Read on to find the latest edition of the LWVGTA Voter Newsletter.
March-April 2025 |  |
LWVGTA March 2025 Voter Article
From the Prez…
Submitted by CM Schlitt
We have been urged by LWVUS to encourage members of our League and people in their networks to use Take Action on the LWVUS website to tell their federal elected officials to 1) Urge Congress to Stand Up for Democracy, and 2) Oppose the SAVE Act. https://www.lwv.org/take-action
This will be going to vote soon.
The presidents of the eight northern local Leagues in Congressman Bergman’s district met via Zoom with his staff members to express our concern and to point out that our mission is to "EMPOWER VOTERS AND DEFEND DEMOCRACY."
We used these talking points to express the League’s position on each of the two items noted:
Talking Points to Urge Congress to Stand Up for Democracy
SAVE Act - Voter Eligibility Talking Points SAVE ACT (H.R. 22) Bill Text
WE were instructed to send a report to the national League which we did.
3. Remind all local League members and their networks to contact their federal elected officials as individuals to voice their concerns and opinions on whatever issues matter to them. You speak for yourselves, not in the name of the League. All our voices matter!
4. Share with your League members what LWVUS is doing:
👉And a reminder of action to take at the state level:
Urge League members and others to use the Action Alert at lwvmi.org to oppose House Joint Resolution B (HJR-B), an effort to impose a documentary proof of citizenship requirement for state elections. It is in the process of becoming a ballot proposal if the State Board of Canvassers approves the form and then the group gathers enough signatures to make it to the ballot.
As you know, the President issued an Executive Order on voting. This Executive Order includes the following:
- Instructs the Election Assistance Commission to add a Documentary Proof of Citizenship (DPOC) requirement to the federal voter registration application.
- Instructs agencies (and DOGE) to make databases available to local officials and to do their own review of voter rolls.
- Threatens to withhold federal funding from noncompliant states.
A total of 19 states (including Michigan) have filed a lawsuit indicating that the President cannot force states or Congress through the independent bipartisan agency, to alter voting laws. Only States and Congress hold those powers.
In League,
Christina Schlitt, President
League of Women Voters of The Grand Traverse Area
|
Mark Your Calendar!
Wednesday May 28, 2025
Hagerty Center, 715 E. Front St., Traverse City
Agenda:
9:00-9:30 AM Check-in
9:30 - Noon
Southwest Breakfast Buffet
Awards/Member Recognition
Annual Business Meeting: Reports, Election of Board and Officers, Budget & Bylaw Changes
Speaker: Judy Karandjeff, LWV Michigan Vice President - Advocacy
Adjournment
Watch for an invitation by mail. Make your reservation & pay for the Annual meeting online at:
RSVP and Pay Online
RSVP by mail with the name of your attendees and check payable to LWVGTA for $30.00 each to:
LWVGTA
PO Box 671
Traverse City, MI, 49685
|  | |
April 15, 2025
Environmental Program - Huron River Watershed Council - How to Protect Our Watershed
Virtual program 11:00 AM, The Washtenaw League will host Rebecca Esselman, the new Executive Director of the Huron River Watershed Council. The Huron River Watershed covers more than 900 square miles, draining water to the Huron River from hundreds of lakes and tributaries in Oakland, Livingston, Ingham, Washtenaw, Wayne and Monroe Counties. The Council has worked for over 50 years to protect and restore the river for healthy, vibrant communities.Learn how to protect our watersheds. REGISTER HERE
April 17, 2025
LWVMI Education Program - 7:30 PM, Democracy Series - The Attack on DEI: What We All Stand to Lose
The League of Women Voters of Grosse Pointe is sponsoring a virtual program, The Attack on DEI: What We All Stand to Lose. The program will be held on Thursday, April 17, 7:30 p.m. This presentation will examine the opposition, misinformation, and potential consequences for workplaces, education, and society as a whole. We will explore how weakening DEl efforts ultimately harm everyone, not just marginalized groups, and more importantly, will identify strategies to advocate for inclusive policies that support our democracy. Join us to understand what's at stake and how we can collectively resist the erosion of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our speaker is Jay Kaplan. He is a staff attorney for the ACLU of Michigan, who is at the forefront of legal efforts to ensure the civil rights of LGBTQ+ people are protected and expanded. Space is Limited. REGISTER HERE
April 14, 2025
Advocacy Committee Meeting - 10:30 via Zoom link from Christina.
April 23, 2025
Board of Director Meeting - Noon. See the LWVGTA calendar.
