Mich. in jeopardy of losing out on federal highway dollars

Christine Rook
Lansing State Journal

DELTA TWP. - Some legislators and county officials fear the state is in jeopardy of losing federal highway money next year.

“It’s got to be a serious concern,” state Rep. Tom Casperson, R-Escanaba, said between conference sessions at the County Road Association of Michigan’s annual highway conference in Delta Township.

Casperson serves on the state House Transportation Committee. Attendees made comments this morning concerning the state’s ability to make use of federal money in the new fiscal year, beginning in October.

Michigan Department of Transportation officials were not immediately available for comment.

The federal government is projected to send $1.3 billion to Michigan next year. But some are concerned about whether the state has sufficient money to match some of that funding.

Casperson said he is concerned about the state’s ability to match all of its projected federal dollars next year in part because of what the state expects to spend on transportation is relatively flat when compared with current spending.

“We’re kind of going in a backward trend,” he said. [more here]

Also posted on Michigan Redneck II.

Notes about the Michigan GOP Convention

Editors Note; I was re-reading this and found a few grammatical errors, Oopsie. I am now going to edit.

I am a bit hung over and need to get my thoughts in order. But here is a quick recap.
Took the "Carpio Express Yooper Bus" down to the Michigan Republican State Convention, in Lansing, Michigan. Stopped at Mancinos in Mackinac City for lunch. Had a roast beef sandwich and a beer. Talked, had another beer. Talked, had another beer. Talked, had another beer. This went on for a while.
Got to Lansing. Bus dropped some of us off at Red Roof Inn. There was a mix up with the reservations. Not on the part of the First District, but on the part of the hotel. Stood around a while some people ended up leaving for town, to find a room. Things got figured out. I got in my room. Didn't have much time to get ready to attend the First District Caucus.
Attended the the First District Caucus. Heard great speakers. Joel Westrom called the caucus to order. Keith Butler, Janet Huckabee, Holly Hughes, Jack Hoogendyk, Tom Casperson, (not necessarily in that order) and many others were there to speak. I am sad to announce that Rocky Raczkowski will not be running for US Senate. He will be sent on military duty. Delegates were selected, to represent the First District, at the National Convention. It was announced at the meeting that Chuck Yob, Michigan National Committeeman, would be hosting a party for all Michigan Republicans, at Rum Runners in Lansing. More on that later.
Was originally going to hang out at the Green Door in Lansing, but decided to go to the Yob party. Hey, it was free drinks! I can't even count how many whiskey sours I drank. There was a free shuttle to pick people up from the Lansing Convention and take them to Rum Runners. The Yob party was upstairs. It was freakin awesome!!! There was dueling pianos. Great music, lotsa energy. Was there from 9:30pm to 1:30am, and danced my booty off. More on that later.
Was absolutely hungry afterwards. Someone I was hanging out with went with me to Theio's restaurant in downtown Lansing. When I lived in East Lansing and went to the bars in Lansing, that was where we went out after drinking. Along with Denney's, this was another hang out for everyone to go to after the bars closed. It was funny. We were the only Republicans there. It was just young, drunk kids.
Didn't get back to my room 'til a quarter after three. Didn't wake up 'til a quarter after eight. Had to be to the convention at 9am. Didn't get there 'til 9:20am. This year's convention was better than last year. As with the Friday night caucus, great speakers, lotsa energy. Holly Hughes was re-elected as our National Committeewoman. Keith Butler was elected as our National Committeeman. Holly Hughes gave a plaque to Chuck Yob. The plaque was from the stump of the Oak tree that was from *Jackson, Michigan at the founding of the original National GOP party meeting*. Janet Huckabee spoke about Mike Huckabee. John McCain had prepared a video to be played at the convention. And of course our chairman, Saul Anuzis spoke. Oh, and of course, Newt Gingrich had prepared a video to be played at the convention. More on that later.
I had been invited to a blogger party that would have taken place after the convention. But I didn't have a ride to bring me back to the UP. So I was stuck on the bus. It was fun. There was some good conversations. There was also talk about having trying to get the state party to hold a convention in Marquette. You heard it here first!! I'll tell ya what, we may have all been Republicans, but on the First District bus, it is like a Kennedy Family Reunion.
I will have a full post on all these items later.
PS, I was recognized by Brandon Darin, a Romney worker, at Rum Runners. He said he loved my blog. So, a special message to Brandon, your awesome dude!

