2023
HARBOR NEWS
Kildee retirement likely to fuel scramble as GOP, Democrats vie for 'toss-up' seat
Detroit News - November 16, 2023
“Schuette would make a lot of sense for Republicans in Washington, D.C., to recruit, said John Sellek, a Michigan political consultant and CEO of Lansing-based Harbor Strategic Public Affairs.”
What do the NYT/Sienna polls mean for President Biden?
JR Morning with Guy, Lloyd and Jamie - November 7, 2023
"Of the six battleground states where Biden ran the table in 2020, he is losing five. The economy dominates, but more concerning for Democrats is lost support amongst young, Black and Hispanic voters."
Michigan House slated to take up bills expanding statute of limitations on sexual abuse
WWMT - November 3, 2023
“We're looking to heal people here. There's what - 25% of America has been sexually assaulted somehow," DeLuca said Thursday as he urged the bills to be passed by the House. "There are people who need redemption and need to get on with their lives and need to heal."
Court order gives Ann Arbor-area gravel mine path the ability to resume operation amid shutdown
MLive - October 24, 2023
“We are grateful for the cooperation extended by the township to come to this arrangement and look forward to continuing our work together to come to a long-term arrangement that works for everyone,” said John Sellek, a spokesperson for Mid Michigan Materials, in a statement.
John Sellek on All Talk with Jordan and Dietz: October 6th
WJR's All Talk with Jordan and Dietz - October 6, 2023
John Sellek and WJR’s All Talk hosts Kevin and Tom discuss how many in the GOP are now declining to endorse a national limit on abortion because Michigan voters decided this important issue in 2022.
Brad Williams on Michigan's Big Show starring Michael Patrick Shiels
Michigan's Big Show - Statewide - October 6, 2023
"'A lot of our members are seeing legislation being introduced that concerns them,' said Brad Williams, Vice President of Government Relations for the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce."
Wendy Block on The Steve Gruber Show
The Steve Gruber Show - Statewide - October 5, 2023
“'The Great Lakes Growth Coalition came together because we want to amplify small business voices across the state and help lawmakers understand that many of these anti-business/anti-growth policy proposals pending in Lansing will have real consequences,' said Wendy Block, Senior Vice President of Business Advocacy at the Michigan Chamber of Commerce."
Group forms to oppose 'anti-growth' bills in Legislature
The Center Square - Statewide - October 5, 2023
“We all have shared concerns about where this Legislature is taking the state,” Michigan Manufacturers Association Vice President of Government Affairs and Workforce Development Mike Johnston said in a statement.
Business Coalition Oppose 'Unsustainable' Chan
MIRS - October 4, 2023
“This coalition represents such a broad swath of the Michigan economy that I think we have great connections and great, great messages to say: we’ve got to be very careful about the future of Michigan and sustaining our foundational business climate,” he said.
Michigan business leaders form coalition to advocate for industry in state legislature
WILX - October 4, 2023
“'We’ve seen a clear trend this year, in seeing anti-business kinds of legislation,' said Michigan Manufacturers Association Executive Vice President of Government Affairs & Workforce Development Mike Johnston."
Students explore future careers in Lansing Construction Science Expo at Impression 5
WILX - October 4, 2023
“The goal is to let students know that there is a career path for them in this industry,” said Needham. “Whether you want to go to college or not, there is a path for you. There’s engineering, and we desperately need those individuals not only in the private sector but also in the public sector. So, we want to expose students to those desperately needed jobs, but also to the skilled trades.”
What were the ups and downs of the 2nd presidential debate?
WILS Morning Wake Up - September 28, 2023
John and Mike Austin talked about how in the past, Chris Christie would have been a GOP pick for VP, carrying out attacks for the nominee. Now with Donald Duck, he's only there to attack the likely nominee.
Biden and Trump's Events With Auto Workers Preview Michigan’s 2024 Role
The Messanger - September 26, 2023
“Sellek acknowledged challenges Trump faced in 2020 – “Biden isn’t Hillary Clinton,” but added the former president may have learned at least some lessons.
“He is not talking about wages, he is talking about their existence overall and it makes it a lot easier to attack Biden.”
