NO KINGS march in Houghton: Local citizens defend democratic values on April 19 Day of Action

By Michele Bourdieu

On Shelden Avenue and the Portage Lift Bridge in Houghton, Mich., participants in the April 19 NO KINGS march display signs and flags of protest against Trump administration policies and executive orders. (Photo © and courtesy Joanne Thomas)

HOUGHTON -- More than 200 protesters marched up Shelden Avenue and onto the Portage Lift Bridge on Saturday, April 19, 2025, in solidarity with this National Day of Action in hundreds of cities in all 50 states and internationally. The nonviolent protests were initiated by the group 50501 (50 protests, 50 states, one day), opposing the Trump administration's policies and recent executive orders. The Houghton County Democratic Party (HCDP) and the grassroots group AWAVE (Advocates for those Without A Voice Everywhere) co-organized the local protest in Houghton.

On the Houghton side of the bridge, William Keith, HCDP chair, welcomed participants gathered for the march.

William Keith, chair of the Houghton County Democratic Party (HCDP), welcomes participants in what some called the "No Kings" protest march on Saturday, April 19, 2025, in Houghton, Mich., near the Portage Lift Bridge. HCDP was a co-organizer of the march. (Video by Keweenaw Now)

 

About 200 people then marched up Shelden Avenue to line the bridge with their signs and flags. Some carried historic flags to commemorate April 19 as the 250th anniversary of the battles at Lexington and Concord -- the beginning of the American Revolutionary War.

Participants in the April 19, 2025, No Kings protest in Houghton head up Shelden Avenue to the Portage Lift Bridge and display their signs and flags to oncoming traffic. (Video by Keweenaw Now)

 

The variety of messages on homemade signs was evidence of a number of issues on the minds of concerned citizens.

Participants in the April 19, 2025, No Kings protest in Houghton display their signs as they walk up to the Portage Lift Bridge. About 200 people lined the bridge in a non-violent protest against the Trump Administration's undemocratic and illegal policies. (Video by Keweenaw Now)

 

Keweenaw Now interviewed some of the participants about their reasons for joining the protest. Here are the responses of four of them: Miriam Pickens of Hancock, Joan Chadde of Traprock Valley, Brianna Sleeman of Houghton and Dan Mares of L'Anse.

During the April 19, 2025, No Kings protest on the Portage Lift Bridge in Houghton, four participants give Keweenaw Now their reasons for joining the march. (Video by Keweenaw Now)

 

Protesters on the bridge are undaunted by the chilly rain on April 19. (Photo © and courtesy Joanne Thomas)

 

Local performing artist and teacher Donna Armistead braved the damp, cold weather in a historic, 18th-century costume with only a wool shawl for warmth.

 

Donna Armistead, known in the community as a dance teacher and performer, wears an 18th-century costume and carries a Betsy Ross flag from that period of U.S. history. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

 

Armistead spoke with Keweenaw Now about the issues that concern her today.

Local performing artist and teacher Donna Armistead speaks about her "laundry list" of reasons for joining the march -- from the environment to women's rights, voting rights, firing of federal employees and more. (Video by Keweenaw Now)

 

Heather Mroz of Keweenaw Indivisible, the group that organized the April 5 "Hands Off" march in Houghton, commented on the connection between the April 19 march and the time of the American Revolution.*

 

"I  think folks were driven to march here today by the same sense of injustice that drove the Revolutionary War," Mroz told Keweenaw Now. "Then and now, folks are fighting to defend the idea that power is accountable to the people."

 

Heather Mroz of Keweenaw Indivisible chats with other participants in the April 19 No Kings march near the Lift Bridge. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

 

While some signs seen on the bridge bore a strong message of opposition to the Trump administration and its supporters ...

 

 Another sign might be seen as humorous, but meaningful:

 

This quite original sign attracted attention on the bridge. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

Laurium resident Pam told Keweenaw Now how she found the idea for her sign.

 

During the April 19, 2025, No Kings march on the Portage Lift Bridge in Houghton, Pam displays the sign she made and tells why she joined the march. (Video by Keweenaw Now)

 

Pat Bacon of Hancock carried two large signs on the bridge.

 

Hancock resident Pat Bacon displays two large colorful signs on the bridge. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

 

Pat Bacon of Hancock expresses her concern for democracy and the need for Congress to take a stand. (Video by Keweenaw Now)

Elizabeth Flynn of Hancock Township carried a poster donated by a local artist. It is a portrait of a Maryland resident unjustly deported to El Salvador -- Kilmar Abrego Garcia.

Elizabeth Flynn displays a "Free Kilmar" poster during the April 19 protest on the Portage Lift Bridge. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

"Kilmar Abrego Garcia is being held wrongfully in a hellish prison camp in El Salvador despite a ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court that he must be returned to his American wife and children," Flynn said. "The administration has no right to leave him there, and in doing so, they are creating a Constitutional crisis."

Another sign seen during the march expresses concern for immigrants, who are being treated unjustly and deported illegally by the current administration. (Photo by Keweenaw Now) 

DeeDee Bloom of Trimountain, co-founder of AWAVE (Advocates for those Without A Voice Everywhere), one of the organizers of the April 19 march in Houghton, spoke with Keweenaw Now about the origin of this group.

During the April 19 No Kings protest in Houghton, Dee Dee Bloom explains how the group AWAVE, a co-organizer of the protest, was formed to express the views of people who don't have a voice. (Video by Keweenaw Now)

AWAVE and other groups have recently held meetings at the Fifth and Elm café in Hancock. During the April 19 march, Emily Fiala, co-owner with her husband, Frank Fiala, of Fifth and Elm, told Keweenaw Now her family is glad to open the facility to groups needing a place to meet.

Emily Fiala of Hancock chats with Keweenaw Now on the bridge during the April 19 No Kings march. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

Sarah Green -- who founded the email group CRAG (Citizens Rally for Accountable Government) to encourage local citizens to speak out at local government meetings (county, city, township, etc.) -- used a bucket of candy to count the number of participants in the April 19 march and came up with 202 people.

