First District Debates Sponsored by WJML News Talk 1110AM & 1210AM to Take Place Tonight from 7pm to 9pm.

Watch Live Streaming at http://www.firstgopdebates.com/webcast.htm.

Or Show up to Watch in Person at

May 10, 2008

Boyne City High School

Performing Arts Center

1035 Boyne Ave
Boyne City, MI 49712

Candidates to participate will be Don Hooper and Linda Goldthorpe. Regrettably, Tom Casperson will not be participating.

This is what happens when the voters do not pay attention, people don’t vote or they vote for any idiot that uses flowery words, read on;

Senate passes ban on smoking

Bill heading to the House would bar lighting up in clubs, restaurants, even bingo halls, casinos.

Charlie Cain / Detroit News Lansing Bureau

LANSING — All Michigan workplaces, including bars, restaurants and clubs, are a big step closer to becoming smoke-free.

Good ol’ nanny statism at work.

“I can now say Michigan will be a smoke-free state,” said a jubilant Sen. Ray Basham, D-Taylor, following the state Senate’s surprise vote Thursday to enact a widespread smoking ban.

“This is a huge victory for the people of Michigan who don’t want to be subjected to second-hand smoke, which the U.S. surgeon general has said is unsafe in any amount,” added Basham, who has been waging an often lonely 10-year crusade against public smoking.

I think all smoking voters in Taylor, MI should send their lovely senator a thank-you gift.  I said “smoking voters” because those who smoke but didn’t vote have only thyemselves to blame.  I think I will send a gift too.  How about everyone send him a cigarrette with a cute little card that says, “For your vote on the smoking ban.  Place in orifice and light up!”  Or something along those lines.

The prospect of a smoke-free environment appeals to Stephanie Gant, 43, of Southfield.

“I don’t smoke and I can’t stand the smell of smoke,” said Gant, who was bowling with her twin 4-year-old boys at Cloverlanes Bowl in Livonia on Thursday. “We should be able to go out and enjoy our time without having to deal with smoke.”

“…enjoy our time…” is the key phrase here.  Smokers should be able enjoy a place to smoke, without gubmint telling the business owner to ban smoking.  Non-smokers should be able to enjoy their time at non-smoking establishments.  But those establishments should be non-smoking because that is what was intended by the business owner, not gubmint.  A true entrapenuer would see that there are many businesses that have smoking, see that there are many non-smokers with kids, viola!  An idea is born.  They open a business that is smoke free.  Everyone is happy and everyone wins.  But gubmint has their heads you know where to not realize this.

Until Thursday’s vote, the Republican-controlled Senate had resisted a smoking ban, largely on grounds that it was a decision best left to business owners and their customers.

“I love my country, but, God, some days I fear my government,” said Sen. Alan Sanborn, R-Richmond, who voted against the legislation. “This is another case of it sticking its nose where it doesn’t belong.”

Exactly!  Mr. Sanborn is a real man!  Smokers of Richmond, MI send this guy a thank-you gift, a real one.

The proposal, approved on a 25-12 vote, returns to the House for consideration of changes made by the Senate. The Senate version, unlike one approved by the House in December, makes no exceptions for Detroit’s casinos, bingo halls and cigar bars. Both versions would ban smoking at clubs and fraternal organizations such as the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

I hate to say it, but if you are going to make a bad proposal, at least make no exceptions for anyone.

Governor would sign bill

Gov. Jennifer Granholm is eager to sign any smoke-free legislation that reaches her desk.

“I congratulate the Senate for approving legislation that bans smoking in public places,” Granholm said in a statement issued by her office. “Their action sends a strong message across Michigan — and the nation — that we place a high priority on the health of our citizens.

Ms. Jenny, it ain’t gubmint’s place to put a priority on individual person’s health.

“It will go a long way toward influencing the action of our young people, too. I urge the House to act as quickly as possible.”

Again, it ain’t gubmint’s place to “influence the young people.”  That is the job of the parents and pastor, rabbi or priest.  Hell, I would rather have Britney Spears influence the the youngins then gubmint.

