Behind the Headlines

By Paula Wethington / paula@monroenews.com

My husband and I watched part of the Democratic National Committee meeting on CNN yesterday as the political wonks tried to straighten out the mess that happened with the presidential primary in January.

While I haven’t decided which presidential candidate to vote for; as a Michigan resident, I think the primary was a fiasco. It’s amazing that it took so long to settle out if and how our state’s delegation would be seated.

Here’s some headlines:

• Detroit Free Press
• Detroit News
• Fox News
• CNN

Bottom line: Each Michigan vote counts for half, with the delegations split between Clinton and Obama in a formula that can be described as a “best guess.”

Well, that’s the kid of chaos you can expect when some candidates dropped and some stayed on the ballot. Michigan voters were upset about that situation even before they went to the ballot box.

I think former U.S. Rep. David Bonior of Mt. Clemens, who spoke on behalf of Obama at the meeting, made a compelling argument as to why Michigan should have been included in the early run. While a diversity of regions and populations is a good idea for the mix of early states, economic diversity also should be considered. And Michigan, at the time was one of the few areas where the economy was a very serious concern. (Don’t you remember national headlines only a few months ago exclaiming how wonderful the U.S. economy was — and only once in awhile seeing a disclaimer “except for Michigan,” “except for metro Detroit,” “except for pockets across the country”?)

Now the economy is the country’s “Issue No. 1″ as CNN puts it.

It is helpful that economic concerns were heard during the primary season, even if not with a Michigan voice. When the candidates campaigned in Ohio and Pennsylvania, they were hearing from states where the economy isn’t good either. For example, metro Cleveland has the same kind of housing market problems as metro Detroit.

I don’t expect miracles from our future president. In fact, I’ve told readers of the Monroe on a Budget blog (see “Presidential Promises”) that they have to figure out their economic solutions on their own, and not wait for any president to solve the problem. Any help that comes from Washington about this time next year will arrive too late for families who are struggling right now.

But if the eventual presidential candidates want to come across as being effective leaders in a struggling economy, they need to pay close attention to what’s going on in Michigan. And they need to offer up some practical ideas that Washington legislators, under their leadership, would be able to put into action very quickly.

I attended the Michigan CSI (Cyber Safety Initiative) presentation at Bedford High School Tuesday night with a story on the event in yesterday’s MEN.

I wanted to add a few things to the story.

First here are some warning signs for parents when it comes to their child’s Internet usage:
1. You child spends large amounts of time on-line, especially at night.
2. You find pornography on your child’s computer.
3. You child receives phone calls from people you don’t know or is making calls, sometimes long distances, to numbers you don’t recognize.
4. You child receives mail, gifts or packages from someone you don’t know.
5. You child turns the computer monitor off or quickly changes the screen on the monitor whne you come in to the room.
6. You child becomes withdrawn from the family.
7. You child is using an online account belonging to someone else.
8. While online, your child is using a microphone or Webcam you didn’t know he/she had.

If you notice any of these signs, the following are some safety tips for parents:
Create clear and simple ground rules for children to follow.
Place a computer with Internet access in a location that is visible to other members of the family and NOT IN THE CHILD’S BEDROOM.
Explain to your children that they should never give out identifying information- name, address, school name, telephone number- in any public forum such as a chat room or bulletin board.
Discuss the importance of telling you or a trusted adult if something ever makes your child or teen feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused while online.
Become familiar with blocking and monitoring programs.
Get to know the Internet and any services your children use.

Some Web sites that might be helpful are:
http://www.netlingo.com/top20teens.cfm - This Web site has the top 20 acronyms every parent should know when it comes to message boards or instant messaging.

There is a wealth of information on the Michigan Attorney General’s Web site regarding the CSI program. The Web site is www.michigan.gov/ag.

By Stephanie A.

I just received a copy of this. I thought it may be of interest readers since roads, or the crumbling of at least, seem to be a favored topic in Monroe County. Make of it what you will.

The following is pasted from an email:

“Dear Honorable Angerer, Ebli, and Richardville,

Well, it’s upon us - Pothole Season in Michigan. We have all been around long enough to know it goes hand-in-hand with the arrival of the Robin! Of course one is anticipated and excites us – the other is dreaded and infuriates us. If potholes could only fly, some say that it would become our State Bird. As a Commissioner of the Monroe County Road Commission (MCRC) I am writing to ask once again that you make it a priority to find solutions to the road-funding debacle in Michigan.