"I tried out my new 'take a candy' counting method, starting with 331 pieces, letting everyone take one, and ending with 129 pieces," Green explained. "I measured by weight, which is more accurate than the number of pieces listed on the bag (and easier). This method for crowd estimation could work anywhere that people pass through a squeeze point."

Waving her Blue Marble earth flag, Sarah Green carries a bucket of candy to count participants at the April 19 No Kings march near the Lift Bridge in Houghton. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)**

The No Kings march in Houghton was one of more than 700 protest events in cities and towns across the U.S. on April 19, 2025.

Editor's Notes:

* If you missed our article on the April 5 "Hands Off" march, organized by Keweenaw Indivisible in Houghton, CLICK HERE.

** According to Wikipedia, "During 1969, peace activist John McConnell proposed his design titled the Earth Flag. The current version of the flag consists of The Blue Marble, a photograph of Earth taken on 7 December 1972 by the crew of the Apollo 17 on its way to the Moon."

Houghton County Dems pass resolution in support of Western UP Health Department

The following resolution was passed at the January 6th 2021 regular monthly meeting of the Houghton County Democratic Party, supporting the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department (WUPHD) in promoting the health guidelines that help us all fight the spread of coronavirus in our community: We appreciate the work you, WUPHD, do every day in the face of an implacable pandemic and political pressures attempting to prevent you from doing your jobs. We stand with you.

Whereas: Houghton County has been impacted by COVID-19 with 2023 cases, increasing daily, and 33 deaths (per the Michigan Department of Public Health);

Whereas: Statistics alone cannot measure the social and health impacts on the residents of this county that include long term health effects from those recovering from COVID-19 (some still not even recognized); health issues related to disruptions or delays in receiving routine or urgent health care services due to the need to preserve resources for COVID-19 patients; mental health issues related to stress, economic hardship, overburdening of workers in front-line and health care jobs; and delays in educational achievement for many students due to changes from in-person to on-line learning;

Whereas: There has also been grave negative economic impact on individuals who have lost jobs or had hours reduced; small businesses that have had to close or greatly reduce hours or services; institutes of higher education who have lower enrollment and revenues while costs have increased to provide safe environments for learning; public and private schools who have struggled to provide the additional services needed without increase in funding; hospitals, nursing homes and other health care services who have had increases in costs for equipment and supplies as well as staff shortages; and local units of government facing reduced funding;

Whereas: Despite the above impact there has been and continues to be a strong community spirit with many small businesses following the rules of the Michigan Department of Public Health, even as these rules have changed throughout the year, in order to keep both their employees and customers safe; social and religious organizations adapting to a new normal often with the use of technology or new ways of organization to continue to reach their members; and most people following the techniques called for by health officials for social distancing, wearing of masks, and restricting contacts with others to slow transmission of the virus;

Whereas: Health officials locally, state-wide and nationally are calling for us to continue to be diligent with the behaviors that have been shown to slow transmission of the virus while encouraging the use of the vaccine as it becomes available to us;

Therefore be it resolved that the Houghton County Democratic Party:

Calls for the support of the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department from elected and appointed officials and the community to ensure that the agency has the resources to carry out their responsibilities in implementation of public health programs including vaccinations and enforcing public health rules and guidelines in a safe environment for all staff;

And

Calls for our elected officials to develop a proactive plan to re-build the economy ("Build Back Better" as our President-elect Biden has called for!) in the county while supporting the public health measures that are contributing to containment of the coronavirus.

Inset logo courtesy Houghton County Democratic Party.

Houghton County Dems: Kasieta should suspend campaign after participation in phone harassment against County Clerk Kelly

[Editor's Note: This is the Houghton County Democratic Party's response to the facts that have emerged recently concerning the March 6, 2020, phone call received by Jennifer Kelly, Houghton County Clerk and Register of Deeds, who is running for re-election -- as reported by Kelly in the guest article we published yesterday, Oct. 15. It has been confirmed that Kelly's Republican opponent on the Nov. 3 ballot, Justin Kasieta, who at the time was the constituent representative for State Representative Greg Markkanen, was on this threatening call traced to Matthew Smith of Genesee County. Confirmation was made by statements Kasieta made to the Houghton County Sheriff's office as well as a statement released by his attorney.]

From Houghton County Democratic Party:

HOUGHTON -- Elected officials, their staff, and those who seek to become elected officials, must be held to the highest ethical and legal standards. No reasonable and decent person would think a 1 a.m. phone call implying harm to someone's pets is within any bounds of morality or law. Issuing threats to one's opponent in an election goes against the fundamental principle of peaceful elections. A nation committed to those principles cannot reward such behavior by electing to office anyone who does such things.

Because of his actions, calls for Mr. Kasieta to withdraw from the race are coming from all sides, including The Daily Mining Gazette. As people committed to fair and free elections, the Houghton County Democratic Party joins our voice to the rest of our community in calling on Justin Kasieta to do the right thing and suspend his campaign.

Jennifer Kelly has served Houghton County in various capacities for 20 years. While these events have already been discussed at meetings of the County Board of Commissioners, we call on the Board to formalize its responsibility to stand by their colleague and issue a call for Mr. Kasieta to withdraw from his race.

We also call on Representative Markkanen to reaffirm these principles of democracy by condemning the actions of his staffer. To remain quiet in the face of such a perversion of ethics is to be complicit. Unless Mr. Kasieta has kept all of these events from his employer since March -- an act which itself would be disqualifying for continued employment -- Rep. Markkanen has known about this situation for months and has said nothing as long as it was possible to remain silent. But now the facts have emerged.

