October 2018 Newsletter

In this October newsletter

Notable Announcements
A Message from the Chairwoman
Looking to do more to help Republicans win on November 6?
Academic Boycott of Israel at University of Michigan
Profile: Ed and Joanne Rennell Give Back to Michigan
Representative Brenda Lawrence “Votes for Us” in Washington
14th District Picnic Recap and our SPONSORS
Reminder About Membership
Trending News Links

Seems to still apply in Washington, D.C.

In this October newsletter

Notable Announcements
A Message from the Chairwoman
Looking to do more to help Republicans win on November 6?
Academic Boycott of Israel at University of Michigan
Profile: Ed and Joanne Rennell Give Back to Michigan
Representative Brenda Lawrence “Votes for Us” in Washington
14th District Picnic Recap and our SPONSORS
Reminder About Membership
Trending News Links

Notable Announcements

October 2: Join Dog the Bounty Hunter and his wife Beth Chapman (famous for their long running cable TV series) at Bakers to support Republican candidates in Michigan; click here to register.
October 4: Eastside Republican Club PAC features U.S. Senate candidate John James at the Country Club of Detroit; advance registration is required and call Richard (313-407-8774) for information
October 4: Farmington Area Republicans (FAR) meeting at FH City Hall at 7 p.m. will feature Mindy Fernandes speaking about the ballot proposal to approve recreational marijuana
October 6: Michigan Trump Republicans Oakland County walk day starts at 10 a.m. at 500 N. Pontiac Trail, Walled Lake; for more information email [email protected]
October 7: Heathers Club of Bloomfield Hills event (co-hosted by Sharon White) begins at 4 p.m. to benefit U.S. House candidate Candius Stearns; register by calling 248-914-1456
October 8: Lakes Area Tea Party meeting at Uptown Grille (located at 3100 E West Maple Rd, Commerce) features both sides of the To Legalize or Not Legalize Marijuana ballot proposal; begins at 6 p.m. and program at 7 p.m.
October 9: 14th District Committee meeting starts with networking and order off the menu dinner at 6:00 p.m. with the business portion starting at 7 p.m. at Kerby’s Coney Island, 25050 Northwestern Highway, Southfield
October 13: Michigan Trump Republicans Oakland County walk day starts at 10 a.m. at 500 N. Pontiac Trail, Walled Lake; for more information email [email protected]
October 15: Oakland County Young Republicans meeting with program TBA starts at 6:30 p.m. at Rosie O’Grady’s in Ferndale
October 16: Eastside Republican Club meeting features political commentator Bill Ballenger (founder of Inside Michigan Politics) speaking about the November ballot proposals; event at the War Memorial starts at 7 p.m.
October 18: Bloomfield Republican Women's Club Ninth Annual movie night features "Clinton Cash" at Bloomfield Township Library beginning at 6 p.m.; reservations required by October 15 at www.bloomfieldrwc.com
October 23: MEDEFCO meeting features Dr. Richard Zeile, candidate for Michigan Board of Education beginning at 6 p.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church (22915 Greater Mack Avenue in St. Clair Shores); learn more http://www.medefco.org/
October 25: OCRP Executive Committee meeting at the Oakland County Commissioners meeting room begins at 7 p.m.
October 25: Steven Crowder (Louder with Crowder) at the Power Center for The Performing Arts in Ann Arbor sponsored by Young Americans for Freedom (U of Michigan Chapter); free but register here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/steven-crowder-at-the-university-of-michigan-tickets-50751130999
November 6: Michigan General Election
November 15: Oakland County Republican Convention at Suburban Collection in Novi

A Message from the Chairwoman

Dear 14th District Executive Committee Members, and fellow Republicans;

In my three plus years as Chairwoman of the 14th District many wonderful events have begun. Most notable are two: Our December Holiday Party and the fall welcome back picnic.

These and other events serve FOUR main purposes: build comradery among like minded Republicans, create excitement within the District, raise funds for Republican candidates and, most importantly, help to deliver votes to elect state wide seats such as Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State and US Senate.

I could not be more proud of the huge success that was our second annual welcome back picnic! 143 activists attended a Sunday picnic to hear from candidates/sponsors, enjoy interesting conversations and great food, and raise another (approximate) $5,000. We had 20 sponsors for this event - a new record!

