Campaign review

It’s been tough to keep up on the blog with all the door-knocking campaign volunteers and I have been doing, so I figured I’d just kind of do a big wrap-up of what we’ve done and where we’ve been thus far.

First off, let’s look at township, city and organizational meetings I’ve attended.

In Gladwin County, I’ve stopped at Bourret, Butman, Hay and Buckeye townships. I’ve also dropped in at a Gladwin County Democratic Party meeting.

In Arenac County, I’ve swung through meetings at the city of AuGres and the city of Omer, with stops planned at Deep River Township’s next meeting, and Standish City Council’s next meeting. I also was present at an Arenac County Democratic Party meeting. Plus, there was also the Arenac County MTA meeting.

Out in Clare County, I’ve stopped in at Redding Township and two Clare County Democratic Party meetings. Oh, I almost forgot, I met with the UAW Retired Council in Harrison, as well.

Last but not least, in Bay County, I’ve visited with the Pinconning City Council, the Gibson Township Board and the Garfield Township Board. I also attended a Pinconning Area Schools District Board of Education meeting in the spring. I plan on attending this month’s second Kawkawlin Township Board meeting, and the Bay County Democratic Party later this month.

Another meeting I’ve made it out to was a Tri-County Building Trades Labor Council meeting in June.

When it comes to hitting the doors, we’ve covered quite a bit. There’s Beaverton, Gladwin and Buckeye Township in Gladwin County. In Arenac County, we’ve been to AuGres and Standish Township, and will be hitting Standish and Deep River Township next week. We also plan to make it to some of the other rural areas in Arenac County. Bay County doors have been hit in Pinconning, Gibson and Fraser Township. In Clare County, we’ve visited Harrison and the city of Clare, but we’re not done in the West end of the district yet.

As for events, we’ve been very active. We’ve marched in parades in Clare for the Irish Festival, Standish for Loyalty Day, AuGres for Memorial Day, Pinconning for the CheeseTown Festival and Beaverton for Independence Day. I’ve also stopped in at the CheeseTown events and ran in the two-mile CheeseTown challenge. My mom and I have lent helping hands during Clare Pride Day. I’ve also made my way out to the Pinconning Mayor’s Scholarship Fund Ball and the Northern Bay Ambulance dinner. In Arenac County, we’ve also attended the Relay for Life soup supper (and plan to attend Relay for Life this weekend). In Harrison, I attended a BMX/Skate park taco dinner fundraiser. I’ve also dropped in at the Standish Summerfest at the Standish Historical Depot and Welcome Center. Oh, I almost forgot another one. I also attended the Bay County Democratic Party annual chicken dinner in March.

A few other things I’ve participated in include the MiVote.org candidate interview filming, a Farm Bureau Candidate Forum in Grant Township (Clare County) and a “We the People of Gladwin County” forum in Gladwin.

There are still upcoming events we’ll be at, including the Arenac and Northern Bay County fair and the Gladwin County Fair.

But don’t worry if you don’t catch us. There’s a pretty good possibility we’ll knock on your door. I appreciate the support and hope everyone remembers to vote August 3rd.

I’m fighting for a better Michigan future. Are you ready to fight? Are you ready to take it back?

Let’s keep it up!

I’m pretty sure that as soon as I post this, I’ll remember something else I attended. Isn’t that the way it always works?

CheeseTown and the home of the Flying Gs

It’s been a busy couple of weeks.

June 16-17 and June 19, I was getting very acquainted with the streets of Pinconning, visiting a lot of homes. Campaign volunteers and I went door knocking, introducing ourselves and talking about my wish to bring small town values to Lansing.

What exactly are small town values, you ask?

Well, in rural Ogemaw County, where I was raised, we look out for our friends and neighbors. We care about our communities, from the business on the corner to the schools, we want to see success and prosperity.

However, as the people in Pinconning told me, we’re seeing less of this in Lansing. We’ve seen our state succumb to pressure from the individuals with the deepest pockets, turning its back on the hardworking men and women who really make Michigan run.

And look what we’re left with.

But during my three days hitting the streets in Pinconning, I did find some time for fun. I mean, it was the CheeseTown Festival!

I took some time Thursday night to listen to some live music played at the festival, and Saturday I participated in the two-mile run/walk. It had been awhile since I ran two miles, but I still made it through all right, despite have to take a couple break from running to walk a bit. It was about 90 degrees, so I didn’t feel too bad about it.

Last week, on June 25 and 26, I hit the streets of Gladwin. I met several fine people out there, and can’t wait for a chance to be their voice in Lansing.

Several people talked to me about education. It seems that the more doors I knock on, the more people are extremely worried about what legislators are doing to our educational system. A lady on Bowery Avenue who worked for Houghton Lake Schools told me how she is worried her job may soon be gone. A retired teacher from the Gladwin school systems told me about how upset he is with the state forcing teachers out of retirement.

Education wasn't the only topic we talked about in Gladwin. On Grout Street a nice lady talked to me about how we need to do more for small businesses, and how we need to stop handing out tax breaks to large corporations who ship jobs across seas.

Job outsourcing was brought up at several other houses as well. When people tell you they lost their job so that a CEO could save a few bucks, it truly is hard on the heart. The people of the 97th District are sick of a state that operates on greed. They are ready to take it back.

And so am I.

Let's take it back.

Hitting the doors back-to-back

The campaign team and I were busy June 7 and June 8, hitting up doors in Beaverton and AuGres on back-to-back nights.

The message was simple, I am a small town, rural community guy, and I want to take those great values passed down to me to Lansing. Most of the people had the same response — “We need it.”

When going door-to-door, I was able to talk to people of several different ages and demographics. We discussed jobs and education on their front porches, and, as I expected, the folks were friendly and welcoming. The 97th District is full of hardworking and intelligent people, and most had a common message. That message is that we need to stop rewarding companies that outsource Michigan jobs with tax breaks. We need to stop cutting away from education and fix school funding so that we aren’t offering students fewer opportunities. We need to reform Michigan. We need to help small businesses.