As his constituents, we have a right to know: did Rep. Markkanen know about these events and continue employing Justin Kasieta while he ran against the county clerk he participated in threatening? Does Rep. Markkanen approve of his subordinate's actions? If not, let him say so, loudly and clearly. We call on him to make a firm statement repudiating any attempt to threaten a candidate's political opponents, and to immediately suspend Mr. Kasieta from any office of trust he might hold in Michigan's state government, pending the resolution of this investigation.

Also alleged to be on this call was Jake Putala, district representative for State Sen. Ed McBroom. We also call on Sen. McBroom to issue the same condemnation of any kind of harassment, and if additional information comes to light confirming Mr. Putala's involvement, for him to suspend Mr. Putala pending the outcome of the investigation.

Democrat Janet Metsa announces campaign for 110th District State Representative; fundraiser to be June 29 in Calumet

Pictured here at work, play and community involvement, Janet Metsa seeks election as a Democratic candidate for Michigan's 110th State House District. (Photos courtesy friendsofjanetmetsa.com)

HOUGHTON COUNTY -- Local businesswoman and longtime Houghton County resident Janet Metsa recently announced her campaign for State Representative for the 110th State House District covering Keweenaw, Baraga, Houghton, Iron, Ontonagon, and Gogebic counties, plus Ishpeming and Powell townships in Marquette County.

Studying the 110th District on a map of Michigan, Janet Metsa and her aide Elo Wittig of Chassell work on developing a campaign plan. (Photo courtesy Friends of Janet Metsa)

"The Western UP is a unique place, far from Lansing," Metsa says. "I have deep family roots in the UP and understand the values we prize most. Our next state representative needs to understand our issues, and to be able to effectively communicate our needs to the state legislature. I believe my background and experience qualifies me to do that and to be a strong representative for the 110th District."

Janet Metsa is pictured here receiving the Andrew H. Wisti Award for leadership in the Houghton County Democratic Party from Ruth Wisti, active Democrat and Andrew's widow. (Photo courtesy Friends of Janet Metsa)

Metsa was born and raised in Houghton County with her 4 sisters and 1 brother on the farm her grandparents established during the Finnish migration in the early 1900s. Her parents operated a dairy farm in Chassell Township on the properties from both sets of grandparents for over 50 years. She graduated from Chassell Township Schools and then attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) where she received a B.S and M.S. in Chemical Engineering in 1980.

She was employed at Eastman Kodak as a Development Engineer for 3 years and then at EPA’s Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards (OAQPS) as an Environmental Engineer in Durham NC until 1988. She returned to the Copper Country when her husband, Michael Mullins, accepted a faculty position at Michigan Technological University.

Janet Metsa is pictured here with her buddy Alphonzo (Alfie) in front of the barn her grandfather built. Photo © and courtesy Elo Wittig.

"Growing up on a Chassell dairy farm, and as a current landowner, I understand the need for wise management of our land and water resources," Metsa notes. "Forest products, minerals, and farm products have long been the financial base for the UP, and their sustainable use is essential for our economic future. Wise use of our natural resources should be balanced with maintaining the natural beauty and ecology of the western UP which attracts large numbers of visitors seeking an incomparable outdoors experience. We should ensure that our children and grandchildren can enjoy this same legacy."

This photo captures Janet Metsa describing how she and her husband planted blight-resistant chestnut trees on a property they own in Chassell Township. (Photo © and courtesy Elo Wittig)

Metsa is running as a Democrat focused on bringing new jobs and businesses to the area.

"As a business entrepreneur and former KEDA (Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance) Board member, Janet has been an important force in building the Western UP economy," said Philip Musser, former KEDA Executive Director and Smartzone Chairperson. "Janet not only started her own business but was also a key person on the KEDA board in designing and carrying out an aggressive economic development strategy for the Western UP at a time when businesses had closed and jobs had been lost. This is again a critical time when the Western UP needs to continue to reinvent its economy to create family sustaining jobs as it emerges from the pandemic. The Western UP region needs economic savvy leaders like Janet."

Once settled in the Copper Country, Metsa established a private consulting practice specializing in air and water environmental issues. Her clients include the EPA, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), the American Chemical Council, private clients, and Argonne National Laboratories. Much of her consulting work focuses on database and model development combined with software development and review. These tools are used in assessing process sustainability and environmental impacts. She has had consulting collaborations with researchers from several universities and private industry.

In her campaign announcement, Metsa said, "Initiatives I would bring to Lansing include economic development, renewed infrastructure, ensuring public health, lower energy prices, and more autonomy for the UP on strategic issues of local importance. However, I believe the next two years will be consumed with economic recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. Services such as education, public health, revenue sharing, pensions, and law enforcement will be under extreme budgetary pressures; and this district needs someone to make sure the UP gets their fair share of diminished state resources."

In 2005, Metsa established Vesitech, Inc. to explore the development and commercialization of water treatment technologies. She has been the recipient of several Phase I and Phase II Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) grants.  Vesitech, Inc completed SBIR grants for Army Corps of Engineers (which resulted in a US Patent), the US Marine Corps (2), and NASA. For commercialization of the technologies developed, she collaborated with Cascade Designs, Inc. of Seattle, WA, a major supplier of outdoor gear for campers and the military.

Metsa's community service includes time as Treasurer of the Houghton County Democratic Party, Chair of the Houghton County Democratic Party, Portage Township Zoning Board of Appeals, Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance (KEDA) Board member and Chair, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Council and Lutheran Campus Ministry Board and Chair. She is a 2002 alumni of the MSU/ISSPR Michigan Political Leadership program.

Fundraiser for Janet Metsa Monday, June 29, at Carmelita's

Friends of Janet Metsa will hold a fundraiser event for her campaign from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, June 29, at Carmelita's Outdoor Patio, 618 Oak Street, Calumet. The fundraiser is being held outside as a precaution during this time of Social Distancing. Masks are recommended.

Tickets are $25, Sponsor $50 and Host $100. Tickets may be purchased through ActBlue or at the event.  No Cash. No Corporate Checks. Personal checks accepted. Please RSVP to info@friendsofjanetmetsa.com. Limited cash bar available.

