Rick Snyder to Speak at Livingston County Lincoln Day Dinner

Governor Rick Snyder to Speak at Livingston County Lincoln Day Dinner

Livingston County, MI – The Livingston County Republican Party will hold its annual Lincoln Day Dinner on Thursday, April 18 at Crystal Gardens, 5768 E Grand River, Howell.  Doors open at 5:30, with dinner beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Keynote speaker for the event is Governor Rick Snyder, who will talk about past, present and future changes in Michigan.  State Senator Joe Hune is the event’s emcee.  Also scheduled to speak are State Representatives Bill Rogers and Cindy Denby.

Tickets for the event are $50 per person, or a table of 10 for $450.  For tickets or further information, contact Carole Bullion at carole.bullion@livingstonrepublicans.com or (248) 765-0090.

Time for a 50 State Strategy

Saw this in the Argus. I like the premise, and it should have been done long ago, but is has to be done right. Priebus needs to ditch any national or marketing consultants when it comes to this and learn how things work in the local areas. Politics start locally.

WASHINGTON — Republicans will release the results of their postelection self-analysis next week, but a hint of the way forward may come from a meeting chairman Reince Priebus had Monday with black leaders in Brooklyn: A return by the national GOP to playing in local elections.
"We have to be a party that's community-based. We can't just be a party that shows up three months before the election and expects to do well. We have to be an organization that embraces candidates at a local level," Priebus said in an interview Tuesday morning.
To do so may mean reviving the GOP's local election division, founded in the 1970s by then-Republican National Committee Chairman Bill Brock, to train local candidates and campaign staff, Priebus said. That would allow Republicans to begin "building a bench of African-Americans and Hispanics that are running for things like city council and school board," he said.

This should have been done a long time ago (if done right).  Detroit votes anywhere from 93-7 to 97-3 for democrats. It's a disaster outside of Downtown, Wayne State,  and  a couple of other areas and most know it. Democrats - including white democrats - ran it into the ground. On that same note, there's a lot of hard feelings both ways from white flight that gets blamed on Republicans (even though white progressives also fled and took their parasite politics with them). The major error that Republicans have regarding Detroit is not giving Detroiters a real choice election time. Name on the ballot campaigns aren't going to get the job done.

Can Detroit come back from the McNamara/Duggan/Kilpatrick gang of leftist democrats? Yes. Can it be brought back from white people or an EFM? No. Why not?  Because what's going to happen when the EFM goes? Unless things change, it will be the same ole song and dance. It would take a turn away from "progressive" leftism in order for Detroit to make a comeback. It will take solid conservative leadership. It will require control of the four things that make a city work or not work. Jobs, Costs, Crime, and Schools. (not lofts). That is a long term undertaking required. No "Great White Hope" will be able to do it. No white suburbanites or country folk will be able to do it. They aren't trusted by Detroiters.  They are outsiders. That's a fact, and nothing that they say will be able to change that. Don't feel guilty about it. Just accept it.  It will take Detroiters - mostly black, but some white and Mexican, in order for Detroit to come back. It will take a cultural change by Detroiters. Can it be done? Yes. If they choose to do so.

The one thing that us "crackers" can do, is to give the Detroiters trying to change things, both city whites and city blacks enough support to start running actual grass roots campaigns. It starts with the non-partisan campaigns. Don't pander and send some celebrity there a month before the election or have whitey candidate visit and go to a soul food place for a photo-op. That a waste of time, money, and resources. Everyone cringes except those who pat themselves on the back and say how "tolerant" they are. The number of votes that gains. Zero.