A wonderful part of the Picnic is something you may not know about. After a very lengthy candidate selection process (handled via the Candidate Committee led by Jerry Cameron of Farmington Hills) and after 4 fundraisers, on the day of the picnic, we handed out $12,000 in checks to support candidates!!!

All but 3 candidates attended the picnic to receive their check from the 14th District. The candidates who received a check from us are no strangers to the 14th District - each has supported us by purchasing sponsorships and tickets for our events over the past 2 years. It was a very proud moment to give back to our supporters!

The day was cool, overcast and windy, but because of the beautiful venue, we spent the afternoon inside with plenty of room and we were still able to watch the ships go by on Lake St. Clair. The food was excellent and prepared by a brand new 14th Delegate and picnic sponsor, Max Weiner. Boat rides took place down the Detroit River thanks to Captain Tim Prophit who volunteered his sailing yacht just for our use.

It was a HUGE success which, like anything, required a large TEAM of volunteers.

The Picnic TEAM was led by Fundraiser Chair Carol Foster (West Bloomfield), who led several organizational conference calls over the months before the event so all details would be addressed.

Her committee consisted of volunteers from around District. A YOUGE shoutout goes to Fundraiser Committee volunteers: Max Weiner, Jay Hackleman, Carol Hackleman, Terry Poplawski, Don Perry, Mayra Rodriguez, Robert Oestreich, Marc Corcoran, Ken Chadwell, Kristina Karamo, Renee Strobl, John Chouinard, John Danielle, Kelly Powell and Bill Rauwerdink. (I hope we did not leave anyone out)

After a summer “off” in just a few days our 14th Committee will restart its regular monthly meeting cycle. We will meet on October 9. Our meetings happen on the second Tuesday of each month. See you at Kerby’s Coney Island in Southfield!

As we approach the critical November general election, we need to remember that NOTHING in politics can get done without volunteers (like those that made our picnic happen) and voters. You need to do both for the candidates of your choice!

Below in this newsletter is a graphic about a potential “blue wave”. Please take a close look at it. The Democrat positions shown in the blue wave should scare us all! Our President Trump needs ALL OF US to vote for Republicans who will keep his America First agenda moving. No staying home in November.

Oh, and “remember in November” that not a single Democrat voted to allow taxpayers to keep more of their own hard earned earnings!! Not one! We need to tell our friends, coworkers, neighbors that Senator Debbie Stabenow joined with all Democrats who voted NO regarding Trump’s historic tax cut bill. Remember in November!

We are now beginning the serious work of electing as many Republicans as possible on November 6. It’s time to get involved and work to elect Republicans from the top to the bottom of the ballot on Michigan’s Election Day.

How can you show your support?

Get your friends and family engaged to vote on November 6, become a member and attend our meetings! All Republicans are welcome!

In Service;

Janine Kateff

14th District Chairwoman

email - [email protected]

Like our Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/mi14gop

Website - 14cd.com

twitter - https://twitter.com/

586 917 6118

Looking to do more to help Republicans win on November 6?

Here are ways you can help:

Become a Poll Challenger on election day (training will be provided). Contact June Schweitzer at 517-599-4884 or [email protected]
Call the office of your favorite candidate and offer your services - just jump in! Or make a donation to your favorite candidate.
Recruit your friends and family to make sure they vote on November 6. Our turnout will be critical to produce a RED WAVE.
Help those who will have difficulty getting to a polling station - offer to drive or help them get an absentee ballot (AV Ballot). AV ballots can be obtained online or in person at the Clerk’s office. Getting an AV Ballot is a two step process: first, the voter needs to apply for an AV ballot; and, second the voter will receive a ballot in the mail weeks before the election. Call or visit your Clerk’s office today if someone you know needs an AV ballot!
Educate yourself about the November ballot initiatives - one big one is “Voters Not Politicians” which is on the agenda for the next 14th District meeting on October 9. Another important issue is the legalization of recreational marijuana. Then educate those in your circle of influence so they know the details before they vote.