Shana Dyas, a 28-year-old Detroit resident who works at the Majestic Theater Center near downtown Detroit, said she’s smoked for seven years and doesn’t decide where to eat or drink based on an establishment’s smoking policy.

“To me, it’s more something that should be up to the owner,” she said. “If the owner doesn’t want smoking, they don’t have to allow it. For a food or family place I totally understand the ban. But nightclubs … it will annoy some people. People will have to adapt.”

I was so almost with Ms. Dyas, until the last sentence.  No, people should not have to adapt.

Lance Binoniemi of The Michigan Restaurant Association and the Michigan Licensed Beverage Association says this;

He said the measure, if enacted, will be unfair to many of his members who would have to compete with the 18 American Indian casinos sprinkled across the state. They aren’t subject to state law and would be immune from any smoking ban.

It ain’t right, but I do gotta say, maybe this will bring a little more tourism to the U.P.

Third of bars already ban it

Deloney said about 5,100 Michigan bars and taverns — nearly a third of the state total — have voluntarily gone smoke-free without government prodding. He noted that the number of establishments here that have banned tobacco use has grown by 131 percent since 1998 to accommodate the estimated three-fourths of Michigan adults who do not smoke.

This is an example of free market capitolism at work.  Certain businesses saw a need, and went for it, while the businesses who do allow smoking were left alone.  If it ain’t broke, don’t try to fix it.

Brenda Clack (D-Flint);

“The Senate did the right thing to make Michigan a cleaner and healthier state,” Clack said.

This isn’t Michigan’s job.

Be right back, time for a smoke.

“This legislation is simply incompatible with free market principles I and many members of this chamber hold dear,” Bishop told colleagues. (as in Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop R-Rochester)

“When will it stop? How much control do you want? And when will people have to stop thinking for themselves entirely?”

That’s what gubmint wants, is for the people to stop thinking at all.

All Senate Democrats voted for the smoking ban except James Barcia of Bay City. Nine of the Senate’s 21 Republicans also voted yes. [more here] 

Well at least one Democrat has common sense. 

I have kinda been neglecting posting anything of major substance lately.  That is because, besides my OCD and ADD, I also have anxiety.  What is making my anxiety act up?  I am anxious about moderating the upcoming First District US Congressional Candidate’s Debate, for the GOP Primary.  Not that I am not excited.  I am just nervous.  I haven’t been on a stage since high school.  Thanks for the acting lessons mom! 

Except the difference with acting and moderating a debate is that with acting, everything is scripted, all the actors know the stage directions and lines that affect their characters.  In a debate, no one knows what exactly what will be said next.  Well not that nothing will be slightly predicted.  Ya have to have some sort of organization.  Only the issues and types of questions are somewhat known.  But the audience and moderators don’t know what the candidate’s answers will be.

For the past couple days I have been trying to come up with worthy subjects to post on, but my brain is currently stuck on stupid.  I have sat down in front of the computer to work on a post.  In fact, I have about 7 posts in my draft file that I start to write, then not finish due to the fact that I have this debate on my mind.  I have tried to work on Czech language studies to distract myself. 

Today I went to use my Czech language DVD.  I have one of those combo DVD/VCRs.  When I was trying to mess around with getting the DVD to play, my player was set for VCR.  To tell ya how often I use the machine, a video I recorded of the second GOP presidential candidates debate started to play.  So I decided to watch the debate, in order to study the moderators.  I recall when I first saw that debate I had thought Wendell Goler and Chris Wallace, from FOX News did a great job.   I thought both of them were fair and concise and asked pretty good questions.  This time I watched their attitudes and demeanor.   

I already know who one of the other moderators is going to be.  I kind of know who he is.  But I wanted to check out the news website of the news station he works for.  I read his bio.  In one way it kind of makes me feel better to know that I will be there with someone with experience.  In another way, it is rather intimidating.