I hear those messages everywhere I go, and they are not falling on deaf ears. I understand the issues at the state level. I drive on the crumbling roads. I see the shuttered businesses. I reported on the teacher layoffs and program cuts. And in Beaverton and AuGres, they have seen and felt the sting of these issues, as well. They are ready for a better Michigan.

In closing, I want to give a few people a special shout-out. First off, I want to say hello to the lady in Beaverton whose job was outsourced. We can do something about it! I also want to say hi to the retired autoworker who told me how he thought the Gulf oil leak (although leak is way to soft of a word to use) could be stopped. Call BP! Of course, I want to say thanks to the kind lady in AuGres who, after talking to me for a few minutes, allowed me to put up a campaign sign in her yard. Thanks again! I also ran into AuGres City Manager Pat Killingbeck while knocking on doors, and Beaverton Mayor Nila Frei. It was great to see both of them.

And everyone who told me “I’ll support you,” or “We’ll vote for you,” thanks a million. Your encouragement is appreciated and your positive attitude is contagious, and I will fight for you!

Oh yeah, I almost forgot. Thanks to the AuGres City Council for allowing me to say a few words June 8, too. At the meeting, I talked with city council about growing AuGres, and taking advantage of the resources near the city, especially the Saginaw Bay. The Bay is one of our greatest economic tools, but if we don’t make sure it stays clean and clear, that could change. It’s time we have someone in Lansing serious about ensuring we have clean waterways. Not only is important economically, but it’s the right thing to do. Unfortunately, the Saginaw Bay has been contaminated with E. Coli in several different areas. We need to do something about this. I reported on it, and I know that locally, elected officials are very concerned and working hard. They deserve someone at the state level who is engaged, and who wants to help them out.

Together we can make sure the Saginaw Bay and lakes, rivers and streams in the district are clean for future generations. Let’s leave them better than we found them.

Gibson Township and the city of Pinconning

The past two Mondays, May 10 and May 17, I stopped by a couple of great places in Northern Bay County — Gibson Township (Bentley) and the city of Pinconning.

In Gibson Township, the board is working hard to add land to its park, as well as make some renovations to it. I hope that the board and the township residents can find a way to make the park bigger and better. It’s important that kids have a place to play, a place where they can go to hang out that’s safe and close to home. I support the board and am willing to do whatever I can to help.

When I was asked to make my short address to the board, we discussed the two most important things to the state of Michigan — jobs and education.

If the state works to bring more jobs to the area, more people will be able to afford to move to Gibson Township, and even more opportunities, like a new park, can be offered to the young people in the township.

And of course, we need to make sure children from Gibson Township and all over the state of Michigan, are guaranteed a quality education.

Then, this past Monday, I stopped at the Pinconning City Hall during a city council meeting. It was good to see Paul Jacques again, as I saw him a couple of days prior at the Northern Bay Ambulance Dinner at Third Street Deli in Pinconning. NBA serves five townships in Northern Bay, and Grim Township in Gladwin County.

Back to Pinny, though.

At the city council meeting, a candidate for the 31st district Senate Seat had actually requested an opportunity to speak, but he didn’t show, so council gave the time to me. Thanks Mayor Hall!

Anyways, as has been the theme of my campaign, we went in depth about the economy. I told the members of council and others in attendance how I am committed to working with groups that really make our small communities tick — county Economic Development Corporations, Downtown Development Authorities. I feel that many representatives in Lansing are not in tune with what these groups are doing, and therefore exclude themselves from assisting when they can. That is not that way I would represent the 97th District. I am ready and willing to serve as a mediator and negotiator to bring jobs to the area.

We also talked about some of the education issues that have hit home in Pinconning. Last year, a Pinconning Area Schools Board of Education member actually resigned after being threatened. I can’t help but feel like the state is partially to blame for an incident like this. Lansing has left schools out to dry, and needs to do more for our schools. We need to give them solid funding, and make sure our educational system moves forward, not backwards. The only way we can do that is offer a more diverse education.

On that last point, Rep. Joel Sheltrown (D - West Branch) recently had a bill pass that he fought very hard for. It allows students looking to go into a vocational or trade career to have different math standards for graduation. I believe this bill is good for the district, and good for Michigan. It offers more opportunities, which will progress our public education system.

It was good to be in Pinconning again. I seem to like the city more and more each time I go there. And if elected, I have actually made it a goal to bring businesses to Pinny’s downtown business district. It has several empty storefronts, and is just waiting to be a center of commerce, culture and entertainment. I can’t wait to watch it boom in the next few years.

I also have to say hello to Tom from the Pinny Journal. He’s such a great guy, and I was glad to see him Monday!

"I have lived in rural areas and small towns my entire life. They have great people and great values. I look forward to taking those small town values to Lansing."

Walking and knocking in the cold of Harrison

I officially have knocked on doors.

Saturday, May 8, I took a drive out to Harrison to introduce myself to the people of the city. I probably walked about seven miles, and spent about three and a half to four hours walking up and down the roads of the city, stopping at as many houses as I could.

First off, let me say thank you to all the good people who took some time to talk with me. It was great to hear your issues and concerns. Many of you mentioned education, and it’s good to see we are on the same page. I was also pleasantly surprised that we agreed on many, MANY different topics dealing with education, and the economy alike.

Also, a special thanks goes out to anyone of you who invited me into your house. It was freezing last weekend!

All of the people who told me “good luck” and “you got my vote” truly fired me up, and I will continue to spread the word about providing jobs for the 97th district and the state of Michigan. If anyone campaigning ever tells you that they don’t get discouraged or overwhelmed at times, they are lying! But the people I met in Harrison last weekend gave me even more motivation than I already had, and as long as unemployment is high, and our public schools are in a funding crisis, I won’t stop!

I want to give a quick hello to some of the people I ran into who have been through campaigns themselves — City Councilman Stacy Stocking (who is running for Mayor, as well), Clare County Sheriff John Wilson, and Hatton Township Supervisor Bill Hileman. They were all friendly and supportive. I wish all of them luck, as well.

