Michigan League Update Summer/Fall 2006

Michigan League of Conservation Voters ● 213 W. Liberty, Suite 300, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 ● Phone: 734.222.9650 ● Fax: 734.222.9651

Inside this issue:

• Election Update 2

• Sulfide Mining 3

• Recent Donors 5 A number of lawmakers were recognized for their 100% environmental voting records.

Legislative Awards Breakfast a Success!

Make sure to visit our It is rare, especially in an election year, to find Democrats and Republicans
website: celebrating leadership in environmental protection together—but that is
exactly what happened the morning of May 10th at the Michigan League of
www.MichiganLCV.org Conservation Voters 2006 Legislative Awards Breakfast.

• Learn more about Sen. Bruce Patterson (R- Canton), Sen. Raymond Basham (D- Taylor),
environmental issues Rep. David Law (R- Commerce Twp.), and Rep. Marie Donigan (D- Royal
Oak), each gave passionate acceptance speeches as awards were
• Find out about
presented to them for their leadership on specific pieces of legislation. The
upcoming Michigan awards were presented by past award recipients—Senator Brater and
LCV events Representative Meisner—and Meridian Township Supervisor/ Republicans for
Environmental Protection (REP) America board member Susan McGillicuddy.
• Discover volunteer
opportunities with The event was an opportunity for legislators, Michigan LCV members,
Michigan LCV lobbyists, and representatives of the private sector to come together to
celebrate bi-partisan environmental protection. Many agree that preserving
the beauty and health of our state should have little to do with partisan
Take Action! politics. The four honorees demonstrated the ability to rise above party lines
Sign up for the Michigan
to protect the beauty and bounty of our state.
Action Project and make
The Awards Breakfast was also accompanied by this year’s release of
your voice heard through
the Michigan Environmental Scorecard, which covers a range of policies for
your computer.
water, land management, trash, and air quality. In addition to the four
lawmakers who were recognized for their outstanding work on specific
For more details visit pieces of legislation, 24 state lawmakers were recognized for their perfect
http://map. 100% environmental voting records this legislative session. Please visit our
e-actionmax.org website for a complete list of honorees and for pictures of the event.
2
2006 Michigan LCV Protecting Michigan through the Polls
Board of Directors Thoughts from our Executive Director Lisa Wozniak
Shari Pollesch Just when you think an voice on water quality issues and other
President election season can’t get conservation concerns. As a resident of the
any more intense, 89th House District, Mr. Hunsburger has
Irene Cahill
temperatures soar into the experienced first-hand what it is like to live
Vice President
90’s with a heat index of downstream from a city where large storms
Mike Newman over 100 degrees. Heat or don’t just bring increased river and lake levels,
Secretary no heat, the show must go but often result in raw sewage dumped into
on and the Michigan the Grand River and, ultimately, into Lake
Tony Infante League of Conservation Michigan.
Treasurer Voters (Michigan LCV)
board and staff worked Mr. Hunsburger ran an extremely
John Austin
tirelessly in June and July to tough race. With the help of Michigan LCV,
William Farr elevate the issue of the he knocked on almost 90% of the doors in the
environment in the context district and was very dedicated to making the
Marcia Gershenson of the elections and to environment a key component of his
elect strong pro-conservation candidates to campaign. In fact, Mr. Hunsburger’s last piece
Elizabeth Goodenough office. of campaign literature focused solely on
environmental issues.
Michael Griffin I wish I could report that we emerged
