Archive for May, 2014

VETERANS ENDORSE GREG MACMASTER – FOR STATE SENATE

Greg MacMaster for State SenateKEWADIN, MI – Fifty-three Michigan veterans, representing four branches of the United States military, today endorsed State Rep. Greg MacMaster (R-Kewadin) for State Senate.

MacMaster, himself a disabled veteran, was endorsed by the following veterans who represent organizations that promote and serve the needs of tens of thousands of veterans across Michigan:

Lon Bargy – Army
Jeff Brooks – Army
Sam Campillo – Army
Greg Croiftchick – Army
Stephen Debusscheere – Army
Owen G. Drake – Army
James E. Emery – Army
Linda Fletcher – Army
Fred Goddard – Army
John Haggard – Army
Arthur Harrington – Army
Tracy Heath – Army
Charles Horvath – Army
Charles Lonnie Jewell – Army
Jerry Langhann – Army
Ron Martin – Army
Duke Mayo – Army
David McVaugh – Army
Calvin Murphy – Army
John L. Palmer – Army
Louie Paolino – Army
Brian Sommerfield – Army
Jack Pickard – Army
Frank Pifher – Army
Ralph H. Pruder – Army
Ralph Rehmer – Army
Michael Richardson – Army
‘Cupcake’ Rizzo – Army
Robert Roelofs – Army
Stan Simons – Army

Gary Hlavka – Navy
Frank L. Lenzott, Jr. – Navy
Curtis Richardson – Navy
Ken Shaw – Navy
Wally Shattuck – Navy

Dave Agema – Air Force
Harold Bastow – Air Force
Gary Biggs – Air Force
John H. Daly III – Air Force
Bill Furguson – Air Force
Neal Horning – Air Force
Randy McClure – Air Force
David McKinnon – Air Force
Scott Miller – Air Force
Al Ockert – Air Force
Gary Walter – Air Force

Jim Alton – Marines
Chuck Cross – Marines
Vic Diaz – Marines
Mike Hoeft – Marines
Dennis Kelly – Marines
Albert C. Keyes – Marines
Larry Lelito – Marines

“Rep. Greg MacMaster has been a key element to my business startup and continued success. As a disabled veteran, I proudly endorse Rep. MacMaster for State Senate,” said Jeff Brooks, Owner of Bravo Zulu Brewing in Williamsburg.

Bravo Zulu, which in military terms means “well done,” strives to promote an authentic sense of honor and donates a portion of their profits to local and national organizations that assist first responders, law enforcement, fire fighters, military personnel, veterans and their families.

“Greg MacMaster is a veteran who’s for veterans’ welfare. As a citizen of Michigan, I support his candidacy for the State Senate,” said Neal Horning.

“I recently contacted Rep. Greg MacMaster regarding a bill in the Military and Veterans Affairs subcommittee, of which he is a member.  After our conversation, he made a point of personally keeping me informed of the progress of the bill, and was instrumental in its passage. Based on his record of addressing the well being of Michigan veterans, as well as my own personal experience, I wholeheartedly endorse Greg MacMaster for State Senate,” said Chuck Cross.

“We need individuals with character in Lansing. Rep. Greg MacMaster has that,” said Jim Alton.

With today’s announcement, the MacMaster campaign has now surpassed 300 local leader endorsements.

“I’m deeply humbled to have the support of these heroes,” MacMaster said. “I will continue to work hard every day to be worthy of their support.”

Your can view his campaign’s website at this link;  – www.GregMacMaster.com 


Minutes of ACRP April 21st, 2014 Monthly Meeting

Antrim County Republican Party Meeting Minutes

Monday, April 21, 2014 Forest Home Twp.. Hall

7:37 Meeting called to order, prayer led by Chairman – Randy Bishop

Introduction of Executive Committee Members.

Motion to approve March 17th, ACRP Meeting Minutes: Mr. Meyers: 2nd Christian Markus:  Approved without objection.

Secretary’s Report: Priscilla Miller, on ACRW Meeting. Brian Koss, Member Relations Director for the State GOP, introduced Danielle Branz, new Regional District Director,  based in Traverse City.  Koss invited people to sign up as Precinct Leaders, at migop.org web site, to work at a grassroots level organizing workers to go door to door, make calls and put up signs. Expressed importance of new ‘Dashboard’ software, that allows workers access to walking, and call lists, enter names of clubs and organizations, to identify Republican voters. Digital Director training available on using Social Media, for targeting voters via Facebook & Twitter.

Congressman Dan Benishek, is being challenged in the primary by Air Force Veteran, Alan Arcand, from Iron Mountain.

