Senator Patrick Colbeck Doesn't Understand Why The Governor Wouldn't Sign Bill

Patrick Colbeck, who is seeking the Republican nomination for Michigan Governor, has expressed regret over Governor Rick Synder's decision to veto a bill that would promote life.

Senate Bill 163 authorized the creation of a "Choose Life" fundraising license plate that drivers could purchase. The state offers a number of fundraising license plates, including ones that support universities and wildlife habitat.

"I find the Governor's veto of a 'Choose Life' license plate to be disgraceful and sad because it would have helped a number of people faced with very real choices of life or death, choices that are not political, " said Colbeck

This is the fourth time Colbeck, who serves as state senator for Michigan's 7th district, has introduced a bill to create a 'Choose Life' license plate. This is the first time a bill has gotten as far as the Governor's desk. SB 163 had bi-partisan support of 25 Senators and 65 Representatives.

If the Governor did have personal issues with the bill, he had several options besides a veto. He could have let the bill become law without his signature, which happened naturally at 2pm Monday, July 3, or he could have let Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley sign it.

A fundraising license plate would have raised money to support organizations for people such as mothers with unplanned pregnancies and considering an abortion or veterans who are despondent and may want to take their own life.

"I appreciated the support I had for this bill from Michigan Right to Life and Attorney General Bill Schuette," said Colbeck.

This is the second bill in a row sponsored by Senator Colbeck that Governor Snyder has vetoed.

Colbeck filed paper work in May to run for Michigan Governor. Governor Snyder's term ends in 2018.

"If I'm fortunate enough to be elected Governor, I would be honored to have this bill be the first one I sign into law," said Colbeck.

Bob Cushman: The Root Cause of the Flint Water Crisis

Bob Cushman

As I look at the whole Flint Water Crisis, I am struck by the disingenuous accusations that are flying. One side would have us believe that this is all Governor Snyder’s fault. The other side points to a Mayor of Flint and his staff that no longer are in office. There is no simple easy villain in all of this. It is in fact quite complicated.

This crisis began because the city of Flint was attempting to save money from the over-charging of another municipality, the city of Detroit. Flint believed that they could save money by partnering up with a company to pull their water directly from Lake Huron. As we now know, the problem lead did not come from the Flint River but rather the pipes and joints in this aging infrastructure. It was enabled by the PH (acid vs base) property of the water from the Flint River. This acidic chemical property enabled the protective coating on the

inside of these ancient water pipes to dissolve enough to allow some lead to “leach” into the water.

Whom do we blame; the Governor, the State run Department of Environmental Quality or the previous Mayor of Flint for trying to save money?

The art of problem solving requires that we analyze all contributing factors prior to attempting to propose an all-inclusive solution. Let us closely examine the root cause. The City of Detroit has run a Water Department for more than two centuries. During the course of this time, it has grown to be one of the largest Water Departments in the United Sates. The DWSD serves 4,000,000 people, 40% of the population of the entire state. It is a monopoly of gigantic proportions. Imagine having a business where 40% of the state population is forced to buy this product from you in order to survive.

One of the responsibilities of government is to protect its citizens from abusive monopolies. Many states protect their citizens from Utility Companies that need to be monopolies with Public Service Commissions that regulate pricing. Michigan does this with gas and electricity but not water. Why not? Representative Heise has a bill to correct this which the Governor refuses to allow a vote on.

Bob Cushman has a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue and has worked in engineering, sales engineering and aviation for more than 40 years.

Is A New Poll Favoring LGBT, Marijuana and Gov Snyder Legit?

The propaganda machine is out and is fully fueled and WDIV  TV

Mi Gov Rick Snyder

and The Detroit News are the mouth pieces. 

A new poll conducted by the Glengariff Group says Michigan voters approve of gay rights, legalized marijuana and Gov. Rick Snyder. 

Who is the Glengariff Group?  And who do you think they polled?  I will tell you in a little bit but first here is the poll WDIV TV in Detroit and The Detroit News is posting

The 600-person representative sample of state voters, Lansing leaders and Michigan residents found that participants have different views on gay rights.

 Voters support same sex marriage by a margin of 55.5 percent to 32.5 percent. This support level is statistically identical to levels in surveys conducted in 2012 and 2014. By a margin of 61.4 percent to 27.3 percent, Michigan voters support recognizing same sex marriages in Michigan if they are performed in other states and the couple were to move to Michigan.

  Michiganders also overwhelmingly support expanding the Elliot-Larsen Act to include protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered residents for housing and employment by a 77 percent to 17.9 percent margin. Even Strong Republican voters support expansion by a margin of 70.8 percent to 22.0 percent. Voters over the age of 65 support expansion by a margin of 76.9 percent to 18.0 percent.

