UPDATED - Michigan LCV launches new online accountability & in-district SWAT program - First up, Sen. Mike Bishop
Posting Date: Mar 08 2010
Screen shot of MIEyeonBishop.blogspot.com
To keep constituents informed about what is actually happening in Lansing, the Michigan League of Conservation Voters (LCV) today launches a series of targeted accountability websites, each supported by a field operation (aptly named SWATs for Special Weapons and Tactics), where supporters will be armed with facts about their elected officials and the disparity between their words and actions.
MCLV Launches Mike bishop Accountability Project
“Many politicians declare their intent to move Michigan into a new energy economy, but their actions often contradict their words. Michigan LCV is here to hold them accountable. The economic landscape of Michigan has changed. We are at a crucial juncture where we can either move forward toward a 21st century clean energy economy or remain stagnant by clinging to the coal-powered, chemical-coated, rust-belt 20th century past,” said Michigan LCV Executive Director Lisa Wozniak. “At this point in Michigan’s history, it is essential that we have leaders in Lansing who recognize the connection between our state’s economic and our environmental health. They need to know that their actions and votes speak louder than words.”
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Michigan LCV Deputy Director Kerry Duggan said, “Constituents have the right to know when their elected leaders are making empty promises. The websites and our field program will focus on activities related to clean energy job creation and environmental protection (to keep a Pure Michigan). There is no doubt that these are two key components of an economic recovery and a vibrant Michigan future.”
First up…
The first in the series of accountability websites launched today is Senator Mike Bishop. As the Senate Majority Leader and head of the Republican Caucus, Senator Mike Bishop (R-Rochester) has the power to shape the Republican Party agenda in Lansing, which makes him a key player in determining the legislative priorities the state pursues. That’s why Michigan LCV created www.MIeyeonbishop.blogspot.com
, an online resource for constituents to follow Senator Bishop’s track record. When the lights go on this website (today at 9am), we will simultaneously be deploying supporters to knock on doors, meet with local leaders and supporters to let them know about his record and this new resource.
“We are particularly interested in the policy decisions Majority Leader Bishop makes with regards to clean, renewable energy production, Great Lakes restoration and protection, natural resources funding, and unnecessary exposure to toxic chemicals”, said Wozniak. “In light of the fact that Senator Bishop is currently campaigning to become Michigan’s next Attorney General, it is imperative that voters are made aware of the actions Senator Bishop takes, and understand where his political priorities lie”. The website also makes note of when officials forget to say or do anything about key issues, like Bishop on the Asian Carp.
In the next couple months, the Senate Majority leader will have the ability to act on numerous pieces of environmental legislation. In the immediate future, we will keep an eye out for action or stalling on House Bill 4699, which bans a toxic flame retardant found in many everyday and children's products. Senator Bishop assigned this bill to his Government Operations Committee, which unfortunately, is where good legislation often goes to die.
Duggan added, “In the coming months, we encourage Michigan’s citizens to follow our updates on www.mieyeonbishop.blogspot.com (and the other to-be-announced targets), and remind each lawmaker how important it is to Michigan citizens that we attract clean energy jobs while protecting human health and the natural resources that define our state”.
The Michigan League of Conservations Voters works to turn environmental values into community priorities. Michigan LCV distinguishes itself through its accountability work and is well known as the publisher of the non-partisan Michigan Environmental Scorecard, which shows how Michigan Legislators voted on conservation and clean energy issues. For more information, visit www.michiganlcv.org.
MLCV Canvassing in Rochester, Michigan
On Monday morning, after a brief planning session at the Bean & Leaf coffee shop in downtown Rochester, Kerry Duggan, Lisa Wozniak and Pam Bierzynski, headed out to canvass in Rochester. The first door they knocked happened to be a neighbor of Senator Bishop, Wendy May. Wendy commented that the Bishops are really nice, though she commented that they don't agree on their politics.
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