Learn more about Janet Metsa and her campaign for the 110th District at friendsofjanetmetsa.com or on the Friends of Janet Metsa Facebook page.

"Lights for Liberty" vigil participants protest against inhumane detention camps

By Michele Bourdieu
With photos by Miriam Pickens. 

Local residents concerned about the inhumane conditions faced by migrants -- especially those in detention camps on the U.S. southern border -- hold a "Lights for Liberty" vigil on Friday, July 12, 2019. The vigil was part of a worldwide human rights protest. (Photos © and courtesy Miriam Pickens)

HOUGHTON -- About 43 concerned citizens gathered for a "Lights for Liberty" vigil at the miner statue in Houghton on Friday, July 12, in solidarity with thousands holding vigils across the country to protest the dehumanizing conditions of detention centers for migrants on the U.S. southern border.

The July 12, 2019, Lights for Liberty vigils held from Maine to California, and internationally as well, were a response to a call for action by a group "dedicated to human rights and the fundamental principle behind democracy that all human beings have a right to life, liberty and dignity."*

"Here in the Copper Country, we participated in this vigil to help show our support for the principles that children do not belong in cages and that families belong together," said Valorie Troesch, a member of the Houghton County Democratic Party, which organized the local vigil. "We would hope that these values would be universal and non-partisan. We gathered quietly -- no march -- with candles and signs to demonstrate our united opposition to what is happening to immigrants and refugees on our southern border."

Organizer William Keith noted similar vigils were held in Marquette and Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

William Keith, left, organizer of the Houghton vigil, displays a sign in support of diversity. Chatting at right are participants Tom Hiltunen (dark shirt) and Jim Pickens.

"So many people turned out to protest such a distant injustice because this particular cruelty shocks the conscience: children getting sick and dying in cages, adults who dared to dream of opportunity or safety in the land of hope finding only imprisonment and hate," Keith said. "There's so much this Administration has done that people of good will opposed, but this -- this is something to make the blood boil. Showing up to be present and bear witness is the least we can do, the first thing: we can tell everyone that this cruelty is not being perpetrated with our consent. The next thing to do is turn our refusal of assent into energy to stop the madness. It's a long time until November of 2020, but along the way we will do everything in our power."

Paul Mitchell, right, a volunteer with the Houghton County Democratic Party, joins another vigil participant to display a meaningful sign.

Janeen Stephenson of Houghton shared with Keweenaw Now her reason for joining the vigil.

"The way my country is treating human beings who are asylum seekers at our southern border is horrifying," Stephenson said. "We came together to express our concern and were uplifted by the honks and thumbs up of many people walking and driving by."

Janeen Stephenson of Houghton, right, and Cynthia Drake of Ripley display their Lights for Liberty candles during the vigil.

Cynthia Drake of Ripley said she participated in the Houghton vigil because she had attended a presentation by a group of Quaker youth from Milwaukee who had taken a trip to Washington, D.C., last fall after researching what was going on with ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement). These high school students talked to people in D.C. who were creating policy. Drake said she was very moved by what the youth had learned.

"The conditions already at the time they were there were just atrocious, and things were being covered up," Drake noted. "I don't know what the solutions are."

Drake said she went to the vigil knowing that the first thing we have to do is stop these conditions that treat people inhumanely.

"I do want to know what the next conversation is," Drake added. "What do we do about this situation that's better? What's an alternative that's better? And I hope that those of us who go to these vigils and these protests can think further into that and find doable solutions."

A very young vigil participant displays her sign, "No human is illegal."

Keith added this vigil is only the beginning and, as Drake also pointed out, more actions are necessary.

"It's a simple question," Keith noted. "You're either made furious by seeing the plight of scared children and refugees, or you're not. If you're as shocked and angry as we are, you're going to seek ways to fix it. This was the barest start."

* Click here to learn more about "Lights for Liberty."

Michigan Supreme Court Justice Richard Bernstein to speak April 27 at Houghton Super 8

Michigan Supreme Court Justice Richard Bernstein. (Photo courtesy Houghton County Democratic Party)

HOUGHTON -- As a guest of the Houghton County Democratic Party, Michigan Supreme Court Justice Honorable Richard Bernstein will speak at 7 p.m. on Saturday April 27, in the conference room at the Houghton Super 8, 1200 E Lakeshore Drive. The event is open to the public.

Elected by voters statewide to the Michigan Supreme Court in November 2014, Justice Bernstein began his 8-year term in January 2015. With a commitment to justice and fairness, he has been highly successful in his human rights cases, both in private practice and through partnerships with the United States Department of Justice. Beyond his legal track record, Justice Bernstein, is a truly amazing individual as the only blind State Supreme Court Justice in the US. Here are just some of the notable aspects of his career to date:

His law practice has concentrated on fighting for the access rights of disabled people. Committed to helping clients who need him, Justice Bernstein is known for taking action in cases that have set national standards protecting the rights and safety of people with and without disabilities.

Bernstein successfully partnered with the United States Department of Justice to force the City of Detroit to fix broken wheelchair lifts on its buses, establishing a precedent for accessibility in public transportation. Further, Bernstein represented disabled residents against the Oakland County (Michigan) Road Commission after "roundabout" traffic circles were built without disabled access, impacting future ADA compliance for road construction throughout the United States.

Justice Bernstein has received many honors, including "Michiganian of the Year" by the Detroit News, one of Crain’s Detroit Business’ "40 Under 40" and recognition on worldwide television by CNN as a leader in keeping government honest. He is a recipient of the 2008 John W. Cummiskey Pro Bono Award from the State Bar of Michigan in recognition of his leadership as an advocate and activist.

Michigan Lawyers Weekly named Justice Bernstein a 2009 Leader in the Law, and the University of Michigan presented him with the James T. Neubacher Award in 2011 for his unwavering commitment to equal rights and opportunities for people with disabilities.

