CRAG: report from Hancock + upcoming events
Hey CRAGgy friends,
Welcome new people to the Citizens Rally for Accountable Government!
Report on Hancock City Council Meeting
We had a great turnout at the Hancock City Council meeting tonight. Five people spoke up to support democracy: Joan Chadde spoke about the National Parks, Susan Burack talked about federal funding of local transportation, and Ruth Gill discussed local impacts of federal firings (and helpfully covered my last 2 points since I reached the 3-minute limit). My remarks are attached below.
In addition, a veteran, Tim Clark, spoke up about how cuts to the VA grave already affected him. (Did anybody have a chance to speak with him? he’s not on this list.
Finally, Anita Maki spoke in *favor* of the federal actions. She identified herself as a “J6-er” (people who participated in the Jan 6 riot).
Lots of supporters showed up. Thank You!! (did anyone count?)
Councilor Lisa McKenzie sent a note of thanks to the speakers.
Report on Calumet Village Council
Carol Pfefferkorn attended the meeting last night and sends the following note:
Hi all
I addressed the Calumet Village Council, last night - small group because of the blizzard weather (Tom drove me there).
I focused my remarks on the eventuality of the loss of funds should federal funding disappear - and what that could mean to a community that has done so much to improve (with that money).
Few comments but several people on the Council seemed to agree.
Carol
Upcoming
1. Michigan Tech Board of Trustees, Friday Feb 21, 9 am
MUB ballroom
2. Calumet Township 1:00 Fri. Feb 28th
The Charter Township of Calumet board meetings are held on the last Friday of each month starting at 1:00pm.
—> Please find the time/place of your local township. We can send someone to speak or support. I have a list here<---
3. Baraga County Commissioners March 10th, 5 pm
Circuit Courtroom of the Baraga County Courthouse, 16 N. Third Street, L’Anse, Michigan at 5:00 p.m.
Legislative News
- *** Anti-immigration bill introduced in the MI State legislature: HR-19
This bill threatens municipalities and universities that do not sufficiently cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. Rep Markkanen contact info. Call him. Ask for a public meeting.
This action follows the authoritarian playbook of intimidating and threatening people and institutions that don’t adhere to a political agenda.
- Bergman, still a no-show. Mary M got an intern to admit that he will not hold any public meetings.
Other activities and announcements
Sunday, February 23. March with our amazing local Ukrainian Action group. 🇺🇦
This local group Yoopers for Ukraine has been demonstrating weekly for three years. We own Ukraine an immense dept for their stand against tyranny. Join for this anniversary March for Peace and 3 - years of Resilience and Courage, Portage Lift Bridge Houghton. (contact Nadija Packauskas <yoopersforukraine@gmail.com> for details). Also:
- Talk Friday night Feb 21, 6 pm, Ukrainian Culture Center, 314 Shelden Ave, Houghton: Ukraine as a Harbinger for World Peace. Trump as a Harbinger for War
- Open House Ukrainian Culture Center, 3 year Anniversary, Pysanky demonstrations and conversations. Saturday, Feb 22 12-6,
Buy Nothing Day, February 28th. Consumer boycott, especially Big Box stores. Don’t use credit/debit cards.
(Interesting experiment, a google search for this brings up only scattered references to this action; DuckDuckGo brings up many more links.)
March 23 and 29 Keweenaw youth against Oligarchy
March 23 at 6:30pm: virtual listening session.
March 29, 10:40 am Community protest at the Bridge. The protest will be about an hour long, meeting at 10:40 am at Veterans Park, then walking across the bridge and back.
Contact Lexi Tater via @keweenawagainsttheoligarchy on Instagram or at abtater@mtu.edu.
Enjoy to sun on new snow!
Sarah