Remember how Howard Dean talked about the 50 state strategy after 2004? A lot of people laughed at it. I didn't. It worked. It still works. It forces the other side to play defense when they otherwise would be on offense. We don't need 51% or even 30% of the Detroit, Southfield, Flint, Saginaw, Inkster, Pontiac, North Kalamazoo, Southern Grand Rapids, and Benton Harbor vote to win Michigan. Just as the dems need about 38% in Livingston County to win statewide, we need probably about 10% in Detroit and 20-25% in Southfield, Inkster, and Flint. In addition, we need to remember that more and more minorities are moving to suburbs and even the country. When people move out to our area, we need to welcome them and make sure they are a part of our community. They are here because they don't like aspects of their own community. That's an opening we have. We shouldn't make those who move here the "other." That shuts the door completely. Welcome them to out community, and more importantly, our culture.

In addition, if Democrats are on defense in their home base, they aren't in swing areas or playing on our turf.


Lessons from 2010 and Scott Brown's win in Massachusetts.

1. Run good candidates who fit the district. Bad candidates or incumbents lose seats that should not be lost. Like this one for example. Or Don Sherwood and Bill Sali on the Republican side in 2006 and 2008.

2. No seat is completely safe.

3. Arrogance fails. The beltway never learns. 1994. 2006/2008, and possible 2010. The "we know what's best for you" mentality is a killer. When government says and promises one thing and does another. When government is corrupt. When government forces strongly unpopular legislation. When government is incompetent. People get fired.

4. Howard Dean's 50 state strategy is and was a good strategy. Many republicans laughed at Howard Dean for this. I wasn't laughing. Every democrat should be challenged with a solid race. Not all will be won, but it's better to keep John Dingell campaigning in home and not helping other candidates, which he does very well.

In 2009, there was something of a comeback in the Northeast, hardly GOP territory.. That's a big deal, and it lead to some wins in 2010 (nationwide, but 14 in the NE) and an upset in Brooklyn/Queens in 2011 when Bob Turner won (and was later redistricted out of his seat in 2012).

With a good grassroots campaign - long term - run by locals with the support needed - we can cut our losses in those areas without compromising anything. It will have to be a long term effort and lead by the locals. Those locals need to be the face of the party in that area.

That leads me to one list thing. Some dumb idiot pundits in the media point to "Rush" or "Boehner" or someone else as the "leader" of the Republican Party. That's news to all of us. We don't need leaders. That's why organizing Republicans is like herding cats. We lead ourselves. We're not collectivists. We aren't drones of the union bosses. We use our due diligence to make the right decisions.We win here in Livingston County because we're right and we also see what democrats have done to neighboring communities.

Some communities don't have the benefit of the choices given by Livingston County. It's time for the 50 State strategy down to the community level to give all that choice to make. It needs to be done, and it needs to be done right.

Charlie Aberasturi runs for 47th district

We have a third candidate already announced for the 47th District. Joining Dr. Hank Vaupel (Handy Twp) and Karl Kling (Howell) is Charlie Aberasturi out of Hartland Township.From his press release:

Charlie Aberasturi, MBA, Hartland Consolidated Schools Board Treasurer, announces his candidacy for Michigan’s 47th House District seat, currently filled by Cindy Denby.  Charlie is running as a GOP candidate.  This seat opens in 2014, because Denby is term-limited.

Charlie has worked 34 years in financial positions for TRW/Kelsey-Hayes in the automotive manufacturing industry.  A majority of his time was spent at TRW locations, creating jobs for people in Livingston County.  He held several financial positions as financial controller; forecasting, maintaining budgets and planning for the future.  He currently supports with his time and talent by volunteering at; Pregnancy Help Clinic, CASA, and St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.  He has served on the Hartland Consolidated Schools Board of Education for 16 years.  He has been a member of the Hartland Knights of Columbus for over 20 years. He was involved with the HAYAA organization as coach and board member.  He taught business classes at Eastern Michigan University.

Charlie and his wife Sue have lived in Hartland for 23 years.  They have 2 children, Sarah and Dan, who attend Michigan State University.

Charlie is running on the platform of “Invest in the Future.”

