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Thank you letter to Candidate Elden Shellenberger, Candidate Valarie Slaughter Original Letter and Third Sending to Candidate Louis Wierenga Question: What is your plan for improving the educational experience of students? Please consider the sciences, the arts, safety, diversity respectfulness, and more. What are your five top priorities for the district? Original Letter
The MceZ Core Principle for October is JUSTICE! Open letter for MceZ-It! Publishing October 3, 2018 Subject: Improving our Schools/ Quality leadership Dear Candidate _______________, Thank you for your candidacy to the Hastings Area School Board. As a member of MceZ.org I advocate for a civil, transparent, citizen driven discussion of the issues before us. MceZ members write elected officials and candidates across the political spectrum and publish the responses for information and educational purposes. I am writing this as someone who cares deeply about education. All students should feel safe,valued as individuals, and graduate with a solid, good education. I feel I received I received a good education, and want others to feel that too. As a graduate of Hastings Area Schools, I care what happens in, and to my alma mater. As a community person, I am aware of school closures due to foul weather as well as to threats of violence. However, I am not aware of much more. It seems that I should know what is happening in our schools. The question I have for you is: What is your plan for improving the educational experience of students? Please consider the sciences, the arts, safety, diversity respectfulness, and more. What are your five top priorities for the district? Thank you for taking time to respond. I hope to hear from you soon, If I do not I will contact you again. Best regards, Doris Hale Hastings, Michigan https://www.mcez.org/policy.html www.MceZ.org
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Michigan August Primary, 2018 Thank you letter to Official Candidate Responders below: Candidate Jason Noble (D) State Senator 19th District (Barry County) Candidate Mike Callton (R) State Senator 19th District (Barry County) Rep. Julie Calley (R-I) 87th District State (Barry County) Questions: 1. What do you think is the most important obstacle to the improvement of the economic status of the Middle Class and those Striving to Enter the Middle Class? 2. What are your five top legislative priorities that will increase the middle class by lowering the poverty rate in your district and/or state? Original and Third Sending Letter The MceZ Core Principle for May is EXCELLENCE!
Open letter for MceZ-It! Publishing May 22, 2018 Subject: Middle Class Dear Candidate ______, Thank you for running for office. As I see it, the subject of economics creates lively discussion here in Barry County, and for good reason. This area was particularly hit during the Recession of 2008, (http://www.mlive.com/news/index.ssf/2011/10/great_recession_leaves_michiga.html) wages still tend to be low, (http://www.city-d ata.com/income/income-Hastings-Michigan.html, https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/income-poverty/historical-poverty-thresholds.htmltps://www.census.gov/topics/income-poverty/poverty.html), and good effort has been made in many areas to move forward. I have an interest in the upcoming election like any other voter citizen. However, I am especially interested in seeing citizen driven issues come before the citizens in a thoughtful and civil manner. Two questions I have for you, are as follows: What do you think is the most important obstacle to the improvement of the economic status of the Middle Class and those Striving to Enter the Middle Class? What are your five top legislative priorities that will increase the middle class by lowering the poverty rate in your district and/or state? I look forward to hearing from you. (If I have not received a response by June 1, I’ll write you again.) Best regards, Doris Hale Hastings, Michigan 49058 https://www.mcez.org/policy.html August Primary, 2018 Thank you letter to Official Candidate Responders below: Candidates for Michigan House - 91st District: Tanya Cabala (D), Andy O'Riley (D) Candidate for Congress - 2nd District: Rob Davidson (D) Fourth Sending to Official Candidate Non-Responders below: Candidates for Michigan House - 91st District: Greg VanWoerkom (R) Candidate for Michigan House - 92nd District: Representative Terry Sabo (D-I) Candidate for Congress - 2nd District Representative Bill Huizenga (R-I) Questions: 1. What are your 5 top legislative priorities that will measurably expand the middle class, decrease the working poor, lower income and poverty populations in your district and/or the state? 2. What are your current frustrations with the governing and/or legislative process? 3. What character or personality strengths, skills and innovative thinking do you bring to the legislative process? Original and Fourth Sending Letter sent: The MceZ Core Principle for June is FREEDOM!