I realize that Governor Granholm has appointed a Task Force to investigate the present road funding system, and offer in 2008 and 2009 ideas for a solution. But please understand that from my position that timetable is simply not acceptable. Our State Legislators cannot simply set aside this serious issue while a committee discusses possible options. This committee will not come back with “the solution”. It will submit options for possible solutions. And when will we enact solutions? Long after the road situation has become so severe that whatever funding option are suggested, it will take many years to get us to a level playing field with our deteriorating roads. We are in crisis now. Each year, each month we get further behind in terms of the cost of reconstruction and maintenance.

I am not one to bring complaints without offering workable solutions. So, here are three solutions that will provide immediate help. These first two you have heard before.

1) Diesel Parity - How about simply moving forward with diesel parity? There seems to be no good reason why gasoline is taxed at 19 cents and diesel fuel at 15 cents. That simple change would bring some relief. Certainly there would be some opposition, but making difficult decisions always brings opposition.

2) Hands Off MTF Funds - At the very least Lansing could eliminate the “off the top” shifting of millions of dollars collected for road improvement that are being sent to various other departments in the Capitol. Taxpayers have a right to expect that when they pay their fuel tax, vehicle registration fees and license fees that the money will definitely be spent on road improvement. It seems too easy for Legislators to use road improvement dollars to solve the ills of other departments. Quit robbing Peter to pay Paul!

3) Tax Credit For Road Millages – A new solution is allowing a “state tax credit” to voters who step forward and approve local road millages. A local road millage involves voters adding taxes on themselves for a specific service or needs. Let it become a dollar for dollar credit for those who are willing to step forward and take control of the road situations in their townships. Township Officials and road agencies could collectively work together and prioritize the roadwork to be done. Basically it boils down to this: Local tax dollars staying within the townships (not passing through Lansing), under local control, addressing local issues (roads, bridges, culverts, drainage, etc). Michigan Legislators for years (even before your time) have consistently demonstrated that they embrace the idea that “locals should pay for local roads”. Ask not what Lansing can do for you, but what you can do for your township/municipality. Let it happen.

We need solutions now - not a year or two of more discussions. The more talking that is done in Lansing the further behind your districts are in terms of getting ahead in the area of road improvement. I have provided several ideas for your consideration. Please step forward with strong leadership and enact legislation that gives local townships and road agencies the necessary avenues to maintain and improve the road system under our responsibility and in our counties. Road agencies and township officials are willing to take on the responsibility for local road maintenance. What we ask of you is the tools to make it happen. Please, help us help your constituents.
Respectfully,
Anthony M. Majauskas, Chairman
Monroe County Road Commission”

A couple things about the story that ran today on the alleged “secret” settlement deal. (Read the story here)

Jerry Oley was not questioning whether Mr. Berns was fired. It was pretty clear that he was fired and Mr. Oley said something to the effect of it was a pretty sweet deal for someone who was an at-will employee (no contract) who had been fired. There was a little mix up in the editing process. It was my fault - I wasn’t clear about what I was saying in the story.

Also, in the web version of the story, the sidebar with details of the contract didn’t appear as they did in the print version. Here is what the sidebar said:

“The agreement stated that Mr. Berns could not seek any legal retribution against the county or the 911 board authority for any reason if he signed. Here are some of the provisions of the settlement agreement:
• The county will pay $50,000 in severance, minus state, federal and local income tax withholdings to Mr. Berns.
• The county will also pay $10,126.37 for accrued but unused vacation and sick days as of Dec. 31, 2007.
• Should Mr. Berns participate in the county-sponsored health, dental or vision plans, the county will pay the monthly COBRA premiums for up to eight months, starting in January of 2008.
• He will remain on paid administrative leave until Dec. 31, 2007.
• All records of discipline will be purged from the personnel file.
• Mr. Berns can still call on the county for written or phone references.
• The county agreed not to oppose his application for unemployment.
• Mr. Berns agreed not to disparage or demean the county or the people outlined in an earlier provision.
The agreement was signed by Charles Londo, county administrator and chief financial officer, Sheriff Tilman Crutchfield and Mr. Berns and went into effect on Dec. 28, 2007.”