Charlie ran in 2008, finishing 2nd (I think he won Hartland) to Cindy Denby in the large primary field. There's no shame in that, since Cindy was a very strong candidate. What will be interesting is if the 2014 primary shapes a bit like the 2002 primary with people voting their region to a large extent. Population growth does change the dynamics a little if there's a repeat and similar patterns. This is going to be an interesting primary.

Nobody has officially announced for the 42nd District, although I expect that to change soon.That's going to be interesting as well. 

Both the 42nd and 47th are open seats due to term limits. 

Carl Levin finally retires

I'm shocked. I thought Levin would be like Byrd, Kennedy, and Thurmond and stay in office until he is completely unable to do so. Our rights are a whole lot safer with that gun grabber out of there. I'll be raising a glass tonight toasting to his retirement.


The question is the resulting domino effect from this. So far we know:

Clark Durant - Ran in 2010 primary -  Apparently not running
Candice Miller - MI-10 incumbent - Apparently not running
Bill Schuette - AG - Probably not running

Possible candidates I've heard:
GOP:

Justin Amash - MI-03 incumbent, former state rep
My gut says he's running. He's a libertarian leaning republican in many respects, and with Rand Paul's fillibuster and his problems with house GOP leadership, this is an opening that I can him taking. Can he win? I think he could, if he can keep the more mouthy backers in check. Amash wasn't the strongest guy in MI-03, but that's a matchup issue more than anything else. MI-03 is one of the more establishment friendly districts. Right now, there's an opening for someone like him. The party is split, and a lot of people in the base - not just campaign for liberty - not just tea party - but even regular republicans - are disgusted at DC leadership and the lack of fight right now towards Obama - especially on fiscal issues.

Mike Rogers - MI-08 incumbent, former state senate
I haven't heard anything one way or the other about Mike running. I think he may our strongest possible candidate. He always runs ahead of the ticket in this district, gets extra votes out of both Livingston and Ingham (sometimes wins there) Counties. He won a very tough election in 2000 so he's had tough races.

Terri Lynn Land - Former Sec of State
She won statewide twice easily and would have a lot of West Michigan support.

Roger Kahn - State Senator  (Termed out)
He won a tough district twice that covered all of Saginaw County. He's a doctor as well. I'm not sure he'd get past the primary or has the name recognition, but I can see him running, especially if Dave Camp makes a statewide run later.

Brian Calley - Lt Gov
I think there's a better chance of him going for an open MI-03 spot if Amash runs. A lot of people just don't know the Lt Governor in Michigan.

Ruth Johnson - Sec of State, former Oakland Clerk
She could be a strong candidate, but her top issues are perfect of Sec of State. Election reform.

Dem:
Gary Peters - MI-14 incumbent, formerly MI-09 incumbent, previously AG candidate and state senator:

Peters is 1/2 step ahead of generic democrat. That's not meant as an insult. He's not going to blunder and offend people, but he's not going to stick out as a star candidate. He's cautious. He had a solid D state senate district in the 90's which included Southfield and Pontiac. He lost his AG race to Mike Cox by 5500 votes. The old MI-09 scared me back in 02 because I knew it was on borrowed time. Joe Knollenberg was strong under the 2006 wave hit. He survived it bruised and battered and Peters finished the job in 2008 with the collapse. Peters showed some strength in 2010 surviving that wave against Rocky Raczkowski. His district was carved up in redistricting. He won a dem primary against Hansen Clarke for the MI-14 district. Most expect Peters to run for either Senate or Governor. That will open up MI-14.


Mark Schauer - Former MI-07 incumbent, former state rep and state senator. I can't stand how he votes hard left while pretending to be a moderate, but when it comes to campaigns, he knows how to win. He won a swing/lean dem district out of Battle Creek. That was before that district had Albion in it. Mike Nofs (R) replaced Schauer who replaced a different Republican. Schauer ran for the open State Senate district (Calhoun and part of Jackson County) in 2002 and it wasn't close. He beat Mickey Mortimer, who wasn't a pushover. Schauer rode the 2008 wave to beat an abandoned Tim Walberg by 3 points, before losing to Walberg in a 2010 rematch by about 5-6%. Schauer was at the big union protests, so I think he's running for something, whether it be governor or senate. My gut says that Peters will run for one office and Schauer the other.

