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election continued from page 31 Name three specific things to help Michigan’s economy that you will implement in your first year as governor. 1) I have a comprehensive 12- point urban agenda plan that aims to fight for access to jobs, access to transportation, access to health care, and public safety in the neighborhoods. 2) We need to consider creative solutions to balancing Michigan’s budget. Vital programs like education and public safety should be the very last budget items to see the cutting block. We must look at tax reforms and unnecessary spending. 3) We have been divided along partisan lines in the State of Michigan for far too long. I would continue to work tirelessly to nurture a bipartisan approach to problem solving. At least 61 percent of Chaldean households own their own business. What will you do as governor to help small businesses? Michigan needs to utilize revenue more efficiently while encouraging growth and success for our businesses. I would eliminate the Michigan Business Tax in favor of a simpler and fairer tax and continue my strong support of the 21st Century Jobs Fund. Why on earth do you want to be governor? Given Michigan’s troubles, it has to be the most thankless job in the state. I am running for governor because it is going to take a new kind of leader with unique qualifications to turn Michigan around. I am the only candidate with both business turnaround experience and government experience. I still live a short distance from the neighborhood where I was born and raised. I love Michigan and am inspired by my children and the residents of Michigan to commit to its revitalization. Peter Hoekstra, Republican U.s. Congressman What is your impression of the Chaldean American community? I have a lot of admiration for the Chaldean community. Respect for family and faith, as well as advocating hard work is ingrained in the community. As an immigrant myself, I have a clear understanding of what many Chaldean families have gone through or are currently experiencing. From my experience on the House Intelligence Committee and my visits to Iraq, I know in great detail about the atrocities committed against the Chaldean people by Saddam’s regime. I look forward to working with the Chaldean community to return Michigan to prosperity and will count on the hardworking men and women of the Chaldean community to help Michigan be a leader again. Diversifying the economy is the big buzzword since the auto industry’s retraction. What are your specific plans to diversify Michigan’s economy? The government should not be in the business of picking winners and losers. Lansing is not going to determine which industry is going to be the next foundation for the state. We need to create an environment where businesses can succeed and where entrepreneurs are interested in investing in the state. One of the strongest industries in the state right now is its oldest: agriculture. As much as the government has tried to pick the next industry for the state, it is best left to the free market to determine and get the government out of the way. Name three specific things to help Michigan’s economy that you will implement in your first year as governor. The next governor can have an immediate impact on the state by getting the bureaucracy out of the way. Across the state, the message is the same, the current administration has said ‘no’ to growth through new regulations and delays. I will have the state focused on growth and investment from day one and hold bureaucrats accountable. Also, I will streamline and shrink the government to reflect the needs of Michiganders. I will work with the legislature on creating a tax code that attracts investment and growth. A tax code that makes the state competitive, provides businesses the certainty they need to make business decisions and reduces the tax burden. At least 61 percent of Chaldean households own their own business. What will you do as governor to help small businesses? Small businesses represent the heart of our economy. All levels of government must implement an agenda that supports their growth by reducing costly regulations and taxes. We need to streamline the government, reduce paperwork and have the bureaucracy stop being an impediment to growth. At the state level, we need to start with the regulations that go beyond the federal standard that makes it more difficult to do business in Michigan than other states. My goal is to eliminate the Michigan Business Tax. I want to address the tax code in a comprehensive manner that broadens the tax base so that rates can be low across the board. We need more taxpayers in the state, but first we need more employers in the state. Why on earth do you want to be governor? Given Michigan’s troubles, it has to be the most thankless job in the state. Admittedly, the state has very serious issues that need to be overcome. Michigan finds itself facing trying times and is