Michael D. LaForest – (Purple Party)

Candidate for U.S. Representative in
Wisconsin's 4th Congressional District

Running against:

Gwen Moore (D)

U.S. Representative, Wisconsin’s 4th District

Background:

Involved in political activism for about 20 years.
Ran for Wisconsin Secretary of State in 2006
Ran for Milwaukee City Alderman in the Spring 2008 election.

Purple Party:

An Independent ticket
Purple represents the coalescence of red and blue.
“I want to draw attention to the proposal that Congress has to start working together to resolve the many challenges our country is facing right now.”

How do you feel about:

The U.S. economy:

“I believe the first thing congress should do to resolve our economic problems for the long term, is to address the issues of 1.) Our federal budget deficit, 2.) The trade deficit and 3.) The national debt. The US could balance the federal budget and address the trade deficit simultaneously by providing monetary incentives to companies that physically locate their businesses in the USA and employ American citizens. Also, the national debt absolutely has to be paid off in the next decade. The US congress should not allow the president to borrow any more money from foreign countries for any purpose. We’re importing more than we’re exporting and the US congress has allowed the President to spend money on international conflicts rather than on domestic projects that would put Americans to work. Our economy is saturated with debt due to the deregulation of the banking industry. And, with interest rates so low, there is little incentive to save, particularly when cheap imports flood our markets.

Gun control:

I support the 2nd amendment of the constitution within the context that it was originally written. I oppose “concealed carry” and I believe military assault weapons should remain the property of the military and not be available to private citizens.

Health benefits:

If I am elected, I will either introduce or co-sponsor legislation to institute a single-payer, universal health care system in this county. I believe we can pay for this initiative by 1.) Combining Medicaid, Medicare, VA, and Tribal health funds; 2.) Appropriating funds away from other programs; and 3.) Applying minimal co-pays.

Gay marriage:

I support the right of two, unrelated, consenting adults to form civil unions. The US government should only recognize civil unions and the concept of “marriage” should be relegated to the churches where it belongs. If I am elected to Congress I will introduce legislation to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).

Immigration:

There are many creative ways to resolve the immigration dilemma in the US and other Western countries such as in the EU.
a.)    Fair trade agreements should be made between the US and developing nations to encourage those nations to develop their economy and employ their citizens.
b.)    Unconditional IMF loans must be made to developing nations for the sole purpose of job creation.
c.)    A guest worker program should be created for the purpose of allowing people from developing nations the opportunity to work in the US, but with the stipulation that they must return to their country of origin.
d.)    Employers that hire guest workers must ensure that they are properly documented and, if necessary, assist those workers with that process.
e.)    The U.N. must start a population control initiative in every country that has an escalating population, including the USA.

Mayor Meets with LGBT Community Leaders

Milwaukee- Last month, Mayor Tom Barrett met with several LGBT Community leaders to discuss concerns ranging from police presence, homeless LGBT youth, senior issues, and hate crimes.

Inside the main room of the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center, were five large tables, pushed together and surrounded by what Barrett said resembled, “The Last Supper” when he entered the room. Dr. Maggi Cage, Director of the Mke LGBT Center led the group off with introductions, and one by one the rollcall unfolded. Organizations such as FORGE, PFLAG, Cream City Foundation, The Lesbian Alliance, Center Advocates, Children’s Services Society of Wisconsin, Seniors Active in a Gay Environment, and Diverse and Resilient were all represented. Along with The Metropolitan Community Church, This is It! Bar, Queer Life News, and the UWM LGBT Resource Center.

Barrett agreed to “look into” the reporting (or lack there of) of hate crimes in Milwaukee against LGBT individuals, and was genuinely concerned with the response of the Milwaukee Police Department to violence in the LGBT community.

Cage inquired as to whether or not Barrett will make an appearance at the 2009 opening ceremonies for PrideFest, noting that his absence from the ’08 ceremonies 4 months ago was disappointing. Barrett, who quipped, “My office warned me this question would come up,” agreed to make a commitment to be present – barring of course, any ‘unforseen” circumstances.

    The hour-long meeting was certainly not going to resolve any of the issues presented, but did, however provide the Mayor with issues to consider on his agenda. He thanked the group for their concerns, and time, but did not leave before getting feedback for his recently proposed budget.