Harbor's John Sellek talked with WILS 1320's Mike Austin about GOP debate polling and what it means for the 2024 election
Morning Wake Up with Mike Austin - WILS AM Lansing -August 25, 2023
"Biggest mistake may be almost no attacks on DeSantis. He was left alone to make his case and the initial numbers were positive."
How could Republican indictments shape Michigan’s 2024 election? Your guide to Michigan politics
MLive- August 13, 2023
"Alongside the multiple indictments in Michigan, it can be tough for even close observers to keep them straight. Sellek emphasized this to MLive. He pointed to Google Analytics data first reported by Axios that showed public interest declining with each indictment."
Controversial bills changing who issues permits for gravel mines pulled from consideration for now
Michigan Radio- June 14, 2023
"Aggregates supply chain reforms are necessary, evidenced by the support of local governments and unions. With any major policy change, the process can be long and winding. That’s democracy at work," Sellek said.
What's happening with Michigan's presidential primary?
Morning Wake Up- 1320 WILS - Lansing- June 13, 2023
Harbor’s John Sellek talked to WILS about the presidential primary: "With so few delegates allocated to the primary, most voters won't participate and Trump competitors are likely to skip Michigan."
GM announcement, groundbreaking mark more than $1 billion investment in Flint
Michigan Advance- June 6, 2023
Work will now begin on the first building of the new Flint Commerce Center industrial park, which is being developed by Ashley Capital, one of the United States’ largest privately held industrial real estate investment firms. The 330,000-square-foot building is expected to be ready for occupancy in the first quarter of 2024.
New $300M Industrial Complex Coming To Flint At Former GM Site
Gongwer- June 5, 2023
"We are moving forward, and we're creating real opportunity for people in Flint," Whitmer said. "We're turning former factories into new space for business. We're tearing down abandoned or blighted buildings, revitalizing small towns and big cities, building new apartments and commercial spaces and creating and supporting tens of thousands of jobs along the way. So, we build, and we rebuild. We believe in our future. We work together. We roll up our sleeves, and we find a space for everyone."
GM to invest $1 billion in Flint operations for next-gen heavy-duty truck production
Detroit News- June 5, 2023
[...] state, local and federal officials will celebrate the groundbreaking for the first building at the new Flint Commerce Center at the former GM Buick City campus. That event will mark the start of construction on a facility that is scheduled to be complete in early 2024.
New industrial park breaks ground at former Buick City site
WNEM CBS5 (Flint)- June 5, 2023
Ashley Capital is redeveloping the area into the Flint Commerce Center, located at 2201 Industrial Ave. in Flint. The investment firm closed on the first 20 acres of the site earlier this year and is working with RACER Trust to acquire the rest of the site. That is expected to happen by the end of August. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Congressman Dan Kildee, and Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley attended the groundbreaking ceremony, along with other state and local leaders.
Groundbreaking ceremony held for Flint's $300M Buick City redevelopment
The Center Square- June 5, 2023
“We’ve made this massive investment because we think Flint is a good place to be, with an excellent partner in the city of Flint, strong workforce, great infrastructure, and ready access to expressways, rail, and abundant electricity," Senior Vice President for Ashley Capital Susan M. Harvey said in a statement.
Change4Oxford's Lori Bourgeau on The Guy Gordon Show on WJR
The Guy Gordon Show - May 16, 2023
#Change4Oxford's Lori Bourgeau joins The Guy Gordon Show on WJR to discuss orange graduation cords that were ordered by students at Oxford High School. Orange is the color of the gun violence prevention moment.
Oxford High School shooting: Meetings allow parents to question safety report
Fox 2 Detroit - May 11, 2023
"The same words came to mind that came to me immediately after the shooting. We’re still left hoping for some accountability, lack of trust, transparency, a need for oversight," said Lori Bourgeu, with Change4Oxford."
‘It’s incredibly frustrating.’ Oxford releases safety investigation that doesn’t address 2021 mass shooting
mlive - May 11, 2023
“Two mothers of Oxford High students who are part of Change 4 Oxford, a group advocating for district transparency, said they’re glad some information is being released, but they want more. “I have been screaming it from the beginning: how can you know what to fix if you don’t know what’s broken,” said Lori Bourgeau.”
