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NBC & FOX Mid-Michigan Now (Mid-Michigan)- June 5, 2023
A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new Flint Commerce Center, which will be built at the brownfield site, which was once a major General Motors manufacturing facility.
Detroit News- June 5, 2023
[...] state, local and federal officials will celebrate the groundbreaking for the first building at the new Flint Commerce Center at the former GM Buick City campus. That event will mark the start of construction on a facility that is scheduled to be complete in early 2024.
Detroit News (Detroit)- June 5, 2023
The former General Motors Co. Buick City campus is one step closer to a new future following a groundbreaking ceremony Monday for the first building of the new Flint Commerce Center.
WNEM CBS5 (Flint)- June 5, 2023
Ashley Capital is redeveloping the area into the Flint Commerce Center, located at 2201 Industrial Ave. in Flint. The investment firm closed on the first 20 acres of the site earlier this year and is working with RACER Trust to acquire the rest of the site. That is expected to happen by the end of August. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Congressman Dan Kildee, and Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley attended the groundbreaking ceremony, along with other state and local leaders.
MLIVE (Statewide)- June 5, 2023
Governor Gretchen Whitmer was joined by Ashley Capital Senior Vice President Susan Harvey and others at a groundbreaking event that marked the start of the redevelopment on the morning of Monday, June 5. After fully completed, the Flint Commerce Center will generate a $300 million local investment with 10 buildings, 3.5 million square feet of space and up to 3,000 new jobs.
Michigan Radio- June 5, 2023
Susan Harvey is with Ashley Capitol, the company that plans to eventually transform the more than 300-acre brownfield site into an operating industrial center in the heart of Flint.
ABC12 (Flint)- June 5, 2023
Construction officially started Monday on a $300 million redevelopment of the sprawling Buick City site in Flint. Years after the last car rolled off the assembly line at Buick City, Ashley Capital from New York hosted a groundbreaking ceremony Monday for the first of 10 industrial buildings planned on the 350-acre site.
The Center Square- June 5, 2023
“We’ve made this massive investment because we think Flint is a good place to be, with an excellent partner in the city of Flint, strong workforce, great infrastructure, and ready access to expressways, rail, and abundant electricity," Senior Vice President for Ashley Capital Susan M. Harvey said in a statement.
The Guy Gordon Show - May 27, 2023
John Sellek and WJR’s Guy Gordon talked about Gov. DeSantis’ choice of Twitter to make his announcement.
The Guy Gordon Show - May 16, 2023
#Change4Oxford's Lori Bourgeau joins The Guy Gordon Show on WJR to discuss orange graduation cords that were ordered by students at Oxford High School. Orange is the color of the gun violence prevention moment.
The Steve Gruber Show - May 11, 2023
Kelly Kuiper has personally faced countless nasty meetings as she attempted to simply pursue permitting for new aggregate mining facilities. That's why she testified before Michigan legislature about reforming the system.
Oxford High School shooting: Meetings allow parents to question safety report
Fox 2 Detroit - May 11, 2023
"The same words came to mind that came to me immediately after the shooting. We’re still left hoping for some accountability, lack of trust, transparency, a need for oversight," said Lori Bourgeu, with Change4Oxford."
Oxford parents calling for better safety measures, policy enforcement
WNEM - Saginaw - May 11, 2023
“Parents and advocates are calling for better safety measures after the release of an independent investigation report following the mass shooting at Oxford High School in November 2021. “They’re the ones who need to be safe. They’re the ones whose trust was broken. They’re the ones who were hurt on Nov. 30,” said Lori Bourgeu, parent-leader of Change4Oxford.”
Oxford parents call for transparency on safety policies
WLNS - Lansing - May 11, 2023
“The high school has its own separate threat assessment team from the middle school, and those two teams don’t communicate with each other, which would be an area I would definitely like to see improvement on,” said Andrea Jones, member of Change for Oxford.”
Parents want more answers to questions about security at Oxford Community Schools
Michigan Radio - Statewide - May 11, 2023
“Andrea Jones is a parent who's also affiliated with the group Change4Oxford. “This report for me did not do anything to restore trust in the district,” said Jones, who added many students and parents continue to feel unsafe in Oxford schools.”
‘It’s incredibly frustrating.’ Oxford releases safety investigation that doesn’t address 2021 mass shooting
mlive - May 11, 2023
“Two mothers of Oxford High students who are part of Change 4 Oxford, a group advocating for district transparency, said they’re glad some information is being released, but they want more. “I have been screaming it from the beginning: how can you know what to fix if you don’t know what’s broken,” said Lori Bourgeau.”
Oxford parents react to first investigation report
The Oakland Press - May 11, 2023
“Overall I have a lot more questions than answers. This report, for me, did not do anything to restore trust in the district,” said Jones, who had just come from a public meeting held by Guidepost to address questions from the community….Bourgeau said the district still needs more mental health training for staff and administrators in recognizing if a student needs help.
“The entire staff needs to be trained.”
