Eastside Republican Review
A Publication of the Eastside Republican Club
P. O. Box 361025 Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan 48236 (313) 886-3785
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January 2007
THE CHAIRMAN'S MESSAGE
Marti Miller, Chairman
I wish you a very happy and prosperous new year as we gather once again to commence another season of excellent speakers and topics at our Eastside Republican Club Forums. We begin 2007 with our annual election of officers, this year on the 4th Tuesday, January 23, since the Michigan Republican Party chose January 16 to conduct the County Convention. The speaker at the Forum on the evening of the 23rd will be the co-chair of the Michigan Republican Party, Jane Abraham, a businesswoman, political activist, wife and mother of three. She was born in Detroit and educated in public schools, and attended Oakland University where she was president of the university student government in her senior year. Abraham has held positions in the Michigan Republican Party, the Republican National Committee and the State Senate. She is active in community organizations and was an unpaid advisor and surrogate for her husband, Senator Spencer Abraham. Abraham's topic will be “The Future of the Republican Party.” We invite you to come with your questions for the speaker; elections will follow.
While the results of the November election were disappointing, remember that we successfully reelected Terri Lynn Land and Mike Cox to their respective posts and kept the Michigan State Senate intact. So given the political climate of the country and concerns of the electorate in general, I think we were respectable. I'm satisfied that we'll approach the '08 presidential election in fine shape.
I had a chance to give my occasional “don't-say-'poor me'” speech to friends and acquaintances who thought I would be downcast after an election like '06. I always say, “Our two-party system in the United States is our success. Last year we got ours, this year the Democrats got theirs, and so on back and forth. Citizens of countries around the world would kill, and DO, to have a political system like ours where the least of us can be elected to the office of precinct delegate representing our few blocks or miles; and with perseverance, we can run for a local office or become a delegate to the County Convention, and then the State Convention where we have a vote on who will represent us state wide, and so on.” So let us count our blessings. Your board has successfully scheduled the first third of the year's programs. Watch for Ron Babin speaking on the Michigan Fair Tax on February 20; Sam Logan, publisher of The Michigan Chronicle, on March 20; and former candidate for the United States Senate, community activist and PVS Chemicals CEO, Jim Nicholson, on April 17.
This will be my last message to you in the ERC REVIEW as Chair. I look forward to your input on Election Night as we seek nominations from the floor as well as consider those who have already shown an interest in being an officer or board member. Again, the forum will be held on TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, at 7:30 PM in the Alger House at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Road in Grosse Pointe Farms, as usual with coffee, lemonade and cookies served upon arrival. Being your Chair has been my pleasure.
Editor's Note:
Marti Miller has served two terms as ERC chairman and her excellent leadership has strengthened the club. We all owe her a debt of gratitude for a job well done. Thank you Marti.
PUBLISHER TO ADDRESS ERC
Sam Logan, Publisher of the Michigan Chronicle, will address the ERC on March 20th at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial.
Sam Logan, long time publisher, of the Michigan Chronicle, will discuss what's happening in Detroit, the outlook for Detroit, and the Republican Party and Detroit voters. Sam Logan “tells it as it is” straight to the point and will answer questions from the audience. Mark your calendar now.
SAUL ANUZIS' ELECTION COMMENTS
On behalf of our Republican candidates, office-holders, grassroots activists and our State Party leadership, thank you for your support this election cycle. You have been an instrumental part of our unprecedented effort here in Michigan. We fought the national anti-Republican “tsunami”, and held on to our Republican majority in the Michigan State Senate, held on to nine congressional seats, and re-elected two statewide office holders -- Sec. of State Terri Lynn Land and Attorney General Mike Cox.
All early analysis indicates that we have broken almost all of our previous election year Get-Out-The-Vote records. The Michigan Republican Party (MRP) saw a number of recording breaking highlights that you, our fellow Michigan Republicans, can be proud of. MRP raised over $11 million dollars for the election cycle--more than ever before in a gubernatorial election--and for the second election cycle in a row, we end the cycle with no debt. We opened twenty-seven Victory Centers in 2006, up from 16 in 2004. Michigan volunteers also made more voter identification and advocacy calls than any other state's Republican Party in the entire country! Our grassroots army made more than 2 million phone calls and knocked on more than 250,000 targeted voter doors. Just to put things in perspective, the total voter contacts made on the weekend prior to Election Day eclipsed the total voter contacts made on the same days at the close of the 2004 presidential election. These are just a few of the many highlights that the MRP and you, our fellow Michigan Republicans, can be proud of.
