Kent County Democratic Party

We have lost the greatest United States Senator of our time

Wed", "26" "Aug" "2009" "09:30:00" "-0400

The Lion Sleeps Tonight. A sad day, but The Cause Endures

The Work Goes On

You're Invited to Sweet September with Granholm and Cherry

Wed", "22" "Jul" "2009" "22:30:00" "-0400

Sweet September with Jennifer Granholm and John Cherry

You are invited to an evening with Michigan's Governor and Lt. Governor

September 24, 2009

General Reception
at Grand Valley State University's Eberhard Center
301 W Fulton St
Grand Rapids, Michigan
5:00 – 6:30 pm
Ticket: $100

Post-Party Reception
Host Reception: $1000
Cherry Champion: $3400
6:30 – 8:00 pm at home of
Matt & Lois Tomasiewicz
2567 Hunter Green Court SE
Grand Rapids, Michigan

Host Committee in formation.
Deadline August 5th to be listed on invitation.
Please contact Traci 635-0900 or westmichigan4cherry@gmail.com for more details.

From the Second Congressional District

Wed", "20" "Jan" "2010" "22:30:00" "-0500

The Second Congressional District is interested in getting more active members from Kent County. If you live in Tyrone, Sparta, Alpine or most parts of Solon township you live in the 2nd District (the rest of us live in Vern Ehler's 3rd District). If you wish to get involved in the 2nd District Party, contact Denise or Lance.

November 2009 Election Results

Wed", "04" "Nov" "2009" "08:00:00" "-0500

Congratulations KCDP-endorsed Grand Rapids Commissioner Rosalynn Bliss (Ward 2) and new Grandville Commissioner Steve Kauffman.

Thanks for all you have done for the people of Grand Rapids Commissioner Jendrasiak, we'll see you out there doing what you've always done -- fighting for people, neighborhoods, and public safety.

Charity Poker Volunteers Needed

Tue", "15" "Dec" "2009" "11:30:00" "-0500

We have a great opportunity to have the Kent County Democratic Executive Committee host a charity poker event from 21-24 January. We should be able to make several thousand dollars for our non-partisan work (same as bingo). We're looking for volunteers to work shift (you just have to do administrative work at the door). Please contact Phil.

More Information soon.

Thanks to all the Volunteers at Labor Fest

Tue", "08" "Sep" "2009" "07:30:00" "-0400

Huge thanks to all those great Democrats who volunteered at the KCDP-OFA Booth on Monday for LaborFest:

Birthdale Archie
Adam Bakker
Jim & Ginny Cronover
Eric Foster
Cherie Giles
Shirley Kallio
Steve Kaufmann
Ric Maycroft
Donna Monro
Lupe Ramos-Montigny
Nathan O’Connell
Eileen Rios
Barb Smoyer
Bob Synk
Phil Skaggs
Diane Ward
Jim Wesholski

Former Democratic Congressman Dick VanderVeen's Memoir Published

Tue", "08" "Dec" "2009" "13:30:00" "-0500

A press release from the publisher:

Words and Actions: The Writings of Dick VanderVeen (AuthorHouse, 2009)
Selected and Edited by Amy Pattullo

A memoir of former Grand Rapids Congressman Dick VanderVeen has recently been published, titled Words and Actions: The Writings of Dick VanderVeen. A Democrat from a strongly Republican district, the author was first sent to Washington in a 1974 Special Election to fill the seat vacated by Gerald R. Ford, when Ford became vice president. VanderVeen’s campaign calling for Richard Nixon's resignation at the height of the Watergate scandal riveted the city's attention and put Grand Rapids in the national spotlight. His election was read in Washington as a sign of widespread erosion of support for President Nixon, and it contributed to Nixon’s resignation six months later.

Many area residents knocked on doors and stuffed envelopes for that campaign, and remember their participation with nostalgia and pride. Dick VanderVeen, who died in 2006, is remembered for his dedicated constituency service during his three years in office and for his continuing leadership over a lifetime. He founded one of the largest law firms in the city, helped to establish Grand Valley State University, spearheaded the Ryerson Library Foundation, and served governors of both parties on state highway and mental health commissions.

His selected writings, taken largely from journals and letters, show a man who never stopped wrestling with how to live and how to make his life count. “Every human,” he wrote, “has within him a spark—an ability to climb out of himself—to rise above the daily struggle and to do—occasionally—what he conceives he was created to do.” He expressed frustration with the institutions he was most invested in, church and government, especially during the social upheavals of the 1960s and ’70s, asking, “How can it be that so much good will, scholarship, ability—is so ineffectual?” Ultimately, though, he cherished a “deep-seated humanitarian instinct in American people . . . something unique and distinct and which can be called American Civilization.”

