One might say U.S. Senator Gary Peters took a big chance Tuesday, by opening himself up to questions from our Club, who have been known to be rough on politicians. It just might be that Peters proved to be a pretty smooth politician as the club, maintaining decorum, posed some excellent questions that Sen. Peters answered or deflected with style and craftsmanship. In either case, one didn’t feel that he ignored the question, nor did he immediately drop into his talking points. Sure, they were there and he addressed them, but he did it with no small amount of finesse.
Peters, a former downstate Rochester Rotarian, built a career in business and the private sector before entering public service through State government, and now Federal representation, replacing long-seated and retiring Carl Levin in 2014. Senator Peters newest employee Leah Bagdon-McCallum  gave the introduction.

Tuesday was his first stop in Northern Michigan as a US Senator. He disarmingly  gave Leah excellent marks on her first day as an employee before beginning his remarks. He also introduced his statewide assistant Elise Lancaster who also once served as his Chief of Staff while he was a State Representative. He referenced his time as head the Lottery Commission and likened it tongue in cheek to the 50/50. After a brief resume he opened himself and the meeting up to questions.
He emphasized the importance of listening and turned the forum to us.He spoke to a number of issues. The first was in response to a question about squaring economic development with environmental development. He spoke of his own passion for environmental issues and the important place it holds to we who live along the coast of Lake Michigan. Adding though  job creation may be the trump card right now, he acknowledged the balancing act between economic and environment with no one issue reigning. That the two are not mutually exclusive. He exemplified this with the sustainability of energies across the state and the importance of stewardship.
Asked about the Iran deal, Peters admitted he had not yet made his decision on where he stood. He carefully sidestepped what could be a sticky response with his admission, and acknowledging the complexity of the deal and the polarization of this difficult issue. However, he did share some of his concerns with the deal, especially where we really will find ourselves 15 years from now, with Iran. He questions why they can maintain the potential for enrichment. How does that play with other Mideast nations who do not enrich by treaty?
The one control the Congress maintains are the banking sanctions, and Peters believes they are what brought Iran to the table in the first place and he spoke of his direct involvement with them as a US Representative. He believes we can still work from that as a position of strength.
He spoke of his bipartisan work with Governor Snyder especially the work on the International Bridge and its importance. He commented that ideology only lasts till you have to roll up your sleeves and get to work. Then it's time to find common ground. One comes away believing that Peters does believe this and finally won't stand on ideology alone. One gets a sense that he can find the common ground and will seek the middle ground.
Along with the above he did speak about the need for and his assessment of bills to advance funding for infrastructure progression throughout the state and the country. Another question dealt with the waterway pipeline issues. He recognizes the problem and knows it is incumbent upon him to work toward resolution. He already has worked through two hearings focused on waterway issues. He brought up some of the anticipated distinction between ocean and freshwater spills. He assured us it was a priority for him. Additionally he addressed the resiliency of our waterfront and the programs he has pushed through and is still engaged with to foster safe long term conservancy.
Baited by a question about the Trump campaign, he humorously talked of the trouble he could get himself into and avoided it all with no comment. On another light note he joked that he is the only Democrat in the senate freshman class, and therefore he is  the president of the Democratic freshman class. More to the point, as such, he can honestly say that in this context he truly  speaks with one voice!

The Elk Rapids Rotary Club has committed to match all Rotarian donations to the Welch Family designated charities, the Cowell Cancer Center and Munson Hospice.  Several of us have sent donations to Ms. Myrta Keelan at 2482 Birchwood, Kewadin, MI 49648. Those of you who remember Lee may want to know about this opportunity.  If you send your memorial to Myrta she will have it matched and sent with all the memorials to the Cowell Cancer Center and Munson Hospice.
Please contact Al Bonney if you have any questions albonney2@gmail.com . 

 

President Dale called us to order. Homer Nye gave the invocation. Guests were introduced by Benjamin  Marentette. We sang heartily under the direction of Don Fraser remembering Nat King Cole with “Mona Lisa”.
There was a moment of silence upon the passing of  Rotarian Lee Welch.
Everyone that participated in the annual golf outing had a great time…thanks to Mike Mindertsma once again for all his effort.
The Annual Wild Game Dinner is scheduled for September 21st. Make your plans!

John Olsen reminded all of the Alpena Maritime trip at the end of the month. You may still be able to sign up until Monday the 24th . Contact the office.