Obama the Victor in Clare County

After months of campaigning, it’s all finally over. No more political commercials or mass mailings. It may come to no surprise to some, that the projected leader of the presidential election the democratic Senator Barack Obama from Illinois is now the President Elect waiting to take office on January 20th.
In Clare county 7,496 people voted for the Obama/ Biden Campaign and 6,793 voted for McCain/ Palin. That’s a difference of 706 votes, a fairly close margin.
Now that it’s all said and done, how are you feeling about the president elect? Are you confident in his abilities as the next president? Do you think that John McCain would have done a better job? How will his next term affect Michigan? This is your opportunity Clare County, voice you post-election opinion.

Correction NOTICE

In the October 30th issue, in the "Who's on the Ballot for November 4th Election" segment we did not publish the names of candidates running unopposed, we are sorry if this caused any confusion. The candidates will however be on the November 4th ballot.

Sorry for the inconvenience

~Clare County Cleaver Staff

Harrison Cross Country Sends Two To State Finals

The Harrison Hornet Cross Country Team competed at Regional 19-3 in Benzie Central last Saturday and, as a result of their fine running, two Hornet athletes will represent Harrison at the state finals on Saturday, November 1st at Michigan International Speedway.
Junior Blake Allison again led the boys by finishing 1st overall in 15:57. This was the fastest time of the day in any of the three divisions and earned him a chance to compete for the state championship next Saturday. Blake's time currently ranks him in the top five in the state. Senior teammate, Michael Ledford ran a season's best 16:59 for an 8th place finish, also sending him to state. These two runners were part of Harrison's team that finished 12th at the state finals last year.
As a team, the boys finished 5th on the day, narrowly defeating Clare by 4 points, reversing the finishing order in the Jack Pine Conference. Along with Blake and Mike, senior Zach See finished 29th in 17:54, senior Ryan Colville was 37th in 18:14, and senior Bruce Gingery was 61st with a time of 20:03. Zach's and Ryan's times were all-time personal bests for the two, with Ryan dropping his best time by over 45 seconds.
The three girls that ran for Harrison also ran their lifetime bests. Emily Ledford finished 30th overall in a time of 21:28, while Becky See was 78th in 26:29 and Annika Kilb was 79th in 26:33. For the day, seven out of ten of Harrison's runners ran their fastest times ever.
Blake and Mike will be competing in the Division 3 State Finals against some 250 runners on Saturday. Race time is set for 10:30 a.m. Good luck and congratulations to all on a successful season.

Full Interview with Kathy Wilton

1) Why should voters elect you?

My experience includes owning my own small business, managing several very successful businesses and being a Gladwin County Commissioner for 10 years. I have the knowledge and the fortitude to work on a variety of subjects for the good of the district. I have extensive experience with individuals, townships and counties. All of which will be of benefit to the voters. I currently work part-time for a local internet company. We help small businesses in the area reach all around the world to expand their opportunites. This type of experience will also help this district immensely.



2) You have been a county commissioner for years, what was your greatest accomplishment?

Working with a variety of issues and the people toward a common goal is always an accomplishment. I always took the time to listen and evaluate any and all information. But if I had to name one thing, it would be the fact that I served on Mid Michigan Community Action Agency Board of Directors, and continue to do so, and all the great work that the Agency does. The new building for MMCAA that has been built to centralize services between Farwell and Clare and the new senior citizen housing project that is going into downtown Clare are really making a difference in so many peoples lives in Clare County.



3) If elected what are your plans to help Michigan workers?

I will do everything I can to make this area a place that businesses will want to come and prosper and those businesses that are here, want to stay. I will promote our workers, our business sites and our work ethics. We have the capabilities in this area to make parts for wind generators and solar arrays. I will work tirelessly to help in any way I can.



4) Where does the future of Michigan’s economy lie?

The future lies with renewable energy. Our future lies with our children and a solid education for them. Working with the school systems and businesses we can accomplish anything we set our minds to do. Join me and work for our future together.

Full Interview with Tim Moore

1) Why should voters re-elect you?

