2/10/2025

Update: Action to oppose government Coup

Here’s a brief outline of the comments I intend to make at Tuesday’s Houghton Country Commissioners meeting.

Welcome new people to the list.
Here’s a brief outline of the comments I intend to make at Tuesday’s Houghton Country Commissioners meeting.

I’ll comment during the first comment period, about a HCRLF Loan for Gabby’s Guppies (new childcare business). There will be an additional general comment period later as well. 4 minute time limit.

My points:
1. Thanks for listening, etc. 
2. I support childcare and small businesses, support the approving the Gabby’s Guppies application.
3. The CRLF program funds come from federal HUD Community Block Grant Program, funded by our federal taxes.
4. That program had its funds frozen last week after an illegal incursion of the US Treasury by a private citizen and his minions. A judge has since ordered that the freeze be lifted (and held them in contempt today when it wasn't).
5. Many other programs that your constituents depend on are threatened by these illegal actions: social security, housing assistance, medicare, veterans’ programs, mental health support. 
6. Musk is further threatening the >9000 federal workers in MI-01 (1st congressional district). About 40% of them work for veterans programs; about 30% are veterans themselves.
7. Do you have a plan to support Gabby’s Guppies and the rest of your constituents if this federal government take-over succeeds?
8. Can we count on you to tell officials in Washington how important federal jobs and funding are to Houghton County?

I hope others can join and make statement during this or the later comment period. I’ve been warned that the 4-min limit is strictly enforced for messages they don’t want to hear.

Other possible topics: 

• Upholding the rule of law; if billionaires in Washington don’t have to follow the law, why should we? 
• Federal funding for Michigan Tech provides many jobs in Houghton; federal grants pay salaries for staff and students. 
• Overhead on federal grants to Michigan Tech pays for support staff across campus (facilities, accounting, IT) with multiplying economic benefits. 
• Commissioners take an oath to uphold the US and MI constitutions, and are bound by the laws; they should oppose illegal actions by Washington.

Upcoming meetings:
Houghton County Board of Commissioners  4:00 pm, Tues, Feb 11
The Houghton County Board of Commissioners meet monthly on the second Tuesday following the first Monday of each month at 4:00 p.m. (February 11, 2025).
Meetings are held on the 5th floor of the Houghton County Courthouse, 401 East Houghton Avenue, Houghton, MI 49931.

Houghton City Council: 5:30 pm, Wed. Feb 12
The Houghton City Council meets at 5:30 p.m. on the Second and Fourth Wednesdays of every month (February 12th and 26th, 2025).
Meetings are held in the City Center Council Chambers, 616 Shelden Avenue.
"Each meeting includes opportunity for members of the public to address the Council on any subject.”

Hancock City Council: 6:00 Wed. Feb 19th
City of Hancock Council Meets the third Wednesday of the month. 
All Council Meetings are held in the Hancock City Hall Council Chambers. Meeting begins at 6:00 p.m.

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.


I hope to see a few of you at 4 Tuesday at the courthouse.
Thanks!
- Sarah

p.s.  This email is going to about 60 people (bcc); let me know if you want to be removed or use different address.