In the end this isn’t about me, or any of the other moderators.  It isn’t really about the candidates.  Well it is and it isn’t.  It’s about the people.  You, the voter.  The voter needs to find out about the candidates.  Where each and everyone one of them stands on the issues.  The candidates that you and I send to D.C. are going to be our representative.  That’s why they call them “representatives.”  A representative is a mouthpiece for you and I.  When you vote for him or her you are, or should, vote for someone who will speak on the issues the way that you would if it were you in that position.  Someone whom you believe will vote on the floor for the good of the country.

It all starts with the news articles, candidates’ websites and debates.  The latter mentioned items are like a job interview.  The candidate is like a job seeker and you are the boss, trying to find the best candidate.  America is the corporation.  Your state or district is one of the business locales.  You want to hire the best candidate to bring a good name to your business and the corporation as a whole.  It is always good for the candidate to have “references,” just like in a job interview.  But that isn’t the only thing a voter should be looking for. 

A voter should avoid candidates who use vague words and phrases such as, “I will do my best to represent my district” “I will help the business man” “I will help the little man” “I care about the working moms and dads” “Illegal immigration is a problem.”  Well of course we all know these things.  But the candidate needs to offer substance.  Without substance, no vote.  

Most important is that after you have been informed, vote!  If you don’t vote or you do vote based on cute little catch phrases and/or party favorites and whoever is in office messes up, don’t blame me.  You will have only yourself to blame. 

This brings me to tonite’s Rockabilly vid.  We are entering a new world where so much about politics can be found within an instance on the Internet.  Bloggers are trailblazing their way in the crazy board game of politics.  We in essence are the rebels of politics.  We don’t parrot what the parties or candidates say.  Some of us have loyalties to parties and/or candidates, so of course we are going to send out the info about them to our readers.  But at the same time, we don’t follow lock, stock and barrel.  Well, some of us do, but that’s a different story.  I feel as though I and many of my fellow bloggers are somewhat of political rebels.  I am a rebel in that if Republican Party, Republican candidates or Republican politicians mess up, I will speak out against it.  I am sure this upsets mucky-mucks, but I am more concerned about the American people and the people of Michigan to really care.

So, without further adoo I dedicate Brain Setzer, “Rebelene” to myself.

“(I’m) country but I ain’t no hick. (I’m) gonna be a hard rockin, hell raisin’, hillbilly queen, Rebelene, REBELENE”

For more info about the debates, click here.  To submit your questions for the candidates, click here.  To watch live on Saturday May 10 from 7pm to 9pm, click here or here.

Dear Friend,

We are pleased to announce an important Bob Barr event scheduled for next week. The details released to the press are as follows:

The Hon. Bob Barr will hold a press conference on Monday May 12 to discuss his future plans and the 2008 election. Rep. Barr launched an exploratory committee last month to determine whether he should file as a candidate for the Libertarian Party’s presidential nomination.

The press conference will be held at 11:00am ET on Monday May 12, 2008 in the Zenger Room of the National Press Club, Washington, DC Throughout his public and private service, Bob Barr has been an ardent defender of the U.S. Constitution. Now more than ever before, we need national leadership ready to uphold the oath to preserve and protect our civil liberties. Bob needs our help and support to seek and win the Libertarian nomination for President.

There is still much to accomplish prior to the LNC Convention in Denver on May 22nd — and we will only have a few precious days to hit the ground running after Bob makes his final decision.

If you haven’t already done so, please consider making an online contribution of $10, $25, $50 or even $100 today. Every dollar you give will make an immediate impact in the next two weeks.

Help us grow the movement by making an online contribution today.

With Gratitude,

Bob Barr 2008 Online Team

Paid for by Barr 2008 Presidential Exploratory Committee.

For tonite’s Rockabilly vid is something patriotic.  It is “Sink the Bismark” by Johnny Horton. 

There needs to be more patriotic songs like this.

