to schools for the end of the 2007 fiscal year. Other budget cuts are also in the Senate-passed bills.</div> <div> Representative Gaffney continues to pursue legislation, which would provide tax reform to facilitate the sale of homes. His House Bill 4215 provides for a 2nd homestead tax exemption for a vacant home that remains on the market up to 3 years. The measure is intended to ease the property tax burden on persons who buy a home and have trouble selling their former residence. This bill is expected to be taken up by the House Commerce Committee and is favorably poised to pass the full House.</div> <div> He also supported the passage of House Bill 4440, which provides for an 18-month moratorium to exempt home purchasers from the pop-up tax. The bill is intended to give the real estate market a much-needed shot in the arm. This bill is currently in the Senate Finance Committee where hearings on the issue have begun.</div> <div> House Republicans are working on a package of bills of their own to bring relief to Michigan property tax payers. The House Republican plan would prevent an increase in tax rates when home values decrease. Included in the plan is a “supercap” on property tax increases by limiting or prohibiting increases in the taxable value of a home when the market value of that home increases by less than inflation; the measure establishes a Homeowners' Bill of Rights to ease the burden on Michigan taxpayers; and a mechanism to reduce the amount a property's taxable value increases when sold and equalize tax rates across communities. The legislative bills are expected to be introduced soon.</div> <div> Rep. Gaffney has been named chair of the Legislative Lawyers Caucus. The caucus is a bi-partisan group of 17 lawyers in the House of Representatives and 5 in the Senate. The group analyses and discusses legislative of particular interest to the legal community.</div> <div> Representative Gaffney has several bills that are ready for action in the House, including House Bill 4132, which would keep poisonous lead jewelry out of the hands of children. The House Health Policy Committee has begun discussions on the issue and it is expected the bill will be voted out of committee in the upcoming weeks.</div> <div> If you have any questions or concerns you wish to share with Representative Gaffney you can contact the office by mail at P.O. Box 30014 Lansing, MI 48909, by email at <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="edwardgaffney@house.mi.gov " TARGET="_top" TITLE="edwardgaffney@house.mi.gov "><U>edwardgaffney@house.mi.gov</U></A></FONT>, or by phone toll free at 1-888-254 -LAW1 (5291).</div> <div> <A HREF="#top_of_page_3_1" TITLE="April 2007"><U>back to top of page 3</U></A> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > <A NAME="top_of_page_4"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></FONT>                                                                                                          <A HREF="#top_of_page_1" TITLE="April 2007"><U>back to top of page 1</U></A></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="406" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="VOID" RULES="NONE" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 379 ><NOBR><div> <B><IMG SRC="14ee90740.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="372" ALT="Sam Logan, center, publisher of the Michigan Chronicle, is greeted by Thomas R. McCleary, Jr., ERC vice chairman, at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial March 20. Looking on is Michigan Court of Appeals Judge Christopher Murray who led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=BOTTOM HEIGHT= 55 WIDTH="400"><div> <B>Sam Logan</B>, center, publisher of the <I>Michigan Chronicle</I>, is greeted by Thomas R. McCleary, Jr., ERC vice chairman, at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial March 20. Looking on is Michigan Court of Appeals Judge Christopher Murray who led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <B>PUBLISHER CALLS FOR CIVIC VISION</B></div> <div> <B>RECOGNIZES KEY ROLE OF EDUCATION</B></div> <div> “It is time to look forward,” declared Sam Logan, publisher of the <I>Michigan Chronicle</I> newspaper, in his remarks at the ERC Forum on March 20.</div> <div> Thomas R. McCleary, Jr., ERC vice chairman, introduced Logan saying, “Sam is a key spokesman for the community of Detroit who contributes to the community by serving on nine boards.”</div> <div> Among the community organizations Logan serves are the Michigan Historical Commission, New Detroit, Detroit Historical Society, the Detroit Chamber of Commerce, Detroit Women League, NAACP, and CMU Scholarship Fund.</div> <div> Logan's business interests include ownership in the parent company that produces <I>Michigan FrontPage, Chicago Defender, New Pittsburgh Courier, Memphis Tri-State Defender</I>, as well as Detroit's <I>Michigan Chronicle</I> with its headquarters in Detroit. The <I>Chronicle</I> has been published since 1936 and today offers an online edition at <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="www.MiChronicleOnline.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="www.MiChronicleOnline.com"><U>www.MiChronicleOnline.com</U></A></FONT>.</div> <div> <I><B>Logan's Prescription for Progress</B></I></div> <div> With confidence in the city's future, Logan stated, “Detroit is a sleeping giant. “One of our problems is a lack of vision. We spend too much time looking backwards. My perception is that it is time now to look forward.”