April 24, 2025
Voter Services Committee Meeting - 12:00 - 1:00 PM. See the LWVGTA calendar.
Voter registration and education is central to League activities. We hold events to assist voter registration, voter education and encourage voter turnout. At election time we gather information for VOTE411, the League’s electronic voter guide with information on candidates and issues, and sponsor candidate forums. Get involved with the behind-the-scene experience of becoming a Board of Canvasser Observer. This is an active and engaging committee. Volunteer with Christina Schlitt at bcschlitt@aol.com .
May 16 - 18, 2025
LWV Michigan State Convention
Hurry, registration closes April 30, 2025. The Michigan State LWV Convention is May 16 - 18 in Grand Rapids, MI. Convention Info HERE.
Contact Christina Schlitt at bcschlitt@aol.com if you would like to attend.
May 28, 2025
LWVGTA Annual Member Meeting - 9:00 - Noon
Hagerty Center, 715 E. Front St., Traverse City, MI 49686
Annual Meeting. Breakfast buffet, Awards/Member Recognition, Annual Business Meeting: Reports, Elections, Bylaws Approval.
Speaker LWV Michigan Vice President – Advocacy, Judy Karandjeff.
Check in 9:00, Breakfast starts at 9:30
Cost $30.00
RSVP and pay online using link on home page under "save the date" message; or pay by check to LWVGTA mailed to LWVGTA PO Box 671, TC, MI, 49685
OUR COMMITTEES - Become Involved! Be an Active Member
Advocacy Committee - If you like to be involved in taking action, this is your committee. The League is non-partisan, we don't take sides for or against any party and its candidates. However, the League does carefully research topics on issues that will affect voter participation and the strength of our democracy; adopt positions based on that research; and then advocate for measures that will implement those positions. We have subcommittees for the Unhoused and Natural Resources. Call Peg Townsend at 231-392-3847 or email at wakulat4@gmail.com
Voter Services Committee - We hold events to encourage voter registration and voter turn-out, gather local information for VOTE411 and our "They Represent You" publication, sponsor candidate forums, plan educational programs, and participate as observers in the Board of Canvassers certifications. Email Christina Schlitt at bcschlitt@aol.com
Observer Corps - Observing is a fun way to learn more about the behind-the-scene happenings in the area. They are looking for an observer for the Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) Board meetings and other area meetings. Email Reba Leiding at leidingr@gmail.com to join.
Natural Resources & Environment - This is a subcommittee of Advocacy and active in supporting, preserving, protecting, and enhancing environmental quality through evaluation of local and regional policies and programs. Field trips too!
Communications Committee - Do you like to write, edit or have experience with web-hosted email, social media or graphic applications? Join the communications team and let your creative side show. Email karensuebaker@hotmail.com to join.
Youth Engagement - We are looking for interested members to join and organize this committee.
We are always looking to put your skills to work. Let us know if you have Fundraising, Legal, Financial, Publicity, Organizational, Environmental, Technology, or Smiling-Fun-Welcoming skills.
MI LEAGUE NEWS
Are you interested in what's being worked on in the Michigan Legislature? Search the status of Bills HERE .
|  | UPCOMING CHANGES FOR JOINING AND RENEWING MEMBERSHIPS
Has your LWVGTA membership expired? Many memberships will expire June 30, 2025. About a month before your renew date, you will receive an email reminding you to renew on the portal. You will find the online renewal process easy. You still are able to renew and join by check, though. Go to the LWVGTA MEMBERSHIP PAGE.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!
| Minore,Brooke |
Mallon,Patti |
| Alspaugh,Kerry |
Mannion,Lauri |
| DeBruyn,Maellen |
Rozian,Miriam |
| Eliot,Heidi |
Springsteen,Barbara |
| Gray,Carrie |
Turner,Nancy |
| 
The League of Women Voters in partnership with Indivisible is encouraged participation in the April 5th, 2025 HANDS OFF! rally.
The Hands Off Rally in Traverse City had a huge crowd of people displaying their outrage at the current federal administration executive orders an haphazard slashing of government agencies and funding. This was a rally to protest the threat to our right, our livelihoods, and our democracy. We are stronger together! Here are some of the interesting signs.
|  | Advocacy News
The Traverse Area District Library Board Director, Michelle Howard, informed LWVGTA about a book challenge. The Advocacy committee submitted a support/oppose form which allows the League to take action in support of or opposition to governmental decisions or proposed decisions. The League board of directors upheld the Advocacy committee's recommendation. Margaret Goeman represented the League and read a letter at the board meeting in support of free and open access to books and information at the Library. Below are the main positions of that letter.