Jennifer Granholm - The "Matt Millen" of Governors. I'll be surprised if she runs, but I hope she is the nominee. I think between Peters, Schauer, Dianne Byrum, Whitmer, and Granholm - she'll be the easiest to beat due to being the Matt Millen of Governors. 

I've heard some possible speculation about Mike Duggan, one of the Byrums, and Gretchen Whitmer. I doubt Duggan would run against Peters or Schauer. I think Duggan's going to try and be the Great White Hope of Detroit with the ghost of Ed McNamara and Ficano. I think Whitmer would be a strong candidate, but she declined to run previously due to young kids. If she declined a gubernatorial run in her home Lansing area, then I'll be surprised if she wants to move her kids to DC. The Byrums are well known in the Lansing area and wouldn't be pushovers, but I think Schauer or Peters is stronger, at least right now.

One of the interesting things about this is what happens if these candidates all run (which I don't expect) is more open seats.

Sec of State - If this opens up, we'll be electing our nominee at the 2014 GOP State Convention in August/September. A lot of people ran for this in 2010.

Lt Gov - If this opens up, we'll be electing our nominee at the 2014 GOP State Convention in August/September. Historically, the governor nominee picks his Lt Gov, but there was a push by West Michigan tea parties in 2010 for MI-02 congressional candidate and businessman Bill Cooper.


MI-03 - There's a strong GOP bench here with Kent County. Too many names to mention. Mike Nofs is in Calhoun County, and Brian Calley is I believe in Ionia County. The dems don't have a deep bench, but Mark Schauer is now here, as is Kate Segal.

MI-08 - Stronger bench for the GOP. Joe Hune, Bill Rogers, Cindy Denby, Brad Jacobsen, Jim Marleau, Ruth Johnson, Mike Bishop, and Tom McMillin for GOP. The dems have a bench in the Lansing area. Gretchen Whitmer, the Byrums, Dave Hollister, and a few state reps.

MI-14 - VRA District. Safe dem. Brenda Lawrence in Southfield, and a bunch of Detroit dems. Hansen Clarke previously held the seat. I wouldn't count out Kwame Kilpatrick.

It's going to be interesting.

The 3rd Party trap

Everytime there's a gripe against an action by the major parties, there's always a threat of "We need a third party." It's followed by assumptions that "everyone will join the third party" and everything will be perfect. The problem is that the person threatening assumes (and we know the three words in the word "assume") that all of the ideological base will magically join the third party. It doesn't work that way. Others like to fall on their swords to feel superior and demand we all do so as well. I have no desire to fall on my sword. I don't like losing - elections or ideology.

I understand the frustrations at times. I was a regular 3rd party voter when I started voting. The candidates did what you expect to happen - lose badly.

Third parties are a protest vote. Anyone that thinks otherwise are fooling themselves. I'm not going to call it a wasted vote because there are reasons when some people just can't support a candidate for whatever reason.On the same note, I also am under no delusions that a 3rd party candidate or movement has a chance in Hell, Michigan of succeeding. History has shown that time and time again. I tell third party advocates the following - "When you consistently get 33% of the vote or 33% of the seats, call me." Until that point, it's a waste of time unless you go the New York fusion system where there's cross-party ballot lines with Dems, Republicans, Right to Life, Conservative, Liberal, and Working Families Parties.

There is very limited 3rd party success of any sort. Recently, there are five, and I'm being generous here. Lisa Murkowski and Joe Lieberman were incumbents as R/D in their state and won the general after losing the primary. The others I can name on three fingers. Bernie Sanders, Angus King, and Jesse Ventura are the others. Maine has a history of 3rd party support as does Minnesota. That's about it. Sanders is the aberration.

