PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl substances, are a family of chemicals that have been found across the state, including in Oscoda, and are linked to health problems including cancer. Spaniola is trying to ask for the Air Force to conduct clean up efforts of PFAs in Oscoda, home of the former Wurtsmith Air Force base is the primary source of PFAS contaminants in the local water.

Tony is also featured heavily in a CNBC documentary.

While Michigan has a PFAS Action Response team that is studying the effects and doing press release warnings, there is no urgency, no governmental help to fix the contamination, a release from the campaign says.

"If you are thinking that this isn't affecting our district, think again. "

Ask Francis “Bus” Spaniola, a former state representative from Corunna, who successfully pushed for regulations lowering the amount of polybrominated biphenyl, or PBB, allowed in Michigan meat and dairy products following the infamous 1970s statewide chemical poisoning.

Today, Spaniola sees parallels in the pushback against proposed regulations to reduce exposure to PFAS from business groups, utilities and Republicans, who are blocking a Democrat-sponsored bill to establish a state drinking water standard of 5 parts-per-trillion (ppt). 

“Nothing has changed. It’s the same old story,” said Spaniola, 83, who served in the state House from 1974 to 1990. “People don’t want to admit it’s a problem.” 

Andrea Kelly Garrison, District 85’s new Democratic Candidate for State Rep is holding a 2 hour open forum via Zoom; Environmental priorities exist in Michigan and our district and the State Legislature can assist. 

The event is free and you can get the link to attend by registering on the campaign website at pivotback.com or on Facebook.