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September 2024
The LWV Nonpartisan Voter Guides are in!
LWVGTA volunteers will have delivered all of the 8000 voter guides we have in the five counties we service. The Crawford County Avalanche newspaper inserted 4500 in their publication for subscribers that cover Crawford and Roscommon Counties. We have a QR code to the digital version of the voter guide. Note for voters in Congressional District 1: the entry/responses for Callie Barr, the Democratic nominee, appear by mistake on page 10-11, instead of 12. The online version is correct, but the printed copies being circulated include this unfortunate error. SHARE IT WIDELY! Voter Guide QR Code.
Become involved in the election process. Democracy is not a spectator sport. Volunteer with our voter services committee activities. To volunteer, contact any of our VS activity coordinators (see details in this newsletter.)
When you wake up Wednesday, 6 November, you will feel good about contributing to Empowering Voters And Defending Democracy (whichever way the election goes-hope it is your way!)
Probably the most important opportunity to be involved in our safe and secure elections is to become a POLL WORKER. Reach out to your local or county clerk to sign up. You can also sign up on mi.gov/sos/poll worker: https://www.michigan.gov/sos/elections/pollworker
You will be trained, paid, and sworn to uphold the integrity of the election. You will be the lynchpin of the election in your jurisdiction. Encourage your children or grandchildren who are at least 16 years old to work the election. It is a wonderful opportunity for them to be part of the election process. Please let me know if you sign up to be a poll worker. I will ensure our members have the updated information.
Following the election, we will once again be Observers of County Board of Canvassers. You can be an important part of the election certification by being a Board of Canvasser Observer. If you want to learn more about becoming a Board of Canvasser Observer, watch this training video.
Thank you for your hard work now and always.
In League,
Christina
LWVGTA, President
BCSchlitt@aol.com
313.310.2144 (mobile) |  |  | |
Disinformation is meant to confuse or mislead people. It is deliberate and has a purpose. Here are two discoveries that have been in the news. Russia has long been a suspect of meddling in the US elections by spreading disinformation as far back as 2016. Recent investigations have revealed a campaign by RT, a Russian media company, of providing funds to spread disinformation through a US-based company. The company is based in Tennessee and creates video content for social media platforms. Another recent discovery uncovered 32 fake internet sites with names similar enough to prominent US news sources that would direct users to Russian-produced content. The goal is to get Americans to spread Russian-generated disinformation without questioning the source. Both discoveries are alarming to the casual user of social media and internet searches. What exactly can you trust?
Another recent widely publicized disinformation is the rumor about the Haitian migrants in Springfield, OH. This disinformation was a deliberate tactic to sow fear and distrust in American citizens against migrants and to amplify scrutiny of border security. Both of these incidents show intent of malice with purpose.
Like a bad disease, the best way to stop misinformation or disinformation is not to spread it. Don’t repeat it. Distance yourself from it. Zip it tightly shut. Don’t click ‘dislike’ or give a negative response. Social media is tracking engagements on posts, not if you liked it or were enraged by it. The perpetrator of the disinformation wins when you are engaged.
Educate yourself on the tricks of the disinformation system. If something you hear or read makes you have heightened emotions, stop and consider the source. Does it pass the test of scientific research and standards of evidence? Is this old news that is getting recirculated again in an out-of-context situation? If it came in an email look at the from email address. If the email from the professional organization came from a Gmail account, then it probably is not a legitimate source of information. Look for obvious wrong use of language or spelling errors. Bookmark trusted media sources in your browser so you can turn to them to check facts.
Do you want to utilize a tip from professional fact-checkers? Use lateral reading. Were you sent to a suspicious website after clicking on a link? Don’t waste time looking through it, trying to determine its validity. Instead, open new tabs on your browser and google the source. Check the website’s source and reliability and what others say about it. You can then compare other information you find about the website or content to make an informed decision. Find out who funds or profits from where the content was published. Are credible news outlets reporting (or perhaps more important, not reporting on) what you’re reading? This will help you feel confident about its credibility.
The LWVGTA will be holding a mis/disinformation webinar soon. Watch for an announcement on lwvgta.org website.