Treasurer’s Report: Laura Bogdan:

Corporate Account:  $x,xxx.xx

State Account:  $x,xxx.xx

Chairman – Randy Bishop’s Report:

Laura Bogdan is in charge of “goodie” bags, for State GOP Committee Meeting members, at Shanty Creek Conference Center, on May 2nd and 3rd.(ACRP Fun Day add. printed on side of bags). Brad Brown, has solicited donations to fill bags, with Antrim County informational brochures, dried cherries, fudge, pocket constitutions and trinkets. ACRP Members are encouraged to show up on Friday, by 5:00 p.m. to greet committee members, at the Pizza & Politics event, are asked to wear red ACRP tees, blue pants and white shoes.

Filing deadline for all candidates running in the Michigan Primary, is April  22nd at 4:00p.m. Go to michigan.gov/sos, click on ‘Elections in Michigan’ for all election information.

Asking members to recruit people in their precincts, to run for precinct delegate positions. Deadline for filing Precinct Delegate Affidavits of Identity, is Tuesday, May 6th. at 4 p.m.

Delegates will be our “boots on the ground” talking to neighbors (word of mouth is important) working to put out signs, pass out literature and helping to elect Terry Lynn Land  to U.S. Senate. Getting Land elected, is “paramount”, could be 51st vote, to take control from Harry Reid.  Other candidates running, will be elected on her “skirt tails”. Our goal is to fill all 88 delegate positions. Banks Twp.. gets 7, Central Lake 8, Chestonia 2, Custer 5, Echo 3, Elk Rapids 11, Forest Home 8, Helena 4, Jordan 3, Kearny 7, Mancelona Precinct One 5, Mancelona Precinct two 4, Milton 10, Star 3, Torch Lake 6, Warner 2.  Delegate training session will follow election.  Delegates will be expected to pass out literature and hand out signs in your precincts. Would like all delegates to join the party only $ 20.

Triston Cole: Make sure you try to get 18 year olds, to run as Precinct Delegates.

Jim Gurr: To go to State Convention, you must be a precinct delegate.

Randy Bishop: There’s a new rule change we are going to discuss at a future meeting, where we put together a slate of members who pay their dues, attend meetings and training, people who are most informed, most engaged, to be the ones representing us at the state convention. This election is far too important, we must get all delegate spaces filled, this is our army to get out the vote.

Sign up  friends and neighbors, to receive ACRP E-mail updates, go to acrpmi.org and enter their e-mail address.

ACRP Fun Day will take place at A-GA- Ming Golf Resort, on Saturday July 19th. 18 Hole Scramble at 1:00 p.m. No airplane or motorcycle rides this year due to candidate speakers. BBQ buffet, at 5:00 p.m.Ticket prices: BBQ $25. Golf, including buffet $75.  Proceeds go to our State Campaign account. To register for this event go to ACRP website acrpmi.org  Click on ‘Future Events’ .

Christian Marcus: Urges members to attend just one, Antrim County Commissioner’s Meeting to see what goes on. Early morning meetings prevent working people from attending or running for commission positions. Discussed benefits of having meetings held  evenings, would result in better participation and attendance.

9:03 p.m. Motion to Adjourn Christian Markus, 2nd. Dr. Hoadley


Uprooting the Tree of Liberty?

Will an Article V convention save or entomb America’s liberty?

by ALAN KEYES

Alan Keyes

Phyllis Schlafly was in good form in an article she wrote in April decrying the push for an Article V Constitutional Convention.  She rightly observes that, despite the disclaimers of the supposed conservatives who are backing the idea, it would be hard to keep it from being hijacked by people seeking, for example “a dramatic takeaway of our current Second Amendment right to own guns for personal self-defense.” Given her historic role in thwarting the passage of the so-called “Equal Rights Amendment” (ERA), Mrs. Schlafly speaks with well-earned authority when she foresees a push to revive it in order “to make it unconstitutional to deny a marriage license ‘on account of sex.’”

Schlafly notes the fact that Justice Antonin Scalia, despite his reputation as a conservative, “said he would like an amendment to make it easier to pass more amendments…”  For principled conservatives (i.e., those who understand the importance of respecting the self-evident truths that are the basis for self-government, of, by and for the American people) this statement gives reason to question Justice Scalia’s commitment to conserving the Constitution’s integrity. For it is as the Psalmist says: “If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11:3)

All this reveals what lies at the heart of the extraordinary danger the push for an Article V convention poses to the survival of the republican form of government established by America’s founders.  The first act of the American people was “to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them….”  To justify their action, they pointed to the self-evident truth that all people “are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights” and that “to secure these rights, government are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.” Who are “the governed”?