The League of Women Voters has long been an advocate for public libraries, believing that the freedom to read and access written materials is a cornerstone of a free and democratic society. The Michigan League states in its positions that:
A. Public libraries should support our First Amendment right to intellectual freedom and expression by playing an important role in facilitating free and open access to information.
B. Individuals should be trusted to make their own decisions about what they read and believe. Removing and banning books from public libraries is a slippery slope to governmental censorship and the erosion of our country’s commitment to freedom of expression.
C. Library staff, operating within the standards of the American Library Association, should make professional decisions about selection, organization, preservation, and dissemination of resources, services and technologies without political interference.
The League of Women Voters of the Grand Traverse Area also espouses the belief that public libraries should be "free from censorship."
Advocacy Committee Report
March 2025
Submitted by Co-Chair, Margaret Goeman
Advocacy for Immigrant Community: A joint meeting with the Leelanau League was held on February 21. Discussion involved ways to advocate for the immigrant community. A support/oppose form will be forthcoming to allow advocating for the migrant community.
Homelessness - The 1-800 number supporting people about to or experiencing homelessness is on the League’s website, and posting the flyers with tear-off tabs is planned. Potential locations to distribute the flyers include police stations, hospitals, libraries, and grocery stores. Peggy will follow up with various contacts to organize the flyer distribution.
Natural Resources - The public hearing for the GT County septic ordinance is scheduled for April 23rd and members will be attending. The adoption of the ordinance is set for May 21st. The presentation by NMC about their microplastics study in our environment was very informative and well received. The group also discussed plans to tour a recycling facility or the new fish pass.
Youth Involvement - Ann reported a potential collaboration with the Girl Scouts on Earth Day or Arbor Day activities. Working with Girl Scout troops on microplastics awareness was discussed as well as working together on a democracy badge.
Federal Judiciary Study Meeting Overview - The upcoming Federal Judiciary study meeting on March 24th at the Cottage Restaurant will include an overview by Marian Kromkowski, a presentation on the process, lunch with discussion, and a consensus meeting. She encourages members to review the study guide and discussion prompts available on the LWV website before the meeting. The consensus responses are due by April 14th. Peggy will act as timekeeper during the March 24th consensus meeting and Reba will take notes. Christina assigned Supreme Court topics to research and present on, including financial disclosure, judicial ethics and enforcement, recusal, representation, shadow docket, stare decisis, binding precedent, and structural reforms for the Supreme Court. The group plans to use these topics as background for their future discussions.
Discussion - Discussion centered around citizens knowledgeable about the voting system and candidates. It was agreed that voter education is crucial and proposed bringing this issue to the voter services committee. The group also discussed the idea of incorporating civics tests for naturalized citizens into the voting process. Christina suggested reaching out to the Deputy Secretary of State, a candidate for the Secretary of State's office, for further discussion on this matter. There is an upcoming vote in the Michigan legislature on HJR-B, a voter suppression bill. It is important that constituents give feedback to their representatives and encourage sharing the alert with non-league members.
|  | | Observer Committee
December-January 2024
Submitted by Chair, Reba Leiding
Traverse City Commission - Cindy Stevens
Several public commenters supported the right to camp in the Pines. Commission voted to purchase a liquid salt applicator and road salt for 2025/26, and authorized a contract for West End Beach renovation. An amendment to the city zoning code was passed with some dissent, allowing up to 4 dwelling units in neighborhoods zoned for 1-2 dwellings.
Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners - Reba Leiding
Feb 26 study session - The Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners discussed a revised ethics policy and the complexities of an ongoing lawsuit between BATA and the Board, with potential implications for future legal actions. March 5 regular meeting - Following a public hearing on the matter, BOC approved an amendment to an ordinance allowing ORV traffic on a stretch of Garfield Road in Paradise Twp. Sheriff Shea noted he will be requesting funds for an ORV so county trails can be patrolled. BOC approved a contract increasing nursing coverage in the jail to 24/7. Andrews remarked that jail health care spending increased from $1.4M to $2.2M in one year. The walking path at the Civic Ctr will be closed for renovations from March-July. Public hearing for the septic ordinance will be 4/23, with the adoption vote scheduled for the 4/21 BOC meeting. March 12 study session -Tthe BOC heard a request for bonds to fund airport expansion, weighing the financial implications against other infrastructure projects. They also heard a presentation from the Opioid Task Force consultant; Commissioner Walter said the committee started work on a process for disseminating funds. March 19 - BOC approved a Brownfield TIF for low-income housing (60-100% AMI) for the Oak Shore development at the former East Bay K-Mart shopping center. A task force was formed to develop standard criteria for county approval of TIF and PILOT applications. Funds were approved toward a matching DNR grant to upgrade the VASA Trailhead Park. The board approved jail boarder contracts with Leelanau, Benzie and Clare counties, addressed overcrowding in the GT jail.