*A correction was made from an anonymous reader. The original statement was this; first Oak tree that was cut down to build the new Michigan GOP Headquarters.

I Am Attending the Republican State Convention

I am finally back to blogging. Thursday night was the Republican county conventions in Michigan. At the county convention it was decided who would be attending the state convention in Lansing. Three people in my county were elected to attend the convention. Yeah, my county is small. You can tell from the picture below. As an elected Precinct Delegate I knew I would be going right from the start. Now it is official. I am going.
Not only did we have a nominating convention, but State Rep Tom Casperson, stopped by to talk to our county. He is planning on running for US Congress. He talked about the economy and domestic energy plans. He has not made an official announcement, yet. But as soon as he does this blog will be endorsing him. I wish I had known that he would be there so I could have taken notes. But I did not bring my notebook and can't remember all the details. I guess it was last minute planning. He was coming back to the UP from Lansing that night and my county was where he figured he would be when the county conventions were to take place.
There was a lot of talk from everyone at the meeting about the Presidential and upcoming Congressional elections. Everyone talked about the economy in Michigan. We also talked about the future of the Republican Party, UP, statewide and nationally. Y'all know how loud mouth I am. But you would be surprised, I did not do too much talking at the meeting. Just listened mostly. They seemed more optomistic about the presidential election than I am. I did not want to sound like a pessimist at a Republican gathering.
Anyways, I should be posting more from here on to the convention, on February 15. I can't wait to go to the convention. I will be taking the Yooper bus down. Maybe I will try to take a video blog on the bus, so y'all can see how much fun it is.

left to right; front row-Mary Kay Tamlyn, John Moynahan, Don Gustafson, back row- Robert Winkelman, Sheriff Scott Strait, State Rep Tom Casperson, Kathy Wells (yours truly)

State Rep Tom Casperson talking to Sheriff Scott Strait

Casperson: Still room for reform in Michigan

• ESCANABA — State Rep. Tom Casperson, R-Escanaba, said government spending and programs need to be looked at closely.
• Casperson issued a statement after Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s 2008 State of the State address Tuesday night.
• “There’s been a lot of talk about reform in government and we’ve only been able to scratch the surface. I think we really need to take a serious look at that in the coming months on the regulatory side of it and on the tax side of it.
• “Something I’ve learned in being around Lansing for five years is that doing the same thing over and over again is not working, especially in Michigan with our economy.”
• Casperson said government agencies need to be looked at again.
• “My hope is that this year we can look for meaningful changes that can be made in what the government is doing. Everything involved with spending and programs needs to be looked at so the government can step up and lead by example. That might mean revisiting every state government agency and eliminating those that are outdated and cutting bloated, expensive hierarchies.” [more here]
  

Northern Michigan News and Eastern UP Humor

• Turning the state around an elusive goal

• By Cathy Landry, News Editor · Posted: Wednesday, January 30, 2008 12:07 AM EST
• GAYLORD — The state legislators who met with Northern Michigan home builders association members said that in order to move the state’s economy forward, everyone needs to get involved.
• During the “Region I Housing Industry Summit,” sponsored by the Michigan Association of Home Builders Monday at the University Center in Gaylord, Rep. Kevin Elsenheimer, R-Bellaire, Rep. Tom Casperson, R-Escanaba, and Gary McDowell, D-Rudyard, were asked if people were pulling together to make changes to get Michigan’s economy moving in the right direction again.
• Casperson said that he has found the public debate conspicuously absent much of the time on many issues. He used the example during the budget process last fall when it came to school funding.
• “People didn’t really engage except for school teachers and superintendents,” he said, “The average guy didn’t really call.”
• He added that he believes that participation is key to moving Michigan forward. “I’m more and more convinced that people need to get involved,” he commented. “In the political process, we are bidding for support. You need to let your voice be heard to make changes.” [more here]
  

I just thought I would add a bit of humor. Check out how Gary McDowell looks like the PC guy in the "Mac vs. PC."