 Michigan voters unequivocally oppose ‘Religious Freedom’ legislation that would allow a business to deny service to a customer based on their religious beliefs by an overwhelming 18.5 percent to 76.5 percent margin.

 A solid majority, 56.1 percent, of Michigan voters support legalizing and taxing small amount of marijuana for adults over the age of 21 years old, while 35.7 percent oppose legalization.

 The Glegariff poll also exposed generational disagreement on the issue. While voters under 30 years old support passage by a margin of 73.7 percent to 15.1 percent, voters over the age of 65 oppose passage by a margin of 39.2 percent to 51.3 percent.

 Voters also approve of the performance of Governor Rick Snyder by a margin of 55.1 percent to 39.3 percent, representing Snyder’s highest job approval performance to date.

 However, the state legislature remains unpopular. By a margin of 34.3 percent to 50.0 percent, Michigan voters disapprove of the performance of the State Legislature.
 

So who is the Glengariff group?  Well here is who they are based on their basic website and this information is quite telling as to why you cannot trust the above poll:

The Glengariff Group, Inc. specializes in strategic planning and market research.

 Founded in December 1998 by President and owner Richard Czuba, the Glengariff Group, Inc. offers the spectrum of marketing and public affairs services - all based on market research, analysis, and strategy.

 Our specialty is disciplined, intense planning that delivers results.  We do the special projects that other companies won't touch.
 The Glengariff Group,Inc. has offices in Chicago, Illinois and  St. Joseph, Michigan.

 In 1983 Richard began work with the Michigan Republican State Committee where he quickly rose to Director of Research overseeing survey research and campaign research for Michigan’s Republican Party.

 In 1987 Richard became Director of Research for the Pete Dawkins for U.S. Senate campaign in New Jersey. As Director of Research for the nation’s most hotly contested race, Richard oversaw the campaign’s research functions including coordination and writing of all candidate position statements, survey research work, and all campaign research.

  In 1989 Richard returned to the Michigan Republican State Committee and soon became the Director of Research and Communications, melting his research background with marketing and communications strategic planning.

 In 1990 Governor-Elect John Engler named Richard as the Transition Team Leader for the Michigan Department of Social Services. Upon completion of this assignment, Richard was asked to complete the transition team report for the Michigan Department of Transportation.

 In 1993 Richard was named Advisor to Governor John Engler for Research and Planning. In addition to handling the research needs of Governor John Engler, Richard coordinated the administration’s policy statements and was responsible for message and communication strategy for the Lieutenant Governor and the Governor’s Cabinet most notably during the campaign to pass Proposal A.

In 1997 Richard was the Director of Planning and Public Affairs for the State of Michigan. During his tenure with the Michigan Jobs Commission, Richard was instrumental in creating the nationally recognized Tax Free Renaissance Zones including moving the idea from concept to legislation. He was responsible for the community review process and creation of a nationwide publicity campaign for Renaissance Zones.

 Also as Director of Planning and Public Affairs, Richard was responsible for executing communication efforts for significant administration initiatives such as the funding of Tiger Stadium, the state of Michigan’s first nationwide economic marketing campaign, and all economic development publicity for the state of Michigan.

 In 1999 Governor Engler named Richard the Director of Travel Michigan, where he created a new image and public relations campaign for the State of Michigan.

 Even more troubling is that the Glengariff Group is the go to polling company for the ultra liberal Daily Kos.

Based on the connections to the old guard in the Michigan Republican Party that are looking to push the LGBT Agenda as they do not know how to fight it and would rather concede to win rather than stick up for values and the fact that the poll favors Gov . Snyder  one has to wonder if the marijuana question was put in to try to make this poll legit.  

The poll just says 600 were surveyed but yet who were the ones surveyed?  Was it the old guard establishment Republicans and their minions?  What where the demographics and occupations of those polled?

Could this poll be two fold, to try to make people believe that the majority support the Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual,  Transgender crusade  and to prop Gov Snyder back up after the embarrassing Proposal 1 road tax defeat so he can make another attempt at President or be a presidential vice president candidate?  Perhaps for his rumored favorite Jeb Bush?


***Update*** This in from a reader of Setting The Record Straight***

Matt Marsden, spokesman for the Michigan Cannabis Coalition sited in that article "Legalize pot, 56% in Mich. poll say" was the chief of staff for former Senate Majority leader Randy Richardville until he had a public tiff with Senator Rick Jones! He was then reassigned within the Richardville "team" and former Governor Jennifer Granholm's staffer Amber McCann was brought in to replace Marsden as chief of staff! Oh the webs they weave.

http://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2015/06/15/legalize-pot-mich-poll-say/28791811/

Gov Snyder and Senate Majority Leader Alran Meekhof Looking To Raise Taxes For Roads After Proposal 1 Failed

They just don't seem to get it in Lansing.  After a major ass-

Gov Snyder & Senate Majority Leader Meekhof
Looking To Raise Taxes For Roads

whooping with the defeat of the $1.2 billion tax increase proposal 1, our tax and spend legislators in Lansing are looking for another way to raise our taxes.

