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Cass County Commissioners, elected officials and employees can be rightly proud at the completion of the County Courthouse renovations. A historic landmark has been restored and services will be more easily accessible to county residents.

However, it is worth noting that this project, which will help government be more efficient and lower energy costs, was possible because of Democrats at the federal and state level. The renovation was funded in large part by the American Recovery Act, passed by Congress entirely by Democrats, without one Republican vote, which means our current 5th District Republican Congressman voted against it. The American Recovery Act was signed by Democratic President Joe Biden and administered by Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Cathy Lapointe, past chair of the Cass County Democratic Party, made the initial contact with Democratic US Senator Gary Peters who secured $1.5 million in a special appropriation to help finish the job.

Our county seat, Cassopolis, has been the beneficiary of nearly $20 million in grant money, building the public beach and pier, downtown beautification and connectivity, home improvements, and upgrades to energy efficiencies. Dowagiac and other county municipalities have all benefited from American Rescue Plan and Infrastructure Law. Nearly all these benefits came to Cass County by Democrats in Washington and Lansing and were opposed by nearly all Republicans.

Jim Pedersen, candidate for Cassopolis Village President, noted that “It took Democrats’ investment in people and our communities, and working to overcome Republicans’ constant drumbeat of cuts, cuts, cuts. And now, just look at the results – this beautifully restored building, and homes getting upgraded throughout Cass County, all despite Republican opposition.”

Libbi Urban, candidate for US Congress, 5th District, who was present for the ribbon-cutting, stated, “This beautifully restored building, beautiful downtown, expanded broadband, and homes getting upgraded throughout Cass County are the kinds of projects I will support, in spite of any Republican opposition.”

Naomi Ludman

Chair, Cass County Democratic Party