One reader emailed me after reading the story and asked a great question. He wondered where the funding for the 911 board comes from - i.e. is the county contributing to it, “which would justify Mr. Oley’s concerns”?

Here was my reply:
“From what I understand, the county board does supply the Central Dispatch department with budgeted funds and, as listed in the line item budget, the position was considered a central dispatch position. Essentially that means the county supplies the money for the job. However, once money is allocated to an authority – which falls under a different class of organizational structure – the county doesn’t really have much say in what they do with it. So, it’s not a very straightforward answer. This is just what I’ve found out and I need to verify it to see what is the real deal here.”

To take it further, the Ambulance Authority is a separate budget item, but is also supplied money through the county. As an authority it has certain autonomy, very much like the community mental health board authority. The county commissioners appoint the board members but don’t have direct oversight like they would a committee.

Pretty powerful, apparently.
U.S. Rep. John D. Dingell, D-Dearborn, is ranked the fourth most powerful member of the House, according to new rankings by Knowlegis, a firm that gathers Congressional data and links clients with legislators.
The organization ranks legislators annually on the position they hold on committees, the influence they wield, the legislation they move forward and the earmarked funding they get for their constituents.
Only Reps. Nancy Pelosi of California, Steny Hower of Maryland and Charles Rangel of New York were ranked higher than Rep. Dingell.
Rep. Dingell also was ranked the fourth most powerful among Democratic lawmakers and the most powerful federal legislator in Michigan. Carl Levin, was the next closest among federal legislators from Michigan, ranked eighth in the state.
Rep. Dingell’s stock began soaring in 2007 after regaining his position as chairman of the powerful Committee on Energy and Commerce. In 2005 and 2006, he was ranked in the 80s.
To see all rankings, click here.

The Monroe County Board of Commissioner meeting was canceled for tonight because of the weather.

Chairman of the board William Sisk asked that the meetings be rescheduled in order to look out for the safety of the constituents. We’ll let you know when it’s rescheduled.

Stephanie Ariganello; stephaniea@monroenews.com

The county board of commissioners will likely make that determination tonight.

Road problems are one of the most common complaints from residents, regardless of where they live in the county. In south county, it’s: “why are our roads crappy and then I drive two miles over the border and Ohio’s are fine?” In north county, kind of the same countywise, especially when it comes to clearing the roads after a big snow. And everywhere in between - everyone knows of at least one road that could use some work. And the potholes, my god, the potholes.

The road commission (the employees) says it’s numbers plain and simple - they don’t have the dollars to make an impact and they keep trying to shuffle what they do have. That isn’t really a sufficient answer for most people, so when the state passed legislation allowing local communities to elect or appoint their road commissioners - the actual people who approve the budget and the road projects each year - people took notice. Currently the commissioners are appointed by the county board of commissioners.

This will be the hot topic at tonight’s board meeting at 7 p.m. tonight in the commissioner chambers at the Monroe County Courthouse, 125 E. Second St.

Here’s a short breakdown of the issue and what people are saying:

• The road commissioners are opposed to election saying it would take the focus off of qualifications and objective decision making, turning it into something that highlights politics and personal agenda.
• Those who support election over appointment say it would hold the road commissioners accountable for their decisions.
• If there was a move to elected commissioners, the election would be county wide - not segregated into districts. Some fear a county wide election for road commissioners could unfairly stack the deck with representatives from the larger municipalities in the county, leaving the smaller cities and townships to fend for themselves when it comes to funding.
• It’s also not necessarily true that an election would result in better candidates. Votes might go to the best known or most vocal candidates, rather than the most qualified. In contrast, under the appointive process, county commissioners can solicit applications, set educational requirements, review resumes, check references and conduct interviews.
• Some argue that it won’t matter - either way. The most common complaint is that county roads just aren’t getting fixed. Michigan’s fuel tax is one of the lowest in the nation, and Michigan is ranked in the bottom 10 states in per capita funding for roads. Elected officials would face the same tough choices as appointed officials in allocating limited funds.
• Thus far, Commissioners Jerry Oley, LaMar Frederick and Dale Zorn have been very vocal about supporting elected officials.
  
