Swedish king's visit signifies state's promising alternative energy effort
by Lee Gonzales Guest Writer
Sunday September 21, 2008, 12:27 AM
When the king of Sweden comes to Flint this week, you will be amazed to hear how his country is solving the problems of high energy costs and global climate change. A recognized international leader in alternative energy, Sweden's ability to generate biogas is decades ahead of the U.S., providing an innovative road map for Michigan.
Sweden and Michigan are comparably populated and our northern latitudes and great boundaries of water have many similarities, including miles and miles of wooded terrain. In Linkoping, Sweden, a comparably sized city to Flint, Swedish Biogas has built an enterprise that now employs 1,100 people. Working with our Swedish partners will further strengthen Michigan's competitive advantage in biofuels. With an alternative energy market that stretches across North America, Michigan's potential employment opportunities are endless.
As we celebrate General Motors' 100th anniversary and its importance in our community, it is time to move toward energy independence through Centers of Energy Excellence. Globalization and international trade demand it. Given that only 4 percent of our transportation fuels come from Michigan, we must launch our region and state into a whole new era of technological innovation and prosperity.
This energy excellence concept allows a business to partner with universities and local and state governments to attract federally funded research and development into the advancement of new technologies in alternative energy. The partnership involving the city of Flint, Swedish Biogas International AB, Kettering University and the Michigan Economic Development Corp. holds the promise of a number of new industries stemming from the initial project that will turn municipal waste into energy.
In its earliest stage, the business model would take waste from the wastewater treatment plant and convert it into clean-burning biofuels that can be used in public transportation buses and municipal vehicles. When fully implemented, the technology can be installed across the U.S. with equipment made by Michigan's manufacturing sector.It is important to note that Sweden utilizes other alternative energy practices. For example, rather than covering its landscape with landfills, Sweden turns almost every possible type of waste into energy.
Enabling Michigan to establish Centers of Energy Excellence is why it was so vitally important to fast-track legislation earlier this summer. Signed into law on July 17 by Gov. Jennifer Granholm, this initiative firmly positions Michigan in the alternative energy sector as we compete in the new global knowledge economy.
This Friday, we turn the page on a new chapter in Genesee County's history. King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden will come to Flint to showcase and celebrate the historic partnership that brings his country's alternative energy technology and strategies to our state. As we lay the foundation to implement the Flint Center of Bioenergy, the ceremonial groundbreaking at Kettering University on Friday will certainly be a day we remember long into the future.State
Rep. Lee Gonzales, D-Flint Township, is chairman of the House Transportation Committee. He is a former development director for Genesee County and has a master's degree in public administration from the University of Michigan-Flint.
http://www.mlive.com/flintjournal/voices/
Showing posts with label lee Gonzales Flint MI Genesee USA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lee Gonzales Flint MI Genesee USA. Show all posts
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Bravissimo
LEE GONZALES CONVENTION BLOG 8/28/08
**********************************
Bravissimo! Bravissimo! Bravissimo!
That is Italian for Democrats kick butt. For the third consecutive day the 2008 Democratic National Convention gets more exciting and more uniting! On Wednesday the convention nominated Barack Obama as our Presidential nominee by acclamation and Joe Biden as our VP nominee.
It really is exciting to participate as a delegate and listen to forward-looking ideas that embrace our nation and provide a blueprint for taking our nation in a new direction. Among the many stars showcased at the convention, four individuals have achieved the alpha star (the brightest star) category. They are Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton, Bill Clinton and Senator Joe Biden--and in their speeches a common thread describes a fairly remarkable Democratic Party transformation.
President Bill Clinton's remarks included the need to rebuild the American Dream and restore America as a respected leader in the world community. Clinton was engaging and convincing in his support of the Obama-Biden campaign.
Senator Joe Biden also gave an impressive speech. He observed how Barack Obama is a great American story and that from their upbringings they share a common story. In addition to telling his life story, Sen. Biden covered foreign policy and spoke about pocketbook issues for everyday Americans.
What a historic day! Inspiring! Uniting! Stay tuned for Thursday evening.
LEE 8/28/08
http://leegonzales.blogspot.com/
_________________
Lee Gonzales is a State Representative 49th District Flint /Genesee Michigan USA, Democrat http://049.housedems.com/
440/1340
**********************************
Bravissimo! Bravissimo! Bravissimo!
