I had the opportunity to join Coleman city officials and Rep. Roger Hauck for the presentation of a check from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. The city will be making improvements in the waste stabilization and pump station. It is very important that we keep our infrastructure in good shape.

It was a great morning with Rep. Sue Allor in Tawas at the 2nd Annual Showcase Iosco. Thank you Develop Iosco and the Oscoda-AuSable Chamber of Commerce for a great day learning more about what is going on in Iosco County.

Contaminated water found at Alpena training center
The Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center recently became the third military base in Michigan to test positive for perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) in the groundwater.

This week, I attended a public meeting at the Alpena training center, where state environmental and health agency officials and military officials informed residents of the problem and answered questions from the public about the contamination. We had a large turnout from area residents, and this is only the first of many meetings and steps to come.

As with the earlier issue near the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base, this contamination was caused by chemicals in a firefighting material used many years ago. Unfortunately, many bases and airports used this same firefighting material, so Alpena probably won’t be the last location that will face this contamination issue. [read more]

The Peter A. Pettalia Memorial Highway
I was proud to introduce legislation to permanently honor the late Rep. Peter Pettalia, who died last year in an accident while traveling down to the Capitol for session.

Pete was a personal friend and a common-sense public servant who did his best to improve the lives of the people in Northern Michigan. He loved his family, his friends and the community. Pete was passionate about life on the Sunrise Side and enjoyed traveling along Heritage Route 23.

Senate Bill 622 would designate the portion of US-23 in Presque Isle County between Maple Drive and Misiak Highway as the “Peter A. Pettalia Memorial Highway.” Rep. Sue Allor has introduced a similar bill.  [read more]

Stamas’ firefighter training bills sent to governor
Our firefighters are supremely dedicated to their communities and regularly put their lives at risk to save others. We owe it to all our firefighters to ensure they receive the training they need to meet new and existing challenges as they protect our families.

I want to thank the Fire Services Coalition for their help in this effort to improve our state firefighter training standards, which have not been updated in more than 30 years.

My legislation to update Michigan’s firefighter training standards is on its way to the governor to be signed.

Midland Fire Department Chief Chris Coughlin testified in support of the bills. Coughlin represents the Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs, which is one of the groups in the Fire Services Coalition. The other organizations include the Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union, Michigan Fire Inspectors Society, Michigan Fire Service Instructors and the Michigan State Firemen’s Association. [read more]

Oct. 23 office hour in Gaylord
Join me on Monday, Oct. 23 from 2 to 3 p.m. for an office hour at the Otsego County Library, 700 S. Otsego Ave., in Gaylord.

I encourage anyone who needs help or wants to express a viewpoint to stop by. I’m excited about continuing a regular series of office hours throughout the district to hear directly from constituents about state and pocketbook issues.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month
As we continue to grow our economy and help create jobs, we must ensure that everyone has access to a good job. Having a disability should never prohibit you from finding a job you enjoy.

Workers with disabilities can offer determination and problem-solving skills to employers, yet the rate of participation for people with disabilities in the workforce is only 21 percent.

Residents can search for positions specifically for people with disabilities. Visit Jobs.MiTalent.org/job-search and click on “People with disabilities” at the end of the form.

Keep an eye out for deer!
October, November and December are the most dangerous months for deer/vehicle crashes in Michigan. Motorists should take extra care when on the road during the fall season and drive defensively.

The Michigan Deer Crash Coalition recommends that drivers stay alert, especially at dawn and dusk; slow down at the sight of one deer as deer often travel in groups; and watch for deer crossing signs. If a crash is unavoidable, the safety group advises drivers not to swerve and to brake firmly. For more information, including statistics by county, visit www.michigandeercrash.com.