Academic Boycott of Israel at University of Michigan

The University of Michigan employs a professor who, in compliance with an plan surrounding an academic boycott of Israel, refused to write a letter of recommendation for a Michigan student who wanted to study in Israel.

As a public employee, that professor is entitled to personal opinions but when that opinion (in this case an academic boycott of an ally of the USA) affects a student’s ability to continue their personal advancement the University has an issue.

We all know that the University has become a liberal stronghold. No longer, in this case, even supporting its own internal requirements!

58 groups authored a letter [reproduced below] to the University’s President Mark Schlissel regarding the incident. Call your Regents, President Schlissel or your elected officials in Lansing to express your thoughts about this boycott.

Dear President Schlissel,

We are 58 religious, civil rights and education advocacy groups writing to you about an incident of grave concern to our organizations and our hundreds of thousands of members and supporters.

Earlier this month a University of Michigan faculty member in the department of American Culture, Prof. John Cheney-Lippold, refused to write a letter of recommendation for one of his students applying to study abroad at Tel Aviv University. Cheney-Lippold unabashedly disclosed that the sole reason for his refusal is that the academic boycott guidelines forbid “writing letters of recommendation for students planning to study” in Israel.

Impeding a student’s ability to participate in a university-approved educational program in order to carry out political activism is reprehensible. Individual faculty members have the right to express public support for an academic boycott of Israel. But when faculty like Prof. Cheney-Lippold go as far as implementing the boycott’s guidelines by taking action to suppress students’ ability to travel to or study about Israel, they have abrogated the most basic professorial responsibility of promoting the academic welfare of their students. Such discriminatory behavior that impedes the rights of students must be sanctioned to the fullest extent of university policy.

We are aware that on 9/18/18 your office issued a public statement reiterating the university’s opposition to the academic boycott of Israel and stating that the academic goals of U-M students "are of paramount importance" and that the university will "take all steps necessary to make sure our students are supported." With all due respect, this statement is simply insufficient to assure students, their parents, and all other U-M stakeholders that you recognize the egregiousness of this incident. Of particular concern are the omission in your statement of any condemnation of Cheney-Lippold’s behavior and your statement acknowledging that "members of the University of Michigan community have a wide range of ‘individual’ opinions on this and many other topics." Both your omission and inclusion give the impression that individual U-M professors will be permitted by your administration to discriminate against students wanting to study about and in Israel. This is deeply alarming, given that there are at least two dozen U-M faculty members in a number of departments who have expressed public support for the academic boycott of Israel, including seven faculty members currently serving as chairs and directors of U-M academic departments and programs. Left unaddressed, this isolated incident could lead to unchecked discrimination, and the denial to students of their fundamental rights.

And while we appreciate your own remarks that were posted yesterday, in which you acknowledge that "personal views and politics should never interfere with our support of students," these remarks, too, do not go far enough.

We therefore call on you to make a public statement specifically stating that this behavior will not be permitted, affirming your commitment to ensuring that no U-M student will be impeded from studying about or in Israel, and detailing the steps you will take to ensure that faculty do not implement an academic boycott of Israel at the University of Michigan.

Thank you,

[see full list of the 58 signers here] https://amchainitiative.org/letter-to-university-of-michigan-president-schlissel-on-9-21-18/

Cc: University of Michigan Board of Regents

Special Counsel to the President Liz Barry

Profile: Ed and Joanne Rennell Give Back to Michigan

Edwin and Joanne Rennell of Farmington Hills have traveled extensively around the world, but nothing has compared to their experience as Tawas Point Lighthouse Keepers from August 8 to 21.

It was fun, but is also was work.

“This is the first time we have done anything quite like this,” Ed Rennell said.

The lighthouse is located on Lake Huron’s Tawas Bay at Tawas Point State park, 2.5 miles southeast of East Tawas and about 35 miles northeast of Standish.

The Tawas Point Lighthouse Keeper Program offers combined vacation and service opportunities for adults from mid-May to mid-October.

Those selected to be volunteer lighthouse keepers receive lodging in exchange. Participants provide roughly 35 hours of services each week in and around the historic lighthouse that attracts visitors from all over the world.

Every day the Rennells had to raise the lighthouse’s flag early in the morning and lower it in the evening.