I guess my OCD is working overtime here. A couple posts ago while on my soap box regarding President Bush wanting to give out more handouts I rambled on about grocery shopping. And I promised that from now on I am going to post 101 fun liver recipes. I bet ya didn’t believe me. Well, I’ll show you. Don’t worry, that’s not all I am going to post about. Here is recipe #1, Liver and cabbage casserole.

• Cabbage
• Liver
• Diced Tomatoes
• Mushrooms
• Onions (optional)
• Celery (optional)
• Green peppers (optional)
• Cheese (any flavor)

I did not give exact measurements. My great grandma always said that a good cook does not need recipes, except for maybe desserts. How little or much a woman (yes, I consider cooks as women. What of it?) wants to use is up to her.

Recipe: Take a head of cabbage and peel off the leaves. Place leaves in bottom of casserole dish. Make it a rather thick layer as the hot juices will thin out the leaves. Now add liver on top. I added about 3/4 of a pound. Pour a can of diced tomatoes, or as much or as little of fresh diced tomatoes. (If you prefer you can also mix in chopped onions, green peppers, celery or whatever you choose, to the tomatoes.) Top that with one layer of sliced mushrooms. Add as much or as little shredded cheese to taste. I prefer to buy a big block of cheese and shred it. It is healthier and lasts longer than pre-packaged cheese. They put some sort of preservatives on the pre-packaged stuff, to keep the little shreds from sticking to each other. Put one thin layer of cabbage on top of that. Add lid to casserole dish. Bake at 350 degrees for about half hour.

While that is baking, mix and boil Czech dumplings. I can not reveal the recipes I use for dumplings. The recipes I use are copyrighted from Marie Rosický’s Bohemian-American Cook Book. My copy is the third edition, from 1949. I believe, but not sure, that it is the first copy translated into English. The cookbook is still in publication. This cookbook also has handy home remedies for cleaning, that I will share with y’all sometime.

I missed posting a Rockabilly vid last night. Then it rained here and for some reason that messes with the underground phone lines. So I didn’t have internet for a while. Anyhoo, here’s a song that came into my head the last time I went grocery shopping and with my ramblings on my last post regarding President Bush wanting to give handouts I thought “Big Girls Don’t Cry” by The Four Seasons would be the perfect video.

I am just sick of watching grocery prices go up and up. Politicians wanting to give handouts, yet they don’t want to see the pay of the working class go up. They whine about the poor business man and his expenses. Look, we all have to cut back. If the working class has to cut back, why shouldn’t the business owner? I am not saying some sort “equality” socialist communism. I am just talking common sense.

When gubmint gives more handouts, taxes go up. Politicians don’t want the business people to pay those taxes. Well, who pray tell will pay those taxes? I guess the working class who are struggling and are sick of seeing Lurleen from the trailer park pop out babies to get more subsidies will pay. I doubt that the politicians will give the handouts from their own pocket. I swear, gubmint wants to see a major schism between the haves and the have nots. We are only at the starting point. First they are going to give the poor of poorest handouts. Then charge the bill to the struggling working poor. Along with allowing illegals to come into our country, plus “guest” workers, whom I did not invite as a “guest.” This will keep going until the working poor throws up their hands and gives up, going on assistance themselves. Then everyone except the rich will be beholden to the gubmint. Well I tell you what. I will go on gubmint assistance kicking and screaming! Sometimes I feel as though I am living in some sort of Sci-fi conspiracy theory movie. It just makes want to cry for what the Republican Party once was, what it is and what it could be. But “Big Girls Don’t Cry.”

UPDATE: I got a phone call, on Tuesday, asking that I be one of the moderators!  I really hope that you, the reader, will watch this on  the live web cast or even better, show up in person at the Performing Arts Center in Boyne City from 6pm to 9pm.  Tom Casperson is still unconfirmed as a participant.  I would really like to see him participate.   I think this is a really good chance for voters in the First District to see where all the Republican candidates show what they each stand for.  This way the voters can decide who they believe would be the best to go up against Bart Stupak, on  August 5th.  Again, if there is a pressing question you want to know from the candidates go here and fill out the form.  All you have to do is add your name, town and question, simple.