</div> <div> Logan promised the audience he would give them the opportunity to ask him questions, but wanted to first pose some of his own about the City of Detroit.</div> <div> He began by asking, “Where are the leaders?”</div> <div> <IMG SRC="14f396d90.jpg" border=0 width="150" height="217" ALT="Publisher Sam Logan" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="6" VSPACE="2"><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >As an example, he noted, “Before the Super Bowl, the City was working together, but after the Super Bowl, the talk turned negative again.” Logan added, “People went right back to the same thing: negative, negative, negative. But positive begets positive!”</FONT></div> <div> To emphasize the positive, Logan was quick to remind his Forum audience, “There are more new houses and condos being built in the City of Detroit than at any time in the last 30 years.”</div> <div> Calling for unselfish civic leadership, Logan said, “Somebody has to take the lead. There are too many in it for their own greed. Detroit is not going to move too far and fast until we make each citizen number one.”</div> <div> Logan expressed his strong belief in education, including voter education. Referring to the politics of Detroit public schools, he said, “They must get away from merely playing a game, and take action to improve the City of Detroit -- education is the key.”</div> <div> Instead of viewing the school system as the solution to the community's need for education, he lamented, “Too many see DPS as a cash cow.” It should be about the education, not about who gets the contracts,” he said.</div> <div> Referring to DPS failures that have been the subject of <I>Michigan Chronicle</I> scrutiny, Logan urged greater accountability as a necessary remedy. Logan predicted, “There are going to be some changes at the School Board.”</div> <div> Logan said that from his own experience, when mothers and fathers talk about where they want to live, they always ask one question, “How are the schools?”</div> <div> In addition to improved education, he urged greater civic participation.</div> <div> Although there are many civic-minded Detroiters, he observed there are still too many good people who will not stand up for their values. “They remain covert instead of overt,” he said.</div> <div> In response to a question from the audience about today's Detroit leadership, Logan commented, “Mayor Kilpatrick is not the same person that he was when he was first elected.”</div> <div> Logan complimented the Mayor saying, “He has learned a lot. He thinks differently. He's done a good job with what he has to do with, considering all the circumstances.”</div> <div> Speaking about a more efficient municipal structure, Logan asked, “Do we need nine City Council members? That's the same number of members as when Detroit population was nearly two million.”</div> <div> <I><B>Today's Political Reality</B></I></div> <div> Logan said that in the early days of the Republican Party, the Black community supported the Party of Lincoln. But, he explained, “We got brainwashed after the New Deal.”</div> <div> As a result, he said today's Democrats expect to receive 90% of the votes coming from the Black community in any contested election. He asked rhetorically, “Where is the leverage when we give one party all the vote?”</div> <div> Speaking as a newspaperman with decades of community experience, Logan observed, “The majority of Black people are conservative!” Logan then asked a second rhetorical question, “Is the Republican Party conservative?”</div> <div> “It's not that complicated,” he exclaimed. Logan said that continued GOP inroads are possible if perceptions can be changed. Ticking off a list, Logan said, “The perception is that Republicans are all rich. The perception is they favor big business. The perception is they are not to be trusted. Sometimes perceptions are stranger than reality!”</div> <div> <I><B>Building Urban Support for the GOP</B></I></div> <div> Then Logan outlined a possible action plan for Republicans.</div> <div> He challenged the audience saying, “Send a message to my people.” Tell them, “When you have the power, you have to know how to use it. Understand the rules -- politics is about allies.”</div> <div> The newspaper publisher said, “Republicans need to spend more time in the community. You can't solve any problem without communications.”</div> <div> He noted that one Michigan official who has demonstrated she is not afraid to spend time in the City is Terri Lynn Land, the popular Republican, two-term Michigan Secretary of State.</div> <div> Logan commended President Bush for demonstrating his confidence in the qualifications of African Americans such as Gen. Colin Powell and Dr. Condoleezza Rice. But Logan said Republicans at all levels must demonstrate even more inclusion.</div> <div> Looking back at the November 2006 Michigan gubernatorial election, Logan said, “I can tell you what cost DeVos the gubernatorial race.” He said there were three deciding issues. “They were the Iraq War, the China marketing syndrome, and the lack of more cohesive communications in Detroit,” he said.