They had to sweep the brick-paved walks, spray wash the exterior of the first-floor windows where lots of spiders and bugs gather, water the flowers, remove spider webs from the spiral stairway to the tower and sweep all of the first-story, white pine floors.

“But the main duty was to conduct five tours of the lighthouse daily with groups of no more than 25,” Ed Rennell said.

“The first 10 to 20 minutes of the 55-minute tour consists of explaining the history of the lighthouse and each of its various rooms — the 1880s summer kitchen, the 1899 dining room, the 1939 living room, the 1920 bedroom and the 1910 oil room,” he said.

The majority of the time is spent getting everyone up and down the lighthouse tower stairs, Rennell said.

“One of us was at the top at all times and the other remained at the bottom to direct people up in small groups — no more than five at the top at any one time. One caveat - DO NOT TOUCH - the 4th order Fresnel lens (made in 1880 in Paris, France, installed in 1891). The light functioned for 140 years until 2016 when a modern light was installed near the fog horn further down Sandy Hook Point.”

Once during each of their two weeks at the lighthouse the Rennells had to sweep the 85 steps to the tower, wipe down the handrail and clean, dust and vacuum all first-story rooms.

"The Tawas area is known as Michigan's Cape Cod," said Hillary Pine, Tawas Point Lighthouse historian, in a story published by Michigan.Gov.

"It's a lovely area favored by bird-watchers, anglers, history enthusiasts and others,” Pine said.

“At the lighthouse we lived on the second floor, which had been remodeled between 2002 and 2008 for modern keepers,” Rennell said.

Pine said the lighthouse keeper program looks for teams of two, three or four adults – especially those with knowledge of lighthouse lore or Great Lakes maritime history – but that there is no requirement for such a background.

Such a background is certainly the case with the Rennells, however.

“We had two days off in the middle of our two-week stay and drove to the Upper Peninsula — Newberry, my mother's hometown,” Rennell said. “While there we visited Crisp Point Lighthouse on Lake Superior — beautifully restored, but quite remote.”

"We give our volunteer lighthouse keepers historical information and on-site orientation to help prepare them for their experience," Pine said.

"They take great pride in helping to promote and preserve the lighthouse – and who wouldn't love waking up to the beautiful view of the bay that they enjoy every day?" Pine asked.

Accommodations include two bedrooms sleeping up to four adults and modern kitchen, bath and laundry facilities. Keepers must commit to a two-week stay at the lighthouse.

Ed Rennell, 82, was born in Traverse City, and grew up in Coldwater. He is a retired oral surgeon. Joanne Rennell is a registered nurse from Ford City, Pa. The Rennells have been married for 53 years and have two children.

Ed Rennell became more active in politics upon his retirement. He was elected as precinct delegate in 2014, 2016, and 2018. He is a member of the 14th District, Farmington Area Republicans and the Oakland County Republican Party.

Joanne Rennell has been a poll worker for many years, most recently serving as chairwoman for precinct 23. Ed Rennell has been a poll worker for past five or six years.

The application and additional information about the Tawas Point Lighthouse Keeper Program is available at www.michigan.gov/tawaslighthouse.

Democrat Rep. Brenda Lawrence “Votes for Us” in Washington

Your Democratic 14th Congressional District U.S. Representative Brenda Lawrence (D-MI) has been busy in Washington, D.C. Here is a recap of several of her recent and shocking votes. Her role in supporting the Democrat Party line, obstructing President Trump and not really looking out for our Michigan values can be seen very clearly.

Her votes often are like this: think of a logical idea/opinion and then vote the opposite way. After considering her positions, please feel free to call her office at 202-225-5802:

