Why NetRoots Meet Ups are so Successful

Last night was our Netroots meet up with Lansing-are lawmakers, and by all accounts it was a success. Many thanks to the 20-30 folks who came out for the event and left us with standing room only. Even more thanks to State Sen. Gretchen Whitmer, Rep. Barb Byrum, Rep. Joan Bauer and Rep. Mark Meadows for joining us.

For most, it was their first meet-up of that type. We had a richly diverse group, from state employees to stay-at-home parents, to young professionals, to some local union members.

Everyone came with the same goal, to explore how we as a community come together to make our state work better for all of us. The most widely-talked about topic was the state budget and what it means for us, the citizen. Our guests helped us better understand what's going on at the state process, and we helped them understand what's important to us.

We also discussed how we can work better with our government to achieve some of the common goals that we have and how we continue to fight against the Republican propaganda machine.
When we started speaking about the blogs and the online community, it seemed apparent that our elected officials understood the importance of this tool, and the power that it has to reach across traditional communication lines. We talked about the need for everyone to step up their own personal advocacy, whether it be on or offline, to push for different measures that are necessary to keep our state great.

This meet-up was a success, and I hope that these types of meet ups will quickly be further embraced by our progressive legislative counter-parts. This is just another way that we continue to invest in our people, in our economy, in our future, and mostly importantly, this is how we continue to keep Michigan great!

Lansing Area Legislators Meet with Members of the Net-Roots Community - This Thursday!

I'm very pleased to announce that all four of Lansing's state lawmakers are meeting with bloggers and those active within the Net Roots community this Thursday.

State Senator Gretchen Whitmer had this to say in her press release on the event

Bloggers have become an emerging force within the internet political community, I am very excited to participate in this type of forum and to encourage net-roots activism.

State Senator Gretchen Whitmer (D-East Lansing) will be joined by State Representatives Barb Byrum (D-Onondaga), Joan Bauer (D-Lansing) and Mark Meadows (D-East Lansing) as they discuss how online activists can help legislators promote local and state-wide initiatives.

Thursday February 8th
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Beaner's
3499 E. Lake Lansing Rd.
East Lansing, MI 48823

**This event is not just for bloggers, but for anyone who's interested in politically engaging online and working with area legislators to achieve common goals.

For other state-wide meet-ups with legislators, stay tuned to LLP and Michigan Liberal for all the details!

New Democractic Leadership Reaches Out to Bloggers

Welcome to 2007! A year of change, a year of a new majority, and a year to continue to make Michigan great! It's encouraging to see that Michigan's Democratic leadership is reaching out for our assistance in shaping that future.

Come join Speaker of the House Andy Dillon, Majority Floor Leader Steve Tobocman, and Representative Barb Byrum as they meet with folks like you from the Michigan progressive/liberal/democratic blogosphere on

Friday, Febuary 16th
6pm - 7pm
Livingston County Democratic Party Office
10321 E. Grand River Suite 600
Brighton, MI. 48116

Of course, far be it from the folks in the Senate to miss out. Many thanks to Minority Leader Mark Schauer for offering to meet up

Wednesday, Febuary 21st
7pm - 8:30pm
Lansing Off-Site Office
3230 S. Pennslyvania
Lansing, MI 48910***
(Please RSVP for this event)

If you live in the Lansing area, (either the 67th, 68th, or 69th House Districts, or in Senate District 23), then Reps. Barb Byrum, Joan Bauer, Mark Meadows and Senator Gretchen Whitmer ask you that you join them

Thursday Febuary 8th
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Beaner's
3499 E. Lake Lansing Rd.
East Lansing, MI 48823

Of course, don't forget to attend the Michigan Democratic Party State Convention with Blogger's Caucus 2.0 on

Saturday Febuary 24th
10 am - 12pm
Cobo Hall
Detroit, MI

Many thanks to the above-mentioned legislators for reaching out to all of us.

For questions, concerns, or to schedule a Bloggers Meet-Up in your area, contact me.

Well Done Mr. Mayor Representative Meadows

Today the City of East Lansing celebrated 11 years of public service by former council member and mayor Mark Meadows. With over 100 people in attendance, including friends, families, and colleagues, the reception lasted several hours and was a real success.

If you recall, Mr. Meadows was elected in November to fill the seat left vacant by now Senator Gretchen Whitmer in the 69th State House District. Rep. Meadows was sworn in immediately to fill the vacancy, so unlike most other newly-elected representatives, Rep. Meadows won't have to wait till January to start serving his district.

On hand to celebrate his tenure and note his many accomplishments, State Senator Gretchen Whitmer (D-23), East Lansing City Council members, City Manager Ted Staton, Police Chief Tom Wibert, Fire Chief Randy Talifarro, Representatives from Michigan State University, a spokesman for U.S. Rep Mike Rogers (MI-08), and a letter of congratulations and thanks was read from Governor Jennifer Granholm. All who spoke touched on Rep. Meadows' high dedication to the people of the City.

Of most significant note, I was impressed with a few of the closing words by Rep. Meadows. He remarked that as time goes on, people will forget their public servants. Those who serve the public should always remember this - It's not about me, but about what we can do as a community.

If those words are truly an example of his attitude of public servitude, than his constituents can expect great things in the years to come.

Welcome aboard, Representative Meadows!