HANCOCK -- An enthusiastic crowd of about 75 supporters filled The Orpheum Theater in Hancock on Feb. 21 to hear from Dana Ferguson, Democratic District 1 Congressional candidate, and to enjoy listening and dancing to two local bands at a Friendraiser for the candidate.
Ferguson introduced himself as a native Yooper with progressive working class values and spoke about growing up in Negaunee, attending Northern Michigan University in Marquette and working as union laborer in construction and carpentry:
Ferguson then spoke about another issue important to him and his family -- health care:
Ferguson concluded his presentation by pointing out that none of the issues really matter if we don't address the reality of climate change now and embrace the Green New Deal, which offers an economic opportunity to prevent negative effects of climate change.
Valorie Troesch, a member of the Houghton County Democratic Party, organized the event for Ferguson along with several other volunteers, including Barb Turuc-Mills, Janeen Stephenson, and Horst Schmidt.
"Dana is exactly what we are always looking for in a political candidate," Troesch told Keweenaw Now. "He is a native Michigander; he's lived, worked, and raised his family in the UP; and he knows better than any other candidate in this race what matters most to the people here. I don't think we can find anyone more sincere and authentic. He is eminently electable. He is the most progressive candidate running for Congress in the 1st District, and he isn't from Wall Street."
"Equally important to people of my generation, Dana represents the future," Troesch continued. "We complain that young people are not getting involved in politics and here is Dana. His values and the policies he supports -- single payer health coverage for everyone, recognizing that the climate crisis is both urgent and an unparalleled economic opportunity for the 1st District, among others -- are the policies that the next generation will fight for and enact. Dana is our candidate. I hope that voters in this district support him in the primary election in August and then do so again in the general election in November."
Troesch added her appreciation for the many people who helped make the Friendraiser a success, including Mike Shupe and The Orpheum, the musicians of the Cheap Therapy and Thimbleberry bands, emcee Bill Fink, the sponsors and hosts of the event, the dessert makers (for the silent auction), and the committee who helped put it all together.
"Everyone was so willing to contribute in whatever way we asked," Troesch noted.
Janeen Stephenson, Houghton resident, who also helped Troesch organize the event, expressed her strong support for Ferguson's values and his campaign.
"I have witnessed how much energy and commitment Dana Ferguson has as he campaigns for Michigan's First District for the U.S. Congress," Stephenson said. "I am confident he will work tirelessly for expanded health care, fair taxes, economic opportunity and the progressive values I hold dear if he is elected. Let's support him in the primary and as our voice to beat Jack Bergman."
Following his presentation, Ferguson fielded some questions from the audience at the Friendraiser:
Mike Lahti of Hancock, former Democratic State representative for Michigan's 110th District, attended the Friendraiser as a supporter and expressed his endorsement of Dana Ferguson for the 1st District U.S. Congressional seat.*
"I think he's a straight-talking native of the U.P. who's concerned about the District having good-paying jobs and a good environment," Lahti told Keweenaw Now. "He would give us quality representation in Washington."
Following the question session, the Cheap Therapy band provided lively dance music for the remainder of the evening.
Tom Collins, second from left in the photo above, a member of the Cheap Therapy band and a Calumet resident, was enthusiastic about Ferguson.
"Dana is coming from his heart and Upper Peninsula life experience," Collins said. "He is a good choice to represent us in the US Congress!"
Linda Rulison, Houghton County resident, who attended the Friendraiser with her husband, Dave, commented on the success of the event.
"Dana's event at the Orpheum was both fun and informative," Linda Rulison noted. "The turn out and support for him was overwhelming. We got to hear not only Dana's personal story that has brought him to this point but also what he wants to accomplish for Northern Michigan and the U.P. He is a U.P. native who lives here, raised his family here -- and he understands what it means to be a Michigander, unlike our current U.S. representative in Congress."
Hancock resident Linda Belote was very impressed with Ferguson and his values.
"I was so pleased to meet Dana Ferguson and to have a chance to explore his views," Belote said. "He is a thoughtful, caring person who does not dodge hard questions but gives straight answers in a strong but humble manner. It was so refreshing to hear him talk about things I care about. I am hopeful we can replace President Trump's 'yes-man' Jack Bergman with a person who will genuinely represent us, his constituents, and will vote for women's rights, and work to protect our precious environment for the benefit of generations to come."
On his Web site, Ferguson has expressed how growing up in the UP shaped his values.
"This is where I learned what is important to me," he writes. "It’s where I learned my work ethic, my love of nature, and my respect and appreciation for a simple life."
Ferguson also notes his campaign does not accept corporate or PAC money.
To learn more about Dana Ferguson and his campaign, visit his newly updated Web site at https://www.fergusonformichigan1.com/
* Editor's Note: While individual Democrats have endorsed Dana Ferguson in his campaign for Congress, the Houghton County Democratic Party does not officially endorse a candidate until after the Primary Election of Aug. 4, 2020.