Governor Rick Snyder Business leaders don’t believe finding $1.2 billion in additional road funds without raising taxes is possible.  Why is it not possible?  With proper cuts to wasteful programs such as the Michigan Economic Development Corp (MEDC) which promotescronyism, killing the film subsidies that have done nothing to help Michigan as a whole and other wasteful programs that should generate a good chunk of the revenue needed.  

Some loud voices that have friends in the media are screaming if we get rid of the MEDC we won't have any more "Pure Michigan" commercials.  Has anyone verified the effectiveness of these commericals and why do they play frequently in our State?  Why doesn't the MEDC invest more to atract out of state tourism?

Also Michigan's unemployment rate has dropped from 14.1% to a "reported" 5.4%.  Where is this additional income tax revenue going?

The Michigan House should stick with a tough love approach and push through the cuts to unneeded programs such as the MEDC.

Here is where the trouble likes two-thirds of senators, mostly RINOs Republicans In Name Only, are term-limited and won’t face voters again in their current posts. The hope is that they’ll feel more free to vote for tax hikes.  What they don't realize is that they will be remembered for when they try to find another political hole to fill.

The Senate lead by disappointing Senate Majority (non) Leader Alran Meekhof is expected to back a plan already floated to raise the fuel tax by 5 cents a gallon each year for three years. That 15-cent hike will ultimately produce $750 million, with additional money found by bringing diesel fuel taxes in line with those on gasoline, and perhaps raising vehicle registration fees.  Michigan already has one of the highest gas taxes in the country, yet the worst roads.  How do you explain that?

It is likely to make us look like they are working in our favor, the senators will also offer up spending cuts  largely from the estimated $500 million MEDC budget, including the possible elimination of much or all of the $50 million film subsidy. The cuts are expected to be about half what the House passes.

Norm Hughes: Call In Ask Michigan Governor Snyder Tough Questions On Sales Tax

Norm Hughes

Here is your chance to ask Gov. Snyder: TOMORROW MORNING CALL IN!

 1) Why he will not repeal prevailing wag laws and save taxpayers $400 million a year ($224 Million on just school construction), or apply that savings to roads? 

2) If threat to life and damage to cars is such a threat, why is Only $400 million of the $2.2 Billion tax increase the first year going to roads? 

3) Why is only $800 million dedicated to roads the second year?

 4) What does throwing more money at schools, mass transit, earned income tax credits have to do with fixing roads? 

5) The Senate Fiscal Agency says the general fund budget and school aid fund will both increase be more than $2 Billion over the next three years. Why is that not enough to fix roads? 

6) The number of Public School students has been decreasing by a few thousand each year, but Republicans have been throwing another $250 million a year at schools. Why does this proposal guarantee another $300 million a year, even if the number of students keep decreasing. 

7) Why are you stubbornly refusing to look at other options that will fix roads without increasing taxes? Here is your chance to ask him: Do you have a question about fixing Michigan's roads, the River of Opportunity, the state budget, or any number of issues related to state government? 

You can ask Governor Rick Snyder your questions, and he'll be answering them live on Michigan Public Radio's Michigan Calling show on Monday, March 9 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. You can listen live on all public radio stations across the state or watch the live stream at michiganradio.org. 

Listeners with questions can call 866-255-2762. Questions can also be submitted in advance and during the broadcast via social media using the hashtag ‪#‎MICalling‬ on Twitter or by posting on the “Michigan Calling” page on Facebook.

Radio Host Lambastes Michigan Gubernatorial Candidate Mark Schauer On His Lies

Mark Schauer

Mark Schauer continues to lie to the people of Michigan.  His biggest lie is that current Governor Rick Snyder took $1 Billion from school funding in this state.  Many newspapers including the Detroit News and Detroit Free Press confirm that Mark is not being truthful.  


Now add to the list WJR 760AM Detroit radio host Paul W. Smith.  Paul wrote a scathing editorial in the Nov 1st edition of the Detroit news.  Here is what he said:

Paul W Smith

My biggest frustration is the possible success of a most dishonest (though effective) campaign by Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mark Schauer. I begged him to talk substantively about what he would do if he becomes governor, even to tell us any number of things he doesn’t like about what Gov. Rick Snyder has done, but please stop repeating over and over the lie that the governor has “cut a billion dollars” from Michigan school funding.

