THE CHALLENGE
In 2013, the Oil and Natural Gas industry, sought to generate public understanding of and support for the economic development, job growth and energy independence opportunities presented to the nation by the vast oil and natural gas reserves that underlie Michigan, as well as build a strong, strategic coalition of traditional and nontraditional supporters and allies.

THE CHALLENGE
During 2011, a new “Emergency Manager” law in Michigan had stripped away the rights of cities, townships and other public entities, giving a so-called Emergency Manager the right to assume all power over elected officials. With the obvious issues associated with the law, a volunteer-led coalition that included Stand Up for Democracy placed a repeal proposal on the ballot—titled Proposal 1—for the November 2012 election.