Open letter for publishing in MceZ-It! Fourth Sending: June 14, 2018 Third Sending: June 4, 2018 The MceZ Core Principle for May is EXCELLENCE! Second Sending: May 29, 2018 May 22, 2018 Subject: (Fourth and final sending) Legislative priorities for the middle class, the working poor, lower income and poverty populations in Michigan Dear ____________________, Thank you for your public service. In my effort to become an informed citizen, taxpayer and voter, I would like to know if your reasons for seeking re-election to this office align with my values. It would be helpful if you would take the time to answer the following 3 questions: What are your 5 top legislative priorities that will measurably expand the middle class, decrease the working poor, lower income and poverty populations in your district and/or the state? What are your current frustrations with the governing and/or legislative process? What character or personality strengths, skills and innovative thinking do you bring to the legislative process? I look forward to hearing from you. If I have not heard from you by May 29, 2018, I will contact you, again. Thank you. Best regards, Eunice Beck Www.mcez.org Policy and Disclaimer Statement Muskegon Public Schools Board Questions asked: What were your 5 top priorities for the district? What frustrations have you experienced that you didn't expect? What will be your 5 top priorities if you are serving in the upcoming year? Thank you letter sent to Elected Official Responders below: Cindy Larson, President , Tasha Bibbs-Oakes, Treasurer MceZ Core Principle for May is EXCELLENCE! Open letter for publication in MceZ-IT! May 22, 2018 Subject: Muskegon Public Schools: Quality, Leadership and Reputation in question. Dear Ms. Larson, Thank you for your response of May 21, 2018 to my letter of May 21, 2018 attached below. I look forward to contacting you in the future. Best regards, Eunice Beck MceZ.org MceZ Policy and Disclaimer Statement Fourth Sendings were sent to Elected Official Non-Responders below: Billie Bruce, Secretary Pro-Tem; Tasha Bibbs-Oakes, Treasurer; Louis Churchwell, Vice President; G. Lynnette Marks, Secretary; Zachary Allen Anderson, Trustee; Bill OBrien, Trustee Original and Fourth Sending Letter sent: The MceZ Core Principle for June is FREEDOM! Fourth Sending: June 14, 2018 Third Sending: June 4, 2018 The MceZ Core Principle for May is EXCELLENCE! Open letter for publication in MceZ-IT! Second May 29, 2018 May 21, 2018 Subject: (Fourth and Final Sending) Muskegon Public Schools: Quality, Leadership and Reputation in question. Dear __________, Thank you for your public service. I have been a Muskegon resident for over 30 years. My children attended Muskegon Public Schools. I have seen MPS at its worst, i.e. no African American teachers with a 50% African-American student population. Obviously, there has been a significant improvement in this area during the past 30 years. I have been catching up on the challenges for the district including the video of the meeting on April 17. The links to the articles are below. Muskegon school board approves $1.61M in cuts to start 2018-19 budget Updated May 15; Posted May 15 http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2018/05/muskegon_school_board_approves_1.html Muskegon schools superintendent tired of being 'personally attacked' Updated Apr 26; Posted Apr 25 http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2018/04/muskegon_schools_superintenden_4.html Muskegon schools gives administrators big pay raises in face of deficit http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2017/10/muskegon_schools_admins_get_la.html Muskegon schools trustees violate Open Meetings Act by texting Updated Apr 10; Posted Apr 10 http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2018/04/muskegon_schools_trustees_viol.html 'Minimally effective' Muskegon superintendent not on improvement plan Updated Apr 24; Posted Apr 24 http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2018/04/minimally_effective_muskegon_s.html Muskegon schools gives administrators big pay raises in face of deficit Updated Oct 25, 2017; Posted Oct 24, 2017 http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2017/10/muskegon_schools_admins_get_la.html Updated Apr 12; Posted Apr 12 http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2018/04/muskegon_schools_to_close_buil.html I believe it's important to be an informed citizen, taxpayer, and voter. My questions to you as you reflect on your term(s) as a member of the Muskegon School Board are: 1. What were your 5 top priorities for the district? 2. What frustrations have you experienced that you didn't expect? 3. What will be your 5 top priorities if you are serving in the upcoming year? I look forward to hearing from you. If I don't hear from you by May 28, 2018, I will contact you again. Thank you. Best regards, Eunice Beck MceZ.org MceZ Policy and Disclaimer Statement Cindy Larson, President Cindy Larson May 21, 2018 Questions 1 and 3 are the same. My priority has been and will continue to be whatever is in the best interests of our students giving them every opportunity to succeed. My frustration is what appears to be dissension among our board members. While there are questions to be addressed which we are doing, all of us have our students first and foremost while we make very difficult decisions. Cindy Larson Tasha Bibbs-Oakes, Treasurer