</div> <div> <A HREF="#top_of_page_4" TITLE="April 2007"><U>back to top of page 4</U></A> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > <A NAME="top_of_page_5_1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></FONT>                                                                                                          <A HREF="#top_of_page_1" TITLE="April 2007"><U>back to top of page 1</U></A></div> <div> <B> EASTSIDE REPUBLICAN OFFICERS</B></div> <div> <B> ELECTED AT 2007 ANNUAL MEETING</B></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="513" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="VOID" RULES="NONE" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 33 WIDTH="507"><div> Members of the Eastside Republican Club elected officers and directors at the club's January 23, 2007, annual meeting.</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 388 ><NOBR><div> <B><IMG SRC="14f0f47d0.jpg" border=0 width="500" height="381" ALT="The officers are, from left, Treasurer Jim Miller of Grosse Pointe Woods, Secretary Linda Solterisch of Grosse Pointe Park, Chairman Julie Corbett of the City of Grosse Pointe, Vice-Chairman Tom McCleary of Grosse Pointe Farms, Board Member Jenny Nolan of Grosse Pointe Farms, and Board Member Mike Gallaway of Grosse Pointe Woods. Insert picture is Board Member Walter Koppy of Detroit." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 55 WIDTH="507"><div> <B>The officers</B> are, from left, Treasurer Jim Miller of Grosse Pointe Woods, Secretary Linda Solterisch of Grosse Pointe Park, Chairman Julie Corbett of the City of Grosse Pointe, Vice-Chairman Tom McCleary of Grosse Pointe Farms, Board Member Jenny Nolan of Grosse Pointe Farms, and Board Member Mike Gallaway of Grosse Pointe Woods. Insert picture is Board Member Walter Koppy of Detroit.</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 94 WIDTH="507"><div> <IMG SRC="05358580.gif" border=0 width="88" height="88" ALT="Michigan GOP" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <A HREF="#top_of_page_5_1" TITLE="April 2007"><U>back to top of page 5</U></A> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > <A NAME="top_of_page_6"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></FONT>                                                                                                          <A HREF="#top_of_page_1" TITLE="April 2007"><U>back to top of page 1</U></A></div> <div> <B>JANE ABRAHAM URGES GOP TO “COUNT UP” ITS ASSETS</B></div> <div> Looking to the future, Michigan Republican Party co-chairman Jane Abraham told the Eastside Republican Club Forum, “Republicans must count up our assets.” She spoke to the ERC on January 23, 2007, at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial.<IMG SRC="149b928a0.jpg" border=0 width="146" height="138" ALT="Jane Abraham" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="4" VSPACE="2"></div> <div> Despite losing the U.S. House and Senate for the first time in 12 years, and seeing leadership changes in many state legislatures, she said, Michigan Republicans fared better than it might appear.</div> <div> <I><B>Republican Assets</B></I></div> <div> While Abraham admitted that in November 2006 Michigan voters didn't unseat Sen. Stabenow or Gov. Granholm, she reminded the audience that major Michigan GOP incumbents running in a statewide contest were re-elected.</div> <div> Abraham also noted that Republicans continue to hold a majority in the Michigan Senate, voters retained a strong Michigan Supreme Court, and every Michigan GOP seat in Congress was held.</div> <div> Abraham explained the upset change in the Michigan House of Representatives as the result of the last minute political contribution of one billionaire who poured his personal wealth into a number of races around Michigan.</div> <div> She stated that by re-electing Justice Cliff Taylor to the Michigan Supreme Court, the rule of law will continue. His defeated challenger, she said, would have been a “rubber stamp for trial lawyers.”</div> <div> In addition, she reported that Michigan Republicans completed the election cycle without any carryover debt.</div> <div> <I><B>The 2008 Opportunity</B></I></div> <div> Abraham sees the next opportunity to make a change on the national level as the 2008 challenge to Sen. Carl Levin, who just announced his intention to seek re-election for a sixth term.</div> <div> She noted that Michigan has earned its “blue state” label in very close elections, and said that designation will end in 2008.</div> <div> Abraham said, “Bring on Obama, Kerry, Gore, and Hillary!” She said that because all of the Democrat front-runners are liberal on moral, economic, and security issues, the Republican alternative would be more attractive than ever to voters in 2008.<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><IMG SRC="14f718a20.jpg" border=0 width="280" height="418" ALT="Ron Babin at ERC" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="6" VSPACE="2"></FONT></div> <div> <B>TAX REFORM ADVOCATE PROPOSES</B></div> <div> <B>A SIMPLE, REVENUE-NEUTRAL USER TAX</B></div> <div> “Corporations really don't pay taxes,” said Ron Babin, Michigan's volunteer deputy director of Americans for Fair Taxation, in his address to the Eastside Republican Club Forum at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial on February 20, 2007.</div> <div> Pushing for comprehensive tax reform, Babin explained, “All costs of doing business, voluntary or otherwise, are merely transferred to the end-user in the form of higher prices.”