I also want to mention an issue in the Harrison area — the construction of a motocross park in Hayes Township named Michigan Moto Mania. It is currently being held up, due to a lawsuit from a neighbor. I support MMM, and wrote a letter expressing my support to the Hayes Township Planning Commission. I also dropped a copy of the letter off at two businesses that had signs out front expressing support. Let’s make this happen! A copy of the letter is posted below.

Harrison, your support and kindness is appreciated. Let’s continue to fight, and continue the mission to take it back!

To the members of the Planning Commission:

I am writing this letter in support of the Michigan Moto Mania off-road vehicle park in Hayes Township.

I understand there have been issues between Mr. Longenecker and some residents of the township, and that there have been issues between your board and township residents. However, I am positive that the overall impact of the 200-acre motorsports mecca will be economically beneficial to Clare County and Harrison.

Motocross races and events aren’t made up of just a few people hauling bikes in the beds of their trucks to the track for a race. The races include families traveling with expensive trailers, campers and equipment. They often drive hundreds of miles and stay for a weekend. The track could open up entrepreneurship opportunities for new businesses that would sell bikes, four-wheelers, gear and merchandise. Essentially, motorsports are big business.

We should also address the benefits the track would offer to local riders and residents. So often during my campaign, I have heard the complaints about young people graduating high school, and then going to college or getting a job out of town, and never returning. For the young man or young lady serious about motocross, this could keep them around. This park could be an entertainment destination for locals, as well. For people my age, or younger, this could be the type of attraction that makes them proud of their community. This may what they tell their friends or relatives from out-of-town about. When a person is proud of their community, they don’t mind spending their life there. They don’t mind giving back to their community. If Michigan Moto Mania makes a generation of Clare County kids proud of their county, I believe it’ll create a new generation of homegrown leaders.

In the March 30 issue of the Clare Sentinel, in the story “Neighbors try to stop park,” a parent quoted in the second-to-last paragraph said, “This sport is really about growing kids.” I couldn’t have said it better. While someone living close by may associate the park with noise, these kids may associate the park with their favorite rider hitting a jump and pulling off a back flip (which looks absolutely beautiful). When a township resident says it destroys their paradise, these young men and women probably say it creates their paradise.

Visiting campers in Clare County will be able to ride along the side of the road to get to the park, thanks to the county ORV ordinance. I believe that overall tourism in the county will see huge boost when the park is operating, and the ordinance will play a role in that. If elected, I look forward to working with Michigan Moto Mania, Clare County elected officials, and Hayes Township elected officials to make sure the park is not only profitable, but a good neighbor and friend in the county.

These disagreements show one area where I feel many state representatives are currently failing. There are many different issues that need to be addressed here —environmental issues, noise issues, economic issues. But I don’t see a lot of negotiating, and I don’t see a lot of compromise. I believe that if all parties were brought to the table, a deal could be made that could put an end to the lawsuits, and bring about opportunities for many people in Clare County. We can make this happen without causing strife and anger amongst friends and neighbors, if only we communicate and hear everybody’s concerns. If I can be of any assistance now, or in office, I am available to help.

I hope Michigan Moto Mania is soon open, and I strongly believe once it is, many other doors will open. Let’s make it happen. Thank you and good luck.

Tim Barnum

Democratic candidate for Michigan’s 97th District

Buckeye Township

On April 28 I visited another township meeting in Gladwin County. Buckeye Township is a swampy, wooded area that once was home to the Buckeye Oil Company, which actually provided the funds for the Buckeye Township Hall.

First off, let me say the township hall in Buckeye Township is definitely a one-of-a-kind. When I arrived, I thought maybe it was an old school house or church, but turns out it's always been a township hall. It was completed in 1939. Inside, there is an interesting stage area, as well.

After visiting with Liz Looker (who has Standish ties), Gladwin County Road Commissioner Larry Miller (the same guy who was joking around at Bourret Township, and is mentioned in that blog entry); and hearing about what’s going on the county level from county commissioner Josh Reid, I talked with the board about creating jobs.

We talked about investing in green energy and using what we have in the 97th district to its full potential. Helping out sectors that create jobs in the community was also discussed.

Next, the focus turned to education. Everywhere I go, people are concerned with this topic, as school funding is in a state of crisis and people are moving away, causing school districts through Gladwin County to lose even more funding. This, of course, leads to fewer opportunities for students.

Buckeye Township’s board also passed mosquito control at its meeting. I can honestly say I saw about three mosquitoes in the hall during the meeting, even now, in early spring. Being surrounded by swamps, the mosquitoes have to be a nightmare in the summer. I just want to say good luck to the township with its newest service, I hope all goes smoothly. Also, kudos to the fire department for installing equipment to capture diesel fumes, which will protect the firefighters who may have to stand near the truck for a long time during a fire.

Arenac County MTA meeting

“I, probably like many of you, have called Lansing several times, and left several voicemails. It’s time Arenac County not only have voicemails in Lansing, but a voice. … I would be happy to be that voice.”

The Arenac County Chapter of MTA (Michigan Township Association) met on April 15, and allowed me a few moments to address the township officials present. It was good to see a lot of familiar faces from Whitney, Lincoln, Standish, Arenac, Mason and Clayton townships. (Sorry if I missed any township, I can’t remember everyone there!)

I talked about the need for jobs, as I have throughout my campaign. We discussed alternative energy, manufacturing and tourism in the jobs conversation. I told the officials how I was committed to doing whatever it takes to offer jobs in the 97th District and Arenac County, which in turn would lead to more construction and home sales, thus more tax revenue, for townships.

I also talked with the officials about how representatives need to be there for county, township and city officials. I believe when there are negotiations, such as those that are ongoing with Saginaw Valley State University and Whitney Township in regards to Charity Island, a state representative should serve as a mediator in the situation. I reported on several conflicts at the paper, and I think that having a state-level elected official assist in a conflict could help both sides find some common ground. (Another situation I often reference is the deal between the Saginaw-Chippewa Indian Tribe and city of Standish that fell through dealing with the Saganing land receiving city utilities).