from the August 8 primary victorious on all While Mr. Hunsburger did not prevail
Dr. Daniel Luria
fronts. I’m afraid I can’t. But, I can give you at the polls on August 8, the issue of the
Robert Matthews hope for the general election and information environment—especially clean water—was
that may compel you to become even more deeply integrated into the election. The
Lana Pollack involved in the Michigan LCV’s work. media and the voters in the 89th district were
made aware of the critical need to address
G. Hans Rentrop In 2006, one of Michigan LCV’s issues like sewage overflows, and Michigan
primary jobs is to elevate the issue of the LCV plans to converse with winning candidate
William Stough
environment in the minds of candidates and to encourage him to embrace these issues
Chris Yates voters. This is tough work, but not impossible and take this message to Lansing on behalf of
because a strong economy and a healthy the constituency he is guaranteed to
Michael Moore environment go hand-in-hand, especially in a represent post November.
Director Emeritus state that touts tourism as its second most
important economic pillar. Our majestic lakes This fall, we will continue our work to
Joan Wolfe and beaches, our forests and our vast array of elevate the issue of the environment in the
Director Emeritus state and national parks are a draw to context of the elections. Our sister
prospective companies, residents and tourists organization, Michigan LCV Education Fund,
John Carver
Director Emeritus alike. The citizens of this state know that we has invited Governor Granholm and Dick
can build a better future for Michigan, one DeVos to participate in our second
Govenor and Helen Milliken that protects our families and our natural Gubernatorial Forum—A Forum on Michigan’s
Honorary Co-Chairs resources and creates new, more permanent Future--in September, partnering with The
sources of economic growth. Detroit Free Press and Michigan Public Media
to offer the candidates the only forum
That said, the 2006 primary elections opportunity with free statewide media.
2006 Michigan LCV delivered an interesting array of opportunities
Education Fund Board for our organization. Term limits brought us We will also continue to be deeply
races where six, eight, and even ten involved in electing strong pro-environment
Mark Richardson candidates were running for a single state candidates to office in key districts throughout
President
House seat. Most of these multi-candidate the state. Michigan is too beautiful NOT to
Tony Infante races were Republican primaries on the west protect, from her sugar-sand beaches and her
Vice President side of the state and Michigan LCV proudly Upper Peninsula waterfalls to the Great Lakes
jumped full force into one: the 89th State House that envelop her. We need to move Michigan
James Clift District (Holland/Grand Haven) where forward by taking back our state from
Secretary candidate Jerry Hunsburger was the only Canadian trash haulers, international water
candidate out of eight who proactively brokers, and out-of-state mining companies;
Tim Eder addressed conservation issues. all threats to our quality of life and our health.
Treasurer
Working together we can do so, because the
Shari Pollesch Michigan LCV and Republicans for citizens of Michigan know in their hearts that
Environmental Protection (REP) America both there is too much at risk.
endorsed Mr. Hunsburger due to his strong
 3
Sulfide Mining in the UP—a bad idea for everyone Michigan LCV and
Nationally renowned author and others take on sulfide mining LCV Education Fund Staff
Lisa Wozniak,
Upon first glance, one might wonder why an
Executive Director
author from Wisconsin is actively working to Lisa@MichiganLCV.org
deny a permit to a mining company that
has targeted a location near Lake Superior Becky Beauregard,
for a metallic-sulfide mine near Lake Program Manager
Superior. Becky@MichiganLCV.org