Since being elected to the legislature, I have always done what I thought was right for the constituents of the 97th District. While everyone may not agree with me on certain issues, I have always based my decisions on what I believe in my heart is the right thing to do.
I have fought to keep the government out of our pockets and out of our life when necessary. I have fought to fairly fund our schools and I have demanded more accountability and more transparency from our government.
I have gone against my own party when necessary, and I have stood up to some very big special interests in Lansing, sometimes making me unpopular person. I will not be beholden to any special interests or parties in Lansing, only to the people of the 97th district.
Finally, I have made every effort to be accessible to the constituents of this district. Make no mistake about it, I know that my job is to represent you and I am always wiling to listen to the concerns of the constituents of my district. Since being elected, I have held office hours every month in every county that I represent. This allows constituents to bring their issues with state government to me so I can assist them. It also allows them to voice any concerns to me, or just stop in and say hello.

2) You have been in Lansing for four years, what was your greatest accomplishment?

There are several accomplishments that stick out, whether it be passing legislation to stop the government from taxing businesses for providing health care, protecting the Veterans Trust Fund or getting a portion of US-10 named “Clare County Veterans Memorial Highway” to honor our veterans.
However, if there is one accomplishment that sticks out to me most it is the work that I have done to close the funding gap between the lowest funded school (which is every school in my district) and schools in other parts of the state.
While this issue is not totally solved by any stretch of the imagination, there are finally steps be taken to end this injustice. When I first arrived in Lansing, no one even discussed the fact that some schools in the state where receiving thousands of dollars per-pupil less then others. I found this to be very disturbing and started the fight to fairly fund all schools. My first year, I passed a bill to increase the funding for the lowest funded schools. This year, the legislature passed what is called a “2X” formula during the budget that doubled the funding increase for the lowest funded schools to that of the highest funded schools. While the issue is not yet solved, legislators from across the state are standing up and taking notice and I will continue to work to fight this injustice while I am your state representative.

3) If re-elected what are you plans to help Michigan workers?

First and foremost, I will continue to oppose any attempt by our government to raise taxes or fees of any kind on individuals and on small businesses. Small business is the backbone of our economy and I will continue to fight against attempts to slow their growth through higher taxes and more regulation.
Currently in Michigan, we are not only losing jobs oversees but losing jobs to bordering states. The state of Indiana has billboards up in Southwest Michigan telling businesses to come there because of fewer taxes and less regulation. We need to stop chasing or own businesses out of this state.
Secondly, I will fight to protect the businesses that we have in this state and give them every resource that we are giving to new businesses coming to this state. For example, the State of Michigan gave a huge tax break to Cabela’s to come to Southeast Michigan. Courting new jobs is great, but what about a tax break for businesses like Jay’s Sporting Goods who have been loyal job providers in Michigan and in our area for years? In this case, the State of Michigan basically helped to fund the competition for one of our biggest job providers. The state needs to stop picking winners and losers and help not only new businesses, but the business that are currently operating in this state and employing people.
Finally, I will continue to stand up for the workers of this state and the workers of this district. I will oppose any efforts to give tax breaks to companies that ship jobs oversees, and out-of-state. I will also continue to stand up for the businesses and workers that already exist in this state, and put new businesses on an equal playing field with business already operating and employing people in this state.

4) Where does the future of Michigan’s economy lie?

I strongly believe that the future of Michigan’s economy will revolve around two major sectors; 1) alternative and renewable energies and 2) the tourism industry.
Major studies from around this state suggest that Michigan is the perfect location to grow alternative and renewable energies that can provide energy across this country. As a state we need to encourage the use of our renewable resources from businesses so that we can not only create good paying jobs here in Michigan but also break or dependence from foreign energy sources.
Secondly, since joining the legislature, I have been an advocate for a steady revenue stream to promote tourism in this state. For every dollar spent on promoting tourism, the state sees over $3.00 back on that investment immediately that year. With the wonderful natural resources in this area, a steady revenue stream and smarting marketing can stimulate or local economy and grow jobs. We need to invest in tourism promotion and market our resources to not only other states in the Midwest like we are currently doing, but states from across this country that do not have the wonderful outdoor attractions that we posses.

5) Some voters have said that you are running a negative campaign what’s you view?

