Gov. Snyder

Our erudite conservative columnist, Dr. Lou Zako weighs in on a timely topic with a historical angle – the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians v. Michigan Republican Governor Rick Snyder lawsuit.

The lawsuit, which deals largely with the validity of a 19th century treaty, was filed several years ago. As the Petoskey News-Review has reported: “By asking a federal court to affirm its reservation boundaries, the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians looks to clarify that it holds jurisdiction in a 337-square-mile swath of Northern Michigan. For other entities with stakes in the area, though, the scope of that jurisdiction remains a source of uncertainty. Some intervening parties have voiced worries about the boundary affirmation’s possible impacts for the tribe’s neighbors.

In his column, Dr. Zako notes how Emmet County and various municipalities could be impacted: “There is a concern that if the LTBB is successful in its suit, it will have ultimate authority over all the involved land area in zoning, taxation, and even criminal and civil judicial matters for both Indians and non-Indians.”

Read his interesting piece, and, if you haven’t done so, please educate yourself about this ongoing litigation.

Janet Szymanski and Dennis Kelly

The Emmet County Republicans now have a GOP headquarters for the fall election! Or, as it’s colloquially known – a Victory Center. The location is 1053 US 31 North, Suite 7 – across from the Bay View country club at the corner of Turbush Avenue and Highway 31. It is a large one-room office where campaign literature and political signs can easily be stored. The lease is for two months ending on Nov. 5^th.

Current hours of operation: Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri. 11-5; Wed. 11-7; Sat. 11-3; Sunday closed. If you would like to volunteer to staff the Victory Center, please call Janet at 231-330-4800. #RedWave #TrumpAgenda #MIGOP #Forward

Charles Fourier, utopian socialism founder

The vice-chair of the ECRP, Dr. Lou Zako, continues his quest to offer an important counter-culture viewpoint on the opinion pages of the Petoskey News-Review.

His latest column is titled: The wonders of socialism?

Dr. Zako ponders, ” … how much of my own hard-earned wealth do I wish to share with those of my neighbors who do not have as much wealth. I can share either voluntarily through charity donations or by compulsion through taxation, or through a combination of the two. I am personally comfortable with both charity-giving and some level of taxation. I come down on the side of limited government and limited taxation, both because government is often highly inefficient and sometimes corrupt in its use of our tax dollars and because the more of our individual wealth is confiscated by government, the less personal freedom we have.”

There will be a meeting of the duly elected Precinct Delegates and the At-Large Delegates to the County Convention at 7:00 pm on Thursday, August 16th, 2018 at the Emmet County Courthouse, 200 Division St., Petoskey.*

Only Precinct Delegates elected at the August 7, 2018 primary election will be seated and considered eligible to vote at this convention.

The purpose for convening is to elect Delegates and Alternates to the August 25th, 2018 State Convention to be held at the Lansing Convention Center in Lansing. The purpose of the State Convention is to nominate one Lieutenant Governor, one Secretary of State, one Attorney General, and to nominate two candidates for each of the following offices: Michigan Supreme Court, State Board of Convention, Michigan State University Board of Trustees, University of Michigan Board of Regents, and Wayne State University Board of Governors.

For further information about the State Convention, go here.

For further information information about the County Convention, please contact Dennis Kelly, chair of the ECRP, denniskelly@charter.net.

*New building entry security measures are now in effect at the Emmet County Division Street location. All members of the public entering the building will use the District Court entrance on Lake Street and pass through a metal detector. Inspection of all bags, backpacks, briefcases, and containers will be conducted.

Veep Pence

Important announcement from the Michigan GOP: “Republicans all over the great state of Michigan are energized and ready to rally as one team to work toward victory in November. Please join us for a Unity Rally with Special Guest Vice President Mike Pence on Wednesday, August 8th at Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, 187 Monroe Ave NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503 at 6:00 pm. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. and will close at 5:30 p.m.. Space is limited. You must RSVP for admittance. RSVP does not guarantee a spot at the rally. Admission is first come, first served.”

Go here to make a reservation.

The Emmet County Republican Party executive committee will meet at the Northern Lights Recreation, 8865 M-119 Harbor Springs, on Monday, July 23rd at 6:00 pm.

Immediately following, a General Meeting will be held at 7:00 pm. Candidates running for Emmet County Commissioner and Register of Deeds have been invited to briefly speak.

We encourage you to attend and to invite friends and neighbors.

So … a good time was had by all at the Emmet County Republican Party’s “Top of the Birch” event held at the beautiful Birchwood Farms Golf and Country Club in Harbor Springs.

MI Attorney General candidate Tom Leonard, the current Speaker of the House, was the keynote speaker. Rep. and Speaker Pro Tempore Lee Chatfield  acted as the emcee.

And our own Jenny Nolan was selected as this year’s “Blue Dog.” Pictured: Jenny with Dr. Lou Zako who presented her with the coveted award. Jenny – and the Zakos – also did a wonderful job organizing the 2018 annual fundraising event.

Several local elected public officials also attended; one attendee was even spotted wearing a MAGA trucker hat. Trump 2020!