“If I were to sum up the entire Brian Beauchamp

situation in one headline it would read like
this,” says Eric Hansen, “UP Waterfalls:
Heritage Gems for our Grandchildren or
Discharge Channels for Sulfide Mining?”
Many Michigan citizens are asking
this same question as we face the possible
threat of a sulfide mine coming to the Upper
Peninsula.
Hansen, who is noted for his hiking
guides in the UP, was recently honored by
the Outdoor Writers Association of America
for an article he wrote last summer on the
coaster brook trout, a native Great Lakes
fish that is currently being considered for
federal protection as an endangered
species. The last remaining breeding
population of the coaster brook trout in
Michigan spawn in the Salmon-Trout River,
which is directly threatened by the
proposed mine.
Hansen, the Michigan LCV
Education Fund, and others across the state
have serious concerns about the
devastation that a sulfide mine would cause
to the region. These concerns are not
unwarranted. Foreign-owned Kennecott
Eagle Mining Company has a terrible track
record: every other mine of this kind across
the country has created acid runoff, which
has threatened streams and the health of
local economies and communities.
Communications and Campaigns
Manager
Brian@MichiganLCV.org
Kerry Duggan
Program Specialist
Kerry@MichiganLCV.org
Residents gather to protest mine pollution.
Allowing Kennecott to establish a
Joy Strawser
sulfide mine, especially in this extremely Special Projects Coordinator
fragile area in the U.P., would damage the JoyStrawser@hotmail.com
environment, our state’s economy, and our
Great Lakes quality of life. Michigan’s past Jim Carey
may be in mining, but our future must be in Financial Systems Analyst
Jimcee66@yahoo.com
creating jobs that protect our families and
our natural resources and create new, more
Sarah Neville
permanent sources of economic growth. Intern
Whether you live in the Lower or Upper Sarah@MichiganLCV.org
Peninsula in Michigan, it’s clear that a sulfide
mine is not in our state’s interest. It’s just not Elizabeth Palazzola
worth the risk. Intern
Elizabeth@MichiganLCV.org
To join Hansen and the Michigan LCV Ed
Fund in opposing a sulfide mining operation
in Michigan, go to our website,
www.michiganlcv.org, and click on the
News link. There you will find sample letters
to the Michigan Department of
Environmental Quality (DEQ) and a wealth
of information on the proposed mine. We
encourage you to tell the DEQ why you
don’t want Michigan to be the next state
that suffers from the pollution caused by
sulfide mining.

Great Lakes Bioneers Interns Elizabeth and Sarah tabling

Michigan LCV is proud to announce our
partnership with the Great Lakes Bioneers
Conference 2006! We encourage you to
come, participate, and stop by our table!
The Bioneers (biological pioneers) is
a “forum for connecting the environment,
health, social justice, and spirit within a
broad progressive framework.”
This is the 5th year that the Great
Lakes Regional satellite conference will be
held in Traverse City. This is also the 2nd year
that Detroit will host a satellite. (See
www.sustainabledetroit.org/bioneers.)
The conference runs Friday, October 20
through Sunday, October 22.
The Bioneers Conference hosts a
wide range of workshops, and involves
sustainable businesses and local
organizations. A variety of entertainment is
planned, from film screenings and concerts
to collaborative meals and art displays.
The workshops are open to all and
childcare is provided. For more information
call (800) 220-1415 or visit their website at
www.glbconference.org.
at an event in Lansing.
Michigan LCV staff and
volunteers have been touring
the state and getting the word
out on our organization and
conservation issues at local
events all summer long.
We would love to come visit
your town and talk to people
about the work we are doing.
Please contact our office to let
us know if we can come visit
your area of the state.
 4
Michigan LCV finds success in
working with Enviro-friendly
candidates!
Not only does Michigan LCV work
during the legislative session to push for
strong environmental legislation in
Lansing, we also work to ensure that
environmental lawmakers are voted
into office in the first place.

This election season Michigan LCV is

working across the state on a number
of different races—both Democratic
and Republican—to get out the vote
and elect pro-conservation candidates
into office.

To learn more about the elections work

that we are doing, please feel free to
call us or check our website.

Executive Director Lisa Wozniak speaks at a press conference announcing MI LCV’s

endorsements of State House candidates Kathy Angerer (HD 55) and Kate Ebli (HD 56).

Would you like to become a member of

Michigan League of Conservation Voters?
YES! I would like to help elect conservation-minded leaders and make
the environment a priority with Michigan’s elected officials and voters.