Two Oxford parents frustrated by delay with independent report about shooting
Detroit News - May 11, 2023
“Andrea Jones and Lori Bourgeau, both parents of children in the Oxford school district, held a Thursday Zoom press conference to discuss the 179-page Guidepost Solutions report released Monday that revealed that threat assessment teams only inquired about access to firearms involving troubled students half of the time after the 2021 mass shooting at the high school.”
Sand and gravel industry alleges local governments not qualified to decide whether to approve new mines
Michigan Radio- May 10, 2023
"'Michigan's crumbling infrastructure and strong economy is driving up demand for a limited amount of permitted aggregate. The statewide supply shortage is due to local units of governments effectively blocking the opening of new mines,' said Doug Needham, Executive Director of the industry group."
Fix the damn roads? Michigan must first decide who OKs the darn gravel mines
BridgeMI- May 9, 2023
“We’re not looking to reinvent the wheel,” said Doug Needham, executive director of the Michigan Aggregates Association. “We're just looking to be aligned with many other extractive industries in our state.”
Inkster, Oxford Officials Express Support For Aggregate Bills
Gongwer - May 5, 2023
"John Sellek, chief strategist and CEO of Harbor Strategic Public Affairs, cited some information from Ms. Witwer's bill in a release for those who are worried the plan will "silence communities." Under the bill, Mr. Sellek noted that several notices, including a public notice on the department's website, would be made available until the application is granted or denied."
Local Governments Unite Against Aggregate Bills
MIRS - May 4, 2023
PulteGroup Shareholder Files Lawsuit Seeking Details of C-suite Internal Investigation
PR Newswire - May 4, 2023
“Company investors seeking a fully transparent release of all investigative documents to shareholders related to oversight of reports of executive's violations of the Company's Code of Ethical Business Conduct.”
Coalition Of Union, Business Leaders Show Support For Aggregate Bills
Gongwer - May 3, 2023
"'While Michigan is spending more tax dollars on roads than at any time in history, it's incumbent on state government to ensure every dollar possible is put directly into getting results for taxpayers,' Mr. Needham said."
No prominent Republican candidate has emerged in race for Michigan U.S. Senate seat
Detroit Free Press - May 1, 2023
"Namely, the Democrats have seemed to settle on who the party establishment would coalesce behind out of the public eye rather than put forward a slate of candidates to duke it out on the campaign trail."
Michigan legislation aims to provide justice for sex abuse survivors
UpNorthNow- April 27, 2023
“As a public high school teacher, I also know that, according to the CDC, 1 in 5 of my female students have experienced sexual violence in the last year alone, and I want my state government to fight to protect and support my students,” said Evan Bonsall, Rise Organizer for the Michigan Campaign.
Legislators, sexual assault survivors and advocates announce legislative package
WWMT- April 27, 2023
“State law should not dictate which survivors have access to justice. That is why our bills allow justice for all survivors,” Representative Brixie said. “When survivors do come forward, they must be given an opportunity to access justice in our legal system.”
Lawmakers reintroduce package to support survivors of sexual assault
WKAR Radio- April 27, 2023
“Michigan is the only state in the nation to pass a law restricting survivors' access to justice based on the occupation of the abuser," she said. "It's not about who committed the abuse. It's about those who survived it. The legislature should not be dictating which survivors have access to justice,” said Rep. Julie Brixie.
LIVE STREAM Justice for Survivors Press Conference
House of Representatives Communications- April 27, 2023
“This is about our sons, our daughters, our nieces or nephews, our husbands and wives who have been afflicted with a public health crisis that's been hidden for far too long,” Rep. Julie Brixie said.
Bills would give sexual assault victims decades longer to sue
Crain’s Detroit Business- April 27, 2023
"All institutions in Michigan — public or private — should be implementing safe environment policies, training, and reporting requirements to keep children and young people safe wherever they come in contact with adults. [...] Our society as a whole must do better to protect every single child and vulnerable adult from the scourge and horror of sexual or physical abuse,” said Rep. Julie Brixie.
Plan lifting Michigan's statute of limitations on sex abuse lawsuits gets new push
The Detroit News- April 26, 2023
"... We were keenly aware that behind every single sexual assault survivor in our army are hundreds of sexual assault survivors who still don’t have a voice, who don’t have an army behind them, who are still suffering in silence and who still don’t have access to our justice system," said Rachael Denhollander in 2018, the first of more than 260 young women and girls to publicly accuse Nassar.
Lawmakers to propose 9 bills to increase statute of limitations on sexual assault cases
WXYZ Detroit- April 26, 2023
"It’s revictimizating a survivor a second time," said attorney Jennifer Glynn when statute of limitations runs out on victims. "That is what our criminal justice system does repeatedly to victims of sexual abuse.”
Gov. Whitmer joins Biden’s reelection team to win battleground Michigan
mlive - April 25, 2023
"A national co-chair position can sometimes be ceremonial to please a certain group but here “it’s completely the opposite. “President Biden likes Gov. Whitmer and counts on her energy,” said Sellek, who was the Michigan director for Mitt Romney’s 2012 presidential campaign."