Next the discussion turned to education. I reiterated my belief that schools need to be funded fairly and adequately, and that this is an extremely high priority to me. If we want to cut down on “brain drain” and want to lead, the state must invest in education.

Of course, being in Arenac County, we needed to address the Saginaw Bay, Rifle and AuGres rivers. A clean environment in Arenac County can lead to a better economy in Arenac County. Keeping our waterways clean will keep many county businesses open, whether they are canoe liveries, marinas or motels, and also allow them to thrive. On a side note, congratulations to Arenac County and the Sunrise Coast for becoming a part of the Pure Michigan tourism campaign. This is a huge deal for Northeast Michigan, and if elected, I look forward to boosting tourism along the Sunrise Coast.

Butman Township and Garfield Township

I stopped at two township meetings in five days, visiting Butman Township in Gladwin County on Thursday, April 8, and Garfield Township in Bay County on April 12.

Butman Township may be known to many of you as “Sugar Springs.” There is water all-around, kind of like where I grew up in Ogemaw County. (I lived within two or three miles of Hardwood Lake, Little Long Lake, Boughner Lake, etc.) In fact, the Township Hall is right smack dab in the middle of Lake Lancelot and Lancer Lake. The photo above is of the sunset behind the flags at the township boat launch.

Anyways, back to the business at hand. The board allowed me some time to speak, and I briefly discussed my plans to draft and support necessary policies to bring jobs to the 97th District. A lot of folks in Butman Township make a living off of plastics and steel manufacturing (plastics plants are common in Gladwin County). This type of work allows men and women to make a decent wage from an honest day’s work. In turn, they have more income to spend at local businesses, or, perhaps, on a pass to the township’s boat launch. The next legislature is going to have to come to the realization that until we start investing in green energy production, develop a comprehensive manufacturing plan to lay out to businesses, and reach out to expanding industries, it’s going to be extremely difficult to turn around our communities. In our 97th District communities, whether it be an agricultural township or small city, jobs are the number one priority. Butman Township, where the median household income is below the state average, like so many other areas in the district, is in need of work. Let’s give it to them!

By the way, if you’re interested in buying an old jukebox, talk to Don Joyce, the Butman Township Clerk.

Much of what was said about Butman Township rings true in Garfield Township. Again, you may know Garfield Township as Crump (as it was called when logging was king). Garfield Township has a really great park, and two ball diamonds on its premises.

Mike Duranczyk — Bay County Commissioner, Pinconning Area School District Board member, and business owner — was one of the many people in attendance at the meeting. People like Mike truly do inspire me, as he wears many hats, but finds time for them all. Case in point was his address to the Garfield Township board, his constituents.

Anyways, during public comment, I stood up and introduced myself to the board. I briefly touched on the economic issues I have stressed during my campaign, and then talked about education. Anyone who has spoken with me during the campaign knows that fixing our public education system, especially the shortfall in funding, is very important to me. I plan on fighting for public schools, and told that to Garfield Township residents on Tuesday, as I have to many others during the campaign.

Thursday, I’ll be attending a meeting that’s very important to me — the Arenac County Michigan Township Association meeting. Look for updates on how it goes. I plan on delivering a passionate and detailed speech at the MTA meeting in Mason Township.

Thanks for your support. If you read this before Saturday, April 17, come on out to the Deep River Township park and pavilion on the 17th for the Tim Barnum for State Rep. Campaign fundraiser softball tournament! Send an e-mail to tbarnum97@yahoo.com for more details, or visit the facebook page.

Pinny board's choice a harsh reality in Michigan

The last Pinconning Board of Education meeting on March 22 was just a glimpse of how difficult it is in Michigan when it comes to education.

In case you aren’t up aware of what’s going on with Pinconning schools, the board is recommending the closure of Mount Forest Elementary in Bay County’s Mount Forest Township after this year. There are some reasons that I feel this unappealing decision was in front of the board. I’ll run down a couple of them.

1. Loss of students. Pinconning’s Business Manager Brad Mason mentioned during the meeting that the school district lost roughly 85 students this year. Again, I come back to the point I have made many times along the campaign. If we want to keep people in the 97th district, we need to have jobs, jobs, and more jobs. That’s why I have been talking very much about developing a comprehensive manufacturing plan that let’s developers and entrepreneurs know what the state and cities have to offer when it comes to helping out manufacturing businesses (the Michigan Tool and Die Recovery Act, for example). Elected officials in Michigan also need to get out there and communicate what our area offers when it comes to building space and workforce. I strongly believe that part of being a representative includes being a promoter for your constituents and district, and that’s part of the job I look forward to. And until we get jobs in the area, people will continue to move away, and schools will continue to suffer greatly.

2. Lack of funding. “We do not have a clue what our funding will be,” was a quote from Pinconning Area Schools Superintendent Darren Kroczaleski at the March 22 meeting. First off, at the state level, we need to make sure we are funding our school properly and efficiently. Until we have a concrete mechanism to ensure a chance at success, Mr. Kroczaleski’s issue will be present year in and year out. But there’s more we can do. I think, and it may require a constitutional convention, that we need to have the state and schools prepare budgets at the same time. Schools budget in the middle of the summer, but the state doesn’t pass its budget until October. We have boards guessing right now, and I don’t think board members should be put in a spot where they have no idea what’s coming down to them. I especially don’t want schools, students and parents to deal in assumptions.

It’s sad that students and families who lived near Mount Forest Elementary or attended the elementary will have to say goodbye. And it looks like next year, the same may be true for families with students attending Linwood Elementary, which is also in the Pinconning district. But until we have a legislative branch that takes on these issues in a fearless, bold manner, I believe it will only get worse. If elected, I will wholly and strongly support education and the future of our state. I look forward to taking on these challenges.

Top o' the Morning, let's take it back!

On Saturday, March 13, the “Take it Back” camp headed out to Clare for the greenest parade in Michigan — the Clare Irish Festival parade. It was, too put it frankly, a great success.

