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By Paul J. Sniadecki
MLSA Board Director

In less than a month, on Tuesday, August 8, 2018, citizens of our state go to the polls for the 2018 Michigan Primary Election. We will be electing candidates for the November 2018 General Election. The races include the Governor spot, as well as many Representatives and Senators in the Michigan Legislature. There are also some Federal Senator and House of Representative positions involved.

Michigan is one of the most heavily gerrymandered states in the country (NATION Magazine, Aug 29, 2017), which makes the Primary a crucial time to “get out the vote” so we can elect officials who will seek to protect water and the many issues that might impact fellow waterfront property owners. Because gerrymandering facilitates the election of “certain candidates” in the fall General Election, the way to override such calculated action is by electing the better candidates in August.

If the candidates on “your ballot” are already proven advocates for water conservation and”lake-friendly” action, please support them in every aspsect possible.  As a “Great Lakes State  hosting over 11,000 inland lakes, Michigan is in bad need of political candidates that understand the importance of environmental regulation, and of the need to reinvest in our freshwater related infrastucture.  When candidates knock on your door, participate in public debates, or hold rallies, ask them their position on inland lake focused issues such as short-term rentals, uniform septic/sewage regulations, large quantity water withdrawals, stable funding for the MiCorps Cooperative Lakes Monitoring Program, aquatic invasive species management related issues and other water related issues you care about. Be sure to share their answers with other members of your lake association and family/friends who are registered to vote.

As the entertainer Milton Berle always said:  “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” As stewards of our inland lakes, we build the “door” when we raise water and lake issues with the Michigan Primary Election candidates, and then vote accordingly. By taking action in your voting district we can advance the opportunity for stewardship throughout Michigan. It takes a little effort now, which is a sound investment in the future our lakes and water.

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