There will be a series of four debates for the First District GOP U.S. Congressional candidates. For info check First District Congressional Debate Series. Candidates are Linda Goldthorpe, Don Hooper and State Rep. Tom Casperson (R-Escanaba). Confirmed candidates to the debate are Linda Goldthorpe and Don Hooper. Pending, Tom Casperson. The first debate in Boyne City, to take place Saturday May 10 6pm to 9pm, will be sponsored by WJML News Talk 1110 & 1210. It will be live streaming on the internet or you can watch in person.

Is there a pressing issue you are desiring to know about the candidates on an issue that is of importance? Then go to the debate question forum, here.

As of current, I have not decided to officially endorse any of the candidates. I do have some opinions, but I am holding back until I know for sure whom I want to support. Y’all know I am about issues first and foremost. I want to find out where all the candidates stand on the issues. I will keep y’all updated on any details about the debates and what the candidates are up to. This is a chance for the candidates to show what they are made of. We here in the First District need to choose who will be the best to go up against U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee).

I know it is a Republican no-no to say one bad word against President George Bush, but here’s the deal, I am an American first and foremost. I became a Republican because I am an AMERICAN who believes in self reliance and small government. The Republican Party is distracting the American people with all their “we are the party of God talk.” Don’t let them fool you, you are supposed to get your moral lessons from your pastor, parents and spouse, not gubmint or a political party. What has me all gummed up? I read this article in Family Security Matters via American Truckers at War. It is about George Bush wanting to increase gubmint assistance, not only domestically, but internationally. I agree with everything Renee E. Taylor has to say in her article. Here is some of that.

‘Free Food’ Puts a Bad Taste in My Mouth

Renee E. Taylor

When President Bush announced last week that he is calling on Congress for an additional $770 million in international “food aid,” I had just returned from a trip to the grocery store and was feeling less than charitable upon hearing that he wanted to give more aid to countries (such as the terrorist, America-hating states of Somalia and the Sudan) that we have been “feeding” for over 50 years. But fear not; Bush included needy Americans in his discussion:

“Here at home, we’re working to ensure that our poorest citizens get the food they need. Since 2001, the administration in working with Congress has increased funding for nutrition assistance programs by 76 percent. We’ve adjusted food stamp benefits annually to cover price increases at the checkout counter. And last month the Agriculture Department made available an additional $150 million to respond to the food needs of those who depend on WIC – the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. With this new funding, we will have increased our support for WIC by 18.6 percent this year.”

But what was missing from Bush’s speech was the toll that high fuel prices and food are taking on working Americans – those of us who are paying for this increase in foreign aid – aid that has done nothing in my lifetime but spawn more dependence on the government. This dependence has also spawned more crime and insolence by those wanting more under the guise of “entitlement.”

Me; I thought Republicans were about not giving out “entitlements.” I am not saying how much money I make, but I will say this, I am eligible for different subsidies. But I refuse to be beholden to the gubmint. I am not eligible for WIC. I guess if I go find some guy at the bar to knock me up and leave me with the kid I could sign up for WIC. Nice for “Republican morality” huh?

Back on February 13, 2007, MIT’s Technology Review warned that the ethanol mandate passed by Congress would have a dramatic effect on the price of food. The theory was that ethanol would ease our dependence on foreign oil. Instead of the obvious, domestic drilling, Washington once again proved its ineptness at solving simple problems by creating new, more serious ones. We now face record high fuel costs for our homes and vehicles as well as skyrocketing grocery bills. Both have a direct effect on working Americans, those with homes and vehicles, who pay their electric bills out of their own pockets, and who pay the taxes to not only fund these unrealistic programs, but to pay the salaries of out-of-touch politicians.

Mrs. Taylor talks about inviting her US Senator to go grocery shopping with her.