That doesn’t mean it was all smooth sailing, though! We ran out of candy twice along the parade route, and had to make detours to the closest stores to get more for the eager kids waiting in their St. Patty’s garb! We also ran out of candidate brochures that we were handing out to the adults, but we definitely got the word out that it’s time to send someone with a fresh outlook to Lansing! I talked to several people along the parade route, and since the parade was moving quickly, we didn’t have time to get into a lot of substance. However, as one could tell from looking at the pictures on the facebook page, we shared a lot of laughs and had a great time.

Eleven friends and volunteers walked with me in the parade, as my mother and Uncle Roger traveled down the road in my family’s Chevy Silverado. If you were there and could hear, it had the Irish punk rockers, The Dropkick Murphys, blaring out of its speakers. I could tell some of the young men and women along the parade route were definitely in approval of the music choice.

On a side note, if you’ve never been to the Clare County Irish Festival, you are missing out. It was complete and utter madness (in a good way)!

I just want to say a quick thank you to all the people who helped me out with the weekend — Sherry, mom, Uncle Roger, Jeff, Aaron, John, Alex, Tyler, Sarah, Tracy, Adam and the Walls family. Also, kudos to the Clare VFW and Ladies' Auxiliary for allowing us to wait inside until the parade started. Did I mention it was cold?

You all made a difference, and hopefully the momentum rolls forward like a parade!

Bay County Democratic Party Dinner and Hay Township meeting

I know this blog entry doesn't exactly have a creative title, oh well.

Anyways, on March 7 I attended the Bay County Democratic Party Chicken Dinner at the Kawakawlin Township Hall. I met a lot of people that I think can really help me out during my campaign, and met several residents of the 97th District. In case you weren't aware, about 17,000 people living in Bay County are in the 97th.

There was one thing about this event I messed up... I didn't bring a camera! Sen. Carl Levin, Sen. Debbie Stabenow, Rep. Bart Stupak and Rep. Dale Kildee were all in attendance. Several other state candidates were also there and it was a pretty good time. State Rep. Jeff Mayes (D — Bay City) was in attendance, of course, as was State Sen. Jim Barcia.

On a side note, Sen. Barcia was awarded for his many years of service and great representation in the state legislature. While working at the paper, I had the pleasure to meet Sen. Barcia and talk with him several times. He is a great guy, and I don't believe I ever met anyone, no matter their party, who didn't absolutely love Sen. Barcia. Many may not know that he was actually elected in 1977 at the age of 23. (And you thought I was young)! Talking with him again definitely fired me up, as he told me he was glad I was running and thought I would make a great state representative. It was as I was leaving, and it's definitely one of the highlights of the campaign so far.

Moving on to March 11, when I attended the Hay Township meeting in Gladwin County. Supervisor Dennis Perry allowed me some time to speak The residents in attendance and I talked about several of the problems in Michigan right now. Not surprisingly, jobs and education were center stage. We covered the gamut on jobs and the economy, talking about making the state more friendly to small businesses and the need to boost manufacturing with coordination, legislation, and pressure on Washington D.C. to start making changes to our trade policies. As for education, not only did we talk about funding, but also consolidating services and the need to offer more flexibility to students pursuing a trade.

But, in Gladwin County, the DNR(E) is also a common conversation piece. When the State House passed an ordinance that allowed Northern Michigan counties to pass ordinances allowing ORV's on the far right side of the road/shoulder, Gladwin county and other areas with forests and/or state land got a chance to get their economy going. However, many issues with the DNRE have been experienced. I believe that people will travel to the 97th District to take advantage of these forests and trails, along with the rivers (the Tittabawassee runs through Hay Township) and Saginaw Bay, even more if we would make them accessible and make sure we keep them clean . We need to work with the DNRE to make sure these areas are kept up and kept clean. In West Virginia and the Upper Peninsula, counties are using their natural resources to connect with other counties. I think that the 97th District can lead the way in this area with hard work, communication and dedication.

Let's make it happen!

BMX/Skate Park fundraiser at Harrison High School

Friday, Feb. 26, I zipped out to Harrison High School for a taco dinner fundraiser for a BMX and skateboarding park in Hayes Township, Clare County.
I read about the fundraiser in the Clare County Cleaver. The proposed park has been in the works for quite some time, but young people from Clare County have been taking action recently to try to get the project moving again. Students have petitioned for funding for the project and have worked with adults to host fundraiser events, like the one Friday, and write grants. I told some of those involved that it’s refreshing to see that while some of the kids aren’t old enough to vote, they are still recognizing that they can be involved in government. They are taking advantage of the tools that are available to them and showing initiative.
After eating some tacos and nachos, I handed out campaign brochures and visited with some of the people in attendance. I spoke with a bus driver from the school district, a member of the Harrison Community Schools Board of Education and some UAW retirees (pictured above), amongst others.
Those involved with the district spoke to me in detail about the loss of funding at Harrison schools and how the state needs to stop cutting funds to our schools. I told them how districts in Arenac County had been going through much of the same turbulence, and how I am very concerned about making sure public schools give students the opportunities that they gave to me and many others throughout the 97th District. And schools cannot do that if the state doesn’t come through for them with proper funding.
I also remember a conversation I had at the dinner about the manufacturing sector and job outsourcing. A man was telling me about people he knew working at a plywood factory in Gaylord who had their jobs outsourced. The result was 700 people losing their jobs. We talked about how our state’s elected officials need to unite in promoting better federal trade policies for Michigan, by communicating these issues with our Representatives and Senators in Washington D.C.
The concerns in Harrison were similar to everywhere else I’ve been on the campaign. People are worried that there aren’t enough good-paying manufacturing and industrial jobs to put people to work, and because of this, local businesses are losing customers and revenues. District residents are also worried about how we fund education and determine whether schools are passing or failing. These two items have been priorities throughout my campaign, and would continue to be priorities if I was elected.