</div> <div> Calling for a fairer, more efficient and revenue-neutral tax, Babin said the cost of administrating the current State and Federal income tax codes and collecting dozens of imbedded, intermediate taxes creates a multi-billion dollar annual drag on U.S. economic efficiency.</div> <div> He was quick to point out that these billions of administrative cost are not revenue collected by government, but money voluntarily expended by individuals and business for bookkeeping and administration in their effort to comply with statute.</div> <div> According to Babin, in addition to a streamlined tax code with no April 15 income tax filing deadline to meet, the FairTax would make taxes more visible to end-users by removing all hidden taxes.</div> <div> Babin describes FairTax as a progressive, simple and efficient national retail-only consumption tax that would replace all Federal taxes that are now based on income, including the funding of Social Security and Medicare. It is designed to generate exactly the same amount of revenue as at present, and would have no impact government spending decisions, he said.</div> <div> To accomplish this goal, he advocates enactment of HR25 in Congress. That bill, known as the FairTax Act, currently has three times more co-sponsors in the U.S. House of Representatives than any other reform proposal.</div> <div> In Michigan, the legislature is considering the Michigan version of FairTax as a possible tax reform/replacement for the eliminated SBT tax, and Michigan's tax system as a whole. Read more at <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="www.MIFairTax.org" TARGET="_top" TITLE="www.MIFairTax.org"><U>www.MIFairTax.org</U></A></FONT>.</div> <div> Babin told the forum that in the end, present tax complexity saps U.S. consumer purchasing power, and pushes jobs and capital offshore.</div> <div> <A HREF="#top_of_page_6" TITLE="April 2007"><U>back to top of page 6</U></A> <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B> <A NAME="top_of_page_7"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></FONT>                                                                                                           <A HREF="#top_of_page_1" TITLE="April 2007"><U>back to top of page 1</U></A></div> <div> <IMG SRC="14fd64af0.jpg" border=0 width="100" height="175" ALT="Hackleman" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="4" VSPACE="2"><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>ERC WEB SITE REPORT</B></FONT></div> <div> “Kudos” to Jay Hackleman for his outstanding service to the Eastside Republican Club. He reported to the ERC board that in 2006 we averaged approximately 15,000 requests for pages per month on our web site.</div> <div> Jay is always striving to improve the web site and requests that you e-mail him with all your suggestions on content, links, pictures, etc. Click here for the address: <A HREF="mailto:jhacklem@eastside-republican-club.org" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:"><U>Jay Hackleman</U></A>.</div> <div> <I>Editors Note</I>: A few e-mails of thanks for a job well done would be appreciated and deserved.</div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="410" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="VOID" RULES="NONE" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 23 WIDTH="404"><div> <B>ERC REFRESHMENTS</B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 557 ><NOBR><div> <IMG SRC="14f9901e0.jpg" border=0 width="400" height="542" ALT="Pictured sampling the complimentary coffee and dessert now available before each meeting's 7:30 p.m. call to order is Woods precinct delegate Myron E. Ranney." ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 83 WIDTH="404"><div> The ERC has recently inaugurated a "tasty" new feature at monthly forums. Pictured sampling the complimentary coffee and dessert now available before each meeting's 7:30 p.m. call to order is Woods precinct delegate Myron E. Ranney. The ERC has recently inaugurated a "tasty" new feature at monthly forums. Pictured sampling the complimentary coffee and dessert now available before each meeting's 7:30 p.m. call to order is Woods precinct delegate <B>Myron E. Ranney</B>.</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="district_13"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B>13TH DISTRICT</B><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><IMG SRC="124da0dd0.jpg" border=0 width="160" height="221" ALT="District Chairman, Edward Joseph" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="2" VSPACE="1"></FONT></div> <div> <B>STATE COMMITTEE MEMBERS</B></div> <div> <B>RECEIVE COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS</B></div> <div> Ed Joseph, Chairman of the 13th Congressional Republican District announced the assignments received by the 13th District State Committee Members:</div> <div> John Chouinard - Issues Committee</div> <div> Donzell Green - Voter Contact</div> <div> Ed Joseph - Budget Committee</div> <div> Therese Joseph - Communication & Candidates</div> <div> Tom McCleary - Policy Committee</div> <div> Linda Solterisch - 2008 Presidential Primary Committee</div> <div> Joe Tate - Coalitions Outreach</div> <div> The 13th District will meet April 9th at 6:30 p.m. at the Town Pump Tavern, 100 W. Montcalm, Detroit. Ed invites interested ERC members to attend.