I wanted Washington, represented by Sen. Lincoln, to enter the reality of the middle class American – the one who pays $2 for a loaf of bread and $10 for a gallon of cooking oil in cash; the family who buys staples such as flour and cornmeal, fruits and vegetables to cook healthy meals rather than “prepared” foods that contain the high fats and calories that are quickly becoming staples of the American diet. I wanted Sen. Lincoln to stand with me in line as those with “food stamp cards” use them to pay for junk food and sodas. I wanted her to explain to me why the apparently able-bodied person in front of me is purchasing items on government assistance that many working Americans can ill afford. But I won’t hold my breath that Sen. Lincoln will take me up on the offer.

Me; I am not sure how things are in her homestate of Arkansas regarding rules on what food stamp recipients can or can not receive. But here in Michigan (here I go again) there are rules on what the recipients can and can not receive. That’s good right? Only receive milk, eggs, cheese, no-sugar cereal, non-fancy meats and the like. Well, not so good. Why? These recipients can go around this rule by buying one set of groceries with food stamps and/or WIC. Then, then, they have another set of groceries like soda, beer, expensive steaks, popsicles, ice-cream sandwiches, Doritos, you name it, any junk food with cash. Where are they getting this cash? If they have the cash for junk food, THEY HAVE THE CASH FOR HEALTHY FOOD. ARGH!!!!! (Bang head on screen HERE!)

One thing I don’t get is I walk around my grocery store seeing signs near the price that is on the shelf under the food items. There will be tags saying, “WIC approved.” Some of these items I would consider junk food. I don’t know, such things as raviolios or spagetti-os, uh-oh. Or Kool-aid. I bake my deserts, not so much as I did before blogging, but if I have to ignore my blog to keep costs down, I will. Now, if you walk around the bakery aisle, none of the things like flour are “WIC approved.” But bread is “WIC approved.”

It costs about $.25c to $.50c a loaf to bake bread. If I have been able to have time to bake bread even when I had two jobs, a welfare recipient has time to bake bread. It does take a while to make, from start to finish. But you aren’t in the kitchen the entire 4 to 6 hours, depending on the type and recipe. You won’t miss all your faves like Oprah, Dr. Phil and Jerry. You can turn on your TV loud when you are in the kitchen, do the steps, come back to the living room, and catch up with the show, go back and do more prepping, repeat until bread is out of oven.

If your kids want dessert, bake a cake from scratch. There are so many more desserts besides cake that can be made. And these things are much healthier than pre-packaged items. I think once I get some extra money in hand, I will spring for an ice cream maker. Heck, even prunes topped with cottage cheese and honey swirled on top makes a great dessert.

We are watching as American jobs, such as customer service and manufacturing, continue to go overseas. Those who were elected to represent the American people seem to represent only those with a hand held out for free food, free medical care and free education in America, Mexico and countries beyond.

My sentiments exactly!

This American housewife is fed up – not with working hard to pay the grocery bill and the gas to get there – but with the Socialist, global policies that have put us in this position and the elitist, inept politicians who continue to expand them. All this free food is leaving a bad taste in my mouth. [more here]

Me; This single working woman is also fed up. I guess the only red meat I will be able to afford is liver. From now on, I will be posting fun 101 recipes for liver. Don’t believe me? Just watch. Last week I just payed $2.99 a pound for green beans. Green freakin green beans! What the hell is up with that? It is not some exotic tropical vegetable. it is a domestic vegetable. I know it is still Winter transition to Spring, but still.

In conclusion, George Soros, Move-on.org and all the other libs are the best thing to happen to George Bush. Why? If they weren’t spilling such vitriol hate about him and the Republican elite, that’s right I said “Republican Elite,” those who vote Republican would stop and think about what BOTH parties are doing. But they are so caught up in defending the “Party of God” to see what is going on.