The MceZ Core Principle for OCTOBER is JUSTICE! Open Letter for publishing in MceZ-It! October 19, 2018 Subject: (Thank you) Muskegon Public Schools: Quality, Leadership and Reputation in question. Dear Ms Bibbs-Oakes, Thank you for your response of October 18, 2018 sharing your vision for Muskegon Public Schools, to my letter of May 21, 2018 attached below. It is my hope that after the election, the elected members who will comprise the MPS School Board will dedicate and commit themselves to supporting Dr. Jennings, the superintendent, in his goals to raise standards and improve the quality of education for Muskegon Public School students. Thank you for your candidacy. Best regards, Eunice Beck MceZ.org MceZ Policy and Disclaimer Statement Tasha Bibbs-Oakes 10.18.18 Hello Mrs. Eunice Beck, I hope that this email response will find you doing well and looking forward to a wonderful weekend. I would like to take this opportunity to first apologize to you for the delay with my response to your previous emails and thank you for taking the time to introduce yourself to me the other evening. It's always a great pleasure to meet concerned citizens such as yourself and discuss concerns and opportunities to make the community that we live in and serve a better place for our youth. I'm glad that you are interested in learning more about me and the goals that I personally have for our district and the Board of Education. My 5 Top Priorities for our School District 1) Our Children deserve the opportunity to learn at a higher level of excellence. It's imperative that we provide our students with the tools that will allow them to be successful in our classrooms. In addition it's a must that we equipped our teachers with the tools and support in an effort to allow them to teach effectively and efficiently. 2) Transparency has been a huge area of opportunity for our district. It's important that we build and rebuild relationships with our teachers, parents, and our community. 3) Student enrollment deserves our undivided attention. We have an awesome district with awesome, students, parents, teachers, and leaders. We also have a very solid curriculum. We have students whom are valued community leaders, doctors, lawyers, teachers, professional ball players, etc. 4) It's critical that we are able to operate effectively and effectively with our finances. This will require stronger checks and balances with our budget and strategic planning that will produce the results that we need to operate successfully. 5) All School Board Members working together with our #1 focus being a quality education for each child in our district My frustrations as a board member has been the divide that our school board has suffered from. I would love to see our board draw a line in the sand and move forward as a board so that we can focus on our students 100%. The children in our district deserve this along with their parents and the members of our community. If it's God's will for me to retain my seat on the Muskegon Board of Education, I will continue to focus on the 5 priorities that I've previously mentioned. Thank you for allowing me to share this information with you. I feel honored that you are interested in learning about the goals and the views that I personally have for our district and school board. Please feel free to contact me with any additional questions and/or concerns that you may have. Kind regards, Tasha Bibbs-Oakes The MceZ Core Principle for June is FREEDOM! Questions asked: Thank you letters sent to Elected Official Responders below: Michigan Elected Officials: Senator Debbie Stabenow(D), Senator Gary Peters(D), Representative Justin Amash(R), Rep. Mike Nofs(R), Rep. Julie Calley(R) Thank-you letter: 4-17-18 Dear _____________, Thank you for responding to my letter re: gun safety. I am so disappointed to hear that you do not support a ban on assault weapons. Military arms do not belong in civilian hands. I assume you do receive funding from the NRA as I do remember you stating at a town hall once that you ' will accept money from anyone who wants to donate to you'. This explains your stand on a ban on assault weapons. Sincerely, Jackie Original and Third sending Letter sent: The MceZ Core Principle for February is Community!