Two Oxford parents frustrated by delay with independent report about shooting
Detroit News - May 11, 2023
“Andrea Jones and Lori Bourgeau, both parents of children in the Oxford school district, held a Thursday Zoom press conference to discuss the 179-page Guidepost Solutions report released Monday that revealed that threat assessment teams only inquired about access to firearms involving troubled students half of the time after the 2021 mass shooting at the high school.”
Sand and gravel industry alleges local governments not qualified to decide whether to approve new mines
Michigan Radio- May 10, 2023
"'Michigan's crumbling infrastructure and strong economy is driving up demand for a limited amount of permitted aggregate. The statewide supply shortage is due to local units of governments effectively blocking the opening of new mines,' said Doug Needham, Executive Director of the industry group."
Fix the damn roads? Michigan must first decide who OKs the darn gravel mines
BridgeMI- May 9, 2023
“We’re not looking to reinvent the wheel,” said Doug Needham, executive director of the Michigan Aggregates Association. “We're just looking to be aligned with many other extractive industries in our state.”
PulteGroup Shareholder Files Lawsuit Seeking Details of C-suite Internal Investigation
PR Newswire - May 4, 2023
“Company investors seeking a fully transparent release of all investigative documents to shareholders related to oversight of reports of executive's violations of the Company's Code of Ethical Business Conduct.”
No prominent Republican candidate has emerged in race for Michigan U.S. Senate seat
Detroit Free Press - May 1, 2023
"Namely, the Democrats have seemed to settle on who the party establishment would coalesce behind out of the public eye rather than put forward a slate of candidates to duke it out on the campaign trail."
Legislators, sexual assault survivors and advocates announce legislative package
WWMT- April 27, 2023
“State law should not dictate which survivors have access to justice. That is why our bills allow justice for all survivors,” Representative Brixie said. “When survivors do come forward, they must be given an opportunity to access justice in our legal system.”
LIVE STREAM Justice for Survivors Press Conference
House of Representatives Communications- April 27, 2023
“This is about our sons, our daughters, our nieces or nephews, our husbands and wives who have been afflicted with a public health crisis that's been hidden for far too long,” Rep. Julie Brixie said.
Lawmakers to propose 9 bills to increase statute of limitations on sexual assault cases
WXYZ Detroit- April 26, 2023
"It’s revictimizating a survivor a second time," said attorney Jennifer Glynn when statute of limitations runs out on victims. "That is what our criminal justice system does repeatedly to victims of sexual abuse.”
Gov. Whitmer joins Biden’s reelection team to win battleground Michigan
mlive - April 25, 2023
"A national co-chair position can sometimes be ceremonial to please a certain group but here “it’s completely the opposite. “President Biden likes Gov. Whitmer and counts on her energy,” said Sellek, who was the Michigan director for Mitt Romney’s 2012 presidential campaign."
Creditors Offer Counter Recommendations On Collections, Debt Processes
Gongwer News Service - March 21, 2023
“The recommendations act as a counterpoint to the Michigan Justice for All Commission recommendations issued late last year which delved into the need to manage the state's volume of debt collection cases and addressed challenges that consumers face if left unrepresented during the consumer debt process.”
Elissa Slotkin is fed up with school shootings. She's betting voters are, too
Detroit News - March 21, 2023
“What Slotkin is testing is something new for a Democrat and reflects her skill at "walking the line" of sensitive issues to win crossover voters in a congressional district that Trump won, said Sellek.”
Michigan State students’ training kicked in during shooting
Associated Press
“Among those attending was Andrea Jones, the mother of an Oxford High School senior and an eighth-grader at Oxford Community Schools. She said her niece attends Michigan State. For youngsters, even just experience lockdown drills can be traumatizing, she said."
Michigan's move to early primary state in '24 brings potential for economic boon
Detroit News - February 4, 2023
"President Biden loves Michigan, sees himself as a Midwesterner, and thinks that it's a safe place to play and protect himself and wants to see that be in place," Sellek said of Michigan's early-state status.