Justice Bernstein was inducted into the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame. In his spare time, Justice Bernstein is an avid runner, completing 22 marathons -- including thirteen New York City marathons -- the full Ironman triathlon in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho in 2008 and the Israman triathlon’s half Ironman in Eilat, Israel in 2011.

To read more about Justice Bernstein, click here.

Guest article: Local Democrats hopeful with strong candidates for November election

By Brian Rendel *

Democrats have every reason to feel great about the coming November election. There are several signs that suggest the surge in public engagement following the 2016 election reflects ongoing commitment to involvement in our political process.

A slate of candidates to be proud of, including three amazing women, have stepped forward to empower our County Board with fresh, capable leadership.**

To get in November’s ballot, congressional candidate Matt Morgan needed about 4000 Democrats in Michigan’s 1st Congressional District to write in his name following a partisan decision over a technicality to reject his filing petition. Not only was the goal reached, but it was significantly exceeded. Well over 30,000 Democrats wrote in "Matt Morgan" despite voters getting the extra challenge of having to print small with big-tipped Sharpies. This impressive feat reflects both Matt’s organization skills and a level of passion from Democrats that we haven’t seen in some time.

Ken Summers, our candidate for the State House, has knocked more doors, walked more miles, and probably met more constituents than anyone in Michigan running for office this year, exponentially outworking and out-fundraising his opponents. Nobody is more ready to take over Scott’s work representing the 110th.***

Scott Dianda nearly matched the number of primary votes of the combined GOP candidates in the 38th State Senate District. Given Scott’s regional popularity and history of also earning some cross-over votes in general elections, this is a strong indicator that Democrats can take back this seat this fall.

There are many reasons for hope, including two wonderful State Supreme Court candidates -- Megan Cavanagh and Samuel Bagenstos -- who will bring Democratic Values back to the Court; the super-qualified candidates for Secretary of State (our friend Jocelyn Benson who literally wrote the book on the position); Attorney General (Dana Nessel, the fierce public advocate); and our friend Sen. Debbie Stabenow (whose Democratic votes blew away all the GOP primary votes combined this week).

In the most exciting primary race for governor in a long time, three strong leaders emerged, who attracted the votes of over a million passionate Democrats. Minutes after it was clear Gretchen Whitmer had won over half those votes, both Shri and Abdul strongly endorsed her and pledged to her their full support toward victory in November. She is a leader who has served the people for many years and is a leader we can proud to unite behind.

With turnout beating records going back to 1978, this is an exciting year to be an active Democrat, advancing people-focused ideals our country was founded to honor.

Inset photo: Brian Rendel. (Photo courtesy Brian Rendel)

Editor's Notes:

* Guest author Brian Rendel is vice chair of communications for the Houghton County Democratic Party.

** The three women candidates for the Houghton County Board of Commissioners are Melissa Davis, District 2; Gretchen Janssen, District 4; and Sharon A. Stoll, District 5.

*** Scott Dianda, presently 110th District State Representative, is running for the 38th District State Senate seat, soon to be vacated by Tom Casperson.

Three women to announce run for Houghton County Commissioner March 17

From Houghton County Democratic Party:

HOUGHTON -- Melissa Davis, Gretchen Janssen, and Dr. Sharon Stoll will announce their candidacies for Houghton County Commissioner, District 2, District 4, and District 5, respectively, at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 17, 2018, at the Super 8 Conference Room in Houghton, Michigan. All three candidates will run as Democrats in the November 2018 election. The three candidates will be endorsed on March 17 by Scott Dianda, current Michigan State Representative for the 110th district and himself a candidate for the Michigan State Senate, and by other local office holders. This is the first time that three women have run for Houghton County Commissioner seats in the same election year.

Melissa Davis is known in the Houghton County community for her work as the Energy Manager of the Houghton Energy Efficiency Team (HEET). HEET helps residents of Houghton County address the energy issues in the Upper Peninsula and our high electric rates. Davis is also the President of New Power Tour, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to increase the use of renewable, water and energy-efficient technologies in the Copper Country. With the work done by HEET and New Power Tour, which included home winterization and connecting residents to rebates, local residential and business electricity and natural gas usages were decreased by nearly 13 percent each during a two-year period running from 2015 to 2016. For additional information, contact Melissa Davis at melissa@newpowertour.com.

Melissa will use her expertise and her commitment to the community to serve the residents of District 2, which includes Torch Lake, Schoolcraft, Osceola, Franklin, and Quincy Townships. Melissa and her husband are the parents of one son.

Gretchen Janssen has had roots in the City of Houghton since 1968. After graduating from Houghton High School, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Advertising from Michigan State University and a Master’s in Education from Boston University. She has over 17 years of experience as a real estate professional with RE/MAX Real Estate in Houghton County and the surrounding areas.

Gretchen will apply her experience and knowledge on issues such as zoning, property taxes, and property ownership rights to the Board of Commissioners. Transparency of government is a priority for Gretchen and she welcomes the input of the constituents of District 4 in the City of Houghton on the county-wide issues that affect them.

Dr. Sharon Stoll was born and raised in the Upper Peninsula. After graduating from Northern Michigan University with a Bachelor’s in Human Physiology and Political Science, she went on to medical school at Michigan State and completed her training at the LaCrosse Mayo residency program in 2010. She has been serving the Keweenaw as a physician ever since the day she completed residency. She brings her energy and problem solving abilities, as well as an understanding of the healthcare needs of the community, to find solutions to issues confronting the residents of Houghton County, from the Houghton County Medical Care Facility to the County Jail.

Sharon is passionate about people and looks forward to serving the folks of the rugged and beautiful District 5: Chassell, Duncan, Elm River, Laird, Portage and Stanton Townships. Sharon, a mother of three, is a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and the Red Jacket Cycling Club. She has volunteered in the medical tent at many area sporting events, founded a school garden, and served as a coach with the Copper Country Soccer Association.

(Inset photos of Melissa, Gretchen and Sharon courtesy Houghton County Democratic Party.)

