It may be one of the most amazing forums ever held in Barry County Thursday night (May 4), when as many as seven or eight candidates for public office gather for a round-table discussion on the Michigan Unicameral “Fire the Senate” petition drive. It has all the ingredients to be a real hoot.
J-Ad Graphics Vice President Fred Jacobs, arguably one of the most influential people in the entire county, will serve as moderator. All of the candidates for 87th District State Representative, even the chosen one, Brian Calley, have agreed to participate. Word from sources close to the situation is that Calley didn’t want to come, but chose not to alienate Jacobs, who has a habit of holding politicians’ feet to the fire. Conspicuous by her absence will be State Senator Patty Birkholz, who has declined repeatedly to ever appear in a public forum to explain to the people why she should keep her job. Every one of the 38 state senators has been asked to debate the issue any time, but still no takers. The men and women in Lansing apparently have chosen to ignore the rag tag “Fire the Senate” crowd, the strategy that is backed heavily by corporate media. There will be a few candidates on hand who support the Unicameral movement, most notably Republican Brian Reynolds, Democrat Eric Geister and Libertarian Bill Galineau. I’m not sure where the other guests stand, but we can find out. I hope Mr. Jacobs can avoid this becoming a “cattle call” for the candidates or a love fest dominated by irrelevant information about grandchildren, churches attended and how wonderful Barry County is. There is more than a rumor that State Rep. LaMar Lemmons III will be one of the panelists. Lemmons introduced a bill calling for eliminating the senate, but it’s been condemned to the dust heap in Lansing.
The venue had to be changed from the venerable Thomas Jefferson Hall to the Hastings High School lecture hall to accommodate the anticipated crowds and media. Finally, Unicameral is getting a little bit of attention. If you’re free Thursday evening, you might find this forum more than entertaining. It’s got to be better than anything on TV.
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3 comments:
I've done my part tonight, sent an email and replied to Dear Patty's auto response. requesting to her to explain her failure or inability to debate issues! Let's flood her with questions on what her public fear is?????????
The Kent Co. candidates were a waste of space. It was a mainly Barry Co. crowd, and more local debate could have occured without the Kent Co. mic hogs.
BTW--What media? No one showed up from TV. Jefferson Hall could of easily contained that crowd.
What debate I heard amongst the local candidates was good. I expected more rallying for Reynolds from this crowd. It seemed there were just as many ammenable to Vlietstra's and Calley's positions, even though they're not in favor of the specific Fire the Senate proposal.
Reynolds did not appear to distinguish himself amongst this group. Maybe he should run against Patty to get noticed (PolWatcher--interested in a Draft Reynolds for Senate campaign?).
Who woke me up during this so called debate? I want his name!!! Brian Calley, Abbasse, and the Libertarian dude hogging the mic had me notting! Calley is a definite perfect fit for the typical State Rep persona we're trying to get rid of. How much did that suit cost you Brian?
Very, very POOR turn-out, and no media??????
I saw the 3 name cards on the table for Sikkima and Berkholtz (not gonna bother to check spelling, close enough to vote for any other name). Sikkima wouldn't show until we had something serious to talk about. What gall!!!!!! When he and Newell cornered me at the Courthouse Sikkima took 5 minutes out of my life to continuously shake my hand and tell me all the people he knew in the same profession as mine. He was running for Governor and I "seriously" didn't care!
Next time, Mr Jacobs, get manniquins for 3 empty candidate table seats and place their name card in front. Bet the media will love that??
Susan had a lot of facts, but I have to agree with what I think I've read on here before. Work your way up, try the County Board. For gosh sakes, it needs change and I think you would be good at it. For now, you need to be more forceful with the Calley show nerds! And, the other two guys were asleep with their eyes open I think?? Did they say anything?????
Brian Reynolds couldn't get alot of mic time, but I have to go with him. He is down to earth and seems like someone that would not let the job go to his head. But, he needs to talk more, get his positions out.
Campbell, definitely out of his league. Little Hastings is about all he knows and should be allowed to know. Who's yard did he get loose from, Spencer's? Good "ole" boy though. Enjoy retirement sir!
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