What's Your Issue?

Local political organizations weigh in on ballot issues big and small

With the Nov. 8 election looming, Northern Express reached out to several northern Michigan organizations to ask their opinions on what issues their members felt were important. We asked them to share their thoughts on local, regional, or statewide concerns.With the Nov. 8 election looming, Northern Express reached out to several northern Michigan organizations to ask their opinions on what issues their members felt were important. We asked them to share their thoughts on local, regional, or statewide issues.

The Grand Traverse County Republican Party, the Emmet County Republican Party, the Otsego County Republican Party, and Traverse Bay Watershed Greens were contacted several times and did not respond to requests for comment. Here’s what we heard from others.

Organization: Antrim County Democratic Party

Official’s Name & Title: Fred Goldenberg, Vice-chair

Biggest Issue: “Every election presents voters with a myriad of issues, both state and local, that must be considered and then decide on which side they land. On the state level, on Nov. 8 all voters are being asked to protect the rights of those who actually make up the majority of Michigan’s population: women. A yes vote on Proposal 3 provides my wife, my daughter, my granddaughter, and any female born to future generations the autonomy over their bodies and their health. As a male, I am embarrassed that in this day and age, after a half-century of protections, that I even have a voice in the matter.”

Under the Radar Issue: “On a local level, in their haste to provide tax rebates and refunds to a minority of the population, the [Antrim County] Board of Commissioners have failed to be good stewards of the county. They have allowed county facilities to deteriorate to such a degree that it is shameful. Our sheriff’s office is in a building that should be condemned not occupied; our historic courthouse is in shambles; and the list goes on. In July, because it is an election year, they passed a five-year capital improvement plan that puts a band-aid on their failures and does nothing to address the long-range needs and growth of Antrim County.”

Organization: League Of Women Voters Leelanau County

Official’s Name & Title: Tricia Denton, President

Biggest Issue: “Empower voters—support Proposal 2 on Nov. 8. Your right to vote preserves all your rights. The U.S. Constitution protects that right, but it leaves elections up to the states. It’s our state constitution that assures fair elections. We amended it in 2018 to provide some protection, but we need more. Since then, Michigan state legislators have introduced 39 bills that restrict citizens’ voting rights, harm election administration, and demonstrate a lack of knowledge of existing election procedure and law. None of the bills have been enacted into law, and we can head off more. That’s why the League of Women Voters helped circulate petitions to place voting rights on the November Ballot. Proposal 2 protects your voting rights; it empowers you.”    

Under the Radar Issue: “Defend democracy by eliminating disinformation, misinformation, and malinformation. Build trust, not doubt. Know the local election process. Help fellow voters understand the work of election officials and poll workers. Speak up about the legitimacy of past election outcomes. Explain clearly and calmly. Help new voters register. Rely on experienced election workers to answer your questions. A concise explanation of your voting rights and valuable election information is available on the LWV-Leelanau County website. Practice constructive citizenship. Constant criticism of the process and nasty threats to poll workers present a clear and present danger for our democracy.”

Organization: Grand Traverse Democratic Party

Official’s Name & Title: Harold Lassers, Communications Officer

Biggest Issue: “Women’s choice. The SCOTUS decision to throw women’s reproductive choice to the states has inspired women of all political stripes to vote to preserve women’s right to choose, a right they have exercised responsibly for over 50 years. While most Republican candidates vote repeatedly to deny women’s choice, many are furiously back-pedaling to present themselves as reasonable moderates. They are not! This issue permeates every contest up and down the ballot.”

Under the Radar Issue: “The BOC [Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners] needs to take care of county business. Voters should know how little the BOC’s Republican majority has done to take care of the county’s business. Consider this: The 2023 budget was rushed through with nearly no discussion, and there’s been no planning for the explosive growth that the county faces. Instead, the Republican majority has wasted time on polarizing issues such as passing a Second Amendment sanctuary resolution; awarding themselves large pay raises and full-time healthcare benefits; terminating the contract of the longtime medical director of the Health Department; and giving away Twin Lakes Park. The new BOC should devote its time to simply doing the county’s business.”

Organization: Straits Area Libertarian Party, Covering Cheboygan, Emmet, Otsego, and Presque Isle Counties

Official’s Name & Title: Andy Evans, Chairperson (also a candidate for Cheboygan County Board of Commissioners)

Biggest Issue: “A big issue for Libertarians has been the ever increasing number of federal, state, and local mandates imposed on the people, which impact their constitutional rights to free movement, free speech, freedom of self-defense, and freedom to conduct commerce where and when they choose to. Libertarians would seek to remove administrative and emergency powers along with a less centralized power structure and would eliminate most business/occupational licensing.”

Under the Radar Issue: “Under the radar, and very unfortunate, is the modern-day practice of economic development, whereby billions of your tax dollars are placed into ‘development’ programs. Under these programs, we have seen both Democrats and Republicans doling out hundreds of millions of dollars to corporations to lure them into doing business in Michigan.  These programs only invite corrupt practices and are not needed. Lowering tax rates overall will grow our economy, without handouts.”

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