That is Italian for Democrats kick butt. For the third consecutive day the 2008 Democratic National Convention gets more exciting and more uniting! On Wednesday the convention nominated Barack Obama as our Presidential nominee by acclamation and Joe Biden as our VP nominee.
It really is exciting to participate as a delegate and listen to forward-looking ideas that embrace our nation and provide a blueprint for taking our nation in a new direction. Among the many stars showcased at the convention, four individuals have achieved the alpha star (the brightest star) category. They are Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton, Bill Clinton and Senator Joe Biden--and in their speeches a common thread describes a fairly remarkable Democratic Party transformation.
President Bill Clinton's remarks included the need to rebuild the American Dream and restore America as a respected leader in the world community. Clinton was engaging and convincing in his support of the Obama-Biden campaign.
Senator Joe Biden also gave an impressive speech. He observed how Barack Obama is a great American story and that from their upbringings they share a common story. In addition to telling his life story, Sen. Biden covered foreign policy and spoke about pocketbook issues for everyday Americans.
What a historic day! Inspiring! Uniting! Stay tuned for Thursday evening.
LEE 8/28/08
http://leegonzales.blogspot.com/
_________________
Lee Gonzales is a State Representative 49th District Flint /Genesee Michigan USA, Democrat http://049.housedems.com/
440/1340
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
SYZYGY & the DYNAMIC DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION
LEE GONZALES CONVENTION BLOG 8/26/08
**********************************
SYZYGY & the DYNAMIC DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION
It is the wee hours of the morning after a 16-hour convention day on Monday. Starting off with a Gov. Granholm sponsored Michigan Delegation breakfast with U.S. Senator Carl Levin and Illinois Senator Richard Durbin, one could feel the anticipation of the official first day. I am struck by the passion and conviction expressed by many individuals I have spoken to concerning the need to change the direction of our country.
Senator Edward Kennedy and Michelle Obama both gave very poignant remarks on pocketbook issues and the American Dream. Sen. Kennedy pledged he would see Obama in the White House. Mrs. Obama wspoke inspiring words about the possibility of a new America. The convention was truly moved by each presentation that made the first day a resounding success. Prior to their remarks were a myriad of national leaders giving their viewpoints on the strengths of our Democratic Party.
There were few protesters outside the Pepsi Center where the convention is being held. While the media seems hell bent on finding wedge issues between Senators Obama and Clinton, the vast majority of delegates is already organizing, energizing and mobilizing. More on these developments will be provided in future BLOGS.
The word syzygy comes to mind from my Harvard Kennedy School of Government training back in 2003. Syzygy is the shortest word in English with three y’s, and is a term in the field of astronomy relating to an eclipse where the earth, sun and moon reach a rare alignment.
We need to reach syzygy when it comes to aligning the supporters of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton in order to take back the White House for the betterment of our nation. Please let me know what your think. Good night.
LEE
8/26/08
http://leegonzales.blogspot.com/
1221
**********************************
SYZYGY & the DYNAMIC DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION
It is the wee hours of the morning after a 16-hour convention day on Monday. Starting off with a Gov. Granholm sponsored Michigan Delegation breakfast with U.S. Senator Carl Levin and Illinois Senator Richard Durbin, one could feel the anticipation of the official first day. I am struck by the passion and conviction expressed by many individuals I have spoken to concerning the need to change the direction of our country.
Senator Edward Kennedy and Michelle Obama both gave very poignant remarks on pocketbook issues and the American Dream. Sen. Kennedy pledged he would see Obama in the White House. Mrs. Obama wspoke inspiring words about the possibility of a new America. The convention was truly moved by each presentation that made the first day a resounding success. Prior to their remarks were a myriad of national leaders giving their viewpoints on the strengths of our Democratic Party.
There were few protesters outside the Pepsi Center where the convention is being held. While the media seems hell bent on finding wedge issues between Senators Obama and Clinton, the vast majority of delegates is already organizing, energizing and mobilizing. More on these developments will be provided in future BLOGS.
The word syzygy comes to mind from my Harvard Kennedy School of Government training back in 2003. Syzygy is the shortest word in English with three y’s, and is a term in the field of astronomy relating to an eclipse where the earth, sun and moon reach a rare alignment.
We need to reach syzygy when it comes to aligning the supporters of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton in order to take back the White House for the betterment of our nation. Please let me know what your think. Good night.