• The board put off making a decision last time - postponing the vote until a later meeting like tonight’s. It should be fairly interesting to hear what the other commissioners have to say about it.
  
• The commissioners also can consider expanding the road commission panel from three to five representatives.
  

But not today.

By Stephanie Ariganello; stephaniea@monroenews.com

I should be in Lansing right now, but alas, am not. I had the whole day set aside to hang out with State Reps. Kate Ebli and Kathy Angerer.

First it was the weather - I had been driving home from Holland on Sunday and whew - it was the most treacherous I have seen it in awhile on 94; I’m still a little gunshy after all those accidents. After driving in to work at 6:30 on somewhat slick roads and hearing a plea from my mom not to go, I was a little apprehensive.

I called a few people in Lansing to see how the weather was there and left a round of messages. I was all wimpy this morning and told the photographer who was going to shoot the assignment that we wouldn’t go.

Then Kate Ebli called back and said it was slow, but passable. So, I said to Photographer Kim, let’s just go. It will be fine. I’ll drive. She then has to move her car and I drive over to pick her up. In the meantime, I keep getting conflicting reports. What - it’s snowing all crazy there, said one person. It’s fine, said another. The forecast is clear, said one. The clouds and snow are rolling in and not going anywhere, with a 90 percent chance of snow all day, said another.

As I’m picking Kim up at her now-moved car, my cell rings and it’s a representative from Kathy Angerer’s office. Since we would be arriving later than planned and because her plans changed - the people she was meeting with all morning/afternoon asked that press not be present - asked if we could reschedule.

Said Kim: Something is telling us to stay right here. I can agree with that. We’ll save our trip for another day. The story I wanted to do, by the way, is a day in the life of a legislator. I’ve heard often and loudly that people don’t know what it is legislators do all day, all week, all term. I thought we could shed some light on that. But for now, it will remain a mystery.

Stephanie Ariganello;
stephaniea@monroenews.com

Tuesday was the state of the state and since I had the opportunity to be there in person, I went. Obviously it was different than watching it on TV. Here are some of my general observations.

Randy Richardville - Apparently our Senator is a rock star in Lansing. Everyone, and I’m talking everyone, had to say hello, grip his hand, talk about tool and die legislation, about getting “the core” together next week, etc. He knew all of the staff members working security, the tour guides, the communications people, and had former staffers coming up to him to let them know where they are now. He even managed to get a plug in about a feature film on the War of 1812 to a film company lobbyist who approached him. From what I understand, the scene was similar over at Rep. Kathy Angerer’s camp. Everyone clammering for a handshake and a chance to say hello.
Rumor was that Sen. Richardville was going to be mentioned in the Gov’s speech. Her people called his people and asked if it would be alright to mention him when talking about working across the aisle and bipartisan cooperation. Well, if you listened to or read the address, you’ll notice he was not mentioned. Apparently, he was in the initial draft, but at some point was taken out. While he was fairly jovial about the situation, he did point out that all of the Republicans the Gov mentioned were term-limited and therefore not really contested seats, like giving a boost to someone as they retire. I haven’t had time to check on this so I’m not sure if it’s true.

(In full disclosure: I was invited to be Sen. Richardville’s guest along with Walt Wilburn, Bedford Township Supervisor, and Larry Rutledge, LaSalle Township Supervisor. Larry and Walt couldn’t make it because of the weather. The offer was also extended through the House Democrats, but because they’re up for re-election this year, my editor and I thought this might be less political. Also, since Sen. Richardville is Republican, it could be an interesting counterpoint to the SOTS.)

On the floor: It had been a long time since I’d been to the state capitol. I haven’t been for any assignments or visits since coming to Monroe and I hadn’t lived in state for a few years before that. I’m sure I must have been a wee little school girl the last time I went. Anyway, the chambers were smaller than I remember. The speech was held in the House of Representatives room. There were desks of course, then the various chairs scattered about and standing room only in the galleries and balconies. The event started at about 6:30 p.m. Each time fancy people were to arrive, like the chief justices of the state, they had a whole routine. The speaker had to ask for a special committee to be selected to escort whatever group of people was next. After awhile the doors would open, everyone would stand up and wait and then the group would come through. This went on for 30 minutes or more before the Gov was introduced. There was so much standing and sitting, repeatedly, that it was like an extended church service.