Gary McDowell

First District News-Four County Reagan Day Dinner

Antrim, Emmet, Charlevoix and Otsego Counties are hosting a Four County Reagan Day Dinner. There is a great line up of speakers. Here is the info.

January 12, 2008		2008 Four County Reagan Day Dinner Fund Raiser
Hosted By: Antrim Charlevoix Emmet and Otsego Counties Held at: Castle Farms On the evening of: Saturday January 12th 6:00pm Dinner at 7:00 pm Questions or Comments Wes Dilwoth (231) 582-6886 boats@yachtpros.com Cost is $80 per person, personal checks only, tickets will not be sold at door. Reserve by Wednesday, January 9th Checks are payable to: Charlevoix County Republicans Victory Account (CCRVA) 1233 Meaderline Rd. Charlervoix, MI 49720		Speakers to Include: U.S. Senator Sam Browback Kansas Senator Jason Allen 37th District Representative Kevin Elsenheimer 105th District Representative Tom Casperson Running for U.S. Congress to replace Bart Stupak Representative Jack Hoogendyke Running for U.S. Senate to replace Karl Levin Representative Andrew "Rocky" Raczkowski Runnning for U.S. Senate to replace Karl Levin Other national candidates have been invited

Yooper News-Tom Casperson

(Tom Casperson; taken at the First District Meeting in Gladwin, Michigan)

Hunting fee hikes no longer needed

By Audrey LaFave - alafave@dailypress.net

ESCANABA — Department of Natural Resources officials told the Legislature Wednesday the department now has a budget surplus after first reporting hunting and fishing fee hikes were necessary. State House Rep. Tom Casperson, R-Escanaba, said this morning the DNR had long known about the surplus but failed to report it to the Legislature in a timely manner.

The DNR fish and wildlife fund has a surplus of $10 million, Casperson said.

“They were told in July that they had received a good return on some investments, in excess of $5 million,” said Casperson in a phone interview. “The problem with that is, they knew in July and did not let anyone know about it, and came to the Legislature talking about what dire straits they were in.

“They wanted to take enormous amounts of money from the sportsmen,” he said. “I am very frustrated with the process.”

Read the rest here.

Three Reasons Why I am Glad to be Part of Michigan's First Congressional District

I thought I would talk about three of the best reasons I like being part of the First District, Tony Stackpoole, Frank Egeler and Joel Westrom.

During the 2004 Presidential Elections I had been reading on the Internet about George Bush. I really wanted to help out and volunteer. I had always been a Republican and volunteered off and on for about ten years, along with voting for George Bush in 2000 election. As my regular readers know, I live in a small town in the Upper Peninsula. Thus when President Bush was running for re-election there wasn't any volunteering going on. I had contacted the Bush headquarters in Michigan to see what I could do. I was given the name of the Mackinac County Party Chairman and I did contact him, but he said he probably wouldn't be do anything in regards to phone banks or handing out fliers. I called the headquarters again and told them that our county wasn't going to do anything. I wanted to know if there was anything I could do through the headquarters or a nearby county. The gentleman I had talked to told me that there would be a weekly phone bank in Chippewa County and that I could join them. He told me to meet up at Cup of the Day Coffee Shop in Sault Ste. Marie, owned by Tony Stackpoole.

TONY STACKPOOLE

This was my first time meeting Tony, Chippewa County Chairman. He is a really gung-ho Republican. He was very nice and welcoming the first time I met him. I was given a cell phone, and an info sheet to read off of and told to sit at one of the tables. I did this once a week for about a month. Towards the end of the phone bank, and time was getting close to the election, Tony encouraged me to stay involved in Republican politics. He encouraged me to get involved in my county's local party activities. He gave me info about the upcoming State Convention, that was to happen in February of '05. At this time Mackinac County did not have elected Republican delegates. He told me to attend the Mackinac County meeting that would be selecting delegates to attend the State Convention, and let them know I would be interested in attending the convention. He told me that because the Upper Peninsula and 1st District is so large that for every convention they get together and take a bus down. He gave me the name of who to contact that was in charge of organizing for the bus. That person was Frank Egeler.
Ever since I have met Tony he always asks me to sit with him at events. He really helps me feel comfortable at events where I may not know to many people. He was kind enough to give me a ride to the district meeting in March.