In Michigan, third parties have never in the modern era been in the running for state legislative districts, or statewide office. They haven't come close to controlling a state's delegation. They have no US House seats.

Michigan 2012 3rd party results:
President:
Highest - Green - 0.46% of the vote.
2nd Highest - US Taxpayers (affiliate of the Constitution Party) - 0.34% of the vote.
Gary Johnson was a write-in  - 0.16% of the vote.

Combined less than 1%

Senate:
Highest - Libertarian Scotty Boman who always runs better than most 3rd parties - 1.82%.

What about 2010. Snyder had right flank issues...
Libertarian - 0.69%
US Taxpayers Party - 0.65%

Didn't a 3rd party candidate make a run in the 1st district in 2010? Glenn Wilson ran an actual campaign and got 3.36%.

Nader did well in in 2000 right? 1.99% (Michigan) 2.75% nationwide. He wasn't a contender.
Jon Coon in 1994 was the gold standard of the Libertarians at that time? 4.22%

Ross Perot Nationwide?
1996 - 8.40% and 8.75% in Michigan
1992 - 18.91% and 19.30% in Michigan

Number of State's Perot won? Zero, despite his millions. 

Bob Barr, Ron Paul, and Pat Buchanan didn't break 1% as third party candidates. Ross Perot never won a state. The last third party candidate to win any states in a presidential year was George Wallace. Wallace got 13.53% in 1968 and won five states.

Before that:
"Unpledged" won Mississippi in 1960.
Strom Thurmond won three states in 1948 despite a national 2.41% campaign. Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina, and Louisiana.
In 1924 - Bob LaFollette  got 16.61% as the Progressive Party. He won Wisconsin, his home state.

You have to back to Bull Moose for anything significant. Teddy Roosevelt, a former president, got 27% of the vote and won California, South Dakota, Michigan, Washington State, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania. 88 electoral votes, good enough for 2nd place. Unfortunately, we got stuck with Woodrow Wilson, one of the worst presidents of the 20th century. Wilson got 435 electoral votes despite 41.84% of the popular vote.

Before that, James Weaver got 5 states and 22 votes in one 1880's election. That's it going back to Lincoln's days.

Third party advocates site that the Republicans were once a third party. You're going back to 1856. My family was still in Ireland at that time. The only way I see a repeat of ANYTHING like the 1850's happening is if you a mass defection over a major league crisis issue  as there was over slavery (and the spread of it with the Dred Scot ruling) The only issue on that level today is Abortion. While there are pro-life democrats and pro-choice republicans, that's the one issue where something like this could theoretically happen. (Guns won't cause party realignment. People will just ignore tyrannical gun laws) If it did happen, it would take a long time to happen. The party re-alignments in the 1850's occurred due to splits in both parties. Southern and Northern Whigs and Northern and Southern Democrats both split (The Calhouns vs the Jacksonians).

If Bull Moose couldn't do it, nor Wallace, Perot, or anyone else, who would - and how?  I don't see it, either short term, or especially long term. The fact is most people aren't that political. Those who vote, vote 97-99% for the two parties. That's just the way it is, whether one likes it or not.

The State of Livingston County

One of the best moves I've seen politically around here in a long time is to bring back the State of the County address. As most of us know, our elected partisan county leadership is 100% Republican. Livingston County has been controlled by Republicans for 50 years. Wayne County has been controlled by Democrats for 50 years. One county is in relatively good shape despite the economy. The other is a cluster always featured in Charlie LeDuff news stories. I keep mentioning those for two reasons. One is that both counties are in SE Michigan. The other is that elections have consequences. It's not an accident that Livingston County grows while Wayne County shrinks. Leadership helped make it that way. We don't have a County Executive like a Bob Ficano. We don't need it. The chair of the Wayne County Commissioners, Gary Woronchak (D-Dearborn) protects Bob Ficano. The commissioners here do their jobs and generally stay out of the news.