On their computers: I’ve always wondered what the legislators had on their computers as they sat there. Last night, several of them had The Drudge Report called up, awaiting the Florida primary results presumably. One had Real Clear Politics, a different web page on his screen while one was checking out weather on Yahoo.com. Others sat and emailed through the address or worked on their responses to what the Gov was saying. Another allowed their pre-teen daughter to instant message from the floor.

During the speech: It was probably more about where I was sitting - next to some Republicans - but occasionally when the Gov would make a point and others would cheer there would be some pretty negative comments or sarcastic remarks about the sincerity of her statement. Another guy kept snickering over the fact that the Gov was basing part of the economic boost on alternative energies, particularly when she mentioned wind turbines. Despite the sarcasm, there was a general feeling of optimism.

Overall: It just seemed like a giant social mixer, for the most part. Kind of like a Rotary or other such group meeting. I’m sure these are the places where more things get done, friendships are forged, deals are set up. Overall, it was very clear that these people are legislators and they are powerful in that they dictate what could be happening in our lives, but overwhelmingly - they’re people first and foremost.

If I think of anything else, I’ll post it.

By Stephanie Ariganello;
stephaniea@monroenews.com

State of the State by the numbers
Local legislators met with: 3 out of 3
Prayers said in the House of Representative Chambers: 2 (whatever happened to separation of church and state?)
Pledge of allegiances said: 2
Handshakes: 1.7 million (an approximate figure)
Legislators with “The Drudge Report” pulled up on their computer screens: 4
People fanning themselves with old school hand-held feather fans: 1
Depictions of gilded stags: 4
Times I wished I had a breath mint: 16
Standing ovations: 1,265 (really it was more like 32, but come on…)
Legislators that made a joke to the affect of “I stay out of politics”: 3, at least these are all I could hear. I imagine this plays out all over the floor (not made by any of our locals).
Overheard jokes about drunk driving: 6 (not made by any of our locals)
Times it felt like a weird rock concert: 4
Times I felt emotional surge in response to speech: 1 - when Granholm had the servicewoman who lost her leg stand up and the whole crowd erupted in long-lasting applause and hooting (Damn them and their research on emotional responses).

By Stephanie Ariganello;
stephaniea@monroenews.com

Hey everybody, I’ll be working on a local response to the President’s State of the Union speech tonight. It’s set for all major basic channels, 9 p.m.
Are you planning on watching it? I’d like to talk to you after the speech if you are, just to get your impressions.
So, please contact me and let me know if you’d be willing to chat via phone or email. That’d be great. Thanks.

Call me at 734-240-5773 or email the aforementioned email address. I would post it hyperlinked, but would rather not be swarmed with spamtastic spam.
And if you think watching the state of the union is a snooze, check out http://www.drinkinggame.us/ where even presidential policy can be turned into boozing and prankery. While I don’t particularly advocate getting wasted while watching government addresses, if it gets you involved, more power to ya. Just be responsible about it, please and thank you.

By Stephanie Ariganello; stephaniea@monroenews.com

I think it was something that was sent by accident, but I received a copy of the newly hashed out contract between the Drain Commissioner Office and the Utility Workers Union of America, AFL-CIO local. On the spreadsheet showing the wages, there are two columns that identify workers will receive a “Sinning Bonus”.

Apparently, the UAW and the Drain Commission worked out a deal for sinning. In 2008, in addition to the hourly rate, employees from the operations manager to water meter reader to utility clerk will receive an additional $1,935.48 for sinning.

In 2009, the sinning bonus drops to $927.89.

Of course, I do realize that it’s most likely a typo and should read “Signing Bonus” - but hey, who knows what goes on in those negotiations.

Casting a spell on you: you will vote for my candidate

By Stephanie Ariganello; stephaniea@monroenews.com

Babs is ready for change - just like me.

“I’m like you — I’m ready for change,” she writes.