LEE
8/26/08
http://leegonzales.blogspot.com/
1221
Sunday, August 24, 2008
ARRIVED IN DENVER
LEE GONZALES DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION BLOG ************************************
Our Grandson Arrives Shortly Before Takeoff and Dems Preach Party Unity on Sunday!! As the clock was ticking around 8 hours prior to my flight taking off at noon from Bishop International Airport , a spectacular family event occurred which helped clear my family schedule for my convention duties.
Our daughter Gretchen and her husband Ethan had their first child early Sunday morning. Their son Asher Quinn Davidson weighed in at seven pounds, four ounces and twenty inches tall. My wife Brenda and I are now grandparents for the third time, and Asher now complements Zachary (age 13) and Abigail (age 20 months).
Talk about just in time delivery! You can probably imagine the uneasiness I felt concerning how to balance my family life and my first-time opportunity and commitment as a delegate to the 2008 Democratic National Convention.
My daughter's wonderful delivery created an exciting weekend, along with Senator Obama's announcement on Saturday naming Sen. Joe Biden as our Democratic Party VP nominee.
As I arrived in Denver late Sunday afternoon, it is crystal clear how Senator Barack Obama and Senator Hillary Clinton are working together in regard to the nuts and bolts of the convention and toward party unity and mobilization. Additionally, on Sunday afternoon the Credentials Committee restored full voting rights to Michigan and Florida .
I have received several e-mails from both Senators and I am certain Convention Delegates from across the country will reach synergistic intensity by week's end. I intend to go each of their gatherings and other meetings.
Now, as Democrats, we must also engage America . At times, I like to draw parallels to our nation's founding fathers. The founders cared our country's future and the opinion of the future.
This is why our convention is so vitally important. Conventions matter, given what happens at these assemblages, what is being said and what will be offered as ideas to ensure a better America .
In this blog, I'm sharing some of my experiences leading up to the convention. I hope all this technology will continue to link from Denver as I finish these final edits as the plane approaches Denver . This will get emailed to my friend and confidant Terry Bankert, who is facilitating this BLOG with his know-how, verve and focus, which I very much appreciate.
Friends in the Flint area, et. al., let's stay in touch!
LEE 8/25/08 http://leegonzales.blogspot.com/
Our Grandson Arrives Shortly Before Takeoff and Dems Preach Party Unity on Sunday!! As the clock was ticking around 8 hours prior to my flight taking off at noon from Bishop International Airport , a spectacular family event occurred which helped clear my family schedule for my convention duties.
Our daughter Gretchen and her husband Ethan had their first child early Sunday morning. Their son Asher Quinn Davidson weighed in at seven pounds, four ounces and twenty inches tall. My wife Brenda and I are now grandparents for the third time, and Asher now complements Zachary (age 13) and Abigail (age 20 months).
Talk about just in time delivery! You can probably imagine the uneasiness I felt concerning how to balance my family life and my first-time opportunity and commitment as a delegate to the 2008 Democratic National Convention.
My daughter's wonderful delivery created an exciting weekend, along with Senator Obama's announcement on Saturday naming Sen. Joe Biden as our Democratic Party VP nominee.
As I arrived in Denver late Sunday afternoon, it is crystal clear how Senator Barack Obama and Senator Hillary Clinton are working together in regard to the nuts and bolts of the convention and toward party unity and mobilization. Additionally, on Sunday afternoon the Credentials Committee restored full voting rights to Michigan and Florida .
I have received several e-mails from both Senators and I am certain Convention Delegates from across the country will reach synergistic intensity by week's end. I intend to go each of their gatherings and other meetings.
Now, as Democrats, we must also engage America . At times, I like to draw parallels to our nation's founding fathers. The founders cared our country's future and the opinion of the future.
This is why our convention is so vitally important. Conventions matter, given what happens at these assemblages, what is being said and what will be offered as ideas to ensure a better America .
In this blog, I'm sharing some of my experiences leading up to the convention. I hope all this technology will continue to link from Denver as I finish these final edits as the plane approaches Denver . This will get emailed to my friend and confidant Terry Bankert, who is facilitating this BLOG with his know-how, verve and focus, which I very much appreciate.
Friends in the Flint area, et. al., let's stay in touch!
LEE 8/25/08 http://leegonzales.blogspot.com/
Saturday, August 16, 2008
MY BACKGROUND
The following is from my home page.http://049.housedems.com/
State Rep. Lee Gonzales is a dedicated fighter for the people of the Flint area and Genesee County.