looking for leadership. I have a passion for the people of Michigan. They deserve better jobs, better schools and better lives. Michigan has enormous potential and can once again succeed. All the state needs is leadership to implement pro-growth reforms. I know that I have both the business and legislative experience to lead this state and implement the reforms necessary so that families can stay in Michigan. Rick Snyder, Republican Businessman What is your impression of the Chaldean American community? My impression of the Chaldean- American community is that it is a close-knit, family-focused, hardworking community who are entrepreneurs, innovative thinkers and small business leaders all across our great state. Michigan’s economic recovery will happen with the success and growth of small businesses and the business prowess of the Chaldean American community will be instrumental in making that happen. I believe it is time to embrace our diversity in order to create a hopeful, positive culture and attitude where all Michiganders can win together. Diversifying the economy is the big buzzword since the auto industry’s retraction. What are your specific plans to diversify Michigan’s economy? The role of government is to create an environment where businesses are able to flourish. Throughout my career I have placed emphasis on diversification, as that is a key backbone of a strong economy. When I was chair of the MEDC, I focused on diversifying Michigan’s economy. I believe that the Michigan Business Tax should be eliminated, as it allows government to pick winners and losers thus being fundamentally unfair. By leveling the playing field, Michigan will be able to cultivate a globally competitive economy with a diverse business base, enabling job growth and prosperity for everyone. At least 61 percent of Chaldean households own their own business. What will you do as governor to help small businesses? The success of small businesses in the state of Michigan is what’s going to revitalize Michigan’s economy — they are the backbone of our economy. The MEDC needs to be refocused to help those small businesses. It’s important to reduce their overall tax burden, reduce regulations making compliance easy and affordable and keep government out of their lives. I’m a business person and I have spent most of my life creating and growing start-ups companies and small business from scratch. As the only candidate with the proven record of job creation, I know what it takes to make businesses successful. Why on earth do you want to be governor? Given Michigan’s troubles, it has to be the most thankless job in the state. This is the most common question I’m asked. Michigan is in an economic disaster and it’s the career politicians who have led us there. We’ve lost a million jobs in the past decade and we deserve better. I’m fed up with the way things have been done and it’s time for new leadership and fresh faces. As the only non-career politician running for governor I believe it’s time for common sense, real world solutions. I’m not running for governor for personal gain; rather, I’m running because I love Michigan and I’m the best candidate to create more and better jobs. 32 CHALDEAN NEWS JULY 2010
2010 Elections NOTE from the PRESIDENT LeeAnn Kirma It is an honor and privilege to continue in the footsteps of this organization’s past presidents and lead ers. I am looking forward to another year as the CALC President. Con gratulations to the new and re-elected Executive Board Members and Advisory Board Members. On May 13, CALC celebrated its 49 th Anniversary Mass at St. Thomas Chaldean Church. Many of us who attended reflected on our charity and the act of giving back to our Chaldean Community. An individual’s act of giving back comes in many forms. It may be volunteering your time, supporting events, donating items to our warehouse, or helping out monetarily. The key is that you get involved. Thank you to all of our members, volunteers and Community Partners who make our events and programs possible. We could not do it without you. CALC wishes everyone a wonderful, safe and beautiful summer. With Pride in the Past… Confidence in the Present… Hope for the Future… 32000 Northwestern Hwy Suite 150 Farmington Hills, MI 48334 248-538-8300 www.calconline.org info@calconline.org On May 26 at our 49th Annual General Membership meeting, four nominees were submitted for election to the Executive Board: LeeAnn Kirma, Gloria Kassa, Julie Garmo and Suhair Kallabat. The members attending voted to approve these nominations. Elections of Officers were held thereafter with the new Executive Board members named as follows: LeeAnn Kirma – President Gloria Kassa – Vice President Jane Shallal – Treasurer Julie Garmo – Secretary Ann Antone, Margaret Butti, Shahnaz Hanaee, Lillian McKay Shallal, Suhair Kallabat. Our Advisory Board Members are also as follows (with new 2010 appointments bolded): Marisa Abbo, Lamia Arcori, Betty Babbie, Maureen Bacall, Anita