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.
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