Doyle Appoints Flaherty to State Board

Kevin M. Flaherty, a board member of the equal rights group Center Advocates, was recently named to the Board of Directors of the Wisconsin Health and Educational Facilities Authority by WI Gov. Jim Doyle. Flaherty, a vice president and relationship manager with Associated Commercial Finance Inc., will fill a vacancy on the seven-member board through 2010. His nomination was supported by a broad range of LGBT, nonprofit, labor and faith leaders.

     The WI Health and Educational Facilities Authority assists WI health care and educational institutions with obtaining and maintaining access to the broadest range of low-cost, private capital market financing available. “I am pleased to be able to offer my expertise in complex lending solutions and assist WHEFA in advancing its important mission,” said Flaherty, who is based in Brookfield. Flaherty joined Associated Commercial Finance in 2002, where he manages commercial finance relationships and provides asset-based lending services. He holds a bachelor's degree from Northwestern University and attended the American Institute of Banking in Milwaukee. Associated Commercial Finance, Inc., is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Associated Banc-Corp.

MPS Okays Domestic Partnership Benefits

Milwaukee – On September 25, 2008, by a vote of seven to two, the Finance and Personnel Committee of the Milwaukee Public School Board passed a resolution by MPS Director Jennifer Morales that calls for offering domestic partners of non-unionized MPS employees benefits “as nearly equal as possible to those offered to married partners.”

The decision solidifies MPS as the first school system in southeast Wisconsin to offer domestic partner benefits.

“From the bottom of my heart, thank you!” exclaimed Center Advocates President Ray Vahey, on the night of the victory. Center Advocates initiated the campaign for domestic partner benefits at Milwaukee Public Schools early in 2007, kicking off a town hall meeting for MPS employees in March 2007.

“All the energy, stress, abuse & frustration paid big dividends. Now the stage is well set for 2009 negotiations,” said Vahey.

The Advocates also worked with MPS Director Jennifer Morales in drafting and mobilizing support for her resolution to provide equal benefits to unrepresented employees. Nearly 100 equal rights supporters turned out at the measure’s initial hearing in November 2007, and provided information for MPS administrators and board members. Both fair-minded citizens and those opposed attended the September 23rd hearing two nights’s prior to the ruling. The majority of those opposed, cited God and religion, and “not wanting to pay for your live-in friend” as reasons to not pass the measure. One such opponent even questioned weather or not his family dog would qualify for benefits.

Congratulations to MPS Director Jennifer Morales, Center Advocates of Milwaukee, and all of the tireless volunteers and community members who stood up for equality. And, a special “Thank You” to the MPS Board for doing the right thing.

New Hatha Yoga class begins at MGAC

The Milwaukee Gay Arts Center (MGAC) announces the start of a new Hatha Yoga class with certified instructor, Dean Farrell. All levels are welcome and new students may join at any time. The 75-minute class takes place Wednesdays at 5:30pm at MGAC. 703 South 2nd Street in Walker’s Point. Students should bring a mat, towel and water.

Farrell spent the majority of his childhood playtime performing acrobatics and twisting his body into various positions not only for fun, but because, according to Farrell, “it made me feel good mentally and physically.” It was no surprise that he was instantly hooked when he discovered the healing and therapeutic benefits of yoga. Wanting to share and deepen his knowledge of yoga philosophy and asana, he attended yoga school and studied to become a teacher. In addition to his yogic studies, he studied paramedicine and graduated in 1995. His studies have been both scientific and spiritual. 

Farrell’s teaching always encourages each student to honor the body and perform each asana posture ideally for their own body and discover their full potential. 

Vinyasa Flow for Fitness & Endurance

With each breath, movement flows. Give your body a complete cardio/muscular workout, promoting strength, endurance, flexibility and a quiet mind. Farrell’s Vinyasa class flows at various paces, building stronger muscles and burning excess calories and fat. Explore various asanas that use the body’s own weight to awaken and strengthen all of the muscles, helping improve performance activity and reduce bodily injuries. Farrell also focuses on mindful breathing and meditation, helping to reduce stress and improve overall mental health. 

“Come to the present and explore the numerous benefits and options yoga has to offer.”

For more information visit www.deanfarrellyoga.com. Classes are held at the Milwaukee Gay Arts Center, 703 South 2nd Street (one block north of National Avenue) in Walker’s Point .