Bahri, Rosemary Bannon, Julia Hakim, Norma Hakim, Rita Foumia, Nadira Kannu, Marcine Karmo, Antonia Kassab, Clair Konja, Faiza Manjo, Linda Mikhail, Barb Nagarah, Jennifer Najor, Sally Najor, Lisa Paulus, Nidhal Rassam, Sulafa Roumayah, Venus Sadek, Reem Samona, Rachel Savaya, Renee Yaldo, Firyal Yono, Rula Yono CALC Scholarship Program Each year CALC sponsors an Academic Scholarship through the Chaldean Federation of America Scholarship Program. This year’s high school recipient was Candace Sheena of Walled Lake Western. Ms. Sheena plans on attending Wayne State University and majoring in biology. Later she plans on transferring to Ferris State University and attend optometry school. Congratulations to Candace and all of the 2010 College and High School Graduates. Chaldean Angels The Chaldean Angels of Charity adopted a platoon this past spring. On April 17th more than 12 Chaldean Angels put together care packages at Shenandoah Country Club for the adopted platoon of 35 soldiers. The care packages included a variety of tasty snacks and hygiene products. If you know of any high school girls interested in being an Angel, please contact the CALC office at (248) 538-8300. Gallabia The Second Annual Gallabia hosted by CALC and St Toma Syriac Church was held at Regency Manor in Southfield. More than 430 women enjoyed an evening with family and friends that was filled with dancing, music, games and a Chinese raffle. LOL For Charity On June 10, nearly 300 people attended the Laughing Out Loud for Charity event at Shenandoah Country Club. On this evening CALC and the Adopt-A-Refugee Family Program came together for one cause – helping others, specifically women in need. The evening’s proceeds will go towards helping women in need within our Chaldean Communities domestically and internationally. Coco from WJLB emceed and comedian Amer Zaher provided us an evening filled with laughter. Thank you to all of our sponsors: University Foods, John Paul Home Care, U.S. Ice, Oakland Business & Tax Advisors & CPAs, Cavalier, Bank of Michigan, Yaldo Law, Heaven Hill Distilleries, Top That Table, 7 Restaurant and Ultra Lounge, I Signs, and the entire LOL Committee for making this evening a success. CALC Warehouse For nearly two and half years, through the generosity of Louie Boji and his donation of space, the Chaldean American Ladies of LOL FOR ChARitY At ShEnAndOAh COuntRY CLub. GALLAbiA niGht At REGEnCY MAnOR. EMPOWERING Chaldean GIRLS to develop and express their STRENGTHS Do you want to: • Hold onto your voice and stay true to yourself? • Enhance your judgment and critical-thinking skills for wise and healthy choices? • Counter trends towards self-doubt and improve self-esteem? You will learn how to develop strength, courage, body wisdom, compassion, confidence, honesty and communication skills. • Friendships • Building Identity • Honoring Our Diversity • Problem Solving • Avoiding Drugs, Tobacco & Alcohol • Rights and Responsibilities • Peer Pressure • Communication • Relationships • Mind, Body, Spirit Moms are welcome to participate in special sessions throughout the program. Charity has been able to operate a warehouse to service families in dire need of basic necessities. CALC has been able to provide clothing, furniture, large and small appliances, electronics, mattresses, bedding, toiletries, and much more through your donations and those of others. They are ultimately stored in the warehouse to be available when needy families call for help. CALC is very grateful and blessed to have been able to utilize this facility without charge. The space has recently been leased and CALC is currently in a temporary location in Hazel Park through another generous donor, Joe Zetouna. We are asking for your assistance to help us find a more permanent location so we can continue to operate the warehouse. Since the opening of the CALC warehouse in September of 2007 we have been able to service 706 families and more than 2,800 individuals. Type of space we are looking for: Space: 3,000-4,000 square feet Empowered Voices facilitates these goals and much more! dates: June 24th - August 26th • Every Thursday 6:00PM - 8:00PM Who: Chaldean girls ages 11 to 14 Location: St. Thomas Chaldean Catholic Church (Basement Classrooms) Price: Free of Charge (snacks provided) Contact the CALC office at 248-538-8300 to reserve your spot. Building Structure: A bare facility (four walls) with no offices is preferred Structure: Warehouse or storefront-type property Locations: Southfield, Madison Heights, Farmington Hills, West Bloomfield (southern part), Bloomfield Hills, Troy, Sterling Heights, Warren, Royal Oak, Oak Park, or surrounding areas We would appreciate any help you can provide in recommending or helping secure a new location for our warehouse operations. Please contact the CALC office at (248) 538-8300 if you know of anyone who might be able to help us. Thank you in advance for any help you can provide. advertisement JULY 2010 CHALDEAN NEWS 33
