Rep. Bart Stupak addresses Antrim County residents last Thursday in Bellaire. Photo by Jeffray Kessler

Stupak updated the crowd on the issues that have been occupying his time in Washington. They included war-related topics that specifically addressed improving military benefits (both medical and educational) and even transportation of soldiers killed in action to airports that are closer to home.

Stupak related accomplishments of the Congress that have impacted the minimum wage and student loans, but could not hide his frustration with the lack of progress on other issues.

"We have passed over 1,100 bills in the House, but they stall in the Senate where 60 votes are needed to pass them," Stupak said. "They then face the president's veto power which requires a 2/3 vote to override."

The majority of the meeting was composed of about 30 Antrim citizens asking questions and expressing their concerns.

Environmental issues were a priority and invasive species in the Great Lakes was the first topic on which Stupak was questioned. "Existing laws are not being enforced," Stupak said. He also alluded to a Great Lakes study in this area due to be presented in the spring.

The EPA and particularly groundwater and disposal issues were highlighted. Stupak informed the crowd of his concern, and educated the attendees to the fact that Antrim County has 109 injection wells. This was alarming to many in the room (One citizen commented, "We are a cesspool"). Stupak said he is working with the EPA to learn what can be done.

A resident asked for a response to the "pathetic" congressional approval rating, and also wondered why impeachment proceedings have not been initiated.

"The congressional leadership says we aren't getting involved in a tit-for-tat (referring to the Clinton impeachment). I am not convinced that there are grounds for impeachment anyway," Stupak said. "We couldn't do it based on the war, because of the original vote to authorize."

The third issue (concerning the budget) was expressed passionately by a citizen on one of the county's planning commissions. "I think the higher up officials go the less they know about zeros," she said. "They talk like a trillion dollars is like buying a soda."

Water levels, especially related to the Nestle bottled water facility, were of concern. Stupak responded that, "The Nestle facility, being in Mecosta County, is not in my district, but I have tried to block its expansion and urge the Michigan Legislature to protect water use. This is a permit that was originally granted by (John) Engler. I am also urging more aquifer exploration. By 2025, water will be the commodity most in demand."

Stupak added that a related issue is water treatment and overflow. "We need more investment in infrastructure like sewers," he said.

Stupak and his constituents discussed immigration at length, but what it all seemed to come down to for Stupak was the enforcement of existing laws. "Enforce, enforce, enforce," he said. "In 2005 there were 5.4 million employers in the United States. A total of three were hit with citations for use of illegal immigrant labor."

Dissatisfaction with the upcoming primary was discussed. Stupak agreed with the current criticism.

"The governor is not very happy with me right now," he said. "In Congress we are looking at the idea of dividing the country into quadrants and having regional primaries."

Food and product safety was an important issue for several citizens. Stupak told the crowd, "Only one percent of imports are inspected. China is especially suspect in their inspection procedures. We have a big bill going through the congress that will create more inspection and prevent the closing of more FDA labs."

One citizen thanked Stupak's continued support for mental health issues related to Medicare and Medicaid.

That issue blossomed into a short discussion about affordable health care. Stupak's advised that no matter what party ended up in the White House, they prioritize this topic. "Demand that it be the big issue," he said.

The last topic of the evening grew out of concern from a citizen about Social Security increases not keeping pace with the rate of inflation. Stupak assured the person was correct in his mathematics, and that the Social Security rate would be going up in 2008 commensurate with inflation.

Besides fielding questions, Stupak updated the crowd on the biggest issues he is facing both at the national level and locally.

"The number one issue in the country right now is the economy," he said. "Iraq is now number two. The current national debt is $9.2 trillion. That is $30,000 for each man, woman and child in the country."

On issues having a direct local impact, Stupak said he is in the process of finding funding ($348 million) to repair the Soo Locks, and the House of Representatives is trying to provide the "No Child Left Behind" program with its first increase in five years ($1 billion).

Discussions in the crowd after the meeting seemed had a hopeless air as the issues seem huge and tasks daunting. A recurring comment was, "I don't know how anything ever gets done."

Jeff Kessler can be reached for question or comment at perkins90@hotmail.com.