Last Monday, Carol Griffith, the Chair of the Livingston County Commissioners, gave the State of the County address. It was important for two reasons as it answers two questions. A. What do commissioners do? B. What is the difference between Republican run county and a Democrat run county in the same region when it comes to competence issues?

State of the County Address is as follows. Carol's statement is in bold. I copied from a PDF using a free program, so the formatting isn't as good as it could be. The whole speech is up on the County Website.

Good evening and Welcome:  Distinguished Guests, Elected Officials, Judges,
Livingston County Department Heads, Employees, Hard-working Tax Payers and
Constituents.   I am so glad you are here!

Let me begin this evening's State of the County Address with the assurance that
Livingston County is active and thriving.  The recent economic recession has touched all of us,
No individual or entity has been exempt from the challenges. I want to take a personal moment
and thank you for staying involved and pushing for positive changes in our County. We have
found common ground and shared purpose and worked together - we have collaborated,
consolidated and sacrificed for the betterment of Livingston County and its future.  The past
few years have been tough, but I am happy to report that we are now seeing some undeniable
signs of recovery, which I will share with you this evening.

Let's take a minute to look at Livingston County closely. No one knows the quality of life
better than a Realtor. Livingston County boasts of:

• Quality schools
• World renown hospitals / medicine within driving distance
• Diverse housing opportunities; from farms to condominiums, lakefront and unique subdivisions
• * Easy freeway access for commuters to major cities
  ·Abundant arts and cultural events, farmers markets
  * Fine dining
  * 55 lakes
• ·Great recreation
•  Highly acclaimed universities and colleges

We are the envy of other counties and maybe the Nation!
*    We have a balanced budget
*    We have the lowest tax rate of all 83 Counties in Michigan
*    We have AAA Moody's rating-shared by only 3 other Counties in Michigan

 
Dan's comments (not in bold) - We got lucky with the lakes and recreation. I grew up next to the woods. However the last three parts aren't luck at all. Balanced budgets, low taxes, and bond ratings aren't luck. They are due to discipline and work over a period of years.

It goes without saying that the success of Livingston County is directly tied to the hard
working taxpayers, County Commissioners, Elected Officials, County employees and
community volunteers.

The vast majority of the those people over the past 50 years are Republican.The current commission is Republican as well.

Our County has a history of meeting the challenges and opportunities that have been placed before us.  Our foundation has been predicated upon seeking better.

* A better approach

* A better product

* A better service

Therefore working together for a better tomorrow.

 


This didn't start immediately. This was a process that started when our county saw the economic writing on the law back in the early 2000's. Prior planning prevents piss poor performance. It avoids the pitfalls and avoids us being featured on Charlie LeDuff's news stories. The funds dropped, and we STILL have balanced budgets, low taxes, and high bond ratings.

It is without question that Livingston County is the envy of many Counties in the State of
Michigan.  Although we see signs of economic recovery we must proceed with caution. The
National and global economy is extremely feeble and fragile - due caution will be taken with
every good policy decision and action.

Although Livingston County can be viewed as an island surrounded by turbulent waters
we need to be mindful of headwinds that can influence our budgetary processes. As I have 

indicated throughout this State of the County Address, County government is a complex, inter-
related system of constitutionally, statutorily, contractually and service-oriented activities,

programs and services. It is important to note that while some levels of activities may be at the
discretion of your Board of Commissioners, the obligation to provide services may not.

We will continue to monitor the following headwinds:

·        We will maintain working closely with local townships where the potential exists that
they may be unable to meet their contractual obligations to pay debt service on bond
obligations.

* We will continue to monitor the impact of the elimination of the Personal Property Tax
by the State~ no replacement of revenue will impact our budget.