FRANK EGELER

The first time I met Frank was on the bus to travel down to Grand Rapids for the State Convention. He was really nice, I had talked to him on the phone. I hope he's not reading this, but I have to say on the phone he sounded like he would be old and kinda short with gray bald hair, and chubby too. I was surprised when I first met him, he doesn't look like that at all. Beer and sparkling wine flows on this bus, provided by Frank.
This was my first State Convention, since the '96 convention in Lansing, Michigan. I had a ton of fun, going down and coming back. I met quite a few nice people on the bus.
Frank has been really awesome since then. He puts up with me even though I make fun of him. Him and State Rep Tom Casperson gave me a ride down to the most recent district meeting. I got to make fun of him, so did Tom. Poor Frank.
In fact we met up with Joel Westrom and his passengers at the Big Buck Brewery in Gaylord, after the meeting.

JOEL WESTROM

Back before the '07 State Convention in Feb. in Grand Rapids Frank and Tony asked me to support Joel Westrom for 1st District Chairman. He had a website and they asked me to take a look. They also asked him to call me and tell me why he was running for chairman and what his plans were for the First District. All of my regular readers know that I never support someone just because a friend "told me to." I am way to independent for that.
The first communication I ever had with Joel Westrom was when he called and talked about his thoughts about the First District. He asked for my input. I told him I thought many of his ideas sounded pretty good.
He wanted to organize a group to host something on behalf of the 1st District at the Mackinac Leadership Republican Conference. He also talked about having a "candidate school," where potential candidates and staff could get a crash course in campaigning. He talked about hosting First District events and meetings throughout the district, in different locations. I felt that these things fell in with my thoughts. I hung up the phone thinking he sounded pretty good. I did tell him that while I liked everything he said, I still could not definitely support him. I wanted to hear from/about his competition.
The only thing I had heard about his competition, after talking to Joel, was from one of her supporters and he didn't have much to say about her. That was when I decided to support Joel.
Oh, could I tell a good story about the events leading to and at the '07 convention, but this ain't the place. It has to do with a big rift between Joel, his competition, each of their supporters deciding on taking a different bus, me not knowing this and taking the wrong bus.
Let's not forget her trying to "buy my vote" when the woman who was to be my roommate at the hotel I would be staying at during the convention thought that I wasn't going, since I got on the wrong bus and those on Joel's bus didn't know I would be there, just arriving on the wrong bus. I thought the free room was just a show of kindness. Well y'all know I hate dishonesty in politics and nobody can buy my vote. At the 1st District Conference at the convention I voted for Joel. He had only won by less than 5 votes.
I met him, personally, after the 1st District Conference when Tony, a friend of Tony's, Frank and I were at the bar of the Amway Grand Hotel in Grand Rapids. There was quite a few people standing around talking, for quite a while. I was standing around Frank. He never did introduce me to Joel, what a rudie. So I took the initiative to put out my hand and introduce myself to Joel. I also got to meet Saul Anuzis, the State Party Chairman, at this group.
He probably doesn't remember this, but I was standing behind him, holding a cosmopolitan. Don't even get on my case about drinking a fancy yuppy drink. Even rednecks can live in luxury, for just a moment. Oh, back to the story. I was standing there talking to someone else and he didn't know I was there and backed up into me. It was funnier at the moment. I rode back on the bus with Frank and Joel. Joel was kind enough to pay for me to ride on that bus.
When we all met up for lunch after the meeting in Gladwin he footed the bill for all of us. After the meeting I had asked Frank if we were going to stop for beer and burgers. He said we would. I just thought it would be some hole in the wall. But the Big Buck is a big nice micro brewery. I got my menu and saw the prices. Well this little redneck wasn't expecting the prices to be so much. I looked at Frank and asked who was paying. I was just joking, honest. Frank said not to worry, it was taken care of. There were six of us. Joel even payed for the beers Frank and I ordered.
He has even been kind enough to write a guest post for me, before the Mac Conference. He talked about the conference, 1st District and Tom Casperson. Without being prompted, he had nice things to say about me.

In conclusion, all three of these guys, Tony, Frank and Joel, are great assets to the First District. When ya have questions, have a problem with another person or an issue, or just one of them. They will listen when ya call or email them. They will answer ya back. Not that I have ever had a problem against either one of them, but I am sure if someone did they would listen. No offense to Frank or Tony, but Joel is better at responding back. I have emailed him and gone on to another site, and next thing I know soon after I sent the email I get an email alert and it is Joel responding. I think that is nice. Not that he is able to do that all the time. He does have a life ya know.
In things that does not affect me directly, these guys are wonderful also. Joel is full of energy and ideas. He does a lot to bring the people of the counties that are spread through out the spacious district. He is very active in bringing new ideas and statewide attention to this oft forgotten part of Michigan.
As the District Field Director Frank tirelessly travels the state to represent the First District. He is really gung-ho about getting Tom Casperson elected to the US Congress in '08. Plus he likes classic rock.
Tony does a lot for his community. He is seriously involved in Big Brothers and Big Sisters program. He is a major cheerleader for the college republicans at Lake Superior State University. He works hard to help them out and gettting them involved. Even though we don't agree on who should be the presidential nominee, I do have to give him props for getting representatives for Mitt Romney up to the UP.

All in all I just have one thing to say to all of them.

Joel Westrom Talks

As y'all know I am excited about the Mackinac Republican Leadership coming up on Mackinac Island. Not just because Mike Huckabee will be there but because of the promotion of Michigan Republican politics at state, district, county and local levels. I asked First District Chairman Joel Westrom to write a post about the First District and the Mac Conf. Today he sent me his post. So without further adoo here is Joel's post.

I’m Joel Westrom your First Congresssional District GOP Chairman. I’m here today on Kathy’s blog to tell you little bit about the District and where we are going. Recently elected to Chairman in Februray 2007 I made it my mission to unite and build our District starting with our Grassroots supporters.

I’m optimistic about the 2008 elections. In particular Rep. Tom Casperson’s race for US Congress. Tom has proven himself as a leader in the 108th House District and is taking his skills to the next level to deliver those same values to our District. His hard work and determination has the attention of the Michigan Republican Party and RNC. They have all made multiple trips to the District in support of Tom and we looking forward to a competitive race.

In addition to Tom’s race will have to open House seats. The 106th and 108th. We’re optimistic we’ll maintain a Republican in the 108th as well as secure a new Republican in the 106th.

As Chairman of one of the largest geographical Congressional Districts in the US , I felt it was important that we implement new technology to help us communicate. First on the list was a First District web-site, http://www.firstgop.com/ that will eventually link to each of the 31 County web-sites. Secondly, I introduced a new video conference system that allowed Legislators and MRP staff to interact more with the District. Together with Saul Anuzis, MI State Chairman, we were able to have meetings frequently all across the District. It’s my goal to have every County on board this new system by the end of 2007.

I look forward to meeting some of you at our Bi-Annual Mackinaw conference in September. With a crowded slate of Presidential Candidates, expect to see lots of action and media coverage at this event. The schedules are still being worked out but if you plan to attend expect opportunities to meet with most the contenders on the slate.

*Last but not least. Kathy has been doing a great job. She keeps the District updated on many fronts and is a tireless worker for the party. I grateful we have Kathy on our team and look forward to seeing her along with some of you on Mackinaw.*

If there is anything I can do for any of you, please do not hesitate to email me.

Joel Westrom
Chairman
First Congressional GOP District
http://www.firstgop.com/
joel@firstGOP.com

*I promise I did not ask him to say anything about me. Those are his words. So now I want to say some nice things about him. As was said, he has been the District Chairman since Feb. 2007. He does a great job at getting everyone involved with events. He has organized more events and fundraisers in the past 6 months than what was done in the three years since I have been involved in local and district politics. He tirelessly shows up at Lincoln Day Dinners in the counties in the First District. Also, neither one of us mis-spells Mackinac/Mackinaw. It can be spelled either way.

God Bless from the Upper Peninsula in Michigan!