As we collectively look towards 2008, there are many challenges that lie ahead of us. Combined with a presidential cycle, our number one goal is taking back the majority in the state House, retaining the Michigan Senate, in addition to retaining our majority of Michigan's nine congressional seats. Working together, I know we will be successful!
During the campaign, and in the past few weeks, many of you shared your thoughts, concerns, and suggestions on how we can further improve our programs. This feedback was extremely useful in the past cycle, and will be vital as we begin to look to 2008. As we plan for victory in this new election cycle, I hope that you'll have the opportunity to join our leadership team at the twelve Listen and Learn sessions that the party will host throughout the state. http://migop.blogs.com/blog.
“LISTEN `N LEARN,” A Town Hall-style Forum, VALUES YOUR INPUT. The following information is for those in the Wayne County area:
“LISTEN `N LEARN”
Wayne County Republicans
Saturday, January 27, 2007 - NOON
Henry Ford Library Auditorium
16301 Michigan Avenue
Dearborn, MI 48126
There is a questionnaire at migopblogs.com for those who cannot attend but would like their ideas considered.
ERC ELECTIONS
At the January 23rd ERC meeting, an election will be held for the officers and the executive board of the ERC for 2007. All seven members of the EXECUTIVE BOARD shall be elected at the Annual Meeting by plurality vote of the Regular Members present and voting. Voting by proxy shall not be allowed. The election of officers shall be conducted in a manner to enable an unsuccessful candidate for one office to run for another office. The order for election of the Executive Board members shall be (a) Chairperson, (b) Vice-Chair, (c) Treasurer, (d) Secretary, and then (e) the three (3) At-Large Executive Board Members. There shall be no term limitations on the four elected officers, and they may succeed themselves in office.
No member may serve more than one term as an At-Large Executive Board member during any two-year period. However, an At-Large Executive Board Member shall remain on, or return to, the Executive Board if elected an officer in a subsequent election within the two-year period. Only ERC members current in dues are allowed to vote, under the by-laws. Current in dues means paid through 2006 or paid for 2007.
Nominations will be made by members from the floor. If any member has any questions about the responsibilities of a specific office or position, please call Marti Miller at 313-886-3785.
Please plan to attend and vote. Leadership is important to your club.
LEGISLATURE REPORT DECEMBER 2006
Ed Gaffney
The state legislature will begin a new legislative session with the start of the New Year, and Representative Ed Gaffney is proud to continue to represent the citizens of the First District. The Republican caucus was able to close 2005-2006 with some significant accomplishments by Gaffney and his legislative colleagues.
Overseas Voting for Military Personnel
The legislature passed a bill which would make it easier for military personnel and citizens overseas to vote in Michigan. House Bill 4481 makes changes to allow for the Federal Postcard Application used to request absentee ballots and register to vote. Voters who use the postcard application would no longer be subject to the 30-day registration deadline for Michigan. Furthermore the application would be good for a calendar year and the next two regularly scheduled general elections for federal office.
Several major obstacles in current law will be eliminated including the notary requirement on the federal application and submission of an affidavit of U.S. citizenship with the application. Finally those applications for absentee ballots received by villages must be forwarded to the appropriate city and township and vice-versa. It is expected that the Governor will sign this bill.
Welfare Reform Package
The legislature passed a package of bills which would set a lifetime limit of 48 months for cash assistance to work eligible persons. Michigan's Family Independence Program is based upon federal requirements and funding through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). The limit will be fully implemented by September 30, 2007, the end of the 2007 Fiscal Year.
Sanctions are included for those who are noncompliant with the Work First requirement with one-year removal from assistance for those who have reached their third strike. Recipients are removed for periods of three months each for the first two instances of noncompliance.
Those receiving assistance would also be required to establish a Family Self-Sufficiency Plan (FSSP). A potential 12-month extension is available only to those who are in compliance with their FSSP, have never had a sanction, and have market or labor barriers preventing them from job placement.