"There is truth and there are lies. Lies told for power and for profit. And each of us has a duty and responsibility, as citizens, as Americans, and especially as leaders – leaders who have pledged to honor our Constitution and protect our nation — to defend the truth and to defeat the lies." Joseph R. Biden, Jr., President of the United States
Communications Chair - Karen Baker
|  | | We Have a YouTube Channel!
The LWVGTA now has a YouTube Channel. Check out the 1st Congressional District Candidate Forum. We will be updating our YouTube Channel with recordings of upcoming forums.
Find our channel at https://www.youtube.com/@Lwvgrandtraversearea
THE LWV NON-PARTISAN VOTER GUIDE is AVAILABLE
The League has published its 2024 non-partisan Voter Guide. The total number of guides ordered this year was over 153,000, a 34,000 increase over the totals in 2022. Note for voters in Congressional District 1: the entry/responses for Callie Barr, the Democratic nominee, appear by mistake on page 10-11, instead of 12. The online version is correct, but the printed copies being circulated include this unfortunate error.
View it Here!
LWVGTA Wreath Fundraising Time!
It's time to order your holiday greens for home and office decorating, and to give as gifts. You'll be ready for the holidays, and you'll be supporting local League programs. These are very lush and beautiful wreaths and garlands! The wreaths come in many sizes made with fresh greens from an area greenhouse, trimmed with pinecones, berries and red velvet bow. Garland Roping can be used outside, or you can drape it inside along stair railings, around doors, and along fireplace mantles. A tree is planted for every wreath made! ORDERS WILL BE ACCEPTED THROUGH FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15th. Wreath Sale Flyer 2024.
MI League Advocacy Update
The Michigan Senate returned to session on Wednesday, September 17. The Senate passed the Michigan Voting Rights Act on its third reading that day. The League of Women Voters as part of the Promote the Vote coalition supported the passage of these important bills. The bills included in the Michigan Voting Rights Act are Senate Bills 401, 402, 403, and 404. The final vote on each bill was 20 Democrats for passage and 16 Republicans opposing passage. The bills now go to the House Elections Committee for hearings probably in the lame-duck session.
The League was part of a large group, including ACLU of Michigan in partnership with Promote the Vote Michigan, the Legal Defense Fund, the Campaign Legal Center, and the Brennan Center for Justice, who applauded the passage of this important legislation. This package, supported by Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, ensures a strong electorate and legal protection for all voters.
|  | Complete The LWVMI Membership Survey
The LWVMI Membership Survey was sent to all members on September 1st. If you have not had an opportunity to complete it, please take 3-4 minutes to do it soon. Click HERE to complete the survey. The better the response rate, the more reliable the picture we will have of our membership. Each of you is important to this survey project!
|  | | October 1, 2024
Cherry Pie Debates, 6:30 PM
Michigan House of Representatives District 103 candidates, Betsy Coffia and Lisa Trombley
Glen Arbor in the Town Hall, 6394 W. Western Avenue
Doors open at 6:00 PM, forum at 6:30. Come early and get a free cherry pie with ice cream. Sponsors are Leelanau Enterprise newspaper, Interlochen Public Radio and LWV Leelanau County.
October 7, 2024
Candidate Forum: TCAPS Board of Education, 6:00 PM
The program will be held at Traverse Area District Library, 610 Woodmere Ave, Traverse City, MI 49686, McGuire Room. It will also be broadcast on Spectrum channel 189 and livestreamed on Traverse Area Community Media website, www.TACM.tv/CommunityTvNow, and on the LWVGTA FaceBook page.
October 8, 2024
Informational Panel Discussion: Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Proposals 6:00 PM
The discussion will address the issues and questions related to the two tax increment funding (TIF) proposals on the Traverse City ballots for the November 5, 2024 election. The panelists will provide general information, the"pro" points of view, and "con" points of view. The panelists are Fred Bimber, TC Taxpayers for Justice (pro panelist), Paul Compo, Crawford County Administrator/Controller (general info panelist), Gary Howe, Traverse Together (con panelist), and Bill Twietmeyer, former TC City Treasurer (general info panelist).
Traverse Area District Library, 610 Woodmere Ave. Traverse City, MI 49686, McGuire Room. It will also be broadcast on Spectrum channel 189 and livestreamed on Traverse Area Community Media website, www.TACM.tv/CommunityTvNow and on the LWVGTA FaceBook page.
