Nov. 5, 2014

Page 1

LIFE CENTRAL MICHIGAN

WOODEN PRAISE

WEDNESday, nov. 5, 2014 | MOUNT PLEASANT, MICH. | ISSUE NO. 31 VOL. 96

Results in brief winner’s name printed in maroon and bold

U.s. Senate

Gary Peters

Teri Lynn Land

4th U.S. House

Red white and green

Mount Pleasant voters decriminalize marijuana with grassroots support By Malachi Barrett News Editor

Jeff Holmes

John Moolenaar

House 99th

Bryan Mielke

Kevin Cotter

A family of scouts looks to a CMU student to honor tradition »PAGE 3A

“More than 50 percent of Americans want some form of legal decriminalization,” said Ian Elliott, president of Student Advocates for Medical and Recreational Cannabis. “The vote is symbolic in showing part of the nation, through a grassroots movement, is responding to politicians neglecting

Mount Pleasant residents have spoken; possession and use of less than one ounce of marijuana is now decriminalized for adults above the age of 21.

the will of the people.” The measure, which passed 2,705 to 1,639, only applies to Mount Pleasant. Marijuana remains illegal according to state and federal law, and police officers will retain the power to arrest someone for possession under state law. “Efforts to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana were announced in 18 cities throughout Michigan for 2014 ballots. Eleven qualified for the November 2014 ballot, while two were postponed to

2015 ballots and three did not make the ballot at all. The measure could help prompt a broader discussion about marijuana legalization in Michigan and the country. CMU does not allow the use or possession of any form of marijuana. Residence Hall policy states although many states have passed laws legalizing medicinal marijuana, all forms of marijuana continue to w MARIJUANA | 2

Snyder wins re-election, Michigan stays red By Jordyn Hermani Staff Reporter

Senate 33rd

Fred Sprague

Judy Emmons

Attorney General

Mark Totten

Bill Schuette

Secretary of State

At 11:45 p.m. Michigan officially received a fresh coat of Republican Red, courtesy of state voters. Incumbent Republican Gov. Rick Snyder offered his acceptance speech just before midnight, after securing a resounding victory over Democratic opponent Mark Schauer by more than 100,000 votes. During his speech, Snyder honed in on the idea that Michigan was inherently flawed but through perseverance, a new foundation for a better Michigan can be made for the future. “We’re doing this to make a better Michigan today.” Snyder said. “We’re doing it for our kids. And we’re doing it for their kids and their kids’ kids. We’re doing it for the Michigan that we had before and we’re doing it even better.” Economically, Snyder has been credited with improving Michigan’s “rainy day” fund, taking the numbers from nearly zero to over $500 million. Critics feel his cuts to school systems and increased privatization of education are not in the best interest of Michigan as a whole. President of the College Repub-

Courtesy Photo | Ryan Garza/Detroit Free Press/MCT Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder and his wife Sue Snyder wave to crowd following his victory speech during the Michigan Republican Party Statewide Election Night party in the Renaissance Ballroom of the Detroit Marriott at The Renaissance Center in downtown Detroit on Tuesday.

licans, Trino Schincariol, views Snyder’s win as a step toward an even brighter future for the state. “(Under Snyder) Michigan will keep moving forward,” Schincariol said. “Unemployment will increase, more jobs will be offered, and education funding will be increased.” Snyder made a point to focus on continual job creation in his speech. “In the last four years, we have created more than 400,000 private sector jobs, new jobs,” he said. “(Michigan) ranks number five in the country in total jobs created.” On the opposite side of the political spectrum, Sam McNerney,

president of the College Democrats, took news of Snyder’s win with a mixture of concern and disappointment. “I’m very afraid of what Michigan will look like in four years,” McNerney said. “Snyder has made very clear where his priorities lie. It’s not with the elderly or the students; it’s with special interest groups and the one percent.” Also winning re-election were State Sen. Judy Emmons, R-Greenville, keeping the 33rd Senate District, and State Rep. Kevin Cotter, R-Mount Pleasant, reclaiming the 99th House District. Since 2011, Emmons has served the 33rd District Senate seat which

By Ben Solis Editor-in-chief Ruth Johnson

LIFE INSIDE EDITORIAL: Rcognizing signs of depression could save a life      »PAGE 4

w snyder | 2

Ross ‘struggled with’ decision to pursue Nebraska job University president is one of four candidates; likely won’t consider any other job offers

Godfrey Dillard

encompasses Clare, Isabella, Gratiot, Mecosta and Montcalm counties. Coming from a farming family that has a long history in Michigan, Emmons has done a good deal of work for the agricultural community, serving on the Michigan Farm Bureau Board of Directors and as a member of the Michigan Farm Bureau. Spearheading education in the community and human-trafficking as two of her latest campaign interests, she brings back to the 33rd District a long history of service and leadership in the community. CMU graduate Cotter was

Within the last five years, President George Ross has been aggressively headhunted by recruiters offering him interviews for president’s positions at other universities. During his tenure as the president of Central Michigan University, Ross answered those recruiters with a resounding “no thank you.” That changed this month. Ross announced Monday that he is a candidate for the presidency of the University of Nebraska.

Reflecting on what he would tell his own students if they asked him whether or not they should accept any opportunity handed to them, Ross said that his decision to accept the offer was based mostly on principle. “I struggled with it,” Ross told Central Michigan Life. “I had conversations with my wife, and actually with my daughter who works at another university, conversations with (Board of Trustees Chair William) Kanine and board leadership about the position. I also came to the realization that I can’t counsel students to be

“They saw something in me, in my background, in my character, in my leadership.” George Ross, Central Michigan University president

open to opportunities if I act in a contrary manner. And I follow the same advice that I give my students.” Ross is one of four candidates for the position. Steve Smith, director of news at University of Nebraska-Lincoln, said he is joined by Hank Bounds, Michael Martin and Sally Rockey. Bounds is the commissioner of higher education for the Mis-

sissippi Institutions of Higher Learning. Martin serves as the chancellor of the Colorado State University System, and Rockey is the deputy director for extramural research at the National Institutes of Health. Ross is expected to travel to Nebraska at the end of this month for an on-site interview. w ross | 5

dr. anton treuer thurSday november 6

parK library auditorium 6:30-8:00 p.m.

Office f or institutional diversity W a r r i n e r

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SponSored by: King Chavez parKS viSiting profeSSorS College of humanitieS SoCial and behavioral SCienCeS


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