Harrison UAW Retired Council

On Feb. 4, I took some time around the middle of the day to drive out to Harrison for a UAW Retired Council meeting at the Harrison Knights of Columbus Hall. There was a good turnout, and I was one of many people to address the group.
Before I spoke, a county commissioner, the Clare County Road Commission Manager, sheriff John Wilson and the Clare Jail Lieutenant and Sergeant all spoke to the union retirees.
Judging by the “who’s who” of Clare County officials at the council meeting, the group appears to be active and engaged in the community. They had several questions for these folks, and for me.
When it was my turn, I told the UAW retirees that I felt the decrease in Michigan’s UAW jobs and cutting of UAW pensions — and the worsening conditions of the downtown or business districts of cities in the 97th District, were directly related. I think that as more and more UAW jobs are lost in Michigan, there are fewer people who can afford to move to these small towns, thus meaning fewer home sales in cities like Harrison, fewer people shopping locally in Harrison, and fewer businesses interested in locating in Harrison. The UAW members told me they believe that if policies are passed to get manufacturing jobs going again, then Michigan could make a strong turnaround. Stressing the need for manufacturing and construction jobs is something I have emphasized during my campaign stops.
For those of you wondering about Harrison’s aforementioned downtown, well, it’s very similar to those of Linwood, Pinconning and Standish — closed shops and buildings for rent, or for sale. Adjacent to the Harrison Community Library, there were four or five closed down businesses in a downtown block. This has unfortunately become a common theme in the cities in Arenac, Clare, Gladwin and Northern Bay counties.
Also, before the meeting, I stopped at a Blodgett Oil Shell Station for coffee and some newspapers. In a strange turn of events, I saw a man filling up his truck with a “UAW retired” license plate. I introduced myself and asked if he would be attending the Retiree Council meeting. He wasn’t and he didn’t, but he did tell me that his latest pension payment had been cut … again. Times are hard throughout Michigan, and the UAW members past and present have been hit harder than many. Unfortunately, most of the dealings that have adversely affected the UAW are federal trade laws and policies. That’s why during my speech to the Council, I stressed the point “What can Michigan do for you?” Although much of the damage was done at a higher lever, I am still hopeful we can do something for the UAW. If elected, the union’s importance to Michigan’s economy would be something I would consider frequently during my days in office.

A birthday bash in Michigan’s smallest city

Before I go into detail about my night in Omer, I first want to commend President Obama for his bold move in the State of The Union speech tonight. Mr. Obama, in front of all nine Supreme Court Justices, called them out on their decision to NOT limit the influence corporations and organizations can have on elections financially. I agree completely with the President. I believe all Americans are sick of feeling like those who have the most money buy elections, and I believe that the Supreme Court seriously went against the will of the nation.
But back to my stop in Omer on Jan. 26. Tuesday, I turned 26, and the Omer City Council was kind enough to let me share a few words with them, and the people from Michigan’s smallest city in attendance. As has been the theme of my campaign thus far, I talked about the need to establish a way to fund our public schools that will withstand any recession, present or future. Year after year, a proper funding mechanism continues to be absent, and when it’s time for the state to pass its budget, teachers are laid off, programs are cut and school board members and superintendents are faced with excruciating decisions that ultimately divide our communities. I believe wholeheartedly that until we truly tackle the issue of funding public schools, that recession or no recession, our schools will continue to be in worse condition.
I also addressed the environment, and, more specifically, the Rifle River. It is my belief that the river is a natural wonder that must be preserved and protected. I think the owners and employees at Russell Canoes would agree with me. I think the people who drive from all over Michigan to participate in the Omer Sucker Derby would too. Small businesses like Greg’s Market and Ma’s Girls Café and Catering, no doubt, also appreciate the additional business that the sucker derby brings in April. Protecting this beautiful waterway will always be a priority to me.
Outside of Omer, currently, things aren’t great and it is affecting Omer’s residents, who, on average, are driving about 35 minutes to work per 2008 statistics. Paul Piche, a Corrections Officer who worked at Standish Max before it was closed, said he is now driving about an hour and 15 minutes to work. This is why we need to look at the Michigan Prisoner Release Initiative. When violent offenders and rapists are being let out before serving their minimum sentence, it seems like a Lansing ploy to hurt communities like Standish, Omer, and all of Arenac County, while diverting attention and assistance to other areas throughout the state. There is no question that some inmates may be reformed and could be let out to reduce our inmate population. However, I don’t think murderers and sex offenders should be considered in this group. This is the reason that Mr. Piche is driving so far, and why Arenac County’s unemployment rate went up over two percent in November, the first full month the Standish Maximum Correctional Facility was closed.
Again, finding a way to open its doors once again is important to me.
Also, until we find manufacturing businesses that can locate or relocate in Standish and AuGres’ industrial parks, and lure them here, it will be difficult to give Omer residents the benefit and savings that come with a shorter drive time to work.
In Omer, a small city with a big heart, things are happening even in this terrible economy. The city is working on a new library, paid for in part by a $50,000 grant from the Saginaw-Chippewa Indian Tribe. When I saw Mayor Alice Sproule receive the grant, I remember her being so ecstatic. The Tribe has become an exceptionally important part pf Arenac and Northern Bay counties, and I am dedicated to working with Tribal Council to make sure its operations can expand and continue to help the county as a whole.
During my address, I also touched on my personal appreciation for the history that has been preserved in Omer. Anyone who would like to get a better idea of Arenac County’s history should definitely take a trip through Omer. If elected, my influence on securing grants for the Arenac Historical Society, which has put in so much work to keep the past alive in Omer, would be only a phone call or e-mail away.
Since Jan. 26 was my birthday, though, it only seemed right that I share some of my birthday cake with the people who were kind enough to hear me out, as you can see in the picture above. In the foreground is Mayor Sproule adding her name to my campaign e-mail list.
It really was a good time for me and, I believe, those present. Let’s make sure that Omer, albeit it is tiny, is appreciated throughout Michigan.