October 21, 2024
Zoom Webinar: Community Solar in Michigan. Why We Need it and How We Can Get It. 7:00 PM
Sponsored by the LWVMI - Register Here
October 25-27, 2024
2024 LWV Lake Michigan ILO Annual Meeting & Conference in Manistee, Michigan
Read more about this event in the Natural Resources & Environment Report.
|  | Advocacy Committee Report
September 2024
We discussed at length the complicated issue of homelessness in the area and the various possibilities for advocacy. The issue is complicated by the many agencies working on homelessness, all with different areas of focus. Charlene Allen is trying to cover all the current actions but is overwhelmed and would appreciate some help from any League member interested in investigating the homelessness issue in our area.
The environmental committee has received the approval of the board to advocate for tougher standards for the maintenance of septic systems. They will advocate when either the state or the GT County Board of Commissioners takes the issue up again
The advocacy committee continues to keep an eye on two other issues, road funding and the safety of the visually impaired at pedestrian crossroads. No opportunities for advocacy appear to be present right now.
Christina reported on all the activities the Voter Services Committee is doing leading up to the election and ways help is needed.
The forum on the TCAPS Board election is Monday, October 7 at 6:00 PM and the educational forum on the TIF issue is Tuesday, September 9 at 6:00 PM. Both will be held in the McGuire Room at the Traverse City Public Library and also broadcast on Spectrum channel 189, Traverse Area Community Media Livestream, and the LWVGTA FaceBook Page.
Voter Service Committee
September 2024
This is the busiest time for the Voter Services committee in our League.
Vote411 - go to www.vote411.com, type in your address, and you will have all the election information for your ballot. Voters deserve to hear directly from all candidates running for office in their communities and we need their responses for the League's Nonpartisan voter guide and Vote411. Candidate invitations were sent out in late September and an editorial letter was submitted to the Record-Eagle encouraging them to respond to our questions.
BOC Observers - LWVGTA will participate as BOC Observers for the LWVMI lead program during the County Board Of Canvassers certification process. We plan to cover all five of our counties and reach out to neighboring counties. The SignUpGenius platform will be available closer to the November Election. Be sure to sign up for a shift or more. The link below, prepared by the Brennan Center, is a good background for the process.
Candidate forums - many have been scheduled-for details, go to www.lwvgta.org
Voter Registration and Education events - Many events have been held by a robust group of League members at the Farmers Market, TADL, Fridays in downtown Traverse City, and high schools. National Voter Register Day was celebrated with Northwestern Michigan College at three locations. In October we continue with National Voter Education Week the 7 - 11, and more scheduled before the November General Election!
The committee also participates in statewide tables and subsequent local action in Youth Engagement and Clerk Engagement. The wonderful TRY (They Represent You) brochures are developed and printed and are targeted for each county. Look for them at libraries and county offices. Our Communication Committee elevates information about the elections for voters through social media, the website, Eblasts, and the newsletter. Eye-catching graphics are used when and wherever possible.
- Contact Betsy Somsel for Vote411 information: becky.somsel@gmail.com
- Contact Charlene Krygier for candidate forums: kryc9833@gmail.com
- Contact Donna Moore for voter registration/information events: donnabmooreusa@gmail.com
- Contact Alice Schuman for the County Board of Canvassers: schuman.alice@gmail.com or Marcia Koppa at mbkoppa54@gmail.com.
- Contact Christina Schlitt for printed voter guide distribution and poll workers or to join our committee: BCSchlitt@aol.com. The voter services committee meets monthly on the 4th Thursday at noon for an hour via Zoom. If you are interested in becoming a member, please contact Christina Schlitt.
Voter Registration and Education Events
The Voter Services volunteers have been busy with registration and education events.
September events included A Celebration of Democracy in F & M Park, Traverse city. It was a bit chilly but a well-attended event. Other events attended include, Benzie Pride, Sara Hardy Farmer Market, TADL, and National Voter Registration Day at NMC. A big Thank You to our volunteers! More events are scheduled in October at the farmer’s market and library. We have been asked to come to the Frankfort High School also! We are always looking for volunteers to these events. It is fun and you are participating in defending democracy. Here are some photos of the events.
|  | | LWVGTA OBSERVER CORPS
September 2024 Summary Report
GRAND TRAVERSE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Regular Meetings are held on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 9:00 AM. Board meetings are recorded or viewed live via web stream through TACM.TV, Channel 191. Recordings are available on their website at GT Board of Commissioners
The BOC held regular meetings on Sept. 4 and Sept. 18 and was observed by Reba Leiding. Below are the highlights.