$5000+ Conservation Champion $100- $249 Contributor

$4999- $1000 Conservation Corps $25- $99 Member
$999- $250 Conservation Circle

How to Support Michigan LCV- Frequently Asked Questions:

MI LCV Staff at a fundraiser in Ann Arbor.
Raising Funds & Having Fun!
Michigan LCV has hosted a series of
successful fundraisers this summer,
including an event at the Arbor Brewing
Company. We want to thank everyone
who helped to organize and host the
events, joined us, or helped out with a
gift so we could meet our fundraising
goals.
If you or anyone you know would like to
host a Michigan LCV fundraiser, either
at your home or somewhere in your
community, please contact Brian in our
Ann Arbor office.
What is the best way to financially support Michigan LCV’s work?
Begin by making a contribution to become a member of Michigan LCV.
This money will go into our 501c (4) account. Once you are a member of
our 501c (4), you are encouraged to donate to our Political Action
Committee (PAC). PAC contributions, which must be publicly disclosed,
are the most useful and flexible funds Michigan LCV can accept. We
urge our supporters to give to the PAC each year, especially in election
years. Because of our political work, all gifts to Michigan LCV are non-
tax deductible.
Can Michigan LCV accept funds from a corporation or family
foundation?
Because donations to Michigan LCV support political action, we do not
accept contributions from corporations except as sponsorship for
specific events. We encourage foundations to contribute to the
Michigan LCV Education Fund, which is a 501c (3) organization working
to educate voters about critical environmental issues.
We would like to thank all of our members for their generosity! Our most recent donors: 5
Cathy Allen Peter DeLano William Kemner Simon & Phyllissa Ren
Representative Kathy Dan DelZoppo Martha Kern Bethany Renfer & Matt Flechter
Angerer Paul Dimond Timothy Killeen Sue & Gary Rentrop
Lizabeth Ardisana Stanley & Elizabeth Dole Bryon Krukowski G. Hans Rentrop
Bruce Ashley Joanne Douglass James & Barbara Kurbel Mark Richardson
James & Doris August James & Cathie Dries William & Marietta Kusey John Richter
John Austin Kerry Duggan Joe & Bobbie Kutkuhn Joseph& Dorothy Rink
Edgar Balcueva Wendell Dunbar Dixie & William Lahti Kenneth J. Robinson
Mary & E. Lawrence Barcella Rebecca Dunkle Andrew Lakatos David & Patricia Rogers
Jane Barney Steve & Janine Easter Paula Leinbach John & Debbie Rohe
Jay Barnhart Peter C. Eckstein Marlene Leistico Kenneth Rosenman
John Bassett Jeff & Lou Ann Eder Manny Lentine Kathryn Ross
Linda & Mark Battison Robert Eleveld Richard & Carol Leyshock Richard & Esther Ross
Brian Beauchamp John Ester Kathryn Loomis & Jeff Irwin Bill & Brenda Rustem
Paul Beauregard Dan Farough Dan Luria & Janet Loesche June Rusten
Charles Benson Greg Farr Kate Madigan David Saffer
Janice Berry William & K.C. Farr Donald Mann Norris & Faith Sanders
Lee Berry Representative Barbara Kenneth Martens Barbara Schmid & Jay Stielstra
Rosina Bierbaum Farrah Thomas Fehsenfeld Barry Matthews Richard & Lewellyn Schwikert
Joan Binkow Karen & Bill Fix Robert Matthews Dan Scripps
Douglas & Sandra Bitonti Molly Flanagan Jim Maturen Mahesh Sharma & Sulekha Patel
Stewart Barbara & Nelson Fuller Peter McCurdy Nancy Shiffler
Brent Blackwelder Mary Jane Gallagher Carol McGeehan Cynthia Shogan
Janis Bobrin Albert & Karen Gallup William McGibbon P. Robert Shranger
Ronald Bogdasarian Robert & Elizabeth Garner Fred McLane Mike & Rebecca Shriberg
Richard Borer Friederike & Dennis Gast Patrick McLean Pat Shure