Slotkin seen by many as frontrunner to replace Stabenow in US Senate
Lansing State Journal - February 1, 2023
“Elissa Slotkin turned out to be an incredibly effective politician,” Sellek said. “She won this 50/50 seat under bombardment from record levels of national spending, she managed to avoid being sucked into the far left,
Michigan Democrats unveil first moves in new session
Associated Press - January 12, 2023
"Sellek said Democrats were wise to lead with tax cuts, their main promise on the campaign trail. "There wasn't a single ad about right to work. It was Dem candidates saying 'We need to reduce spending, cut taxes and give money back to people who are suffering"
In Michigan political 'earthquake,' U.S. Dan Kildee won't run again
BridgeMI - November 16, 2023
“Kildee's "surprise” announcement is an "earthquake in Michigan politics," said John Sellek, who previously worked on statewide GOP campaigns and is now owner of Harbor Strategic Public Affairs in Lansing.”
Statute of Limitations Elimination Package Doesn't Move
MIRS - November 3, 2023
“I’m here tonight for the survivors of sexual assault because they need help from their Michigan House of Representatives,” DeLuca said. “You can make a real difference by passing these bills … helping survivors of sexual assault is not a partisan issue.”
New Oxford shooting revelations upset victims' families and community members
Detroit News - October 31, 2023
“Andrea Jones, a parent leader with the group #Change4Oxford, said overall, the report was damning to the district and said what many had been saying all along — that the district failed to follow threat assessment practices and other rules.”
Debt collection bills will undermine civil litigation
Detroit News Opinion - October 9, 2023
"Pew, with offices around the world, is engaged in a misguided lobbying effort in Lansing where it claims to be modernizing our civil litigation system.
A $6b behemoth with an agenda beyond altruism, Pew would turn our economy on its head w/small biz & families footing the bill"
Andy Johnston on West Michigan's Morning Show
WOOD Radio - West Michigan - October 6, 2023
"'There's a lot of concerning proposals from crushing independent contractors in the state to employer mandates to increased regulations that have a lot of our members really co,' said Andy Johnston, Senior Vice President of Advocacy and Strategic Engagement at the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce."
Wendy Block on The Ron Jolly Show
WTCM - Traverse City - October 5, 2023
“'There's a lot of big issues on the table in Lansing and we feel like we need to speak out and speak out more loudly about these things,' said Wendy Block, Senior Vice President of Business Advocacy at the Michigan Chamber of Commerce."
Democrats’ economic plans conflict with goal to grow Michigan, business groups fear
MLive - Statewide - October 4, 2023
Smaller issue-based coalitions already have been addressing these policy areas the last several months, but the larger group will “bring them together under one sustainable and durable coalition that can last the test of time,” said Brad Williams, vice president of government relations for the Detroit Regional Chamber.
Michigan business groups form new coalition to fight 'anti-growth' bills
Crain's Detroit - October 4, 2023
"'Our goal with the Great Lakes Growth coalition is to provide a counterweight to those driving these conversations to create an avenue for the business community to make their voice heard and to build public awareness and to showcase the unintended consequences of the harmful proposals pending in Lansing,' said Wendy Block."
Lansing students get hands-on experience at first Construction Science Expo
Lansing State Journal - October 4, 2023
"'It’s gone great,' said Douglas Needham, expo president and executive director of the Michigan Aggregates Association. ''The interaction that the students are having — the thrill, the excitement on their face, having them feel and touch the various aspects of the skilled trades and the construction industry."
Doug Needham on WILS 1320's Morning Wake-Up
WILS 1320 Morning Wake-Up - October 4, 2023
MAA's Doug Needham joined WILS 1320's Morning Wake Up to discuss the inaugural Lansing Construction Science Expo, an event that exposed over 300 students from the Lansing School District to potential career paths in the construction and engineering industries.
Analyzing the Fain, Biden and Trump interactions this week
Michigan's Big Show - September 28, 2023
John Sellek talks to Michigan Big Show to about the UAW's Sean Fain bringing two presidents and the US political world to Michigan, essentially kicking-off the 2024 election in Detroit with union workers as its focus.
UAW strike causes Biden, Trump to visit Michigan to battle for the American worker
Detroit News - September 26, 2023
“Still, Trump's direct appeal to union workers shouldn't be a surprise to anyone who has tracked Michigan politics, said Sellek. He recalled Engler visiting (plant gates & bowling alleys) to talk about property taxes and welfare. “The issues have changed, but the process has not.”