- A public commenter suggested Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Care Network as an example of a countywide mental health umbrella organization.
- BOC heard annual reports from Networks NW and MSU Extension. BOC held a closeout hearing on 2022 Community Development Block Grants for home improvement loans ($123,183, all funds expended), and an opening hearing for 2023 funds of totaling $75,310, which will be limited to emergency repairs.
- ARPA Status report showed several large projects haven’t been expended; BOC will decide in October on contingent plans to expend these funds.
- Commissioner Andrews commended COA’s transparent process for outside agency funding requests, suggesting it as a model for allocating opioid funds. BOC made appointments to COA and Parks & Rec boards; renewed a $48,000 Public Relations contract; voted to draft a funding agreement with GT Community Foundation for a total of $500K, using monies from cannabis revenues: $250K to directly support the Camp Greilick Endowment, plus another $250k to fund a matching grant.
- The City has asked the county to join a regional housing task force; BOC will decide on this in October.
TRAVERSE CITY COMMISSION
Learn about The Traverse City Commission and their meetings on their website at:
Traverse City Commission
League member Cindy Stevens reported for the Traverse City Commission meetings on September 3 and September 16, 2024.
After contentious discussion (including public comments) on adopting the city’s Master Plan, the Commission voted to repeal their right to vote on it. This was a compromise move: approval is not required, and the plan will go forward.
Commission heard a presentation by Safe Harbor treasurer, TC police and other stakeholders on expanding Safe Harbor to a year-round homeless facility. Commission agreed to support and recommended creating a regional task force with the county. Voted to allocate $40,000 this year and again in 2025 to day shelters (currently Jubilee House, maybe others in the future).
TCAPS BOARD OF EDUCATION
The TCAPS Board of Education consists of seven members elected to four-year terms. The Board of Education meets once or twice per month. Learn more about the TCAPS Board at: https://www.tcaps.net/about/board/
League member Robin Stott reported for TCAPS Board meetings on September 9, 2024.
The superintendent reported they are still waiting for the legislature to act on increasing school funding. 1,122 student backpacks were distributed, with all TC Heights students receiving one. Student Support Network furnished 200 students with clothes and personal care items. Under Schools of Choice, families may choose a school in the 5-county district, if there are openings. A few public comments voiced concern about the content of school library books.
TRAVERSE AREA DISTRICT LIBRARY BOARD
League member Margaret Goeman reported for the TADL Board regular meeting, on Sept. 19, 2024.
The Board met and discussed the strategic plan and budget items. Director Howard reported that the employee labor contract was approved this month in a 3-hour session, reflecting TADL’s positive work culture.
EAST BAY CHARTER TOWNSHIP BOARD
League member Jill Sterling reported for East Bay Charter Twp. board on September 9, 2024. Trustees approved an extension of conditional rezoning through 2027 for the Elmbrook development’s Townline Rd. site. There was some discussion of the need for a traffic light, school bus stops when the development is done. The Board approved the Brownfield Plan for workforce housing: 170 single-family rental units plus amenities. The developer requires TIF monies to make the project viable. The board forwarded the plan to GTC Brownfield Authority and County BOC for final approval. The 2024-5 Emergency Services millage was approved. The board also approved the 2024-5 equalization request (millage rate).
BENZIE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
League member Nancy Cotcamp reported for the Benzie Board of Commissioners on September 10, 2024.
The Board approved the removal of a jail administrator position from the 2024-5 employment roster, following the millage defeat. The millage will be on the November ballot again but as a renewal, not an increase. The Board also removed a solid waste/recycling coordinator position. They approved $225,000 in capital expenditures to the Maples Skilled Nursing Facility, authorized the 2024-5 equalization request (millage rate), and the 2024-5 fiscal budget.