I always tell people to look at who is paying for the ads that people are hearing and receiving. Anything that my constituents have received from my campaign committee are positive pieces and in no way negative. Any negative literature or calls that people have received are coming either from the state party or from an outside group. I have asked the state party to stay out of my campaign especially if they plan to use negative ads. Unfortunately, these groups can send literature and create campaign ads without my permission. I want my constituents to know that I do not support or approve of negative attacks as I believe it turns off the electorate.

Hale Bags Huge Buck

Chuck Hale of Harrison, bagged this beautiful 15 point buck at 7:30am on October 23, in Hamilton Township.

Howard Letter to Editor

Dear Editor,

As a citizen of the United States of America, I have always believed in my right of freedom of speech. Last night someone came onto our property and the property of my neighbors and stole the campaign signs of our political choices. Someone is sure running scared!
God Bless America.

Lee Howard

Gute Letter to Editor

Dear Editor,

Lincoln Township Voters Beware! Brian Kozlowski could very well be a fine person in his own private world. However, without question his leadership capabilities within the confines of the White Birch Lakes community are substandard.
If asked how we would best describe Brian Kozlowski's actions in his capacity as a board member and past president of White Birch Lakes Recreation Association our opinion would be this:
Self serving
Rubberstamp
Secretive
Manipulative
Instigator
Dictator
Spend thrifty - in difficult times
Lacks control of his emotions at meetings (Loves to laugh at and make fun of people)
Shows partiality and favoritism
Lacks belief in accountability
Is grandiose in his vocabulary skills in an attempt to baffle and belittle his constituents.
Another person to be suspicious of is, Marvin Frayer. Why? He is a perfect "mini me" protege of Brian Kozlowski.

Richard & Judy Gute

Members of WBLRA

N. Martin Letter to Editor

Dear Editor:

Don't let Tim Moore's negative campaign scare you. Kathy Wilton has a positive campaign because she is a proven leader with integrity. She has contributed thousands of unpaid hours working for us; the citizens. She has a wide range of experience serving the public as county commissioner and actively serving on a multitude boards and committees in this area for the last ten years and serving the people of the community in the process. She is ready and motivated to serve as your representative in Lansing. Take this opportunity to vote for your best interest. We in Gladwin County really appreciate her and you will too.

Nancy J. Martin
Gladwin, MI

T. Martin Letter to Editor

Dear Editor:

I am truly disappointed that THE BAY CITY TIMES recommended Tim Moore for the 97th House District seat for the November 4 th General Election.
It was just a matter of time prior to this election that Mr. Moore and the Republicans would pull out all the stops with their dirty tricks bag against Democrat Kathy Wilton. They have proven time and again that they will stoop however low they need to go with vicious lies and attacks against opponents. I received two NASTY pieces of literature from Moore in the mail today and they contain nothing but lies and deceit. It is quite obvious to me that Mr. Moore has done nothing in Lansing these past 4 years, otherwise wouldn't it be in his best interest to be positive and talk about accomplishments and how legislators are dealing with the recession? I can speak for many citizens in saying we are all weary of this year's election and its negative ads. Whatever happened to the Golden Rule?
Recently, I saw the UAW's legislative report card; Tim Moore received a 0% grade by not supporting labor bills that would help Michigan workers - all eleven bills! Is this a legislator who represents the working class? He supported an education bill that requires all students to take advanced math and science classes in order to graduate. Doesn't he realize that not everyone is going to be a rocket scientist? It is now known that this requirement is unrealistic and will not work as educators tried to point out to him before he voted for the bill. Apparently, Mr. Moore knows more about high school students than their teachers who are with them on a daily basis!
Mr. Moore says the MEA supports him but there was no screening committee to make that decision. Apparently, the MEA higher-ups don't remember what the Republicans did to our school employees retirement system during the John Engler rein of terror when he stole millions of dollars from our pension fund to balance the state's budget and dumbed down the benefits. We haven't seen any Republican legislator refuse their retirement pension and health insurance benefits after serving six years in Lansing. What a deal for them - full retirement and benefits after six years in office. And they complain about school employees receiving retirement after 30 years, which by the way, has slowly been diminishing thanks to the Republicans and their personal agendas!
Vote for Kathy Wilton to represent the hard working people and school employees in the 97 th House District. She has already proven to be honest and fair during her 10-year tenure as Gladwin County Commissioner. She also has more experience working with people and government agencies than her opponent will ever hope to have!

