Wednesday, March 20, 2013
"Improving Michigan's parks and waterways will spur tourism across the state," the state representative from Saline says; the measure now goes to Gov. Rick Snyder for his signature.
- GOVERNMENT
-
Wednesday, March 20
State Rep. Gretchen Driskell, D-Saline, voted Wednesday in favor of Senate Bill 233, a bill that would fund more than 70 different projects around the state. The bill also funds 49 emergency dredging projects. The bill passed 107-3. "This money will go toward parks and other natural sites across Michigan, improving many of our communities," Driskell said. "I fully support making cities and towns more livable and increasing our citizens' quality of life." The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund is a constitutionally protected fund that is dedicated to recreation acquisition and development projects. SB 233 would appropriate $23.3 million for 76 projects; 22 acquisition and 54 development. The bill would also appropriate $21 million for 49…
Friday, March 1, 2013
The state representative raised $500 during the the second annual Legislative Polar Plunge on Feb. 28.
State Rep. Gretchen Driskell, D-Saline, participated in the second annual Legislative Polar Plunge on Feb. 28 in Lansing to raise money and awareness for Special Olympics in Michigan. [Photos: Saline Teams Take the Polar Plunge] Driskell managed to raise $500 from 13 supporters before jumping into an inflatable pool on the Capitol lawn. "Thank you to everyone who helped me to reach my goal of raising $500 for the Legislative Polar Plunge," Driskell wrote on her Facebook page. "I am so happy to have your help in raising money for this wonderful cause." Driskell said donations will continue to be accepted through March 31. To donate, visit https://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/GretchenDriskell/legislative-polar-plunge-2013.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Rep. Gretchen Driskell of Saline will meet with constituents at Washtenaw Intermediate School District on Monday, Feb. 25.
State Rep. Gretchen Driskell, D-Saline, along with Rep. Jeff Irwin, D-Ann Arbor, Rep. David Rutledge, D-Ypsilanti, and Rep. Adam Zemke, D-Ann Arbor, will meet with constituents at Washtenaw Intermediate School District on Feb. 25. The "Listening Tour," will give Democrats a chance to hear how Republican policies such as tax increases and education funding cuts have hurt workers in Michigan, and take those priorities back to the state Capitol. The discussion is free and open to the public, and will take place at 6 p.m. at 1819 S. Wagner Road in Ann Arbor. Visit www.RealStateOfOurState.com for more information.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
The lawmaker will seek feedback from constituents on Saturday, Feb. 2, about issues in the state Legislature.
Editor's note: This press release has been amended to reflect the change of venue from Ellie's Chocolate Cafe to Back to the Roots. State Rep. Gretchen Driskell, D-Saline, will meet with constituents on Feb. 2 for a coffee hour at Back to the Roots, 115 S. Main St., in Chelsea. Driskell is seeking feedback from constituents about issues in the state Legislature, and will be available from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, prior to the annual Chelsea Festival of Tables. Driskell will soon release a schedule for regular coffee hours in the 52nd district. To sign up for a legislative newsletter, visit driskell.housedems.com. Residents can also reach Driskell at her office at 517-373-0828.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
The former Saline mayor and newly-elected Representative of the 52nd District named to annual 'watch' list.
Rep. Gretchen Driskell (D-52nd District) has been named one of six regional "Legislators to Watch" by Detroiter Magazine, operated by the Detroit Regional Chamber organization. According to the article, it's Driskell's history as a successful CPA and mayor of Saline from 1999 through last year which allows her the honor. The article states: "...Driskell prides herself in being a collaborative problem solver with an understanding of factors that build high quality communities in Michigan.." Driskell also represents Chelsea, Dexter, Milan and Scio Township. Other legislators on the list include:
Friday, January 11, 2013
The former Saline mayor represents the 52nd House District in Washtenaw County.
- GOVERNMENT
-
Friday, January 11
State Rep. Gretchen Driskell, D-Saline, was officially sworn in for her first term as representative for the 52nd District in the Michigan House of Representatives during a ceremony in the House Chamber on Wednesday. "I'm honored to have the opportunity to represent the citizens of my district," Driskell said. "The voters told me that education is their top priority, and I will focus on improving our state's education funding and ensuring that our children have the tools they need to succeed." Driskell represents northern and western Washtenaw County, including Saline, Manchester, Dexter, Chelsea, Scio Township and Whitmore Lake. House Assistant Clerk Rich Brown swore in the 110 members of the Michigan House in their oath of office in …
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Read about what the candidates you elected have in store for when they join office.
Brian Marl, elected Tuesday as Saline's new mayor, said he considers himself an open and engaging person and hopes to bring that style to his new position. He said he would continue many of the initiatives current Mayor Gretchen Driskell pursued, but that he would also bring his own ideas like those outlined in his five-point vision: Brian Iott is one of two newly elected trustees for York Township. He said he hopes to cooperate with the elected supervisor and other board members to do work for the township. He said the biggest project he's involved in from the last few months is work on two township parks — Sandra Richardson Park and Mary McCann Park. "The property was donated by Toyota 10 or 12 years ago," Iott said. He said the parks …
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Gretchen Driskell plans to keep campaign promise and restore education funding.
Saline Mayor Gretchen Driskell is now the newly elected state representative for Michigan's 52nd District. With 124 of the 169 precincts counted, Driskell had 17,460 votes and Mark Ouimet had 17,207, according to unofficial results from Washtenaw County. Driskell ran against incumbent Republican Ouimet of Scio Township. Driskell, who has been Saline mayor since 1999, was critical of the Republicans' cuts to revenue sharing payments to municipalities since announcing her campaign in March. "I don't want to cut any more revenues," she said. She said she plans to have a more detailed plan by January but she said her focus will be restoring education funding, a major platform of her campaign. "What really resonated when I went door to door …
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Both candidates agree, however, that higher education needs to be affordable to Michigan residents.
A disagreement over education funding is the latest topic pitting Democrat Gretchen Driskell verses Republican Mark Ouimet in the hotly contested race for the 52nd District Michigan House of Representatives. Driskell, the current mayor of Saline, held a press conference Tuesday to highlight the issue. “I want every child in Washtenaw County to get a great education, but that will only happen if we invest in our schools,” Driskell said. State Rep. Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor) and Saline schools employee Kimberly Van Hoek attended the conference to support Driskell. Irwin, Hoek and Driskell agree that companies that create high-paying jobs want to locate in places that they can find well-educated workers. Driskell demanded the restoration of …
Gretchen Driskell will help restore funding for education and keep our public schools working.
- OPINION
-
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Dear Editor: Voters in the 52nd District have the rare opportunity to send to the state House of Representatives a candidate with superior qualifications. Gretchen Driskell has been mayor of Saline for 14 years, and re-elected seven times. My family and I have lived in the Saline School District all of that time. Our three girls went through the schools. At 70, I've seen many different systems. This one is outstanding. Saline property taxes have remained among the lowest of the county. We experienced Saline's civic pride (the parades, the recreation center, the Celtic Festival, the downtown decorations.) There's no question why Saline was named one of the best small towns in America. It is not surprising to find out about the regularly …
Rhonda Elliott
9:55 am on Friday, March 1, 2013
Fun huh I did it last Saturday at the Big House what an awesome day and awesome cause Go Gretchen!!! more ›