Houghton County Master Plan Favors TEA Party: What you can do about it

Recently, there have been changes that favor TEA party positions in the county Master Plan.

Citizens are encouraged to read the proposed plan and make verbal comments along with submitting written comments at a Planning Commission Meeting at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, March 20, on the 5th Floor of the Houghton County Courthouse.

The plan is available to read online or download by clicking here.

Democrats from two counties march against tax bill

By Michele Bourdieu

Marchers head across the Portage Lift Bridge on Dec. 9 to protest the tax bill heading through Congress. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

HOUGHTON -- A group of marchers organized by both the Houghton County and the Baraga County Democratic parties braved a cold Saturday morning, Dec. 9, to protest the potential tax bill heading through the House and Senate on a fast-track this month. Carrying signs protesting a bill that, if passed, is expected to reduce taxes for the wealthy and corporations while increasing the deficit and threatening benefits for working class and middle class families and seniors, concerned citizens marched from Houghton to Hancock and back across the Portage Lift Bridge.

About 35 protesters, including members of both the Houghton County and Baraga County Democratic parties, showed up for the Dec. 9 march against the proposed tax bill, which Republicans hope to pass before Christmas. Several passers-by honk horns in support of the protesters. (Video by Keweenaw Now)

Valorie Troesch, Houghton County Democratic Party co-organizer, with Bill Binroth, of the march, said she learned from her father, a farmer who supported his family on a small Iowa farm, that the Republican idea of trickle-down economics is a flawed myth -- and now she sees the Republican/Trump/Bergman proposed tax legislation as built on that myth.

Valorie Troesch, co-organizer of the Dec. 9 march against the tax bill, displays her sign of concern for senior benefits. With her, at right, is Emily Fiala of Houghton. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

"My father used to say that when the farmer did well, the entire country did well," Troesch said. "I didn't understand what he meant until years later. But what he was talking about is exactly the opposite of trickle down voo-doo economics which holds that, if the wealthy get wealthier through favorable tax policies, their wealth will trickle down and help the folks at the bottom. All the Republican tax bill accomplishes is to ensure that prosperity will remain in the pockets of the wealthy. A real tax cut for the low income and middle class would make sure that tax breaks go directly to them. Cuts would be targeted, obvious, immediate, and substantial. The Republican plan is a tax sham designed only to further exacerbate the wealth gap and to create a pretense for eliminating the New Deal and Great Society programs for low and middle income workers and families."

Sharon Eklund, right, Baraga County Democratic Party chair, led a group of about 10 Party members from the Baraga - l'Anse area to participate in the Dec. 9 march across the Portage Lift Bridge in Houghton. Pictured with Eklund, at left, is her granddaughter Melanie Gibbs, 10, of Ishpeming. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

Sharon Eklund, Baraga County Democratic Party chair, said she brought a group of her Party members to join the march because of her opposition to President Trump's behavior and policies.

"When Trump was elected I was in a deep depression," Eklund said, "because if there's a presidential candidate who can get up in front of people and insult disabled people he will not be a president for any of the common people."

Liz Hakola of Pelkie, also a Baraga County democrat, was among the group Eklund led to Houghton for the march.

"I came to protest the tax giveaways to the billionaires and the takeaway from the poor and the working middle class," Hakola told Keweenaw Now. "I think that the next step is the Republican Congress will use the deficit that they cause to rationalize cuts in spending for social security, medicare and medicaid."

Liz Hakola of Pelkie, left, in pink hat, is pictured here with other march participants from Baraga County, including Linda Zimmer, second from left, and Sharon Eklund, center, in white hat. (Photo courtesy Sharon Eklund and Baraga County Democratic Party)

During the march, two Houghton County residents, Nancy Imm, left, and Denise Heikinen display their signs opposing U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman's support of the tax plan and Trump's negative character, respectively. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

Bill Binroth, co-organizer for the march and Houghton County Democratic Party co-chair, displays a sign showing his concerns about health care and government programs that could be cut if the Republican tax bill is approved. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

According to a Dec. 15 article in The Hill, Republicans revealed the final version of their tax bill on Dec. 15 and hope to have Trump sign it before Christmas. The House is expected to vote on the bill this Tuesday, followed by the Senate.*

In another article today, Dec. 17, The Hill quotes Sen. Bernie Sanders as saying Democrats did all they could in opposing the bill.

"Sanders described the GOP legislation as a 'massive attack on the middle class,' countering Republicans’ argument that the bill will help middle-class families through tax cuts."**

The article continues, "The bill cuts the top individual rate from 39.6 percent to 37 percent and also slashes the corporate tax rate from 35 to 21 percent.

"Sanders blamed the resulting legislation on the 'priorities' of the individuals who wrote the bill."**

Notes: 

* See "Republicans unveil final version of tax bill."

** See "Sanders: 'I think we did everything we could' to stop tax bill."

Click here for the final (Dec. 15) text of the tax bill. You can call Rep. Bergman at (202) 225-4735 to express your views on his support of the tax bill.

Portage Library to host Running for Local Office workshop Oct. 11

HOUGHTON -- The Portage Lake District Library will host the Houghton County Democratic Party from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 11, for "A Primer on Running for Local Office: Getting You to 'Yes.'"

Valorie Troesch, former Democratic candidate for Houghton County commissioner, will lead this workshop.

Valorie Troesch is pictured here at a local parade during her 2016 campaign for Houghton County commissioner. (File photo courtesy Valorie Troesch)

People who have run for local office will share their experiences and will address the truths and myths about what it takes to run for local office. Participants will learn what the local elective and appointed positions are and what qualifications are required for each position, how to get on the ballot, how to prepare to run for local office, how to run a winning campaign, and what resources are available to support candidates.

"We Democrats work hard to advocate for values and policies that reflect who we are and that promise better lives for the people in our community," Troesch commented. "Too often, however, local elective offices go unchallenged by Democrats because the prospect of running for office is so daunting. If you have ever considered putting your hat in the ring, this workshop is for you!"