February 27, 2018 Subject: Gun Control Dear ______________. I am writing today to urge you to take a courageous moral stand and support a ban on assault weapons. As you know, according to Vox reporter German Lopez, since 2012 there have been more than 1,600 mass shootings killing more than 1,800 people and wounding more than 6,400 in the US. According to CNN the US makes up less than 5% of the world’s population but holds 31% of global mass shooters. The US also has by far the highest number of privately owned guns in the world with a 2007 estimate of 88.8 guns per 100 civilians or more than one per adult. Keeping assault weapons in the hands of civilians is crazy. Civilians are not able to purchase land mines, hand grenades, tanks, mortars, bombs etc. so why are military assault weapons sold to civilians in the US? These fire arms are clearly not for hunting, target shooting or defense. They are designed to kill many people in a very short time. It is only common sense that assault weapons be banned. I understand that even though the NRA makes up only 7% of US gun owners and that polls show a clear majority of Americans support a ban on assault weapons legislators continue to vote the way the NRA asks them to – if they want to continue to receive funding. I have two questions for you: 1. How much funding do you receive from the NRA? 2. Do you support a ban on assault weapons to help reduce mass shootings? I am looking forward to hearing from you soon and will contact you again if I do not hear from you in the next week. Thank you for your service. Sincerely, Jackie S. www.MceZ.org Policy and Disclaimer Statement Questions asked:Can you guarantee that under the duration of this Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the middle class will not see a tax increase, that corporations will pay the flat 20% as well as create a 50% increase in high-wage US jobs? Can you guarantee citizens will not see their HealthCARE, Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security and SSI benefits reduced under the duration of this Tax Cut and Jobs Bill to pay for the 3 trillion dollar deficit? Thank you letters sent to Elected Official Responders below: Lamar Alexander (R), Tammy Baldwin (D), John Barrasso (R),Michael Bennet (D), Richard Blumenthal (D), Roy Blunt (R), John Boozman (R), Maria Cantwell (D), Ben Cardin (D), Tom Carper (R), Bob Casey (D), Bill Cassidy (D), Susan Collins (R), John Cornyn (R), Steve Daines (R), Joe Donnelly (D), Tammy Duckworth (D), Joni Ernst (R), Mike Enzi (R), Jeff Flake (R), Al Franken (D), Cory Gardner (R), Lindsay Graham (R), Chuck Grassley (R), Kamala Harris (D), Margaret Wood Hassan (D), Orrin Hatch (R), Heidi Heitkanp (D), Dean Heller (R), Mazie Horono (D), John Hoeven (R), James Inofe (R), Johnny Isakson (R), Ron Johnson (R), Tim Kaine (D), John Kennedy (R), Angus King (I), Amy Klobuchar (D), James Lankford (R), Patrick Leahy (D), John McCain (R), Claire McCaskill (D), Joe Machin (D), Ed Markey (D), Catherine Cortez Masto (D), Robert Menendez (D), Jeff Merkley (D), Shelley Moore Capito (R), Jerry Moran (R), Christopher Murphy (D), Patty Murray (D), Bill Nelson (D), Gary Peters (D), Rob Portman (R), Jack Reed (D), Marco Rubio (R), Bernie Sanders (I), Brian Schatz (R), Tim Scott (R), Jon Tester (D), Thom Tillis (R), Pat Toomey (R), Chris VanHollen (D), Mark Warner (D), Elizabeth Warren (D), Roger Wicker (R), Ron Wyden (D), Todd Young (R) Michigan Congressional Legislators: Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D), Rep. Jack Bergman (R), Rep. Bill Huizenga (R). Rep. Dan Kildee (D), Rep. Brenda Lawrence (D), Rep. Paul Mitchell (R), Rep. John Moolenaar (R), Rep. Fred Upton (R) Third Sendings were sent to Elected Official Non-Responders below:Cory Booker (D), Sherrod Brown (D), Richard Burr (R), Thad Cochran (R), Chris Coons (R), Bob Corker (R), Tom Cotton (R), Mike Crapo (R) Ted Cruz (R), Dick Durbin (D), Dianne Feinstein (D), Deb Fischer (R), Kirsten Gillibrand (D), Martin Heinrich (D), Mike Lee (R), Lisa Murkowski (R), Rand Paul (R), James Risch (R), Pat Roberts (R), Mike Rounds (R), Ben Sasse (R), Charles Schumer (D), Jeanne Shaheen (D), Richard Shelby (R), Daniel Sullivan (R), John Thune (R), Tom Udall (D), Sheldon Whitehouse (D), Michigan Congressional Legislators: Rep. Mike Bishop (R), Rep. John Conyers (D), Rep. Debbie Dingell (D), Rep. Sander Levin (D), Rep. Dave Trott (R), Rep. Tim Walberg (R) Thank-you letter:The MceZ Core Principle for December is RESPECTFULNESS! Open Letter for