Received this in my email;

Dear Friends: I recently gave a presentation, “Powering Michigan Forward”, at Ferris State University to the Michigan Energy Conference. Given the debate in Lansing on utilities and renewable energy, I thought you might enjoy some thoughts from the speech. Michigan can’t afford to waste time or energy chasing the latest trendy idea. We need to stay grounded on scientific fact and economic reality with a dose of Midwestern common sense. For example, we have been hearing lately that revving up the renewable energy industry is the key to turning Michigan’s economy around What I would argue is just the opposite - turning Michigan’s business environment around is the key to revving up the renewable energy industry. Turning Michigan’s business environment around means making the tough decisions to reduce spending and taxes, lowering the barrier to investment and job creation. Turning Michigan’s business environment around means clear and timely regulations that reduce uncertainty, so companies can make decisions knowing the goalposts won’t be moved in the middle of the game. Turning Michigan’s business environment around means building on the strengths of industries like automaking and furniture building that already call Michigan home, while we also seek out new business opportunities. Turning Michigan’s business environment around means looking for ways to reduce electric bills for families and job providers instead of raising them. Turning Michigan’s business environment around means fixing our roads so that people can make it to work and our Michigan manufactured products can make it to market. The challenge we face is being good stewards of both our economy and our ecology. Both are critical to meeting basic human needs. Energy policy is one key way in which these dual stewardship roles are linked. For example, some folks in Washington seem willing to sacrifice the health of our Michigan-based automakers for the sake of improving fuel economy. Certainly, we need to reduce our dependence on oil in general and foreign oil specifically. But in so doing, we must not put the U.S.-based auto industry and the thousands of jobs they provide at a competitive disadvantage. My message to you this evening is that a sound energy policy for Michigan is critical to answering these questions and powering our economy forward. That’s why it is so important that we take a step back at the State Capitol and not rush into a risky, untested approach that stifles competition, reduces consumer protection and replaces market forces with monopoly power. The end result will clearly be higher costs than other state competitors and even higher unemployment. A sound energy approach must also be balanced. A sound energy approach must get regulations right for the long term. A sound energy policy will give investors the assurance that Michigan is a place where their investments will provide a stable, reasonable return over time. Here is a framework that provides the structure for a sound energy policy that also allows the flexibility needed to adjust as markets and technology change. · Create an environment conducive to investment. Investors aren’t afraid of risk, but they are afraid of uncertainty. Rules must be clear, simple and consistent. · Develop an independent, integrated assessment and planning process to estimate Michigan’s power needs for the next quarter century. · Make replacement of aging power generation facilities a priority. · Set a level playing field so all sources and suppliers of energy can compete without picking winners and losers. · Protect and continue to expand customer choice. · Include creative ideas such as renaissance energy zones like the Great Lakes Energy Research Park. These instruments should be available to all interested parties and not controlled by the incumbent utilities. · Offer tax credits to encourage development of clean and renewable energy plants. · Provide tax credits for investments in energy efficient equipment, construction of energy efficient buildings or retrofitting of old building to improve energy efficiency. · Provide incentives for utility companies to purchase electricity from clean sources. · Require a competitive bid process for new power plants without burdening ratepayers for unneeded capacity, poor management decisions, faulty planning and cost overruns. · Streamline the regulatory process, especially for renewable and clean power projects. · Target renewable energy companies for tax incentives and other inducements to locate their manufacturing in Michigan. · Implement a proactive transmission infrastructure policy to encourage renewable investment. · Set clear, realistic and attainable goals for renewable power, not mandates. · Push Washington to address waste storage issues and to encourage development of clean, reliable nuclear capacity. · Include net metering without restrictions on size so that individual homeowners, businesses and farmers have an incentive to invest in technologies to generate electricity they can sell back to the grid. · Do not rely on public funding. · And finally, continue to create a diversified portfolio that reduces dependence on expensive “peak load” power sources while allowing for competitively priced power to flow into the state as needed. These are just some of the thoughts from the speech. The entire speech and presentation are attached for you to view. Betsy and I wish you a Spring filled with warm weather and happy holidays. Sincerely, Dick DeVos http://www.devosforgovernor.com/media/pdf/DVEnergyPresentation.pdf http://www.devosforgovernor.com/media/pdf/DeVosPoweringMichiganForward.pdf