There is no cost to attend, and light refreshments will be served. Those who are interested in participating may contact Troesch at houghtondems@gmail.com.

All library events and programs are free and everyone is welcome. For more information please call the library at 482-4570.

At the invitation of the Baraga County Democratic Party, a similar Running for Local Office workshop will be held in Baraga County from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 8, at the new Hospital.

Portage Lake District Library to host Houghton County Democratic Party workshop on running for local office June 19

HOUGHTON -- The Portage Lake District Library will host the Houghton County Democratic Party from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday, June 19, for "A Primer on Running for Local Office: Getting You to 'Yes.'"

This workshop will be lead by Valorie Troesch and will address the truths and myths about what it takes to run for local office. Participants will learn what the local elective and appointed positions are and what qualifications are required for each position, how to get on the ballot, how to prepare to run for local office, how to run a winning campaign, and what resources are available to support candidates. People who have run for local office, including Troesch, will share their experiences.

Valorie Troesch waves to supporters during a local parade last summer, when she first ran for Houghton County Commissioner. Troesch, an active member of the Houghton County Democratic Party, said she may run for this same office again. She plans to share her experiences with citizens interested in running for local office at a workshop on Monday, June 19, at the Portage Lake District Library. (Keweenaw Now file photo courtesy Valorie Troesch)

"We Democrats work hard to advocate for values and policies that reflect who we are and that promise better lives for the people in our community," Troesch commented. "Too often, however, local elective offices go unchallenged by Democrats because the prospect of running for office is so daunting. If you have ever considered putting your hat in the ring, this workshop is for you!"

There is no cost to attend, and light refreshments will be served. Those who are interested in participating may contact Troesch at houghtondems@gmail.com.

All library events and programs are free and everyone is welcome. For more information please call the library at 482-4570.

Local "Bergman/Trumpcare Die-In" event to expose dangers of "American Health Care Act" May 13

"Die-In" participants display signs to warn of the potential deadly consequences of the "American Health Care Act" passed last week by the U.S. House of Representatives. (Photo via @Indivisible_SAZ and courtesy Marika Seigel)

HOUGHTON -- Veteran's Park in Houghton will be the scene of a "Bergman/Trumpcare Die-In" at noon on Saturday, May 13. The Houghton County Democratic Party, in partnership with Indivisible and Houghton/Keweenaw Forward Action Michigan, will host this event in order to expose the "American Health Care Act" (AHCA, passed by the U.S. House of Representatives last week) for the harm it will do, to hold Congressman Bergman accountable to his constituents for the lives that will be lost, and to put the Senate on notice that the only way forward for the American people is Medicare-for-All.

According to the progressive group Indivisible, "A die-in is a form of nonviolent direct action protest where participants publicly pretend to die to highlight a deadly problem."*

Here is the problem:

Under the AHCA, as passed by the House, more than 24 million Americans would lose their health insurance over the next 10 years. This includes over 40,000 residents of Congressman Jack Bergman’s 1st District of Michigan. It is estimated that upwards of 44,000 Americans could die every year from lack of health insurance. Guaranteed protection for persons with pre-existing conditions would end, resulting in no coverage or premiums that are unaffordable by many Americans. Older Americans would pay far more for health insurance and health care. The tax on high income taxpayers that extended the solvency of Medicare would be repealed, throwing the future of Medicare into doubt. Medicaid would no longer be a program for anyone who qualifies but, rather, a block grant to states who would have to ration care and cut the quality of services.

The only people who come out ahead under the AHCA are the wealthy and corporations. They would get over $600 billion in tax breaks while the rest of us pay more for health care or are denied access to affordable health care. Bottom line is that the AHCA is nothing more than a tax break for the wealthy. This is the bill that Congressman Bergman -- who is supposed to represent the constituents of the 1st District -- voted for. He must now own it and all the adverse consequences that follow.

This bill now goes to the Senate but, unless the Senate adopts Medicare-for-All, there isn’t much that the Senate can do to take the harm to Americans out of the AHCA. This is an immoral piece of legislation that must be defeated.

How to participate in the Die-In:

Gather at Veteran's Park at noon on Saturday, May 13. Bring a sign shaped like a tombstone. The sign could name a pre-existing condition that would no longer be covered, comment on the AHCA, or call out Bergman/the GOP directly. A sign-making event will be held in the Michigan Room of the Portage Lake District Library from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 11. You can drop in at any time during these two hours to make a sign. Supplies will be on hand. (If you don't have time to make a sign but would still like to participate in the die-in, please come anyway!)

Program:

The MC will make opening remarks about the AHCA, and then signal that it is time to die (lie down) with the phrase "Here are the consequences." At that point, participants lie down and hold up tombstones. (If you are not able to lie down, you could bring a folding chair to sit in or remain standing).

Several people will share brief (1-2 minute) stories about how the Affordable Care Act (ACA or Obamacare) helped them, or about how the AHCA would negatively effect them or people they love. If you would be willing to share a story, please email Marika Seigel at marika.seigel@gmail.com. Those who are sharing stories should remain standing and lined up next to the MC.

The MC will make closing remarks and then signal that it is time to stand with the phrase "We will rise."

* Click here to learn about Indivisible.

Local residents rally on Lift Bridge in solidarity with national day of action, "Our First Stand: Save Health Care"

By Michele Bourdieu

More than 150 local supporters walk across the Portage Lift Bridge on Sunday, Jan. 15, in solidarity with a national day of action to Save Health Care. Click on photos for larger view. (Photos by Keweenaw Now unless otherwise indicated)

HOUGHTON -- The sun finally appeared with some warmer weather -- about 30 degrees F -- on Sunday, Jan. 15, well timed for the crowd of more than 150 local residents concerned about health care who marched across the Portage Lift Bridge with a variety of signs expressing support for Medicare, Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act and Planned Parenthood. The Houghton event, organized by the Houghton County Democratic Party, was one of many rallies around the country participating in a day of action, "Our First Stand: Save Health Care," called for by Democratic Congressional leaders led by Bernie Sanders.