Harbor's John Sellek and MPS discuss John's Detroit Free Press column about taking a break from technology.
The Big Show with Michael Patrick Shiels - August 24, 2023
Taking a break from technology has its perks as well as its issues. In his interview on the Big Show, John Sellek dives into the addiction that we have to our screens, as well as highlights the importance of taking time away from them on occasion.
How did the DeSantis vs Trump show play at the Iowa State Fair?
All Talk WJR 760 AM - August 14, 2023
“DeSantis presented a nicely crafted image of a family man at the fair with big policy chops. It was overwhelmed by the Trump circus with airplanes, big crowds and pork chops on a stick,” said Sellek"
Primary night successes leave Democratic House majority uncertain
Michigan Public Radio Network- August 9, 2023
“Their issue list is not close to being done. They had a huge rush on the front end of the year, they got bogged down and worked on the budget with a few other issues that were key to their caucus in the meantime but there’s a lot of stuff left on the table,” Sellek said.“
Harbor Hires Capitol Corps Journalist Eric Lloyd as Director of Public Relations
Harbor Strategic- July 31, 2023
“Harbor’s current and future clients will be well served by Eric’s unique combination of video storytelling skills and strong understanding of Michigan’s public policy process," said Harbor CEO John Sellek.
How Can Federal Reform Lower Costs on flights into DCA Reagan Washington National Airport?
WJR All Talk with Jordan and Dietz- July 14, 2023
John Sellek joined WJR to talk about Michigan's exploding demand for sand and gravel to end the housing shortage crisis and fix our roads, all while protecting our environment.
Should Congress modernize flight 'perimeter rule' ?
Detroit News- July 10, 2023
Bipartisan legislation that has been introduced in the House and Senate would modernize the perimeter rule and authorize a modest number of in and out of perimeter flights at DCA. This would create more competition and ultimately, lower ticket prices for consumers.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer faces balancing act as she works to finalize 2024 budget
Detroit Free Press- June 17, 2023
John Sellek, a former aide to Republican Attorney General Bill Schuette who heads the Harbor Strategic public affairs firm, said Whitmer, who is a co-chair of President Joe Biden's 2024 reelection campaign, is at the "peak of her political powers" as she works to finalize the budget and enjoying positive national media attention for her leadership in the fight for abortion rights and her recent signing of gun safety measures.
More sexual assault survivors connected to Michigan-based religious groups surface
Michigan Radio- June 14, 2023
“The result of having these men as leaders becomes very toxic and harmful,” she added. “Family and group systems with emotionally unavailable fathers and husbands, and women and children who are supposed to submit to men without question at any time.”
Proposed bills aim to strengthen protections for sexual assault survivors in Michigan
WILX- June 14, 2023
“A lot of victims will struggle with hearing a lot of things that blame them, or shame them for what they’ve experienced, when it’s absolutely not their fault. So it’s making sure that these systems are prepared to intervene...and offer support,” Executive Director Kaitlynn Dwyer-Brownell said.
Michigan House pauses action on gravel mining bill amid pushback
The Detroit News- June 13, 2023
Carter couldn't say when the bills would be taken up again, but argued that — without the pressure of term limits — the Legislature had a real opportunity to find a compromise in the coming months rather than leave it to the next group of lawmakers.
MIRS- June 5, 2023
Ashley Capital, a privately held industrial real estate investment firm, is developing the site. The first of 10 planned light manufacturing and warehouse buildings is a 330,000-square-foot facility that will feature amenities required by today's sophisticated warehouse, distribution and manufacturing companies. When completed, the project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $300 million and consist of up to 3.5 million square feet of state-of-the-art, light industrial distribution space.
Officials mark groundbreaking on new Flint Commerce Center at former Buick City site
Detroit News (Detroit)- June 5, 2023
The former General Motors Co. Buick City campus is one step closer to a new future following a groundbreaking ceremony Monday for the first building of the new Flint Commerce Center.
