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Community Matters continues bringing various voices in the Committee for Marshall-Not the Megasite’s attempts to thwart the Ford Motor Company BlueOval Battery Park Michigan development at the Megasite in Marshall, Michigan. On Wednesday, January 10, 2024, a circuit judge dismissed an amended complaint brought by the Committee, furthering dismissals he brought in September 2023. The Committee …
Michigan 45th District Representative Sarah Lightner (R-Springport) returns to Community Matters as she comes back to Lansing following the holiday break. Lightner talks about citizens’ concerns voiced during an virtual town hall meeting, including about recent gun legislation and energy-related measures passed in 2023. She also discusses the 54-54 party dynamic in the House after …
In this episode of Community Matters, The Center for Economic Accountability President John Mozena elaborates on bestowing Ford’s BlueOval Battery Park Michigan as 2023’s “Worst Economic Development Deal of the Year”. Mozena discusses the basis for the distinction – comparing it to other similar projects – as well as his overall belief that big subsidies are not the …
The $1.7 billion in state and local incentives Ford Motor Company was initially promised for the Marshall, Michigan BlueOval EV battery production facility has left many folks uncertain, at least, about the subsidies. Some say it’s the cost of being competitive and keeping high-paying manufacturing jobs in Michigan. Others worry about how the subsidies will …
In his first legislative update to Community Matters since the Michigan House of Representatives left for the holiday break, 44th District Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek) returns to discuss: The balance of power in the House after two Democrats’ campaigns for mayor in the Detroit area are successful. Michigan’s clean energy bills signed recently by Governor Gretchen …
With the cancellation of the second meeting in November, the Calhoun County Board of Commissioners will discuss the 2024 budget at a December meeting. As well, Calhoun County Board Vice-Chair Steve Frisbie (R-Battle Creek) – a seven-term incumbent on the panel – has announced his candidacy for the 44th District Michigan House of Representatives seat. …
In her October legislative update on Community Matters, Rep. Sarah Lightner (R-Springport) reflects on juvenile justice reform bills moving through the Michigan House and Senate. The package comes after the governor-appointed Juvenile Justice Task Force completed its work earlier in 2023. Lightner also discusses her view on a package of bills meant to increase solar power …
Firefighter and fire safety educator Michael McLeieer visits with Community Matters to discuss fire and environmental concerns related to electric vehicle battery fires. McLeieer, who heads the organization ESCAPE (Education Showing Children and Adults Procedures for Evacuations), talks about how firefighters approach an EV fire, either in a vehicle or in a large manufacturing facility, …