Health care supporters walk across the Portage Lift Bridge on Sunday, Jan. 15, many displaying signs to express their concerns about potential Republican threats to privatize, eliminate or de-fund Medicare, Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Planned Parenthood. Click on YouTube icon for larger picture. (Video by Keweenaw Now)

Valorie Troesch of Houghton, one of the organizers of the Houghton event and an active member of the Houghton County Democratic Party, said she was really pleased with the large turnout.

"It shows how much people in the community care about health care issues," Troesch said. "It's not just the Affordable Care Act. It's Medicare, Medicaid and Planned Parenthood."

Troesch noted 99 percent of Planned Parenthood's funding goes to pay for health care for poor women.

Valorie Troesch, one of the organizers of Houghton's day of action to Save Health Care, displays a sign reminding concerned citizens to call newly elected First District U.S. Congressman Jack Bergman (R) and Republican Speaker of the House Paul Ryan to let them know Medicare should not be privatized or de-funded.

"The big point I want to make is our job isn't done with this rally," Troesch added. "It's just beginning. The most important thing people need to do is to contact their representative in Congress, in particular Bergman and Ryan. People have to inundate their offices with phone calls."*

Troesch said it's important to make these calls to Congressmen, who think about their chances of re-election, to communicate the message that large numbers of people want to save public health care.

Janeen Stephenson of Houghton said she would like to participate in a march like this every weekend.

Janeen Stephenson, left, and Keren Tischler pause for a photo on the Portage Lift Bridge during Sunday's Save Health Care rally.

"I don't want to see the Affordable Care Act gutted," Stephenson said. "I'd like to see our country invest more resources in health care for all."

Stephenson said she believes we all have a responsibility to act on this issue.

"My heart is broken because people will die if they start gutting this," Stephenson added.

Hilary Virtanen, Finlandia University professor of Finnish Studies, said she was concerned about Congress taking away or de-funding existing health care programs without letting the public know the plan for what they'll do next to replace them.

Hilary Virtanen, Finlandia University professor of Finnish Studies, right, and Keith Troesch, husband of organizer Valorie Troesch of Houghton, display their signs near the Lift Bridge during the Save Health Care rally.

A large banner announced the concerns of Moyle construction employees, who recently went on strike in 2016 to convince the company to offer health care. The company then offered individual health care plans, but the present policy is not for families.

A group of employees and former employees of Moyle Construction Co. display a large banner expressing their need for family health care.

"We're hoping for family health care in the future," said Troy Haapala, a former Moyle construction employee.

Bill Wanhala, a Moyle employee who participated in the strike, said he was called back to work for two weeks and then laid off.

Also helping carry the banner was visitor Clark Palmer of Bemidji, Minn., who was supporting the Moyle employees.

Among the younger participants in the rally were Daphne Maki and Mya Johnson, juniors at Houghton High School. Wearing pink hats, they said they learned about the event from Daphne's Mom, Katie Maki of Houghton. They also hope to accompany her to the Women's March in Washington, DC, on Jan. 21.

Daphne Maki, left, and Mya Johnson, Houghton High School juniors, said they learned about the Save Health Care rally from Daphne's Mom, Katie Maki, of Houghton. Both are hoping to accompany Katie to the Women's March in Washington, DC, on Jan. 21, 2017.

Katie Maki told Keweenaw Now she marched in the bridge rally on Sunday because she believes health care is a human right.

"We should all have access to great care no matter our finances nor pre-existing conditions," Katie said. "The Republicans have not come up with any replacement for the ACA. The ACA needs improvements and is not perfect, but going backwards only hurts everyone."

Katie Maki took this photo of Daphne, right, and Mya, who carries a sign with statistics on how much health care Planned Parenthood provides each year. (Photo © and courtesy Katie Maki)

David Hall and his wife, Dana Van Kooy, of Houghton said they were very impressed with the great turnout at the bridge march on Sunday.

"It is obviously important to a lot of people in this area that we need to preserve the Affordable Health Care Act," Hall said. "We cannot return to the time when millions of Americans were uninsurable due to preexisting conditions and when women paid higher premiums, just because of their gender. The Affordable Care Act has allowed millions of us to have health insurance, regardless of income, and has saved families from bankruptcy due to high health care costs. Our freshman Congressman Jack Bergman seems to be out of touch with the needs of our community. He has voted to kill affordable health insurance, and we need to let him know we are displeased. Access to affordable health insurance and health care is a human right. Health insurance should be universal. A healthy community is a vibrant community."

More photos ...
   

Displaying their signs on the bridge are, from left, Miguel Levy and Anita Levy of Chassell and Lois Jambekar of Houghton.

From left, Michigan Tech Professor Sarah Green, Jill Burkland of Houghton and Becky Darling of Chassell soak up the sunshine while walking across the Lift Bridge for Health Care.

Libby Meyer, Michigan Tech music professor, holds a sign that acknowledges Bernie Sanders as the leader of Sunday's Save Health Care rallies across the country. Behind her is her husband, Evan McDonald, Keweenaw Land Trust executive director.

Rally participants display "Honk 4 Health Care" signs inviting passing motorists to sound their horns in support, which many did. (Photo © and courtesy Katie Maki)

More participants with their signs line the length of the Lift Bridge. (Photo © and courtesy Katie Maki)

Joan Chadde, director of Michigan Tech's Center for Science and Environmental Outreach, waves while crossing the bridge with the crowd of health care supporters.

After walking across the bridge from Houghton to Hancock, the marchers stood peacefully along the bridge displaying their signs and then returned to Houghton. 

For background on the Jan. 15 day of action to Save Health Care, click here.

*Editor's Note: Call House Speaker Paul Ryan at  (202) 225-3031. Call U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman at (202) 225-4735.