At the time the statement was made the people of the United States had not yet consented to the establishment of a national government.  The Confederation government did not come into effect under the Articles of Confederation until Maryland’s legislature ratified the Articles on March 1, 1781.  Up to that point there was no government over the whole people of the United States as such.

So at the moment when the Declaration of Independence speaks with the voice of the whole people, to what government are they referring? In the Declaration the people refer to the laws of nature and of nature’s God.  They appeal to the authorship of the Creator.  The Creator is the ruler whose standard of right, applied in and through His provisions for human existence, authorizes and impels all human beings to take such actions as are essential for preserving and fulfilling their nature.  Since their activities are right, according to God’s will for human nature, human beings who carry on such activities are engaged in the exercise of right, as authorized and protected by the “divine Providence” of the “Supreme Judge of the World”.

The Declaration of Independence mainly consists in a recitation of facts intended to establish that the British Government had acted to usurp, thwart and suppress the people of the United States as they went about their exercise of right in various ways.  In this sense, the people of the United States are in the right.  Their right actions are evidence of their consent to act in conformity with “the laws of nature and of nature’s God”.  By their actions they therefore acknowledge God as their sovereign, by whose will they are governed. In this way, the internal logic of the Declaration makes sense of the phrase “the consent of the governed”.

The Declaration’s logic depends on the Creator’s authority. The people of the United States appeal to His authority in order to substantiate their claim that “these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent states…absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown.”  The authority of the Creator is therefore the first and most fundamental of what Madison calls “the fundamental principles of the Revolution”. (Federalist #39) He goes on to say that it is in light of those principles that  “the plan of the convention”, i.e., the proposed  Constitution of the U.S. government, was devised and must be evaluated.

In our day, what has become of respect for this first premise of America’s liberty, and for the “fundamental principles of the Revolution” that depend upon it?  A substantial majority of the American people still acknowledge the Creator, the sovereign God whose activity promulgates “the laws of nature and of nature’s God.”  But there are others who believe that their own wealth, power or claims of scientific expertise naturally make them the nation’s “ruling elite”.  These elitists by and large reject the principles of the American Revolution.  They acknowledge no will but their own will to power.  They see no justice but in measures that reflect and realize that will.

The outstanding people who approved the American Declaration of Independence, as well as those who later gathered to frame a constitution for the United States, rejected this arrogant elitist mentality.  They did so despite the fact that it was, and had ever been, the prevalent basis for government, not only in their time, but throughout the history of humankind until their time.  They relied instead on a concept of right that was egalitarian in nature, insofar as the path of right laid out by the Creator is naturally open to all human beings who conscientiously choose to follow it.

The chosen representatives of the United States of America’s founding generation realized that the faith, character and circumstances of the American people constituted a Providential opportunity to apply the naturally egalitarian concept of right in order to establish the rule of the people as a whole.  They sought to devise a framework whereby government would be constrained to respect the decent pursuits, activities, and achievements of individuals who choose to exercise the unalienable rights endowed by God); but whereby, in turn, such individuals would be constrained by the rule of God’s justice.  They would therefore have to eschew any presumptive claim to rule over the whole society on account of their achievements, except by and with the consent of the people.  The people were, in their own right and judgment, presumed to be governed by God’s rule, on account of the common declaration and exertions they made to that effect when their society asserted its independent existence as such.

Given what is, for the most part, its evidently self-willed and corrupted character, what hope is there that America’s present corps of outstanding achievers (which I refer to as the elitist faction) will respect the equitable intention of America’s founders?  That intention was unique in the history of humankind. Sad to say, the truly moderate character of the outstanding public figures who shared it was also unique.  In our day, the elitist faction is casting aside all moderation, along with the God-endowed standard of judgment that makes it possible. Relentless war is now being waged against every root and branch of the faithful moral reasoning that was the fruitful and primary instrument of this moderation. Powerful technologies that could to be used to sustain and implement America’s character for self-government are instead being abused to promote every philosophy; every ideology; and every semblance of religion that contradicts that character and therefore tends to break it down.

Justice Scalia’s impatience with the challenges the Framers built into the Constitution’s Amendment process is symptomatic of the self-satisfied disrespect for the enduring wisdom of the founders that now pervades the whole elitist faction. Those who purposely, or inadvertently act in this pervasive spirit may claim that the Constitution has been overtaken by events, but it is their ambition corrupted elitist spirit that mainly casts doubt on the future of self-government of, by and for the American people. How will an Article V Constitutional convention avoid the influence of this pervasive elitist spirit?