Terry Braciszewski Marcia Gershenson Shirley McNally Karen & Dick Siegel
Theresa Brennan Representative John Brett McRae Conan Smith & Rebekah Warren
Mary & Donald Brown Gleason Fred & Deb Meadows Phyllis Smith
Bunyan Bryant & Jean Meg Goebel Steketee Tara Spoon
Carlberg Timothy Good Rich Miller Mary Stadel
Deborah Buckland Elizabeth Goodenough & Governor William and Helen Kate Stewart
Jonathan & Gertrude Gil Leaf Milliken Charles & Beatrice Stone
Buckley Christopher & Elaine Mitch Mitchell William Stough & Patricia Wilson
Kenneth Burchfield Graham Mike and Drew Moore Dennis Swanson
Thomas Butts Ralph Graham Gordon & Vernie Nethercut Todd Tennis
Reprensentative Pam Byrnes Leigh Greden Joan Newberry Gerald & Kay Thiede
& R. Kent Brown Matt & Renee Greff Thomas & Jill Newhouse Nathan Triplett
John & Irene Cahill Chris Grubb Mike Newman Mark Van Putten
Susan Cannell R.E. & Patricia Haan Nichole Nice-Petersen Rich VanderVeen
Joseph Capuano, Jr. Noah & Jennifer Hall John & Gwen Nystuen Rebecca Vaughan
Robert & Patricia Carrico Pat Harrington Frederick Oeflein Albert Ventro
John Carroll Jay Harris Maury Okun & Tina Topalian Curt Vogel
John & Patricia Carver Sarah Heddon Dr. William & Joan Olsen John & Kathy Vogt
Dennis Cawthorne Robert Hess Gerhard & Margaretha Bruce Wallace
Amy Chapman & John Peter & Henrietta Heydon Olving Henry & Nathalie Waterkamp
Freeman Phillip Hoffman, Jr. Janice Onder Francis Weigle
Fred Charbonneau James & Nancy Honchell Dr. Robert Oneal Ari Weinzweig
Steve Chester John Hunting Rebecca Kylie Osten Larry Willey
James Clift Tony Infante Jeffrey Padden Tom & Anne Woiwode
Ralph & Joyce Cobb David Irani David Park Melinda Wolf
Marion Collier Mitch Irwin Richard L. Patterson Warren & Shirley Wolfe
Drs. Claire & Michael Colman Win & Kyle Irwin William & Shirley Patterson Will & Joan Wolfe
Kay Cornell Senator Gilda Jacobs George & Barbara Perkins Kathryn Wozniak
Michael & Rebecca Cottrell Julie Johanningsmeier Don Inman & Virginia Pierce Tom Zieziul
Catherine Curran Alan Kadrofske Mark Pingrey Richard & Constance
Halle Czechowski Riyaz Kanji H. Rhett & Jeralyn Pinsky Zimmermann
Kelly Dardzinski Dr. Charles & Linda Kehr John Pollack
Ed & Ellie Davidson Douglas Kelley Lana and Henry Pollack
Lois Debacker Peter Kelley Shari and Roger Pollesch
Dana Debel Sue Kelly Stanley Pruss
 6
Ann Arbor Office:
213 W. Liberty Street The 2005-2006 Michigan Environmental
Suite 300
Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Scorecard is now available!
Phone (734) 222-9650
Fax (734) 222-9651 The Scorecard covers a range of
policies for water, land management,
Lansing Office:
trash, and air quality. The votes were
119 Pere Marquette
Suite 3B
chosen because of their broad impact
Lansing, MI 48912 on our economy, health, and quality of
Phone: (517) 485-8200 life, and because they presented a
clear choice for our leaders to uphold
E-mail: the conservation values shared by the
Info@MichiganLCV.org citizens of Michigan.

Website: Scorecards were mailed out to

www.MichiganLCV.org members in the early summer. If you
did not receive a Scorecard or would
like additional Scorecards to give to
your family and friends, please call the
office at (734) 222-9650 or view the
Scorecard online at
www.MichiganLCV.org.

Address Change? MICHIGAN LEAGUE OF

CONSERVATION VOTERS
Please help us stay 213 W. LIBERTY, SUITE 300
updated by sending ANN ARBOR, MI 48104
any mailing or e-mail
address changes to
info@MichiganLCV.org

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