Buick City redevelopment that will generate $300M local investment breaks ground
MLIVE (Statewide)- June 5, 2023
Governor Gretchen Whitmer was joined by Ashley Capital Senior Vice President Susan Harvey and others at a groundbreaking event that marked the start of the redevelopment on the morning of Monday, June 5. After fully completed, the Flint Commerce Center will generate a $300 million local investment with 10 buildings, 3.5 million square feet of space and up to 3,000 new jobs.
Ashley Capital breaks ground on Buick City redevelopment
ABC12 (Flint)- June 5, 2023
Construction officially started Monday on a $300 million redevelopment of the sprawling Buick City site in Flint. Years after the last car rolled off the assembly line at Buick City, Ashley Capital from New York hosted a groundbreaking ceremony Monday for the first of 10 industrial buildings planned on the 350-acre site.
Kelly Kuiper, Local gov’t leaders join union and business coalition’s support of Witwer aggregates supply chain fix
The Steve Gruber Show - May 11, 2023
Kelly Kuiper has personally faced countless nasty meetings as she attempted to simply pursue permitting for new aggregate mining facilities. That's why she testified before Michigan legislature about reforming the system.
Oxford parents calling for better safety measures, policy enforcement
WNEM - Saginaw - May 11, 2023
“Parents and advocates are calling for better safety measures after the release of an independent investigation report following the mass shooting at Oxford High School in November 2021. “They’re the ones who need to be safe. They’re the ones whose trust was broken. They’re the ones who were hurt on Nov. 30,” said Lori Bourgeu, parent-leader of Change4Oxford.”
Oxford parents call for transparency on safety policies
WLNS - Lansing - May 11, 2023
“The high school has its own separate threat assessment team from the middle school, and those two teams don’t communicate with each other, which would be an area I would definitely like to see improvement on,” said Andrea Jones, member of Change for Oxford.”
Parents want more answers to questions about security at Oxford Community Schools
Michigan Radio - Statewide - May 11, 2023
“Andrea Jones is a parent who's also affiliated with the group Change4Oxford. “This report for me did not do anything to restore trust in the district,” said Jones, who added many students and parents continue to feel unsafe in Oxford schools.”
Oxford parents react to first investigation report
The Oakland Press - May 11, 2023
“Overall I have a lot more questions than answers. This report, for me, did not do anything to restore trust in the district,” said Jones, who had just come from a public meeting held by Guidepost to address questions from the community….Bourgeau said the district still needs more mental health training for staff and administrators in recognizing if a student needs help.
“The entire staff needs to be trained.”
Inkster, Oxford Officials Express Support For Aggregate Bills
Gongwer - May 5, 2023
"John Sellek, chief strategist and CEO of Harbor Strategic Public Affairs, cited some information from Ms. Witwer's bill in a release for those who are worried the plan will "silence communities." Under the bill, Mr. Sellek noted that several notices, including a public notice on the department's website, would be made available until the application is granted or denied."
Local Governments Unite Against Aggregate Bills
MIRS - May 4, 2023
"The local government groups said HB 4526 , HB 4527 and HB 4528 are a "legislative attack" that preempts all local zoning, administration, and ordinances over an industry that can have "lasting, detrimental effects on Michigan communities, the environment, property and quality of life."
Coalition Of Union, Business Leaders Show Support For Aggregate Bills
Gongwer - May 3, 2023
"'While Michigan is spending more tax dollars on roads than at any time in history, it's incumbent on state government to ensure every dollar possible is put directly into getting results for taxpayers,' Mr. Needham said."
Michigan legislation aims to provide justice for sex abuse survivors
UpNorthNow- April 27, 2023
“As a public high school teacher, I also know that, according to the CDC, 1 in 5 of my female students have experienced sexual violence in the last year alone, and I want my state government to fight to protect and support my students,” said Evan Bonsall, Rise Organizer for the Michigan Campaign.
Lawmakers reintroduce package to support survivors of sexual assault
WKAR Radio- April 27, 2023
“Michigan is the only state in the nation to pass a law restricting survivors' access to justice based on the occupation of the abuser," she said. "It's not about who committed the abuse. It's about those who survived it. The legislature should not be dictating which survivors have access to justice,” said Rep. Julie Brixie.