In addition to his political activities, Dick VanderVeen was a veteran of World War II and the Korean War, a graduate of Harvard Law School, an amateur sailor and world traveler, a businessman, and a reader and book collector. The richness of his experience adds color and authority to his writings. Anecdotes and commentary about such local and national figures as Jerry Ford, Bill Seidman, Martha Griffiths, Charlie Rangel, Phil Hart, Lee Hamilton, and George H. W. Bush make this a fascinating book for the political aficionado.

These reflections on politics, leadership, religious faith, and American ideals are of particular interest today, as the country faces stresses at home and abroad in an atmosphere of extreme political polarization. The author served in Congress during an equally troubled period in our history, when the Watergate scandal and the Vietnam War contributed to a climate of public disenchantment and cynicism. But he saw his 1974 Special Election victory as an affirmation of democratic ideals, “a triumph for young people,” he called it, “who could see that it was possible to accomplish great things within the political process.”

More information on the book is available from the publisher at http://www.authorhouse.com/Bookstore/ItemDetail.aspx?bookid=62617

Contact:
Amy Pattullo

Announcing the Annual Gala Dinner

Tue", "04" "Aug" "2009" "19:30:00" "-0400

KCDP Gala Dinner

The Fundraising Committee is pleased to announce the date for the annual party gala.

Thursday, 15 October

evening dinner

Back at Noto's Old World Italian Dining

Tickets will remain at $50 for a regular happy hour (cash bar) and dinner ticket.

We'll have more information on our speakers soon, but for now, mark your calendars and we'll see you in October.

You can already by tickets
securely online at
http://www.actblue.com/page/kcdpgala2009

If you are interested in being a Table Sponsor ($500) or Host ($750 and $1000 levels) contact Maggie Simmons at masimmons988@comcast.net or 443-4090 or Phil Skaggs at 446-2280 or philskaggs@kentdems.com

We may also have a pre-dinner reception with the guest speakers for an additional ticket.

Kent County Democrats Want "Hire Local First" Policy

Tue", "02" "Jun" "2009" "20:30:39" "-0400

Commissioners Courtade, Hickey and Synk call for Sub-committee to examine County contracts

Democratic County Commissioners Keith Courtade, Pete Hickey and Bob Synk want to insure that Kent County businesses and workers are able to benefit from construction and purchasing contracts from Kent County. The three commissioners today requested the creation of a sub-committee to examine all options for insuring Kent County residents are able to benefit from the millions of dollars that Kent County spends on construction, purchasing and other vendor contracts.

"We have a responsibility to see that taxpayer money is spent wisely and in our community whenever possible," said Courtade.

The three Democrats believe that local businesses and workers should be considered first when awarding taxpayer dollars to construction and other companies that do work with and for the county.

"Especially during challenging economic times, we need to be examining where taxpayer money is going and do everything we can to guarantee that county government is actively creating economic opportunity right here at home," said Hickey.

Commissioner Bob Synk, a member of the Board of Public Works and vocal supporter of renewable energy sees the opportunities to work with the private sector and create "green" jobs locally.

"Despite the tough times, there is great hope for the future in transitioning to a greener economy," said Synk. "However, we must be proactive so that our local workforce is able to benefit from these green jobs."

The letter that was submitted to Board Chair Roger Morgan reads:

May 26, 2009

The Honorable Roger Morgan
Chair, Kent County Board of Commissioners
300 Monroe NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Dear Roger,

We are writing to respectfully request that you consider appointing a sub-committee to explore ways for Kent County to insure that local workers and businesses are fully benefiting from county contracts. We appreciate the fair and bi-partisan leadership you have demonstrated since we became members of the Board of Commissioners and look forward to working with you on this issue.

As you know, we are facing extraordinary economic and fiscal challenges in Kent County. One way we believe the Board of Commissioners can mitigate the effects of this national downturn, is to make sure that local businesses and workers are able to benefit from county building, purchasing and vending contracts. Circulating money in our local economy is not only good for businesses, it is good for taxpayers. We understand that this is not a simple issue and it would require further study. It may also be prudent to seek input from various stakeholders in our community, such as business, labor and government leaders. By appointing a bi-partisan committee to begin this process, we believe a policy can be developed that will be comprehensive and fair, and will give taxpayers confidence that Kent County is doing everything possible to spend their money wisely.

Once again, we appreciate your leadership and look forward to your input on this issue.

Sincerely,

Keith Courtade
Pete Hickey
Bob Synk

RIP Jim Riekse

Thu", "13" "Aug" "2009" "10:00:00" "-0400

With deep sadness, we pass along the news that democratic activist and KCDP Executive Committee member Jim Riekse passed away yesterday morning. Jim was involved in progressive politics going all the way back to 1968 before becoming a television journalist in Muskegon and then for WZZM and then returning to run the coordinated campaign for the Democratic ticket in 2004. Jim was also active in the Grand Rapids Service Corps, the Grand Rapids Youth Boxing Foundation, and the Nature Conservancy. Jim was 63.