</div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="516" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="VOID" RULES="NONE" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#FFFF99 > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 120 WIDTH="510"><div> <B>ERC MEMBERSHIP DUES</B></div> <div> Dues for 2007 are now due. Thanks very much to the many members who have already paid. Dues are still only $25 per year per family.</div> <div> If there is a dues envelope in this issue of the ERC Review, our records show you have not paid your 2007 dues.</div> <div> Please take time to send us a check. We need your support. Thank you.</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="512" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFF99 HEIGHT= 103 WIDTH="500"><div> <B>IMPORTANT ERC PAC REMINDER</B></div> <div> MARK MAY 30TH, 2007 ON YOUR CALENDAR</div> <div> Invitations will be in the mail soon. Please send in your reservation cards as soon as possible. This is the most important event of the year and we need your support.</div> <div> Call Tom McCleary at for reservations and information.</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <A HREF="#top_of_page_7" TITLE="April 2007"><U>back to top of page 7</U></A><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > <A NAME="top_of_page_8"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></FONT>                                                                                                            <A HREF="#top_of_page_1" TITLE="April 2007"><U>back to top of page 1</U></A></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="4" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="530" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#FFFF99 > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP COLSPAN=2 HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="514"><div> <B>CALENDAR OF EVENTS</B></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 276 WIDTH="226"><div> <B>APRIL 9</B></div> <div> 13th District Republican Meeting</div> <div> 6:30 p.m. - Town Pump Tavern</div> <div> 100 West Montcalm, Detroit</div> <div> <B>APRIL 13 & 14</B></div> <div> Michigan Republican State Committee</div> <div> Sheraton Hotel, Lansing, MI</div> <div> <B>APRIL 17</B></div> <div> Eastside Republican Club Meeting</div> <div> 7:30 p.m. - Grosse Pointe War Memorial</div> <div> Speaker: James Nicholson</div> <div> Topic: Detroit</div> <div> <B>MAY 14</B></div> <div> 13th District Republican Meeting</div> <div> 6:30 p.m. - Town Pump Tavern</div> <div> 100 West Montcalm, Detroit</div> <div> <B>MAY 15</B></div> <div> Eastside Republican Club will not meet</div> <div> We suggest you attend ERC-PAC dinner on May 30th</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> <B>MAY 30</B></div> <div> Eastside Republican Club-PAC Dinner</div> <div> 6 p.m. - Sindbad's Restaurant - Sohar Room</div> <div> 100 St. Clair, Detroit</div> <div> Speaker: U.S. Congressman Thaddeus McCotter</div> <div> Reservations required</div> <div> <B>JUNE 19</B></div> <div> Eastside Republican Club Meeting</div> <div> 7:30 p.m. - Grosse Pointe War Memorial</div> <div> Speaker: Nolan Finley, Editor <I>Detroit News</I> Editorial Page</div> <div> <B>JUNE</B></div> <div> Date to be determined</div> <div> Eastside Republican Club Picnic</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <I>HAVE A WONDERFUL SUMMER!</I></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <div> <B>THE EASTSIDE REPUBLICAN CLUB</B></div> <div> <B>Post Office Box 361025</B></div> <div> <B>Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan 48236</B></div> <div> Web site: <A HREF="http://www.eastside-republican-club.org" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.eastside-republican-club.org"><U>www.eastside-republican-club.org</U></A></div> <div> <B> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="543" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 235 WIDTH="240"><div> Julie Corbett</div> <div> Chairman</div> <div> Tom McCleary</div> <div> Vice Chairman</div> <div> Linda Solterisch</div> <div> Secretary</div> <div> Jim Miller</div> <div> Treasurer</div> <div> Mike Galaway</div> <div> Director</div> <div> Walter Koppy</div> <div> Director</div> <div> Jenny Nolan</div> <div> Director</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="1" CELLPADDING="4" CELLSPACING="3" WIDTH="261" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#DDDDDD" FRAME="BOX" RULES="NONE" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#EEEEEE HEIGHT= 54 WIDTH="243"><div> Opinions expressed in the <I>ERC Review</I></div> <div> are those of the writers and do not necessarily</div> <div> reflect the official position of the Eastside Republican Club.</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <bR> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></B></div> <div> <A HREF="#top_of_page_8" TITLE="April 2007"><U>back to top of page 8</U></A>  <A NAME="top_of_page_9"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A>                                                                                                           <A HREF="#top_of_page_1" TITLE="April 2007"><U>back to top of page 1</U></A></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <I>>>More about </I><A HREF="erc_meeting_dates.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Events"><U><I>ERC events</I></U></A><I> held at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial</I></div> </td> </tr></table></body>