Bills would give sexual assault victims decades longer to sue
Crain’s Detroit Business- April 27, 2023
"All institutions in Michigan — public or private — should be implementing safe environment policies, training, and reporting requirements to keep children and young people safe wherever they come in contact with adults. [...] Our society as a whole must do better to protect every single child and vulnerable adult from the scourge and horror of sexual or physical abuse,” said Rep. Julie Brixie.
Plan lifting Michigan's statute of limitations on sex abuse lawsuits gets new push
The Detroit News- April 26, 2023
"... We were keenly aware that behind every single sexual assault survivor in our army are hundreds of sexual assault survivors who still don’t have a voice, who don’t have an army behind them, who are still suffering in silence and who still don’t have access to our justice system," said Rachael Denhollander in 2018, the first of more than 260 young women and girls to publicly accuse Nassar.
Livingston County's snub of red flag gun bills reflects polarized priorities
Detroit News - April 25, 2023
"Hopefully they can follow up on Sheriff Murphy's offer to get a beer together," he said, "because even if they disagree at times, public safety depends on their ability to work together on many other issues."
Michigan GOP may scrap 2024 primary for closed caucus. That could help Trump
Bridge Michigan - April 12, 2023
“Sellek questioned the ability of the Michigan GOP to set up a functional caucus system in the next 11 months. “When we look at the fact that the GOP doesn't even have a headquarters, it leaves you scratching your head about how they would even logistically pull that off.”
Whitmer's First 100 Days Eventful; Next 100 Days To Be Marked By Budget
MIRS News - Lansing - April 11, 2023
"so many things happened in the first 100 days of Michigan's Legislature that most of the public wouldn't be able to fully soak it in," said Sellek. To help unpack the gravitas of what was done, he said, Whitmer was using a tradition that started nearly 100 years ago with former President Franklin ROOSEVELT after he ushered the New Deal through Congress."
Discussing the PR & Legal Angles of the New Trump Charges
WJR - All Talk with Kevin & Tom - April 3, 2023
Harbor's John Sellek joined WJR's All Talk w/Tom & Kevin to discuss PR, political and legal angles of charges to be filed by the Manhattan District Attorney. 70% of independents told Quinnipiac it's mostly politics. Will that matter in court?
What is going on with Delta Crossings?
WILX - Lansing - March 17, 2023
“I made a promise to the Delta Township, Eaton County, the contractors. I made a commitment to them that I will see and get this development done and that was the plan and I’m excited to be able to have the opportunity now,” said Krstovski.”
MCBA Announces Plan To Improve Customer Debt Process In Judicial System
MIRS - March 21, 2023
“The Michigan Creditors Bar Association today urged the Michigan Supreme Court to take immediate action to help Michigan families avoid default judgments and garnishments, reduce local caseloads and protect the credit-based economy under its Protect Michigan's Families & Economy plan.”
My Take: Will Democrats still be smiling next year?
Holland Sentinel - February 9, 2023
“Accordingly, the Democrats’ celebration in the Capitol Building was not just about winning in 2022, but also their decades-long desire to repudiate the legacies of John Engler, Rick Snyder, Donald Trump, and heck, why not, Mike Shirkey.”
After years of turmoil, Michigan Gov. Whitmer looks to shape an ambitious Democratic agenda
MLive - January 25, 2023
“It’s a blessing and a curse for the Governor,” Sellek said. “There are a lot of folks who will see it as a blank check...the tightrope that the Governor has to walk, is to keep it from being spent like it’s mad money.”
GOP, Dems strategize to run for Stabenow's Senate seat; may face pressure to retire early
Fox 2 Detroit - January 9, 2023
“What's the best thing for the rest of the Democratic Party and Gov. Whitmer? To avoid a messy primary, get somebody into that seat, start raising money and show the rest of the state who they are."
Michigan's U.S. Sen. Stabenow won't seek reelection in 2024
The Detroit News - January 5, 2023
“She was a huge counterweight to John Engler when he was governor and she was in the state Senate," said John Sellek, a Republican consultant and founder of Harbor Strategic Public Affairs. "Her decision to decouple property taxes from school funding led to Proposal A, and Engler's victory on property tax reform. She played a game of brinksmanship, and she was a huge part of that era of Michigan politics."