TCAPS School Board Meeting - Robbin Stott
March 3 special meeting - The Board met to determine process for selecting a new board member to replace the Treasurer. Four candidates will be forwarded to the 3/10 meeting for the decision. March 10 Regular - The TCAPS School Board appointed Scott Hardy as Treasurer and approved several policies, including those related to oral health assessments and Title IX regarding gender identity. The Board ratified the sale of $90 million in bonds, and accepted literacy grant funds, and a grant from GT Band for the Student Support Network.
Crawford County Board of Commissioners - Marcia Koppa
Board heard comments from Michigan Senator Hoitenga about the Amtrak proposal. The Board approved the Treasurer’s request to borrow $2 million due to increased delinquent property taxes. They also approved spending $1000 for fireworks. The Sheriff spoke about laying groundwork for the new Opioid committee.
|  |
Natural Resources & Environment Committee - Ann Swaney
Our league does not operate alone when it comes to environment-related activities such as educational programs (last month’s on microplastics) and advocacy work (showing up at GT Board of Commissioners meetings and letter-writing to area newspapers).
We are also part of the state Environmental Network group which meets monthly and regularly hosts educational programs that are made available to all of us. This month’s report is a recent list of some environmental committee activities around the state.
- The Copper Country league is one of the local environmental groups protesting the Copperwood Mine project in Gogebic County.
- The Marquette League is celebrating Earth Day(April 22nd) for an entire week.
- The Washtenaw League is sponsoring a program on April 15th at noon about the Huron River Watershed. This watershed is huge, covering over 900 square miles in six counties. The meeting is open to all of us but you need to register here.
- From the Lansing Area League came this excellent program on Green Investing.
Stay tuned to an announcement from LWVGTA about an upcoming tour of the Fish Pass. 🐟
Additional Natural Resources & Environment Information
♻️ Are you confused about what you can Recycle?
Microplastics Information
YouTube Video of LWVGTA program - Dealing with Microplastics in Our Environment.
| Don't Complain, Just Do It!
🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝
Get Beezy and Take some action!
Contact your Representatives and Senators and demand Action.
Don't bee afraid or think that your Congressperson already knows what to do. Your phone message, email or letter are important to them for tracking statistics from their constituents - positive or negative.
Ways to contact your Senators & Representative to demand action.
US Capital switchboard – 202-224-3121 operator will connect you directly to the office you request.
US Senator Gary Peters https://www.peters.senate.gov/
US Senator Elissa Slotkin https://www.slotkin.senate.gov/
US Rep Jack Bergman https://bergman.house.gov/
Michigan Action - Easy Peasy
Utilize the LWVMI website Take Action Page. You can formulate your own message or use one they have crafted for important League Priorities.
LWV Michigan – Take action https://lwvmi.org/take-action/#/
Have you heard about the calling app called 5 Calls?
5 Calls is the easiest and most effective way for U.S. constituents to make a political impact. Remember, they will pay attention to YOU because you are a "VOTE." Congressional staffers tally phone calls right away. It's sooooo easy and effective too! Try it. Find it in your phone app store.
"To reach a port we must sail, sometimes with the wind, and sometimes against it. But we must not drift or lie at anchor." ~ Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.
| 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
Officers: July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025
Officers:President - Christina Schlitt, Secretary - Karen Baker, Treasurer - Ingrid Brophy.
Directors: (elected)
Advocacy Chair - Peg Townsend, Advocacy Co-Chair - Margaret Goeman, Crawford County Unit Lead - Marcia Koppa, Membership Committee - Laura Otwell, Natural Resources and Environment Chair - Ann Swaney, Observer Corps Chair - Reba Leiding, Voter Services Chair - unfilled, Library Chair - unfilled, At Large - Robbin Stott - Facebook, At Large - Nancy Nordfjord - Voter Newsletter Editor.
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
| | If you wish to unsubscribe to the Voter Newsletter from LWVGTA, please reply to this message or send an email to info@lwvgta.org with "unsubscribe from Voter" in the subject. If you wish to receive fewer emails, or only emails on a specific topic, please reply to this message with more details about which messages you want to receive. | |