Consumer Protection from ID Theft
Government agencies and private businesses would be required to inform their constituents and customers of a database security breach as soon as reasonably possible under legislation sent to the Governor for signature. The bill defines a security breach as one that will likely cause substantial loss or injury, or result in identity theft.
The agency or business would have to send written notice to the postal address contained in their records. Notices may be sent electronically or by telephone if the recipient has consented to such contacts. Lastly the bill requires a person or agency to destroy any data that contains personal information which has been removed from the database and is not being retained elsewhere for another purpose.
If you have any questions or concerns about these or any other state matters 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 edwardgaffney@house.mi.gov or by phone toll free at 1-888-254 -LAW1 (5291).
REPUBLICAN VOLUNTEERS
by Tom McCleary
I would like to extend my thanks to all the Republican volunteers from the 13th Republican District in the November election.
Thank you for your efforts. It is impossible to list all the people who contributed their time and effort, but I want to mention a few for extraordinary efforts in the operation of the Republican office.
Thanks to Lia Gucciardi for her overall management, and to our local volunteers who worked mornings: Doug Roby, Mike Calin, Kris Watt, Tracey Lyon, Gerry Webster, Ron Solterisch, Michael Galloway, Mary Krueger.
The Eastside Republican Campaign Office was a joint effort of the Ed Gaffney Campaign, the 13th Republican District and the Eastside Republican Club PAC.
JANE ABRAHAM TO ADDRESS ERC FORUM JANUARY 23
A successful businesswoman, political activist and a mother of three, Abraham is a longtime Republican leader.
At this Tuesday, January 23, meeting, members will also elect ERC officers for 2007. Note that the January Forum is delayed one week due to Wayne County Republican Convention scheduling.
Michigan GOP Leader
Jane Abraham was elected co-chairman of the Michigan Republican Party in April 2006.
Born in Detroit, Abraham was educated in the Detroit and Warren public schools. At the age of 19, she graduated from Oakland University in 1981. In addition to academic honors at Oakland, Abraham served as president of the university's student government.
Following college, Jane Abraham held senior positions with the Michigan Republican Party, the Republican National Committee, as well as the Michigan State Senate. Assignments included national party liaison to state and local government, and grass roots party building.
Other Interests
Abraham is founder and president of Abraham Strategies, a firm that specializes in strategic marketing. She is also general chairman of the Susan B. Anthony List, a not-for-profit membership organization with over 100,000 members, and its political action committee that supports pro-life candidates and issues. Under Abraham's leadership it has become a significant source of financial and grassroots support for candidates.
She serves on the boards of Detroit-based Covenant House for at-risk and homeless youth, the National Arab American Museum based in Dearborn, and the LAB School, a nationally recognized center for diagnosis and education of children with learning disabilities.
Family Responsibilities
Abraham is the mother of twin daughters Julie and Betsy, age 13, and son Spencer, age 10. She is married to Spencer Abraham, former U.S. Senator and Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy. From 1995 to 2001 Jane Abraham served as unpaid advisor and surrogate for her husband, Senator Spencer Abraham.
ANNUAL DISTRICT CHRISTMAS PARTY
Wayne County Republicans held their annual Christmas Party December 3, 2006, at the Detroit Yacht Club on Belle Isle.
A large turnout greeted Saul Anuzis, who gave a realistic analysis of the November elections, and graciously answered numerous questions from the audience.
Hosts for the social event were Ed Joseph, Chairman of the 13th District and Bill Beddoes, Chairman of the 14th District.
An added feature included a silent auction sponsored by the 14th district, and the collection of toiletries and other personal items being assembled for shipment to U.S. troops in Iraq.
2007 ERC MEMBERSHIP
ERC membership dues for 2007, still only $25 per year per family, are now due. Dues cover the monthly meeting notice, rentals of War Memorial, ERC Quarterly Reviews, website, postage, etc.
All money for candidates is raised through the ERC-PAC. We have included dues envelopes with this issue of the REVIEW. Please take the time to write your check and mail it in promptly. A prompt response saves your club the expense of follow up mailings. We appreciate and need your support.
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OFFICIAL CALL TO THE 13th DISTRICT REPUBLICAN CONVENTION
Ed Joseph, Chairman of the 13th Republican District, issued this call to convention.