I’ve been trying to keep up with all this political hullabaloo, and as such, have signed up for multiple email newsletters from presidential hopefuls. Ms. Streisand, as the email indicates, is ready to support Hillary Clinton in her presidential bid. And apparently wanting it more than she has ever wanted anything before in her life.

Last month, I received an email from former president Bill Clinton, inviting me to have a sandwich. When I pronounced this to my coworkers, one suggested that he mistook me for an intern.

Mitt Romney - he’s all over the clever campaign tie-ins using his name. Like making it the “Ulti-MITT Holiday” this season or making the full ComMITTment to his campaign.

Ron Paul, it would seem, doesn’t need to send out invites from fancy people or come up with clever things since his supporters do it for him. It’s very man-behind-the-curtain-esque.

What I’m wondering is - do these things work? It’s like a commercial for classic advertising techniques: celebrity endorsements, plain folk testimonials, authoritative stance, etc. Does Barbra identifying with you make you want to vote for her candidate or does it just appear forced? Maybe they should try a more yentle approach. (I think I meant gentle.)

Obviously I’m not the target audience for email newsletters aimed at supporters, but what say you? What do you like to know or hear about from your candidates?

By Stephanie Ariganello; stephaniea@monroenews.com

I came across this while googling something completely different.

Here’s the list as posted in the WP forums online:
“Upon reading these quotes you may wonder, “Did they really say that?!”… the answer is yes…unfortunately, they really did. Let me know if you agree with my personal picks and feel free to share your own favorites (because there really is no shortage of embarrassing comments made by politicians).

10. “I don’t care what people are saying Uptown or wherever they are. This city will be chocolate at the end of the day.” Ray Nagin (2006) (http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/smn.01.html)

9. “When I was in England I experimented with marijuana a time or two, and I didn’t like it and didn’t inhale and never tried it again.” Bill Clinton (1992) (http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0312/29/lol.08.html)

8. “Reports that say that something hasn’t happened are always interesting to me, because as we know, there are known knowns; there are things we know we know. We also know there are known unknowns; that is to say we know there are some things we do not know. But there are also unknown unknowns — the ones we don’t know we don’t know.” Donald Rumsfeld (2002) (http://www.defenselink.mil/transcripts/transcript.aspx?transcriptid=2636)

7. “I think with a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court, you can’t play, you know, hide the salami, or whatever it’s called.” Howard Dean (2005)
(http://blog.washingtonpost.com/thefix/2005/10/dean_pops_off.html

6. “I’m a fairly wide guy.” Larry Craig (2007)
(http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/08/30/craig.transcript/index.html)

5.“Too many OB/GYNs aren’t able to practice their love with women all across this country.” George W. Bush (2004)
(http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/09/20040906-4.html)

4.“To those critics who are so pessimistic about our economy, I say: Don’t be economic girlie men.” Arnold Schwarzenegger (2004)
(http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A7203-2004Oct4.html)

3.“I actually did vote for the $87 billion before I voted against it.” John Kerry (2004)
(http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/debatereferee/debate_1008.html)

2.“I have a record in office, as well. And all Americans have seen that record. September the 4th, 2001, I stood in the ruins of the Twin Towers. It’s a day I will never forget.” George W. Bush (2004)
(http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/10/20041018-11.html)

1. “During my service in the United States Congress, I took the initiative in creating the Internet.” Al Gore (1999)
(http://www.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/stories/1999/03/09/president.2000/transcript.gore/ ”

It made me think, does Monroe County have any quotes from politicos or other public figures that stand out as so cringe-inducing or ironic? I couldn’t come up with any immediately, but I’m sure, given time, anyone could come up with at least one.

What about you? Do you remember being appalled, shocked or amazed at something a local public figure said?

By Stephanie Ariganello;
stephaniea@monroenews.com

Ah the fresh smell of democracy in the morning. I was just at one of the polls in the City of Monroe. There was a steady flow of traffic, a few people here and there, always someone voting.

The new I.D. requirement didn’t seem to be tripping anyone up. I heard from a couple of people that usually there is a line when they hit their polling place, but they didn’t encounter that this morning.

Less people voting? Maybe. Or maybe things are more streamlined, or people know who they want to vote for going in, or a million other things. What has your experience been? Did you vote - or consciously not vote?