Rockin’ and rollin’ in Redding Township

Last night I made my first campaign trip to Clare County when I traveled about 115 miles round trip (about 7 of that was driving in circles, since my GPS led me to the OLD Hall!) out to Redding Township.
Clerk Jim Zarembo added my public address to the agenda, and I was able to talk to the approximately 30 people in attendance about some issues specific to the township — jobs and public school. I told them how I, if elected, look forward to working with county economic development corporations and city downtown development authorities to attract manufacturing jobs to the state. This, we talked about, would help spur two major occupations in Redding Township, construction (and construction trades) and trucking. These are two of the most popular occupations in the township.
Also, while we were talking about manufacturing and the opportunities it could open up, I talked with the township residents about poverty. The household median income in the township is roughly $20,000 under the federal poverty level for households. We discussed opening up the doors of shuttered buildings in industrial parks to provide jobs, which in turn would lead to more work for the truck drivers in the township and more work for the many builders in the township (more people working equals more people building, buying and renovating homes).
But much of the night’s conversations dealt with education. In fact, three friendly women at the meeting stayed afterwards to talk with me about the many problems facing public schools today. We went on and on until a little after 9:30 p.m. We talked about ways to better fund our schools to ensure quality educations, and to also retain after-school programs, extracurricular activities and sports, to allow single parents, which are common in Redding Township, to work longer hours or to get a job if they don’t have one.
Not only funding education was discussed after hours, however. I told a few people who were talking to me that evening about Rep. Joel Sheltrown’s (D – West Branch) proposal to allow parents and students to sign off on a student receiving a form of high school diploma that focuses on vocational work. We agreed that some of the current education requirements are putting the screws to students and ideas were offered to me on what changes I should consider if elected.
School consolidation and inequities in per pupil funding were also discussed. I do believe some schools could feasibly consolidate and the students in them, more than anyone else, would benefit greatly. If elected, I, and I’m sure others would join me, would not be afraid to work with failing schools and the schools surrounding them to assist in the process of consolidation. In Detroit and other large cities, consolidation, I believe could help out many kids who are distracted by their surroundings and seemingly hopeless school environments.
And as current 97th District State Rep. Tim Moore (R – Farwell) has said many times, I believe that all schools should receive the same amount of per pupil allowance and that by making sure that happens, we can stop some of the bleeding at our schools here in the district.
So you’re probably wondering, “Tim, what did you learn about Redding Township?”
Here’s what I know, it’s a township with a board and people that are working to take care of each other and improve one another’s quality of life. The hall is in the process of being approved as an emergency shelter. An activities committee throws Halloween and Christmas parties annually at the hall. And this year will be the second year that the community of Temple, an unincorporated community that was once named Campbell City, after Mary Campbell, throws a fireworks show for its people. Brad Armstrong is looking for $1,500 in donations for the show, so help him out! Also the township has a Web site that allows for transparency, as the minutes of meetings are posted online.
As I left, Supervisor Michael Trzcienski told me I was welcome back any time. I plan on taking him up on that offer. I had fun and most importantly, was able to put faces on the problems that are currently rampant in the district.
Let’s work together to overcome those struggles.

In my backyard...

Thursday night, January 14, 2010 was my first meeting with the Arenac County Democratic Party as a candidate. It was a decent turnout, with about 17 people in attendance, including 96th District State Rep. Jeff Mayes (D – Bay City). Mr. Mayes is also a candidate for Michigan State Senate, and gave a very interesting presentation to my fellow Arenac County folks and me.
Witnessing the problems that have been thrust upon Arenac County while working at the Independent – unfunded mandates from the state, the closing of Standish Max, underfunded school districts, to name a few – is what influenced me to run for State Rep., and I hope to continue to develop a relationship with not only the members of the county's Democratic Party, but residents of the county in general. For so many of them have brought a smile to my face over the past two years, and I have learned so much from so many of them.
During the meeting I briefly introduced myself and talked about some of the issues specific to Arenac County, issues which I look forward to addressing head-on if I am indeed elected as State Representative. I also received plenty of advice from several people with a plethora of experience in Arenac County government. The fine men and women in attendance included Ronald Branda and Mike Snyder, county commissioners; Virginia Zygiel, former commissioner, all-around sweetheart and one of the people who I always enjoyed seeing walk into the newspaper office; JoEllyn Pedota, county party chair, someone who has already helped me a ton; AuGres VFW member William Beier; Register of Deeds, Rose Smith; and 29-year Standish Township Board member Sharon Belchak. Others, including spouses of some of the aforementioned individuals, came out to the meeting as well.
I will definitely take the advice given to me to heart and look forward to using it throughout the year as I continue my campaign. The next stop for me is Redding Township in Clare County, where I will visit Wednesday, January 20.
Also, this weekend, I should have a campaign facebook page finished. I will continually update the facebook page with photos and campaign event reminders. I will be sure to update the blog informing readers of the "unveiling" of the site.

A January night in Bourret Township

Tonight, Jan. 12, 2010, I logged my first miles of the campaign when I took a drive out to the Bourret Township Board meeting.
It was encouraging to see that the board wasn’t simply going through the motions at the front table in an empty hall. During my days at the paper, it was always good to see people coming out to a meeting, whether it was at the county, city or township level.
The board allotted me some time to talk about my goals and vision for the 97th District, and we had a pretty in depth discussion about the ORV ordinance in Gladwin County. Residents in attendance and board members alike voiced concerns about fewer people taking advantage of the ordinance, which allows four-wheelers, dirt bikes and ATV’s to ride on the far right side or shoulder of designated roads. In Bourret, where there is a heavy dosage of state forests, people told me they were disappointed with the lack of maintenance by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Instead, I learned, many trails in Bourret Township were simply blocked off to ORV’s and set aside for walking only.
But, as Tony Marshall, Bourret Township’s Supervisor, discussed with me at the meeting, not all of the township residents are in condition to walk the trails. Elderly men and women in the township who may want to enjoy the great outdoors that are displayed abundantly in Bourret Township, are not privy to scenic rides through the state land. They aren’t able to experience the thrill of the hunt, because instead of the trails receiving maintenance and the forests receiving proper management, the woods are being closed off.
One gentleman even said that some people in the township were under the impression the DNR would create an environmentally clean, safe and clear trail system, such as ones present in Ogemaw County. He said instead of the woods being carefully improved for recreational use, the forests were instead clear-cut.
If the state is serious about public forests being conserved and preserved for environmental and economic reasons, I believe we need to make sure the DNR is focused on the goal of maintenance and forestry management. If elected, I would surely speak up on behalf of these eco, and economic measures.
Mr. Marshall also shared with me that he has noticed fewer and fewer young people around the area, and that many who leave aren’t coming back. He said he’s worried that in the near future, young men and women who come up here for a little R and R or fun in the great outdoors may not be coming back if the area doesn’t have an attraction for them.
I believe the ORV ordinance, and properly maintained forests and closely monitored recreational opportunities in said forests; can attract new people, and more people, to the area.
But enough about the politics of the night. I think I would be leaving out the best part of the meeting if I didn’t mention the “questions” from the crowd, especially those from Gladwin County Road Commissioner Larry Miller. I use quotation marks around the word questions because Larry’s were actually riddles.
This was his best one, I thought:
Q: When you see geese flying in a V, one side is always longer, you know why?
A: Because there’s more geese on that side.
However, I did stump Larry with this classic riddle: A rooster is perched on the peak of a roof and lays an egg. Which side does it roll down?
Answer? Neither, roosters don’t lay eggs.
In closing, I just wanted to also make mention of the Bourret Township seal, seen above and on township stationary. How Cool! I am not sure if I have ever seen a township seal before. Unfortunately, Tony and his wife Kim Marshall, the township clerk, couldn’t remember the man’s name that designed it. If you know, feel free to send an e-mail to me at tbarnum621@yahoo.com and let me know. Creativity and art are important and when someone thinks outside the box, such as making a township seal, I think they deserve a little recognition.
Thursday night I will be meeting with the Arenac County Democratic Party at the Arenac County Courthouse at 7 p.m. Feel free to join me.