Sincerely,

Tracy Martin
Sterling, MI

Holloran Letter to Editor

Dear Editor:

I have great difficulty believing that The Bay City Times supports Tim Moore for another term in the 97th House District. For sure, The editorial board didn't do their research; if they had, they would have discovered that he has continuously lied about his opponents prior to elections. Of course, it always comes late in the campaign so they don't have the time or money to publicly refute the lies and garbage that the unscrupulous Mr. Moore and the rich Republican Party are famous for.
Since 90% or more of his campaign contributions come from special interest groups, it's not surprising that he always wins. With "big business" and Republican Party money, he gets the GOP to do his pit bull work for him. If you don't believe me, check out the Secretary of State website and view his campaign statements; it's all there in black-and-white! Over past elections Moore claimed that Democratic candidates would take away guns, raise taxes, people would lose their homes and jobs - every scare tactic in the book that is used by Carl Rove-type Republicans. Win at all cost, destroy good, decent people who want to run for office. Yes, that's the good old Republican way - acting like the playground bully!
Enough is enough; and for the sake of all citizens in the 97 th House District, I hope his tactics don't work this time. I hope people see through his phoniness and talk about accomplishments in the legislature that never happened. Well, Mr. Moore has been in Lansing for 4 years - what has he been doing all this time, other than driving all over the District to show up for photo opportunities and then charge us, the taxpayers, for his travel expenses. I sure wish someone would pay me to do that; what a gravy job!
Mr. Moore, what about your promise to give $30,000 of your annual salary to charities every year you serve in the legislature? He claimed that former Representative Jennifer Elkins voted in the 30% raise for legislators, so he wasn't going to take the money. In truth, it was done under the Engler administration prior to Elkins' first term in the legislature. I'll bet if The BCT did their homework they would discover that Mr. Moore's promise was an outright lie and that he used the money to purchase a condo in AuGres.
I received campaign literature in the mail today from Mr. Moore that is filled with lies and innuendos. Guess he has had trouble finding damaging information that he could exaggerate about Democrat Kathy Wilton. He calls her a "Tax Spending Liberal" in his latest attempt to discredit an opponent via campaign mailings and telemarketing phone messages this past week. I guess that's where he spends some of the $30,000 that was supposed to go to charity. He uses it to spew forth disparaging and libelous information about Kathy Wilton, who served 10 meritorious years as a county commissioner in Gladwin County where she was well liked and respected by both political parties. Mr. Moore, for your information, county commissioners don't have the authority to raise your property taxes and every other tax mentioned in your libelous brochure. It has to be done by public referendum; perhaps you forgot that from your Government 10 1 class.
VOTE for Democrats on November 4. It is time for change in Washington and Lansing. We need Kathy Wilton representing us in Lansing - an individual who is honest, has integrity and who values the working people in the 97th District!

Sincerely,

Geraldine Halloran
Standish, MI

Disabled Veterans Hold Benefit Concert

Last week The Disabled American Veterans chapter in Lake hosted a benefit concert in honor of our nation’s veterans.
The performers for the evening where Kevin Montgomery (a native to Nashville Tennessee) and Jill Jackson (originally from Scotland).
The two where in lake as a part of their fifty states in fifty days tour, a benefit and tribute to the Wounded Warriors of the county.
Kevin’s inspiration for the tour came from Peter Jenkins’s Novel “A walk across America” first published in 1979.
In the novel Peter literally walks across America and writes of his experiences of the kindness and kinship he experienced from his fellow citizens along the journey.
Coincidentally before Kevin embarked on the tour, under sheer happenstance he met Peter Jenkins at a Mexican restaurant in Nashville.
The concert which lasted around ninety minutes and brought in around 20 people featured solo and duet ensembles.
The music was lively and upbeat and contained great messages typical of country songs.
After the Lake concert the duet hit the road for a continuation of the tour.
Joan Neph the Commander of the Lake Disabled Americans Veterans post noted that that she was “glad that Kevin and Jill notified them and were pleased that they chose to help out the veterans.”
If you would like to find out more about Kevin’s work, schedule a concert or donate to his cause, please visit his website at www.kevinmontgomery.com .