CRAWFORD COUNTY UNIT OBSERVER REPORT
CRAWFORD COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
Sept. 12 & 19, 2024 – Crawford County Commission – Regular Meetings – Marcia Koppa
Commission passed a resolution against the DNR allowing Camp Greyling to use State land by permit. A vote on a resolution demanding a public hand count of election ballots was tabled amid pushback and concern for the county clerk. 2025 Budget was approved. County needs to establish a Materials Mgt. Committee and positions by year’s end.
|  | | NATURAL RESOURCES & ENVIRONMENT Report
September 2024
The photo below is of Mayor Amy Shamroe announcing the arrival of Traverse City’s new "in-vessel" composter. That’s the giant blue contraption in the background. Of course, Natural Resources Committee members were on hand for the festivities, including cherry pie. The composter was acquired with a grant from the USDA, and it’s capable of processing nearly 150 tons of food waste annually. This pilot program aims to strengthen the city’s current composting efforts and will be used in partnership with SEEDS ecological education program and Carter's Compost. Carter’s will be the hauling contractor for food waste pickup at select residents and businesses. The finished compost is expected to be used by the City for public lands, parks, and green spaces, with any surplus provided to community gardens.
Quick Fact: According to our Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Michigan has over 1,300,000 septic systems, more than any of our neighboring states. If you have a septic system, as I do, you may want to learn more about how it works. Lucky for you - our state recently celebrated “Smart Septic Week,” and produced a YouTube webinar - Septic System 101. Not only is it informational, it’s fascinating.
The 2024 Annual Meeting of the League of Women Voters Great Lakes Region is October 25-26. This year it’s being sponsored by Michigan Leagues and will be held close by, in Manistee. Anyone in our League is eligible to attend. Knowledgeable speakers will be Carl Gantner (Circle of Blue) and Northport resident Skip Pruss, former Board Chair of FLOW (For Love of Water). Also, a representative from the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians will be speaking about the Michigan Wild Rice Initiative. I have been involved with planning a tour of the Arcadia Marsh Nature Preserve on Friday afternoon October 25th. Rooms will be available at the Manistee Hampton Inn but it’s also close enough to drive over for the afternoon marsh tour or the lunch and / or dinner with speakers on Saturday. Visit the LWV Lake Michigan Region website.
Ann Swaney, Natural Resources & Environment Committee Chair
|  | League of Women Voters Grand Traverse Area
Serving the people of Antrim, Benzie, Crawford, Grand Traverse and Kalkaska Counties
PO Box 671, Traverse City, MI 49685
Voicemail: (231) 714- 9763
| LWVGTA Board
Directors: July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025
Officers:President - Christina Schlitt (term ends 2025), Secretary - Karen Baker (term ends 2025), Treasurer - Ingrid Brophy (term ends 2026).
Board of Directors: (elected)
Advocacy Chair - Peg Townsend (term ends 2025), Advocacy Co-Chair - Margaret Goeman (term ends 2026), Crawford County Unit Lead - Marcia Koppa (term ends 2026), Membership Committee - Laura Otwell (term ends 2026), Natural Resources and Environment Chair - Ann Swaney (term ends 2026), Observer Corps Chair - Reba Leiding (term ends 2026), Voter Services Chair - unfilled, Library Chair - unfilled, At Large - Robbin Stott - Facebook (term ends 2025), At Large - Nancy Nordfjord - Voter Newsletter Editor (term ends 2025).
Appointed Directors: (non-voting, one year term)
Karen Baker - Communication
Consultants:
Linda Crandall, Mary Grover, Jane Watts, Jan Warren, Barb Berry
Nominating Committee: (one year term)
Charlene Krygier (Chair), Alice Schuman and Ann Swaney
| | Save Oleson's Receipts
One way we raise funds is by turning in receipts from Oleson's grocery stores. Oleson's have stores on both the East and West sides of Traverse City.
Please send receipts to Jan Warren, 600 Cottage View Dr., Unit 242, Traverse City, MI 49674.
LWVGTA Membership for the fiscal year of 2024-2025 (July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025) starts after our Annual Meeting on June 10, 2024. New members who joined after January 1, 2024 became members for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. To renew your membership or join, go to Membership . Pay online with PayPal or print and mail the form. Learn more about the benefits of joining at our website Membership
Consider donating to support LWVGTA. The work that we do together is supported by your dues, by fundraising and by donations. Please consider making a donation or sharing our donation page with friends who may want to support our work to strengthen democracy and educate voters. Donate
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