Let me introduce myself!

Citizens of Michigan’s 97th District:
My name is Tim Barnum and I am seeking to represent you in Lansing and throughout the region as the State Representative for Michigan’s 97th District, a position currently held by Rep. Tim Moore, who is term-limited out of office.
Last year nearly 90,000 people fled the state of Michigan*. Unemployment swelled to over 15 percent and school aid, revenue sharing and nearly every agency of state government suffered deep cuts and/or layoffs. The private sector didn’t fare much better.
Finally, after years of partisan bickering, negligence and a lack of rationale, reforms are being introduced at the state level to make government more efficient. These include moving to a part-time legislature and reforms to Michigan’s tax structure – reforms I not only support, but would embrace and aggressively work towards establishing if elected as State Representative for Michigan’s 97th District.

Part-time legislature
Since I first heard of a part-time legislature petition called the Kalamazoo Proposal, about the time I started working at the Arenac County Independent in 2007, this has been an item I have felt the state needed to examine more closely.
First off, state representatives in Michigan are paid nearly $80,000 per year. As someone who has never lived in great wealth or made a substantially high salary, I believe it could be reduced to between $40,000 or $50,000 a year and still attract enthusiastic individuals. Also, as someone who has witnesses many times what taxpayers are getting for their money, such as watching the city of Standish deal with the closing of its largest employer, the Standish Maximum Correctional Facility, a state prison, I realized there is definitely no bang for the buck.
Next, I feel that by employing representatives full-time, legislators are simply staying in Lansing and representing their caucuses and the lobbyists frequenting their offices. Instead of pounding the pavement in their district, or attending city, county and township meetings, legislators are meeting with people who may have never stepped foot in the district they represent.
That’s not right, and taxpayers have every right to demand a change. I would embrace that change.

Tax reform
$1.2 billion in cuts. That’s how the state attempted to salvage its budget for 2010. What were we left with? Laid off teachers, police officers and firefighters; reductions in aid to county fair premiums, libraries and social services, and STILL, a budget fight on the horizon.
Proposals in regards to closing tax loopholes for large corporations outsourcing Michigan jobs, punishing environmental polluters and repairing the state’s REGRESSIVE income tax structure could, and should all be examined and pursued. I feel that if elected, I will keep in mind the people that are being hurt by the “look the other way” attitude when it comes to generating revenue from these sources.
Revenue increases, the new word for taxes in Lansing now, have been proposed. For instance, a sales tax on tickets to sports, movies and concerts has been discussed, as has sales tax on bottled water and pensions. I’ve even heard during my campaign that some people think the fairest way to generate revenue would be sales tax on food and drugs.
I would be irresponsible if I said there is no way I could ever support any of these measures. If one were brought to a vote in the state House, I may support it, if action were first taken to ensure those in great wealth aren’t paying a smaller percent of taxes than the common man or woman in the state. I would also support the one least detrimental to my constituents and in NO WAY would I support taxing pensions.
But, just haplessly and greedily looking to drain more money out of working class people can’t get the state out of the mess it’s in. The Michigan Business Tax is keeping small businesses, and manufacturers from expanding and locating in Michigan. If only one percent of those who left the state this year started a business in Michigan instead, that would equal almost 900 businesses, with an unknown amount of jobs. By decreasing the surcharge on the MBT and improving the single business tax, I feel we can once again be a destination for businesses. And I would aggressively promote and vouch for businesses to locate at Arenac, Clare, Gladwin and Northern Bay counties everyday of my term, whether I was in Lansing or the district.

In closing
Do I have lofty goals and expectations? Yes. That I cannot argue. But after reporting on what the state has been through, and by researching its downward trend that has continued since the turn of the century, I feel I cannot sit idly by any longer. Michigan may never have the same auto industry it once had and it’s time to not only attempt to rebuild that industry but establish a new, fresh reputation. Michigan is currently not a glamorous destination for any industry or service, and it’s not attracting the tourism and new residents it should. However, in the 97th District and beyond, I see potential. Potential that needs direction from a representative in Lansing who isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty and roll up his sleeves – a representative who doesn’t owe political alliances and lobbying agencies anything, but will work for the people who elect him.
Michigan has slipped away from us, support Tim Barnum and let’s Take it Back.



Nearly 90,000 leave Michigan in '09

Michigan's non-seasonal adjusted jobless rate (unemployment) tops 15% in June and July (some navigation needed)

Executive Order 2009-22 and its effects

Michigan's regressive income tax

Part-time legislature