Visitation will be at the Central Reform Church at College and Fulton Street on Friday 6-8 pm and Saturday 1-3 pm.

Funeral services are at 3 pm, Saturday, also at Central Reformed Church.

Out thoughts and prayers are with his daughter Jamie and son Jim and his entire family.

Career Partisan Politician Hildenbrand Wants to Stay in Lansing

Thu", "12" "Nov" "2009" "18:22:14" "-0500

Press Release from the Kent County Democratic Party (Tuesday, 10 November, 4:49 pm)

Career Partisan Politician Wants to Stay in Lansing
Term-limited Dave Hildenbrand from Lowell seeks to represent Grand Rapids and Kentwood in the State Senate after years of voting against cities and the people who live in them
Rep. Hildenbrand (R-"Grand Rapids area" aka Lowell) has compiled one of the most right-wing voting record during his time in the State House. Hildenbrand has opposed fully funding education, revenue sharing for Grand Rapids, Kentwood and other cities, and has been unwilling to look for constructive bi-partisan solutions to our economic problems. Hildebrand can say he grew up in the "Grand Rapids-area" all he wants, but as a legislator he has been closer to the fringe elements on the right than he is with mainstream voters in a Grand Rapids and Kentwood-based 29th Senate District. "Hildenbrand has been in Lansing for the last four years where he has voted against the interests of cities again and again. Today's cuts of dozens of police and firefighters in Grand Rapids are directly tied to the votes Hildenbrand has cast in Lansing. The people of Grand Rapids, Kentwood and eastern Kent County have no interest in sending life-time partisan politician David Hildenbrand back to Lansing," said Phil Skaggs, chair of the Kent County Democratic Party.

Press Article on a Possible Future Leaning Democratic Congressional District

Thu", "12" "Nov" "2009" "10:00:00" "-0500

The Grand Rapids Press ran an article this past Sunday speculating on the creation of a Kent-Muskegon Congressional district after the 2010 census that would lean about 52% Democratic. It's a dream that can only become a reality if we work hard to gain the people's support and win elections in Kent County in 2010. Eyes on the prize, but feet on the ground working.

Thanks to Camp Millie Organizers and Attendees

Thu", "12" "Nov" "2009" "09:30:00" "-0500

Thanks to the organizers from the Justice Caucus and everyone who attended the Camp Millie Grand Rapids training this past weekend. If you missed, it we'll have more trainings coming through town in the future. Get to one and get elected (or help a friend).

KCDP Announces Gala, Invites Ambassador Huntsman

Sun", "20" "Sep" "2009" "14:19:26" "-0400

Press Release

September 11, 2009

KENT COUNTY DEMOCRATS HOST FIFTH ANNUAL GALA
Whitmer, Benson and Possibly Huntsman to Speak

Grand Rapids – The Kent County Democratic Party announces their Fifth Annual Gala Dinner and invites all Democrats of Kent County to attend. The event will be held on Thursday, 15 October 2009 beginning at 5:00 pm at Noto's Old World Italian Dining.

The Kent County Democratic Party will be celebrating a string of victories over the past year: the victory of Barack Obama in Kent County, Michigan and America, the election of two State Representatives – Robert Dean and Roy Schmidt, the victory of Carl Levin in Kent County and Michigan, the winning of three additional seats on the County Commission (bringing the caucus to 8 seats out of 19), etc.

Gretchen Whitmer – a State Senator from East Lansing and probable Attorney General candidate – and Jocelyn Benson – a Wayne State law professor and candidate for the Secretary of State – will address the attendees.

The KCDP has also invited US Ambassador to China Jon M. Huntsman, Jr. In April, Huntsman, then the Republican Governor of Utah was invited to speak at a Kent County Republican Party fundraiser only to be disinvited KCRP Chair Joanne Voorhees because Huntsman supported civil unions for same-sex couples. Huntsman’s position of supporting civil unions but opposing marriage for same-sex partners was also the policy of former President George W. Bush. Indeed, Huntsman had supported a constitutional ban on gay marriage on the Utah ballot in 2004. Still, even with this position, the Kent Republicans refused to even listen to Huntsman and disinvited a sitting Republican governor. Shortly after the snub, Governor Huntsman accepted the nomination of Democratic President Barack Obama to become America’s Ambassador to China (he became the Ambassador in August).

In the letter of invitation, Kent County Democratic Party Chair Phil Skaggs wrote that the Democrats “admire your willingness to join the Democratic administration of President Barack Obama and share your support of bi-partisan cooperation.” Skaggs noted that Kent Democrats were interested in hearing different prospectives and wanted to do its part to change the impression of Kent County left by the Republican’s actions in the spring. Skaggs wrote to Huntsman, “our invitation to you is in a spirit of tolerance and bi-partisanship, and is meant to show you some genuine Michigan hospitality.” The KCDP is awaiting a response from the Embassy on their invitation.

