Haveman Steps Down – Lyon Appointed

Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) Director Jim Haveman has resigned his position effective September 12^th. Haveman was appointed Director in 2012 and intended to stay in that capacity through 2015, however, his health has resulted in a change of plans.

Director Haveman experienced a minor stroke on Memorial Day and, after consultation with his family and physician, decided to accelerate his timeline.

In addition to directing MDCH since 2012, Haveman has been executive of the People Group since the beginning of this year. He was also MDCH Director from 1996 to 2003 and Director of the Michigan Department of Mental Health from 1991 to 1996.

Michigan Governor Rick Snyder appointed the Department’s Chief Deputy Director, Nick Lyon, as the new Director. Lyon has served as MDCH Operations Administration Deputy Director from 2010 to 2011 and as Deputy Director of the Health Policy and Regulation Administration from 2003 to 2008.

He also served as Director of the Office of Budget Development and General Government within the State Budget Office and as the Department of Attorney General’s finance officer.

posted by PAA Online , Friday, August 29, 2014 9:21 AM
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Schauer Takes Small Lead Over Snyder in Recent Poll

An EPIC/MRA poll released this Wednesday showed Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Mark Schauer with a slight lead over Governor Rick Snyder for the first time in a poll since June of 2013.

The poll, conducted August 22^nd through 25^th of 600 likely voters, showed that 45 percent support Mr. Schauer when asked, while 43 percent supported Governor Snyder. 12 percent remain undecided or would not provide an answer. The poll shows the race is a dead-heat as the results are still within the 4 percentage point margin of error.

More than anything, the results indicate that Mr. Schauer has significantly increased his name identification through the TV ads run by both he and the Democratic Governors Association. 44 percent of respondents in a July poll did not know who Mr. Schauer was – a number down to 29 percent in the recent poll.

Incumbent Governors have historically been successful in re-election efforts, the exception perhaps being Governor Jim Blanchard who lost his bid for a third term in 1990.

posted by PAA Online , 9:21 AM
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2015 to Bring Wolf Hunt

The House voted 65-43 on Wednesday to approve the initiated law that supersedes two anti-wolf hunting referenda on the November ballot and, as a result, the Natural Resources Commission will be given the ability to grant a wolf hunting season beginning in 2015.

Nine Democrats voted “yes” on the item: Representatives Terry Brown (Pigeon), Charles Brunner (Bay City), Tom Cochran (Mason), Scott Dianda (Calumet), Harold Haugh (Roseville), John Kivela (Marquette), Bill LaVoy (Monroe), Stacey Erwin Oakes (Saginaw), and Harvey Santana (Detroit). Three Republicans crossed over and voted “no” on the proposal: Representatives Mike Callton (Nashville), Martin Howrylak (Troy), and Mike McCready (Bloomfield Hills).

The Scientific Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act is established by the proposal. In addition to providing game designation authority to the Natural Resources Commission, the law also allows for free hunting and fishing licenses to military veterans and appropriates $1 million toward Asian carp prevention, the latter of which makes the new law immune from challenge by a subsequent referendum.

Attorneys for opponents of the law have already hinted at court challenges based on the language in the new law.

posted by PAA Online , 9:20 AM
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PAAdvisory Briefs

Banks to Lead Detroit Caucus

State Representative Brian Banks (D-Detroit) has been elected to lead the Detroit Caucus for the House of Representatives in 2015, stepping in to replace outgoing Chair Representative Thomas Stallworth III (D-Detroit) who did not seek re-election to the House in order to run for the Senate. Representative Banks is among only four incumbent Representatives returning to the House; the others are Representative Alberta Tinsley-Talabi (D-Detroit), Representative Rose Mary Robinson (D-Detroit), and Representative Harvey Santana (D-Detroit).

Byrum to Negotiate Debates

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mark Schauer has chosen former House Democratic Leader Dianne Byrum to conduct debate negotiations with the Governor Rick Snyder campaign. Schauer has called for four debates, urging televised, evening, debates to ensure a wide audience. Governor Snyder has not mentioned a specific number of debates he prefers, however, has encouraged a debate before the Detroit Economic Club.

Only One Recount Sought

Christina Barr of Pontiac, who lost the Republican nomination in the 29^th House District by 6 votes, is the only losing candidate to file for a recount prior to this week’s deadline to do so. Ms. Barr, who lost to David Lonier of Auburn Hills, requested 17 of 42 precincts be recounted. The 29^th House District is currently held by House Minority Leader Tim Greimel (D-Auburn Hills) and has a very heavy Democratic base, so either Ms. Barr or Mr. Lonier will have an uphill battle come November.

posted by PAA Online , 9:19 AM
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