As a State Representative, his top priorities include:
Creating jobs for Genesee County workers
Stopping the outsourcing of Michigan jobs.
Raising the minimum wage to support working families.
Protecting Michigan’s working families from corporate crooks who threaten workers’ pensions and 401(k)s. Work History
Gonzales has more than 29 years of experience in local, state and federal government. He served for seven years as assistant treasurer for Genesee County and was instrumental in establishing a land bank to use Michigan's property tax laws as a community economic development tool.
From 1992 to 1996, Gonzales served as Genesee County’s development director; he was responsible for writing the grant application resulting in the $25-million Flint/Genesee Job Corps Center, funded by the U.S. Department of Labor. This facility includes a child development center and a solo-parent dormitory.
Gonzales also worked as an administrator for the Michigan Department of Agriculture, as a program specialist and local government liaison for Gov. James J. Blanchard, as assistant to U.S. Rep. Dale E. Kildee (Flint) and as assistant director for the Spanish Speaking Information Center in Flint.Family
Gonzales and his wife, Brenda Galloway Gonzales, have been married for 33 years. They have three children, Ehren, Gretchen and Elijah, and two grandchildren, Zachary and Abigail.
Education
Gonzales holds a bachelor’s degree in urban studies/urban administration and a master’s of public administration from the University of Michigan-Flint. During his graduate work, he was awarded two Rackham Graduate Fellowships.
Gonzales also completed the Senior Executives in State and Local Government program at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.Community Involvement
Gonzales is the former chairman and a current member of the Hispanic Caucus of Genesee County.
House Democrats are committed to building a stronger Michigan for every resident. We have a bold vision to strengthen Michigan's economy and to make our state a powerhouse in the 21st century global economy.
By focusing on creating jobs, protecting health care, strengthening education, safeguarding our Great Lakes, bolstering consumer protections and promoting renewable energy, we can create a brighter future for the State of Michigan.
State Representative Lee Gonzales is a member of the following Committee: Appropriations (Subcommittees: (C) Transportation; (VC) Higher Education; Joint Capital Outlay).
(C)-Chair, (VC)-Vice Chair
State Rep. Lee Gonzales is a dedicated fighter for the people of the Flint area and Genesee County.
As a State Representative, his top priorities include:
Creating jobs for Genesee County workers
Stopping the outsourcing of Michigan jobs.
Raising the minimum wage to support working families.
Protecting Michigan’s working families from corporate crooks who threaten workers’ pensions and 401(k)s. Work History
Gonzales has more than 29 years of experience in local, state and federal government. He served for seven years as assistant treasurer for Genesee County and was instrumental in establishing a land bank to use Michigan's property tax laws as a community economic development tool.
From 1992 to 1996, Gonzales served as Genesee County’s development director; he was responsible for writing the grant application resulting in the $25-million Flint/Genesee Job Corps Center, funded by the U.S. Department of Labor. This facility includes a child development center and a solo-parent dormitory.
Gonzales also worked as an administrator for the Michigan Department of Agriculture, as a program specialist and local government liaison for Gov. James J. Blanchard, as assistant to U.S. Rep. Dale E. Kildee (Flint) and as assistant director for the Spanish Speaking Information Center in Flint.Family
Gonzales and his wife, Brenda Galloway Gonzales, have been married for 33 years. They have three children, Ehren, Gretchen and Elijah, and two grandchildren, Zachary and Abigail.
Education
Gonzales holds a bachelor’s degree in urban studies/urban administration and a master’s of public administration from the University of Michigan-Flint. During his graduate work, he was awarded two Rackham Graduate Fellowships.
Gonzales also completed the Senior Executives in State and Local Government program at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.Community Involvement
Gonzales is the former chairman and a current member of the Hispanic Caucus of Genesee County.
House Democrats are committed to building a stronger Michigan for every resident. We have a bold vision to strengthen Michigan's economy and to make our state a powerhouse in the 21st century global economy.
By focusing on creating jobs, protecting health care, strengthening education, safeguarding our Great Lakes, bolstering consumer protections and promoting renewable energy, we can create a brighter future for the State of Michigan.
State Representative Lee Gonzales is a member of the following Committee: Appropriations (Subcommittees: (C) Transportation; (VC) Higher Education; Joint Capital Outlay).
(C)-Chair, (VC)-Vice Chair
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