Tickets are $50 and include a cocktail hour (cash bar) beginning at 5:00 pm and dinner beginning at 6:30 pm. Tickets may be purchased securely online at their website: http://www.kentdems.com.

Photos from the Gala

Mon", "26" "Oct" "2009" "01:00:00" "-0400

Photos from the KCDP's Fifth Annual Gala are up on facebook (I'll have them here later today)

Thanks to all the Volunteers at the Eastown Street Fair

Mon", "21" "Sep" "2009" "06:00:00" "-0400

Thanks to everyone who volunteered at the Kent County Democratic Party & Organizing for America booth at the Eastown Street Fair on Saturday. It was a beautiful day with a great crowd. We passed out healthcare lapel stickers, met hundreds of people and signed lots up for volunteering and getting on the newsletter list, and had new bumper stickers available. Thanks everyone:

Adam Bakker
Dee Benner
Teresa Burns
Linda Cherrette
Richard Erdman
Gussie Farris
Eric Foster
Cherie Giles
Cheryl James
Steve Kaufmann
Joseph Makuach
Nathan O'Connell
Lance Penny
Phil Skaggs
Barb Smoyer
Ann Sullivan
Jim Talen
and Michael

Clean Water Action Hiring Part-Time Organizers

Mon", "16" "Nov" "2009" "08:30:00" "-0500

Clean Water Action in Grand Rapids is hiring for part time organizers to help make Clean Energy a reality. Are you interested in making some money to protect the environment?

Email Marta Johnson at mjohnson@cleanwater.org

Statement on Sarah Palin Visit

Fri", "20" "Nov" "2009" "23:08:57" "-0500

The USA Today was the only newspaper to contact the KCDP during ex-Governor Sarah Palin's book-selling tour stop in Kentwood on Wednesday. In response to their inquirees, the following statement was released Wednesday at 4:41 pm:

"We welcome author and former Governor Sarah Palin to Grand Rapids for her book-selling tour, despite the fact that the McCain-Palin campaign decided to ignore West Michigan last year when it pulled out of our state long before the November election. It appears that she has come to Grand Rapids because she mistakenly views it as a Republican stronghold. She ought to be reminded that Barack Obama won Kent County with almost 150,000 votes last November and his rallies at the VanAndel Arena and Caulder Plaza drew tens-of-thousands of West Michigan supporters, far more than the McCain-Palin event at the Community College. Voters in Grand Rapids and throughout West Michigan increasingly are giving their support to mainstream, progressive Democrats who are working to move our economy out of the Bush Recession and improve the quality of live of all Americans. I doubt I will read her memoir, but it appears from her statements on her book tour that her goal is to lead the Republican Party further toward the extremism that Michiganders have rejected in the past several elections.

Phil Skaggs, 41, Chair, Kent County Democratic Party"

The statement was referenced in Kathy Kiely's Palin launches book tour in Michigan on Wednesday.

Thanks to all Hosts and Volunteers at the Fifth Annual Gala

Fri", "16" "Oct" "2009" "09:30:00" "-0400

Thanks to everyone who volunteered to make the Gala such a success:

Maggie Simmons -- the Fundraising Committee Chair
Elizabeth Lykins
Lupe Ramos-Montigny
Cheryl Warner
and all the members of the Fundraising Committee who helped out:
Fred Clowney
Jim & Ginny Cronover
Ida DeHaas
Hal Froot
Traci Kornak
Sue Levy

and the young Democrats who volunteered during the event

And thanks to our Gold Sponsors
UAW Region 1D
Celia Said

Our Speakers Circle Hosts
Steve Pestka
Roy Schmidt
RWDSU
Tim Burns & Richard Doud
Elizabeth Lykins & Phil Skaggs

And all our Table Hosts
Rosalynn Bliss
Brandon Dillon
Greand Rapids Education Association
Walt Gutowski – and also to his Friends in the band and for donating the programs
IBEW Local 275
Kent County Education Association
David LaGrand
Sue Levy (who was unfortunately left off the program, Thanks Sue!)
Lupe Ramos-Montigny
Teamsters Local 406
Lois Tomasiewicz
West Michigan Plumbers & Pipefitters UA Local 174
Fred Clowney, Maggie Simmons & Cheryl Warner
Craig & Freeman Haehnel
Carol Hennessy & Janice Yates, and
Iron Workers Local 340 & Bruce Hawley

Thanks to our two fabulous speakers: Professor Jocelyn Benson and State Senator Gretchen Whitmer.

and, of course, thanks to everyone who attended.