 It just did not happen.

 In life, no matter how many times you tell a lie, it doesn’t make it true.

 Unfortunately, in a political campaign, the truthfulness of a claim is not nearly as important as the effectiveness of the damage of that claim against an opponent. 

It’s up to you to set the record straight.

Dan Gilbert Takes Shot At Gov Rick Snyder For Telsa Motors Sales Ban

Dan Gilbert

Detroit billionaire Dan Gilbert the other took a shot at Gov. Rick Snyder for signing a bill that ensures Silicon Valley automaker Tesla Motors can't sell cars directly to consumers in Michigan. 

As the main stream media only reports part of the story, it should be noted that every State Senator and every State Representative from both the Republican and Democrat parties, with the exception of Tom McMillin, voted for the direct sales ban.

Gilbert, who has stated in the past that  he's a fan of Snyder, brought the issue up while guest-hosting CNBC's "Squawk Box" and interviewing Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban.

Gilbert said Snyder's move "sends a bad message" about the influence of lobbyists in lawmaking.

"To me you have to have a philosophy and you have to stick to it and you can't let your personal circumstances compromise that," he said.

He also criticized the powerful auto dealer lobby for battling Tesla, which wants to sell cars through "stores" instead of franchises.

"Why don't you man up and compete like everybody else does?" Gilbert said.

Adam Jonas, auto analyst with Morgan Stanley, agreed with Gilbert.

"As Tesla grows in significance and expands its sales network, we expect more debate at the Federal level on the double standard in the application of dealer franchise laws," Jonas wrote in a note to clients. "It's only a matter of time before something gives. We expect that in the next two to three years, this could likely mushroom into a national issue. We believe these laws exist to support the weakest link in the network."

But Sandy Baruah, president of the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce, supported the governor's action.

"The Chamber believes that the Detroit region, as the epicenter of the global automotive industry and the leader in next generation mobility, should have a business environment where all participants play by a common set of rules," Baruah said. "The Chamber supports the rationale Gov. Snyder utilized for signing this legislation and looks forward to the continued discussion the governor calls for."

Ex Michigan Governor Milliken Endorses Governor Snyder and Gary Peters

Earlier this week Republican ex-Gov. William Milliken endorsed the re-election of Rick Snyder for Governor and the Snyder campaign made much pomp and circumstance with this endorsement.

Ex-Cov William Milliken's Guys
Gary Peters, William Milliken, Rick Snyder 

Now Milliken is backing Democrat Gary Peters for U.S. Senate, saying the congressman has been a moderate and an independent voice in the Michigan Legislature and U.S. House.

Milliken issued endorsement statement Friday morning. Peters is running against Republican Terri Lynn Land, a former Michigan secretary of state.

Democratic U.S. Sen Carl Levin is retiring after 36 years.

The 92-year-old Milliken served as governor in 1969-1982. He's endorsed several Democrats over the years, including 2004 presidential candidate John Kerry.

Milliken told The Associated Press in a 2006 interview that the Republican Party had "temporarily left" him by moving too far to the right.

Why Would Michigan Hire The Same Company That Botched The HealthCare.Gov Site?

Michigan has just awarded computer contracts worth close to $90 million to the Canadian company that built the

botched federal government’s Affordable Care Act website and took much of the blame for its disastrous launch.

The administration of Gov. Rick Snyder (R) chose CGI Technologies and Solutions, whose parent company is headquartered in Montreal, over three U.S.-based firms.  

CGI did not submit the lowest bid. Accenture, a management consulting and technology firm headquartered in New York, offered the lowest price by nearly $5 million, but “CGI provided best value,” Kurt Weiss, a spokesman for the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget, said Friday.

So the questions are why was CGI Technologies chosen when 1) It is not a US firm? 2)Has a record of botching up a a major website and not completing it on time 3) Was not the cheapest designer?  

State officials were “aware that there may be potential arguments that CGI is not a qualified vendor based on their recent involvement with health care at the federal level” and the HealthCare.gov website, Weiss said.

“But the feeling of all involved was that those allegations are simply false,” Weiss said. “CGI is a leader in the field, and they are recognized for excellence in … implementation, particularly in a government setting.”

Tim Greimel, House Minority Leader D-Auburn Hills, disagreed.

“It’s very unfortunate that the Snyder administration has chosen to use a foreign company, and especially a foreign company with a dismal track record of completely botching the federal government’s Obamacare website,” Greimel said Friday.

“It’s especially troubling that (they) chose to go with a higher bid from Canada, rather than a lower bid from an American company,” he said.