Pigeon River & Beyond - Back Country Horsemen, Michigan

I heard that Governor Granholm paid a visit to the Community College in Clare and that Dick Kleinhardt got to meet her and shake her hand!!

Way to Go Mr President of the PR&B, BCHMI!!

And, it seems that there have been some letters published in area newspapers too!!

Keep up the great work everyone.

Yes, it's true.  The Governor was three miles from our farm and thought I'd take a chance to go over to Mid Michigan Community College to listen to her talk about the stimulus dollars that are coming to Michigan.  The Governor acknowledged former state rep. John Moolenaar from the mic as she was talking.  There was an opportunity to ask questions after her talk but it somehow didn't quite seem right to try and cover our bases within this setting. 

After the meeting as the Governor was leaving I asked John if he would introduce me to the Governor.  He replied, "Follow Me"!  And so it happened, there I was speaking 1:1 with her.  I had Connie prepare an information packet for her stating our case.  In it was 24 pages of comments from our "we the people" on-line petition.  Also enclosed was an invitation to our "Cowboy Picnic".  Also I enclosed 2 of our best letters addressed to the Governor along with my business card.  I told her that it's great reading material while traveling to her next stop.

I told the Governor about the upcoming bi-partisan H.B. 4610.  I told her that we 80,000 equestrian trail riders have an economic plan in place to help Michigans economy.  I told her about our 8 billion $$ industry.  When I said that, she replied quite loudly, "8 billion"!

I said yes Governor 8 billion.  Oh yes, I also included MHC's pie chart of the study.  I as well told the Governor that the greatest news is that the cost to the state is ZERO!  I said wouldn't it be exciting to see Michigan be the 1st state in the nation with "Right to Ride" Legislation.  (Our State could really use some Good News!)   All we are asking is to please allow us to use what is already here.  I cited the many thousands of acres that have been lost based on arbitrary decisions by the DNR to turn State Forests into State Game Areas as well as our largest State Forest below the bridge, the Pigeon River being virtually closed down.  I can honestly tell you that she seemed very concerned as to what she was being told.

I as well told her that I have spoken with Senator Debbie Stabeneow and she as well is concerned about this issue as it relates to tourism dollars.

I urged the Governor to not veto this bill when it arrives on her desk but please lets try to all work together to help restore Michigans economy.  I encouraged her to sign it into LAW!

I would think it appropriate now to once again contact the Governor's office.  We need to reiterate our plan to do our part to help our state's economy.

I hope that you can make our hearing on the 28th in Lansing.  We want to have a good show of support!  Numbers matter.

Best Regard,

Dick Kleinhardt

WOW!  So, not only did you meet her, you got to converse with her. THAT"S powerful stuff!

Here's the address to write to:

Governor Jennifer Granholm, P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, MI 48909

gabz at 09:30AM on Apr 24, 2009

WOW!  So, not only did you meet her, you got to converse with her. THAT"S powerful stuff!

 

Here's the address to write to:

Governor Jennifer Granholm, P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, MI 48909

GREAT JOB Mr. President you sure are meeting the right people !  The members of BCH and the horse community should really be proud of you. WE SURE ARE.

Thanks for all of your hard work.  That is quite an accomplishment to get some one on one time with her! Thank you again.

Good Job, Dick!

Thank you, Dick!  You're amazing!

Elaine