There shall be a meeting of the duly elected Republican Precinct Delegates and the At-Large Delegates to the 13 District Convention at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 16, 2007 at the Detroit YWCA, located at 1411 East Jefferson Avenue, Detroit MI. On site parking is available and free.
The purpose of this meeting shall be to elect Delegates and Alternates to the February 9-10, 2007 Republican State Convention, to be held at the DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, MI.
Only Precinct Delegates elected at the August 8, 2006 Primary Election, the last recent Republican nominees for County and State Legislative offices, and Precinct Delegates elected on a permanent basis at the August 2006 convention can vote at this convention. All 13th District Republicans are welcome.
This is a very important year, and we would appreciate your attendance. Doors will open and registration will begin at 7:00 p.m.
STATE CONVENTION
The Republican State Convention will be held February 9th and 10th in Grand Rapids.
This will be the most important State Convention in many years. We will be electing a State Party Chairman. (Current Chairman Saul Anuzis is running for re-election.) In addition, we will be electing seven Vice Chairmen to fill the positions created by the Party restructuring in 2004. This convention will see the start of campaigning for nominees for the Republican Presidential Primary for 2008.
We will also elect new officers for the 13th Congressional District. We will be well represented at the State Convention with delegates from the 13th District, which includes the Eastside Republican Club.
Anyone interested in attending the State Convention should plan to attend the 13th District Convention on the January 16.
Please contact Ed Joseph or Tom McCleary (882-2709) if you have any questions about the State Convention.
COMPREHENSIVE TAX PROPOSAL TOPIC OF FEBRUARY ERC FORUM
Ron Babin, Michigan's volunteer deputy director for Americans for Fair Taxation, will address the Eastside Republican Club Forum at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, February 20, 2007.
Babin is a businessman who has observed the effects of the current income and payroll-based tax system on employers and employment. As a result, he favors replacement of the IRS with the revenue-neutral tax called the “FairTax.”
Speaking of his upcoming remarks to the February Forum at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial, he said, “Please come, ask questions, and learn how these proposals work, and how they would affect you individually, or your business in Michigan.
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. He states, “The present income tax system is substantially to blame for the thousands of jobs we have lost to international competitors.” >>More can be found at MIFairTax.org.
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.
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. Babin grew up in Port Huron and has worked in small businesses since he was 13. He graduated from CMU in 1987, and went to work in accounting and management for a private multi-company manufacturing group based in metro Detroit.
In 1996, Babin earned an M.S. from Walsh College. He has since been self-employed assisting small businesses with their administrative functions such as internal accounting, database programming, spreadsheet, word processing, and Internet utilization. He also teaches software classes at St. Clair County Community College.
He is married, and has lived in Sterling Heights for 20 years.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
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January 16
13th District Convention
7:30 p.m. - YWCA of Detroit
1401 East Jefferson Ave.
January 23
Eastside Republican Club Meeting
7:30 p.m. - Grosse Pointe War Memorial Library
Speaker: Jane Abraham, Co-Chairman MRP
January 27
Republican Party “Listen & Learn”
12 Noon - Henry Ford Library Auditorium
Saul Anuzis, Chairman MRP - welcomes “feedback” on November elections
February 9-10
Republican State Convention
DeVos Center - Grand Rapids, MI
Elect 13th District and State Party Officers
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February 12 (Date could be change)
13th District Republican Meeting
6:30 p.m. - Town Pump Tavern
100 West Montcalm, Detroit
February 20
Eastside Republican Club
7:30 p.m. - Grosse Pointe War Memorial
Speaker: Ron Babin - “Michigan Fair Tax”
March 12
13th District Republican Meeting
6:30 p.m. - Town Pump Tavern
100 West Montcalm, Detroit
March 20
Eastside Republican Club
7:30 p.m. - Grosse Pointe War Memorial
Speaker: Samuel Logan, Publisher of Michigan Chronicle
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THE EASTSIDE REPUBLICAN CLUB
Post Office Box 361025
Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan 48236
Marti Miller
Chairman
Tom McCleary
Vice Chairman
Therese Joseph
Secretary
Jim Miller
Treasurer
Julie Corbett
Director
Bill Denner
Director
Kevin Hirzel
Director
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Opinions expressed in the ERC Review
are those of the writers and do not necessarily
reflect the official position of the Eastside Republican Club.
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>>More about ERC events held at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial
