GCYD Endorses Lt. Governor John Cherry for Governor

The Genesee County Young Democrats are honored to make an early endorsement in the 2010 Michigan gubernatorial race. It is our privilege to endorse Lt. Governor John D. Cherry, Jr., a citizen of Genesee County and an incredibly talented public servant!

Lt. Governor Cherry has worked to make college affordable to all Michigan residents through his efforts as Chairman of the Commission on Higher Education & Economic Growth . Also, he has advocated against a culture of corporate irresponsibility and Washington political stunts aimed at the destruction of the American automakers, while passionately supporting the right of employees to organize. In addition, the Lt. Governor has been a zealous advocate for the preservation of Michigan natural resources. Finally, Cherry brings a long career of experience and expertize in Lansing that will continue to serve this State well. For these reasons, the GCYD is proud to join a whole lot of democrats who have endorsed Lt. Governor Cherry, including our own Genesee County Democratic Party.

Congratulations for earning our endorsement as well as the respect and admiration of Genesee County.

GCYD Endorses Flint Mayoral Candidates

The Genesee County Young Democrats are proud to announce our endorsements of Brenda Clack and Dayne Walling in the Flint mayoral primary. Flint has been devoid of responsible leadership at the highest offices of municipal governance for a long time. Flint’s leadership has failed to act with the professional dedication, intelligence, and talent necessary for Flint to take advantage of many opportunities and attempt recovery. Luckily, Flint has been able to depend upon the entrepreneurial zeal and civic dedication of private citizens and county officials. Yet, municipal officials have only hampered this private action and inhibited the ability of good people to make grand contributions. These failures and unprofessional conduct must end today. Therefore, “change” is not only a trendy political slogan, but a necessary means to the inevitable rebirth of the great city of Flint.

These two candidates offer unique qualities that have the potential to pull Flint into the future. Brenda Clack offers experience and professionalism, which are qualities that have sorely been lacking in City Hall. Mrs. Clack has a strong history in Flint politics. She has demonstrated her credibility as a citizen of Flint and as a Democrat. Dayne Walling offers an exciting vision with change at its core. In addition, Mr. Walling has demonstrated his own brand of professionalism and experience focusing on urban planning and redevelopment. Both candidates have the potential to be amazing in City Hall. Both bring the possibility of a transformation in municipal government that is necessary in order to support the incredible amounts of redevelopment in downtown Flint.

For the foregoing reasons, the GCYD is happy to congratulate both candidates in earning our endorsement.

Candidate Forum was a Success!!!

On July 30th, the GCYD and Alpha Phi Alpha (Theta Tau Chapter) sponsored a Democratic Party candidate forum for the 34th and 51rst State House races. The forum was held at the University Center at UM-Flint. For the 34th district, Eleazar Barzart, Richard Dicks Jr., Chris Del Morone, and Woodrow Stanley were present; for the 51rst, Michael J. Thorp and Harold Ward. The 34^th district is Flint and the 51rst is Grand Blanc, Fenton, Linden, Atlas Twp, Argentine, and Mundy Twp.

The event went really well. Please remember to vote in the primary this Tuesday, August 5^th.

Here’s video from the introductions:

Here's video of the question and answer portion:

Here is video of the closing remarks:

Thanks to the candidates, the audience, and our co-sponsor.

- Keith

Young Dems Talking to Candidates

Let Your Voice Be Heard!

We have seen unprecedented involvement by young voters in the Democratic Primaries all across America this year. We want to keep the momentum going by having a Voters Forum with candidates answering our questions and talking about the issues that are important to us. Too often politicians have ignored young/first-time voters and we don't always feel like we are a part of the process. What a great way to keep young people involved in the process by having the candidates talk directly to us.

The Young Voters Forum will focus on the Democratic Primary Candidates in the 34th State House District (Flint) and the 51st State House District (Grand Blanc, Fenton, Linden). These are two important and competitive races for open House seats in Genesee County. The people who win the August 5th Primaries will stand in the General Election in November and we need the put forth the candidates who will best advocate for higher education, job training, affordable health care, and all of the other issues that are important to our demographic.

It will be held at UM-Flint in the Michigan Rooms on Wed. 7/30 from 6-8pm. The Event is being co-sponsored by the Genesee County Young Democrats and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Please invite your friends and family and come out and hear from and talk to the candidates.

-Kyle M.

Help the GCYD Support Education in Genesee County

The Genesee County Young Democrats are working with Blue Tiger Democrats to help provide disadvantaged high school seniors in Genesee County the opportunity to start college. We are currently in the process of fundraising to provide an endowed scholarship based on merit and need. We plan to work with the Community Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to planning scholarship funds. However, we need $10,000 to begin working with them. In total, we need $50,000 in order for the interest to provide a $5,000 scholarship on an annual basis for all of our lifetimes.

We Michiganders know how to live through difficult times. We have seen them before and we will see them again. However, how can we ever repair our community if talented students are unable to get the education that they have been working towards for twelve years?

These children are told from kindergarten till they graduate that if they work hard enough they will get ahead. This is simply not always the case. By the time they pay back all their student loans, now with higher interest rates, they are too poor to be anywhere but behind. That’s unfair and it jeopardizes the American Dream.

Granted, we can’t fix these problems by ourselves even after we fund a scholarship fund, but at least we can even the playing field for folks who work hard without the rewards they deserve. Just maybe we can make a positive contribution to this community and inspire others to act as well. Help us make this a reality.

We could really use your help in taking us to the next step. If you are just as passionate about the future of Michigan, then help us meet these goals by sending financial contributions to:

Blue Tiger Democrats

4116 Orme Cir.

Clio, MI 48420

(Please make checks out to "Blue Tiger Democrats" and memo "Scholarship Fund")

We can use any help you can provide. Thank you.

- Keith

Dayne Walling for Mayor of Flint!!!

The Genesee County Young Democrats would like to congratulate Dayne Walling on receiving our endorsement for mayor of Flint. This is an important election as Flint is in a position of change and transition. In this time of change, Flint needs a mayor with fresh, intelligent ideas and a proven track record.

Mr. Walling's alternative methods for rebuilding Flint focus on community involvement and are necessary changes from the overly bureaucratic structure that has plagued Flint since its growth from a logging community to an industrial center. At a time when localities receive fewer federal dollars, watch as their populations disintegrate, and suffer from political corruption, Flint's community is the solution for rebuilding Flint. At the center of Flint's future is the next generation. Young people will shape the next decade for Flint and Mr. Walling is perfect to lead us to this destination.

Mr. Walling also has tremendous experience for his age. He is Flint's only Rhode Scholar. He assisted the redevelopment of our nation's capitol by bringing millions in grant money in his role working for the Mayor of Washington D.C.. Never once did he forget about his roots in Flint. As co-founder of the Flint Club, Mr. Walling created a way for former Flint residents living abroad to reinvest in their home town and aid its comeback. Finally, Mr. Walling came home to work for the Genesee Land Bank, a nationally renowned governmental organization built to redevelop beleaguered neighborhoods in Genesee County.

The GCYD would like to thank both candidates for their prompt and complete responses to our questionnaires. We wish Mr. Walling luck and look forward to working with his campaign in the month of October. This election is incredibly important and if anyone would like to assist us in taking back Flint, call Keith Flynn at 810-625-0741. Or check out Mr. Walling website and contact Mr. Walling's campaign headquarters at 940 S. Grand Traverse Flint, MI 48502, 810-233-9190. Also, check out the coverage of the endorsement in the Flint Journal.

Next GCYD Meeting Sept. 22nd!!!

Our next meeting will be Saturday, Sept. 22nd, Brown Sugar Cafe, at
noon. The Brown Sugar Cafe is located on Saginaw St. across from the University Pavilion in downtown Flint. We will endorse a Flint mayoral candidate, plan our strategy for aiding our mayoral candidate, and discuss our next community service project. It should be an interesting meeting so come on out. If you have any questions call 810-625-0741.

Dan aka "the Delinquent"

This is another member profile featuring our previous treasurer Dan. So Dan, I hear you've been a member of the GCYD for as long as it's existed. How do you think it has changed over the years and where do you think it is going?

Well first off, you can't prove I stole that money. GCYD has changed a lot over the years that I have been with them. We have expanded considerable over the years and have done many events that i didn't think we could ever pull off. We are continuing to grow and I believe that we will have a bright future with our continued campaigning to increase youth turnout in Genesee County.

So what is your educational background and what are your goals?

I have Associates in Accounting from Baker College of Flint. My goals are two fold. I hope to be a Marine and i would also like to be a police officer later in my life.

So where are you politically speaking? I know you have been conservative on some issues and liberal on others. Tell us where you stand.

Wow, you pulled that question did you? Well, to tell the truth, I'm not a Democrat. I am also not a Republican, though you all seem to love calling me that. I guess, if i had to label myself, I would call myself an independent. I believe in some parts of both platforms but I can't identify with either one completely.

OK, what is the future of Flint?

HA, a burning post apocalyptic wasteland? Well, only as long as Williamson is still in office. I know we can do better. Flint can live again, but not until we have someone that can actually do the job in office. Williamson can't even get the grass cut in our public parks.

what do you like to do with your spare time?

I read, do some gaming, clean my gun collection, drive aggressively, drink, sharpen my five dozen knives, swords, and unique weapons, and smoke. lots and lots of smoking. I can't start my day without a drag of nicotine and shot of J.D.

OK. Different strokes for different folks. I hear you are going into the Marines. Why did you join and what do you think about the war in Iraq?

I've always wanted to be in the Marines. They are the best of the best and that is what I hope to one day become. I am not a Marine yet, but I will be someday. Nothing will stop me. As for the war in Iraq, I can only say that I will be there to follow orders. I will do as I must and as I am told by my superior officers. I have no further comment on that subject.

Alrighty, one more question. I hear you've had some bad luck recently at speedway gas station where you used work. Care to discuss what you think about corporate America and your previous employer?