Unless it is avoided, what will prevent such a convention from becoming the instrument that, once and for all, severs the American people from the instructive, Providential moment in which the success of their self-government is rooted?  Isn’t the possibility of radically cutting down the tree of liberty in this way the real reason there is so much enthusiasm for an Article V convention from otherwise supposedly disparate elements of the elitist faction? Given the elitist faction’s present stranglehold on the electoral process, what is the likelihood that the people chosen to participate in the Article V convention will reflect the God acknowledging common sense of the American people, rather than the God-rejecting, ambition corrupted spirit of the elitist clique?

Americans still loyal to liberty need to think this through.  Instead of embracing schemes that will open the door to possible dismemberment of their constitutional liberty, they should demonstrate that they are determined to revive the Constitutional and political processes intended to represent, rather than manipulate, repress and betray, the consent of the governed. Otherwise, it becomes more and more probable that an Article V convention will write the epitaph of the American constitutional republic.

Tragically, it will be composed in a way that leaves nothing to memorialize the place of its entombment except the restoration of a tyrannically totalitarian and elitist form of government, destined to erase from human memory any remembrance of the fact that a government of, by and for the people once arose, and briefly flourished to encourage the hope for equitable liberty in decent people everywhere on earth.

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STATEMENT BY TRAVERSE CITY MAYOR MICHAEL ESTES

Greg MacMaster for State SenateTRAVERSE CITY, MI — During an appearance on WKLT’s Omelette & Friends this morning, Traverse City Mayor Michael Estes made the following statement regarding the 37th District Republican State Senate Primary:
 
“With the departure of 37th District Senator Howard Walker, it is extremely important for the residents of Traverse City, Grand Traverse County and Northwest Michigan to have a strong and effective voice in the Michigan Senate that can represent our concerns and interests.
 
“Representative Greg MacMaster is the strong voice who will represent us well in Lansing and for that reason, I am endorsing his campaign for the 37th State Senate seat.
 
“Local government has done an excellent job in dealing with our core issues but it will take strong Lansing leadership to deal with infrastructure, education and natural resources issues.
 
“I feel that Representative MacMaster’s plan of funding infrastructure first through saving in other expenditures is the approach favored by most northern Michigan voters.   
 
“Representative MacMaster also realizes that our lowest funded school districts need assistance in reducing the funding gaps between excessively funded and under-funded schools and Greg is strongly committed to the preservation of our environment and the protection and expansion of outdoor recreation.
 
“I hope the good citizens of the 37th Senate District will join me in supporting Representative Greg MacMaster as our next State Senator.”

 

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REP. GREG MACMASTER ENDORSES TRISTON COLE FOR 105TH DISTRICT

Triston Cole endorsed by Greg MacMasterMancelona, MI – The Cole campaign announced today the endorsement of current State Rep. Greg MacMaster in the upcoming Republican primary election for State Representative.

Triston Cole is running in the 105th State House district to succeed Rep. MacMaster who is vacating his seat to seek higher office.

Cole is also endorsed by former 105th district State Representatives Kevin Elsenheimer and Ken Bradstreet, as well as Michigan Farm Bureau
Agri-Pac.

“Triston Cole shares the concerns of Northern Michigan residents and he understands how the legislative process works, which makes him an effective leader who will hit the ground running on Day One,” said Representative MacMaster.

“Over the last three years, I have worked with Triston on numerous policy issues aimed at helping local small-business owners and job providers. With Triston’s guidance, we passed new laws to reduce government regulations and improve Northern Michigan’s economy. I normally don’t endorse candidates in elections but Triston has earned it because of his work ethic, character, and principles. Triston is a true statesman who will represent the district with honor and respect.” said Rep. Greg MacMaster.

“I am honored to have earned Representative MacMaster’s endorsement,” said Cole, a lifelong
resident of Northern Michigan. “My campaign is all about making government smaller and more
efficient so our economy and most importantly hardworking families can prosper. I will continue
working very hard to share my message with as many citizens as possible, and to earn every
single vote needed to win.”

Cole and his wife, Stacy, have three daughters and they live on their farm in Antrim County. A small-business owner, Cole followed his passion for the outdoors and started his own family farm from scratch in 2000. The Cole family farm has grown into a successful operation that provides fresh fruits, vegetables, and shiitake mushrooms for local direct market sales. When not working the land, Cole is a semi-driver and a former agricultural teacher.

