Social Activist, Possible Senate Candidate Speaking in Livingston County Next Month

A leading advocate for Michigan’s working families and a Michigan congressman who fought to rescue the American auto industry will be the headline speakers for the Livingston County Democrats’ 30^th annual Winans Dinner next month.

Cindy Estrada, the first Latina vice president of the United Auto Workers, will be the keynote speaker and U.S. Congressman Gary C. Peters will be a special guest speaker for the May 18 event.

"This event is our warm-up for the 2014 election year when we elect a Democratic senator, a Democratic governor, and take back the Michigan House. That’s why we have selected a theme of 'Fairness for All' for this event and invited these two outstanding speakers," said Judy Daubenmier, chair of the Livingston County Democratic Party.

"Fairness is the bedrock of what Democrats believe – fairness for working families, for women, for minorities, for public school students. Democrats believe that our economy and our nation work best when the rules are fair – when everybody has a chance to succeed, not just a few. But fairness is not what we’re getting from Republicans in Lansing and we’re not going to let people forget that. Our Winans Dinner speakers are ideally suited to highlight the theme of fairness."

Ms. Estrada, who is known as a dynamic and engaging speaker, is a long-time union organizer and social activist.

Ms. Estrada grew up listening to stories from her grandparents and other relatives about working in factories or in the fields. In 1993, she earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and then took a job with the United Farm Workers of America, helping organize those who pick the fruits and vegetables that end up on our kitchen tables.

Ms. Estrada joined UAW Local 174 in Romulus in 1995 and quickly moved up within the ranks of the organization. In 1999 Ms. Estrada led the effort to organize Mexican Industries in Detroit, one of the UAW’s largest victories in organizing Spanish-speaking workers in the manufacturing sector. She joined the UAW international staff in 2000 and was elected a vice president in 2010.

Ms. Estrada lives in Hamburg Township with her husband and two children.

Congressman Peters, now in his third term, represents Michigan’s 14^th Congressional District covering parts of Oakland and Wayne counties. Some political pundits have speculated that Peters may run for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate to replace the retiring Sen. Carl Levin.

"Not only did Congressman Peters fight for loans to rescue the American auto industry, he has worked consistently for an economy in which everyone has a fair chance to succeed," Daubenmier said.

As a member of the Financial Services Committee, Congressman Peters played a central role in shaping a tough financial reform law that eliminates future taxpayer funded bailouts, bans the irresponsible behavior on Wall Street that caused the recession, and provides common sense financial protections for regular Americans.

Also speaking will be Mark Totten, a law professor at Michigan State University and a former prosecutor.  At Michigan State, his work has focused on the role of state attorneys-general under Wall Street reform and consumer protection legislation and what states can do to prevent another recession.

Mr. Totten has created a website analyzing the performance of Michigan’s current attorney general, Republican Bill Schuette. The website, www.agforus.com, notes that Schuette has used the office to advance his own political career and a narrow political agenda rather than advocate for the citizens of Michigan.

Besides an opportunity to hear from these top-notch speakers, the evening will also be a great chance to get the scoop on what’s happening in the Democratic Party, both locally and at the state level, and to meet other Democrats in a social setting.

The event, at Lakelands Golf and Country Club, 8690 Chilson Road in Hamburg Township, will begin at 6 p.m. with a cocktail hour, followed by dinner at 7 p.m. Besides a terrific lineup of speakers, the evening also includes live music, snacks, dessert, and a silent auction. A vegetarian dinner option is available with advance notice. Valet parking also is being provided.

The special early-bird rate for tickets is $55 per person before May 1. After that, the price goes up to $65. Student tickets are $20. Tickets may be reserved with a credit card through ActBlue, an on-line clearinghouse that supports Democratic causes, at https://secure.actblue.com/page/winans.

Or checks may be sent to Livingston County Democrats, 10321 Grand River Road, Suite 600, Brighton, MI 48116. Please include the number of tickets, and the names of attendees so that name tags can be prepared. Patron ads in the program may also be purchased for just $12 per person.

You also may make a reservation by calling party headquarters at (810) 229-4212 or emailing the information to livcodems@gmail.com and pay at the door. Checks only, no cash per state law.

(Paid for by Livingston County Democratic Executive Committee, 10321 Grand River Road, Suite 600, Brighton, MI 48116. Printed in-house. Labor donated. Donations are not deductible for federal income tax purposes.)