publication in Mcezupedia. December 9, 2017 Subject: Tax cuts for the wealthy; evisceration of the middle class; 3 trillion dollar deficit; trickle down economics; HealthCARE, Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security and SSI benefits drastically reduced Dear Senator __________, , Thank you for your response of to my letter of attached below. Corporations have made it clear that the 15% tax cut from 35% to 20% will not go toward creating new, high wage jobs. This permanent giveaway will go to investors. Corporate earnings are currently at a record high, while job growth and wages remain stagnant. Trickle down economics is a Republican Party myth that assumes voter ignorance, short-sightedness and gullibility. This bill is decidedly unpopular with the American people. The following statements were made by 3 prominent Republicans. Credibility of the Republican party notwithstanding, these statements reflect not only the party's elitism, but its disdain for the poor, working and middle class taxpayer and citizen– as a disposable burden. 11.30.17 Senator Orrin Hatch (in the context of CHIP) I believe in helping those who cannot help themselves but would if they could. I have a rough time wanting to spend billions and billions and trillions of dollars to help people who won’t help themselves, won’t lift a finger and expect the federal government to do everything. 12.2.17 Senator Chuck Grassley (in the context of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Bill) “I think not having the estate tax recognizes the people that are investing,” Grassley told the Register in a story published Saturday. “As opposed to those that are just spending every darn penny they have, whether it’s on booze or women or movies.” 12.3.17 Speaker Paul Ryan (who reportedly received Social Security Survivor benefits from age 16 to age 18) “We're going to have to get back next year at entitlement reform, which is how you tackle the debt and the deficit,” Ryan said on Ross Kaminsky's radio. Donors pay for campaigns. Government is funded by taxpayers. Elected Officials' are supported financially by tax payer dollars. In spite of Gerrymandering and voter suppression which have favored Republicans and are being challenged, election outcomes are determined by voters voting for a secure future for subsequent generations. Politicians running for office should also maintain this focus with integrity and honesty. I look forward to contacting you in the future. Thank you, again. Best regards,Eunice Beck Policy and Disclaimer Statement https://www.mcez.org/policydisclaimerstatementandtermsofservice.htmlwww.MceZ.orghttps://www.mcez.org/our12coreprinciples.html Original and Third sending Letter sent:The MceZ Core Principle for November is PRIDE Open Letter for publication in Mcezupedia. November 24, 2017 Subject: Tax cuts for the wealthy; evisceration of the middle class; 3 trillion dollar deficit; trickle down economics; HealthCARE, Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security and SSI benefits drastically reduced Dear Senator ______________, Thank you for your public service. Summary: H.R.1 — 115th Congress (2017-2018)Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Introduced in House (11/02/2017) This bill amends the Internal Revenue Code to reduce tax rates and modify policies, credits, and deductions for individuals and businesses. With respect to individuals, the bill:
Can you guarantee that under the duration of this Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the middle class will not see a tax increase, that corporations will pay the flat 20% as well as create a 50% increase in highwage US jobs? Can you guarantee citizens will not see their HealthCARE, Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security and SSI benefits reduced under the duration of this Tax Cut and Jobs Bill to pay for the 3 trillion dollar deficit? The Senate is scheduled to vote on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act this Thursday, November 30, 2017. If I have not heard from you very shortly, I will contact you again. Best regards, Eunice Beck Policy and Disclaimer Statement https://www.mcez.org/policydisclaimerstatementandtermsofservice.htmlwww.MceZ.orghttps://www.mcez.org/our12coreprinciples.html Responses:Questions asked:As an Elected Official representing Michigan what is your position regarding the Trump administration's budget to reduce funding for public libraries ?
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