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.