Ah, speedway. I'd burn the place to the ground if it wasn't a crime. Don't get me wrong, I hold no ill will towards my fellow co-workers or my store manager. It is the district manager and all those above her that I dislike. They obviously disliked me too or they would not have fired me under the false pretense of insubordination. They also tried to show a history of insubordination by writing me up for not forcing customers to buy bags of M&M's every time they came into the store. I'm sorry for the fact that I hate going into a store and having someone try to sell me something that i don't need every time I am there. I respected the customers enough to not do this to them every time they came to my register. I was only one month and five days away from being vested with the company which would have given me a bonus of over $1000. Interesting that she decided to cut me loose just before i would have gotten more money out of them, don't you think? The only one that could fire me was the district manager or higher in the company. I believe she fired me out of her own dislike of me rather than a real reason like theft. But I guess I should thank her at the same time. After five years of being abused by this company, I finally got the kick in the butt i needed to move on and join something that i can be proud of. The Marine core will be my new home and i welcome it with open arms. As for corporate America, well, nothing will change as our economy slides further and further into chaos. They have their profits and they will continue to force their goods on everyone even when we don't need what they are selling. What can you do to stop it though?

Well, there you have it. Thank you Dan and good luck in the Marine Corp. We know you will do an excellent job for our country.

Ben Shell

Welcome to another member profile. Today we are introducing Ben Shell.

So Ben, where do you come from?

Flint, Michigan

Ok, so what's your major?
Biology but let's see.

If you could be any politician, which one would you be?
Well, I don't like any of them, but I'd be....wow I don't know. Maybe Lincoln or Teddy Roosevelt. Really though, if you think about it, would you actually rather be any of those Presidents? If anything I'd like to be President Shell, because we can always change the future, what good is imagining yourself as someone else when your strengths could be used today?
Which President/s do you like most?
Well, I think Lincoln goes without saying. Roosevelt because he brought economic maturity to American capitalism by regulating trusts (fed the fires of American Industry). Also, JFK because he led the country at a very difficult time in our history, helped avoid the world's annihilation via nuclear weapons which allowed all of us to exist today. I also like President Clinton. I know a few people that have met him personally and he was just a really good President. That's a whole two sentences more than I can say about Dubya.

What do you do for fun?
I listen and play music. I read tons and play Star Wars Battle Front. But mainly music.

What do you play?
I play bass guitar, trumpet, piano, and I just learned violin.

Have you played with any bands?
Ever since I was 15, countless bands.

Whose favorite Star Wars character?
Not Jar Jar Binks. Between Boba Fett and Darth Maul. No one beats the Fett man -Peter Griffin

What do you think of the Mayoral race?
It's pretty important. It could be a turning point for Flint. Either it will be the same or it will change for the better. It will effect the entire country. But guess what? No one in Flint even knows what a Rhode's Scholar is so it wouldn't surprise me if he loses *wink*wink
p.s. he lost.

What is the most important issue to you in politics today?
Education and health care reform. While it's a cliche to say knowledge is power, I think that the higher echelons of society are trying to keep the lower class from gaining power. Like medieval ages the powerful want to suppress everyone else to retain power. They only want people like them running things. This is one of the problems occuring all over the world and will most likely help lead to our collapse as a species.

Final question, what is the future of Flint?
The future of Flint is whatever Flint makes for itself. Pretty much, the entire country laughs and scoffs at Flint, but as for the future, one day it'll either become a center of education, ideally with employment for all or a ghost town.

Our First Member Profile...

Afternoon everyone, today it's our pleasure to introduce you to Keith Flynn, with an interview live from the Brown Sugar Cafe in lovely and scenic downtown Flint.

Okay, Keith, where are you from?
From the gorgeous city of Flint, MI.

Great, tell us a little bit about your education...
Well, I went to high school at the Valley School in Flint, graduated from Albion College in 2006 with a major in Political Science and Management. I'm currently enrolled at MSU Law, dual degree in Law and Industrial Labor Relations.

How long have you been with GCYD?
I've been with GCYD for five years now.

What do you hope for GCYD to accomplish going forward?
I want to see us become an enduring institution in Flint politics.

Sounds like a great goal, Keith. So, who do you like for President in 2008?
Right now I'm between Barack Obama and John Edwards and, boy, am I torn.

What does Obama have to do to win?
He needs to reveal more about what he wants to do specifically. Broad, rhetorical comments can energize voters but considering all the problems our nation is currently facing, Americans want real ideas of how to move forward.

Okay, looking back, who is your favorite President ever?
FDR.

Short and to the point, a man of few words. So, what do you do for fun?
I golf, play tennis. I watch a lot of sports lately. I play video games. I'm a video gamer.

What's your favorite game?
Difficult... I'd say... The first Halo. I really liked that one.

You say you watch a lot of sports lately, what do you think the Tigers are going to do this season?
*psst*Win the World Series.


Alright Keith, we'll get you out of here on this: In three sentences, what does the future hold for Flint?
The future of Flint is the growth of high-tech industry, which will be built off of our strong higher-educational infrastructure. The challenge of today is to build our public school infrastructure so that all Flint citizens have access to the skills they need for Flint to grow and prosper. Flint needs to remember the past but in the process move in a completely different direction for the future.

Alright thank you Keith. Tomorrow, a sit-down with our Vice President, John Cherry.