Cole is also the former Chairman of Antrim County Republican Party, past President of Antrim County Farm Bureau, and he has nearly 20 years of executive experience as a member of many diverse boards and committees at the local, regional, and state level. A lifelong sportsman and hunting guide, he is very active in numerous hunting and firearm-rights groups.

The 105th district includes the counties of Antrim, Charlevoix, Montmorency, Oscoda, and Otsego.

For more information visit: www.TristonCole.com.

The Cole campaign can be followed at www.facebook.com/tristoncoleformi and www.twitter.com/triston_cole


A Better Way to Fix Our Roads,…by Greg MacMaster

By Rep. Greg MacMaster

Greg MacMaster Senate

Members of the legislature don’t agree on much, but one thing we all agree on is that Michigan’s roads are in poor condition and must be fixed. The difference legislators have is in how to accomplish that.

There is a general consensus that an additional $1.2 billion is required each year to fix our roads.

There are some who believe all the efficiency’s have already been achieved in the funding, construction and maintenance of our roads and that we must now raise taxes.

There are others, such as myself, that believe we can fix our roads by being innovative, more efficient and without resorting to raising taxes on motorists who are already paying the 6th highest gas tax in the country.

Following are five reform proposals that include some of Speaker Jase Bolger’s recent transportation funding proposal. They also include other reforms that were introduced last year but have not been acted on.

These reforms identify over a billion dollars that can be allocated to roads WITHOUT increasing taxes;

(1) Dedicate a portion of the sales tax on gasoline for roads.

When motorists purchase gasoline, they pay state and federal taxes for each gallon. Motorists also pay a 6% sales tax on top of that, which most people assume goes to roads. It doesn’t. It’s diverted to other government spending.

Dedicating 1.5% of the 6% for roads doesn’t solve the problem of diverting money people believe already goes to roads, but it’s a start.

This is a modification of Speaker Jase Bolger’s transportation proposal and would raise $195 million.

(2) Repeal Michigan’s Prevailing Wage Laws.

These laws dictate the minimum amount that workers for certain types of public construction projects must be paid. These arbitrary amounts are upwards of 25% higher than amounts paid by the private sector.

A study by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy found that “repealing Michigan’s prevailing wage law would have an impact the equivalent of giving every taxpayer a rebate equal to five percent of his state income tax payments.”

According to an October 2013 report by the House Fiscal Agency, individual income tax revenue is expected to be approximately $8.3 billion for Fiscal Year 2013-14.

If the state realized the savings forecast by the Mackinac Center study it could result in a savings of $415 million that could be reallocated to roads.

(3) Permanently dedicate 1% of use tax revenue to roads.

This is part of Speaker Jase Bolger’s transportation proposal and would raise $239 million.

(4) Redirect Oil & Gas royalty revenue to roads.

In May 2001, the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund cap was reached, resulting in $35 million a year in excess funds to be directed to the State Park Endowment Fund and the Game and Fish Protection Fund.

As oil and gas is often transported over Michigan’s roads, this unexpected windfall should be rerouted to maintaining Michigan’s roads.

(5) Competitively bid certain state agency services.

A recent analysis by the Legislature’s House Fiscal Agency identified $2.4 billion in state spending that includes budgetary line items where additional savings could be realized through competitive bidding. A mere 3% in total spending would result in a savings of $72 million.

Additionally, if the Corrections Department’s health and medical services were competitively bid, it could realize a $50 million savings.

Combined, that’s a $122 million savings that could be transferred to roads.

Total savings from just these five reforms: over a BILLION dollars and NO TAX INCREASE!

Does this package of reform proposals solve our road problem? No, but it’s a start. It’s perpetual funding that would help create a long term funding solution for our roads and bridges as well as preserve Act 51.

Speaker Jase Bolger has some good ideas that do not rely on higher taxes. I’ve also offered a few. And there are other legislators who are sharpening their pencils and offering innovative ideas as well.

Other legislators have proposed creative solutions to lower overall transportation costs, provide better value for taxpayers through road construction guarantees, and identify new sources of revenue that do not include higher taxes.

Some of the most creative measures may not have been realized yet. Not a day goes by without constituents suggesting ideas for other reforms in policy and operation of state government, and many of them are quite good. 

 

Raising taxes is seldom their first choice, why should it be ours?

 

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – 

 

Greg MacMaster is State Representative for the 105th District and candidate for the 37th State Senate District, the primary election will be on Tuesday, August 5th, 2014.   Learn more about his campaign at; http://gregmacmaster.com/


  • Next Monthly Meeting; Monday, April 8th, 2024, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Location; Torch Lake Twp. Hall

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