HB 6157 failed 160 to 251 with Lawrence voting FOR. This would prohibit the Department of Defense from funding a space-based intercept system for ballistic nuclear missiles.
House Resolution 990 passed 224 to 35 with Lawrence NOT VOTING. This was to express support for the officers of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and to reject calls to abolish ICE.
HB 6147 failed 194 to 218 with Lawrence voting FOR. This amendment would increase funding for environmental justice programs. Such programs are intended to prevent any group from having a disproportionate share of negative environmental consequences.
HB 6147 passed 231 to 184 with Lawrence voting AGAINST. This amendment would prohibit Washington, D.C. from collecting penalties from the District’s mandates that citizens must have health insurance.
HB 6147 failed 114 to 297 with Lawrence voting AGAINST. This amendment would reduce spending for the National Endowment of Humanities by 15%. Where is NEA spending set out in the Constitution?
HB 184 passed 283 to 132 with Lawrence voting AGAINST. This repealed the tax authorized by Obamacare on the sale of medical devices. Dems love taxes.
HB 6199 passed 277 to 142 with Lawrence voting AGAINST. This would allow Health Savings Accounts to pay for over-the-counter medicine. Why would anyone be against citizens spending their own money?
HB 4606 passed 260 to 146 with Lawrence voting AGAINST. This speeds up the process of approving applications for natural gas imports or exports under .14 billion cubic feet per day. Who could be in favor of prompt service by an agency?
HB 6691 passed 247 to 154 with Lawrence voting AGAINST. This expanded the definition of a “violent crime” to include arson, burglary, fleeing law enforcement and others matters. So is Lawrence “for” violent crime?

14th District Picnic Review and our SPONSORS

Let’s start with WHAT A HUGE SUCCESS THIS EVENT WAS!

Over 140 GOP activists attended the 14th District’s second annual summer picnic entitled “Fun, Friends and BBQ Picnic” at Windmill Pointe Park in Grosse Pointe Park.

Fun, Friends and BBQ Picnic had a record crowd to support our candidates.

Though glorious Lake St. Clair was a bit choppy the event itself was another hit! The goal of this (and pretty much every 14th fundraiser) is to generate funds to support our candidates.

To that end, our sponsors were critical to an event’s financial success. Our sponsors are VERY special people to support the 14th! Here are our TWENTY (20) SPONSORS of the 2018 Picnic:

THANK YOU SPONSORS!!

Gold Level

House Speaker Tom Leonard

Candidate for Attorney General

John James (Farmington Hills)

Candidate for US Senate (and 14th District MRP Convention Delegate)

Mary Treder Lang (Grosse Pointe Farms)

Candidate for Secretary of State

Dr. Marc Herschfus (Southfield)

Candidate for U.S. Congress, 14th District

Shelby Township Clerk Stan Grot

Great American

Max Wiener (Grosse Pointe Park)

14th District MRP Convention Delegate

Andrew Richner, Esq.

Candidate for U of Michigan Regent (and 14th District MRP Convention Delegate)

David Nicholson

Candidate for WSU Board of Governors (and 14th District MRP Convention Delegate)

Councilman Jerry Kosminsky (Orchard Lake)

Orchard Lake City Council (and 14th District Executive Committee & Precinct Delegate)

Tami Carlone

Candidate for Michigan Board of Education

Dr. Richard Zeile

Candidate for Michigan Board of Education

East Side Republican Club

Lisa Papas (Grosse Pointe Farms)

Candidate for Michigan Senate District 2

Silver Level

Sue Burstein-Kahn (Farmington Hills)

14th District Executive Committee & MRP Convention Delegate

Linda Stulberg (Farmington Hills)

14th District MRP Convention Delegate

Bronze Level

Bill Galvin

Candidate for Oakland County Commissioner (14th District)

Tom Berman (Keego Harbor)

Oakland County Commissioner (District 5) (and 14th District MRP Convention Delegate)

Ryan Berman (Commerce)

Candidate for Michigan House (District 39)

Jim Runestad

Candidate for State Senate (District 15)

George McMullen (Farmington Hills)

14th District Republican

Without Republican candidates and leaders that support our efforts, the activities of the 14th District would not be nearly as successful! Thank you again!

Reminder About Membership

Are you a member of the Republican 14th Congressional District? Or want to join us? You have two options to join or renew your membership:

Snail mail your $25 membership check to c/o 14th District Treasurer, 2579 Vanel Court, West Bloomfield MI 48324 (checks made payable to the 14th District).Online Renewal - https://mi14gop.nationbuilder.com/donation.
Your dues and other fundraising activities support Republican candidates that we choose to support and organizations in the 14th Congressional District.