Livingston County's snub of red flag gun bills reflects polarized priorities
Detroit News - April 25, 2023
"Hopefully they can follow up on Sheriff Murphy's offer to get a beer together," he said, "because even if they disagree at times, public safety depends on their ability to work together on many other issues."
Michigan GOP may scrap 2024 primary for closed caucus. That could help Trump
Bridge Michigan - April 12, 2023
“Sellek questioned the ability of the Michigan GOP to set up a functional caucus system in the next 11 months. “When we look at the fact that the GOP doesn't even have a headquarters, it leaves you scratching your head about how they would even logistically pull that off.”
Whitmer's First 100 Days Eventful; Next 100 Days To Be Marked By Budget
MIRS News - Lansing - April 11, 2023
"so many things happened in the first 100 days of Michigan's Legislature that most of the public wouldn't be able to fully soak it in," said Sellek. To help unpack the gravitas of what was done, he said, Whitmer was using a tradition that started nearly 100 years ago with former President Franklin ROOSEVELT after he ushered the New Deal through Congress."
Discussing the PR & Legal Angles of the New Trump Charges
WJR - All Talk with Kevin & Tom - April 3, 2023
Harbor's John Sellek joined WJR's All Talk w/Tom & Kevin to discuss PR, political and legal angles of charges to be filed by the Manhattan District Attorney. 70% of independents told Quinnipiac it's mostly politics. Will that matter in court?
What is going on with Delta Crossings?
WILX - Lansing - March 17, 2023
“I made a promise to the Delta Township, Eaton County, the contractors. I made a commitment to them that I will see and get this development done and that was the plan and I’m excited to be able to have the opportunity now,” said Krstovski.”
Creditors Offer Counter Recommendations On Collections, Debt Processes
Gongwer News Service - March 21, 2023
“The recommendations act as a counterpoint to the Michigan Justice for All Commission recommendations issued late last year which delved into the need to manage the state's volume of debt collection cases and addressed challenges that consumers face if left unrepresented during the consumer debt process.”
MCBA Announces Plan To Improve Customer Debt Process In Judicial System
MIRS - March 21, 2023
“The Michigan Creditors Bar Association today urged the Michigan Supreme Court to take immediate action to help Michigan families avoid default judgments and garnishments, reduce local caseloads and protect the credit-based economy under its Protect Michigan's Families & Economy plan.”
Elissa Slotkin is fed up with school shootings. She's betting voters are, too
Detroit News - March 21, 2023
“What Slotkin is testing is something new for a Democrat and reflects her skill at "walking the line" of sensitive issues to win crossover voters in a congressional district that Trump won, said Sellek.”
Michigan State students’ training kicked in during shooting
Associated Press
“Among those attending was Andrea Jones, the mother of an Oxford High School senior and an eighth-grader at Oxford Community Schools. She said her niece attends Michigan State. For youngsters, even just experience lockdown drills can be traumatizing, she said."
My Take: Will Democrats still be smiling next year?
Holland Sentinel - February 9, 2023
“Accordingly, the Democrats’ celebration in the Capitol Building was not just about winning in 2022, but also their decades-long desire to repudiate the legacies of John Engler, Rick Snyder, Donald Trump, and heck, why not, Mike Shirkey.”
Michigan's move to early primary state in '24 brings potential for economic boon
Detroit News - February 4, 2023
"President Biden loves Michigan, sees himself as a Midwesterner, and thinks that it's a safe place to play and protect himself and wants to see that be in place," Sellek said of Michigan's early-state status.
Slotkin seen by many as frontrunner to replace Stabenow in US Senate
Lansing State Journal - February 1, 2023
“Elissa Slotkin turned out to be an incredibly effective politician,” Sellek said. “She won this 50/50 seat under bombardment from record levels of national spending, she managed to avoid being sucked into the far left,
After years of turmoil, Michigan Gov. Whitmer looks to shape an ambitious Democratic agenda
MLive - January 25, 2023
“It’s a blessing and a curse for the Governor,” Sellek said. “There are a lot of folks who will see it as a blank check...the tightrope that the Governor has to walk, is to keep it from being spent like it’s mad money.”
Michigan Democrats unveil first moves in new session
Associated Press - January 12, 2023
"Sellek said Democrats were wise to lead with tax cuts, their main promise on the campaign trail. "There wasn't a single ad about right to work. It was Dem candidates saying 'We need to reduce spending, cut taxes and give money back to people who are suffering"
GOP, Dems strategize to run for Stabenow's Senate seat; may face pressure to retire early
Fox 2 Detroit - January 9, 2023
“What's the best thing for the rest of the Democratic Party and Gov. Whitmer? To avoid a messy primary, get somebody into that seat, start raising money and show the rest of the state who they are."
Michigan's U.S. Sen. Stabenow won't seek reelection in 2024
The Detroit News - January 5, 2023
“She was a huge counterweight to John Engler when he was governor and she was in the state Senate," said John Sellek, a Republican consultant and founder of Harbor Strategic Public Affairs. "Her decision to decouple property taxes from school funding led to Proposal A, and Engler's victory on property tax reform. She played a game of brinksmanship, and she was a huge part of that era of Michigan politics."