|
|
|
|
IN THIS ISSUE
Sept. 15, 2014
- Race for State Board of Education seats deserves attention
- Opinion: Voters are short-changed when candidates refuse to meet
- Help shape election priorities around children, youth and families
State Board of Education Race is Among Significant Statewide Contests You Shouldn't Miss
Michigan is one of only seven states that completely elects its members to the state Board of Education. Yet, the people who serve in these roles are typically overlooked in election year activity and the mainstream media. That shouldn’t be the case, however, when there is such a strong focus today on cradle-to-career education and on the quality of Michigan’s future workforce.
Learn more about candidates wanting to become the next members of the Michigan Board of Education in the new “Other Statewide Races” tab on our Sandbox Party website. You’ll see background information on Republican nominees Maria Carl and Jonathan Williams and Democratic nominees Pamela Pugh Smith and Casandra Ulbrich. Get to know the people who want to represent you on the Michigan Board of Education!
Another important reason why it matters who is elected to the state Board of Education? The board will select the next state Superintendent of Public Education now that Superintendent Mike Flanagan plans to retire in May.
Lastly, turn to the “Other Statewide Races” and learn who is running for other key statewide races, including Michigan Attorney General and Michigan Secretary of State. Be informed so you can be involved in making important choices for our state in November.
Debating the Debates: Why Voters are Short-changed when Candidates Refuse to Meet
There’s nothing like a candidate debate to show voters the differences and similarities between candidates. Candidate debates and forums have been a time-honored tradition and part of the excitement around American elections. In light of Michigan’s 2014 general election contest, Sandbox Party Communications Director Teri Banas explores the value of debates for voters in “Campaign 2014: Stop debating the debates and just get on with it.”
Help Shape Issues and Priorities for Candidates this Election Season
Take our Election 2014 survey and let us know what your priorities are regarding issues that impact children, youth and families. The deadline is fast approaching on Friday, so do share your views by participating in our brief four-question survey today. Help us inform the candidates about the issues that really matter for our children, families and communities. The stakes are high! Please make your voices heard. Thank you!
Michigan Department of Education Reports 48 School Districts End Year in Deficit
State Superintendent Mike Flanagan told the legislature last week that 48 school districts ended their school years in a budget deficit. House and Senate members, meeting in a workgroup along with education groups and stakeholders, are working on legislation to create an early warning system for schools in financial district. The bills are SB 951-957 and SB 978 and had a hearing on Wednesday in the Senate Appropriations Committee. An Mlive.com report lists the school districts in distress and how they anticipate ending this school year.
UPCOMING CANDIDATE FORUMS
Grosse Pointe Candidate Forums / Sept. 25: The League of Women Voters of Grosse Point is sponsoring a candidate forum for Michigan House District 1 (Grosse Pointe Wood, Grosse Point Shores and Harper Woods) and for Michigan House District 2 (Grosse Pointe, Grosse Pointe Park, and Grosse Pointe Farms) on Sept. 25. Both take place in the Grosse Point Woods Council Chambers, 20025 Mack Plaza, but one hour apart.
The 1st District forum runs from 7-8 p.m. Candidates are Brian Banks and John Hauler. The 2nd District forum takes place from 8:15 - 9:15 p.m. Candidates are Daniel J Lamar and Alberta Tinsley-Talabi.
Rochester Candidate Forum / Sept. 30: The League of Women Voters of the Oakland Area are hosting a forum for candidates for Michigan House District 45 starting at 7 p.m. on Sept. 30 at the Rochester Hills Auditorium, 1000 Rochester Hills Drive. It will be telecast on City Channels WOW-10, Comcast 22, and AT&T 99. It will be on-demand on the city’s website beginning Oct. 1.
Lansing Area Candidate Forum / Sept. 30: The Lansing League of Women Voters is hosting a candidate forum at 7 p.m. Sept. 30 for candidates for Michigan House District 24 and 65A District Court. It will be at the Lake Trust Credit Union, 12750 Escanaba Dr., in DeWitt.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