*    State imposed mandates: One of the County's biggest challenge's comes from the State of Michigan imposing additional mandates without funding to support these efforts. In the Governor's recent budget message, he indicates that: "Michigan has emerged as the nation's comeback State and his proposed budget continues to move Michigan forward."  His fiscal year 2014 budget calls for increases in several service areas and an increase to the State Rainy Day Fund.  To County Government it feels like the State Comeback is off the backs of County Govemment.

·        In 2014 our State Shared Revenue will be reduced $1.0 million.  Although, the State has offered a competitive grant assistance program to receive monies for new consolidation/collaboration/ cooperation projects-what about those Counties that have  projects in place?  You have witnessed from my Address that Livingston County has been doing this for years!   We understand the need to work together in the spirit of cooperation for all levels of government to succeed.  The message I want to send back to Lansing, to the Governor, and our House Representatives and Senator is:  DON'T PENALIZE US FOR BEING FISCALLY RESPONSIVE BY DEPLETING OUR REVENUES AND GIVING IT TO THOSE THAT HAVE BEEN LESS THAN PRUDENT.

I agree to an extent. I think the funds need to be cut off from those who have proven they can't manage money properly. Elections should have more consequences and I'm tired of bailing out the screwups. While others screwed up, Livingston got its act together.

To receive our state shared revenue, we now have to certify to the State that we meet
their established criteria for the three categories of:

 

>       Accountability and transparency,
       Consolidation of services; and,
       Employee compensation.

This is nothing new to Livingston County.   Our County leads the charge in these areas
and our progress can be reviewed on the County website through our "dashboard " In an effort
to live within our means while maintaining a sustainable government during an extended
period of declining tax revenue, the Board has been proactive since 2003.   Our employees
have made substantial salary and benefit concessions, including:

* Converting the retiree health care program for eligible employees from defined
benefit to defined contribution-this curtails legacy costs dramatically from $20.5
million down to $3.2 million.

Reducing the County workforce without affecting services to taxpayers by
maintaining a hiring freeze for all vacant positions funded through the General
Fund.

Offering voluntary retirement incentives, modifying employee pension and
healthcare costs resulting in a savings of millions of dollars.

The Board of Commissioners have adopted a number of policies and related
procedures which ensure the timely tracking of internal controls in such areas
purchasing, cash management, departmental audits and accounting,

Once again, 1 wish to express the sincere appreciation and admiration from this Board
of Commissioners to our employees and Administrative Staff for having the maturity and
knowledge to recognize the steps necessary to reduce cost and preserve  jobs|  Without our
employees we could not provide quality levels of services to our constituents.  Consolidation of
services and cost sharing, has been our standard operating procedure for years.

In summation of this evening's Address, I stand before you with great pride that our County is on firm ground.  We honor our tax payers and we celebrate the legacy of leadership  over the years that have led Livingston County to be an exemplary form of Government. We  continue to be a sought after community where businesses flourish and families feel safe and secure.  We are proud to call Livingston County home. Finally, the long-term fiscal stability of Livingston County is much more than simply balancing annual revenues with annual appropriations; but a process to enhance fiscal integrity for a BETTER tomorrow.

In closing, I wish to personally thank the employees of Livingston County including our
County Administrator Belinda Peters, Elected Officials and County Commissioners that have
made tough decisions.  It has been said;

"A true leader has the confidence to stand alone,
The courage to make tough decisions

And the compassion to listen to the needs of others.

He/she does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the quality of his/her actions and
the integrity of his/her intent "

May Livingston County continue to be a leader for a BETTER tomorrow.

Good evening.

CAROL S. GRIFFITH - CHAIRWOMAN

LIVINGSTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

 
 Good speech, and a good job by our commissioners. Livingston County shouldn't be penalized for "been there, done that" when others messed up. What we all need to remember is that our Livingston County officials doing their jobs isn't something that happens by accident. It happens because we elect good Republicans to county government over a long period of time. That's why Livingston County is what it is today. That's why we have not gone down the same path as Wayne County and the McNamara gang.