Have a hand in changing government – vote Tuesday
Voters will go to the polls next Tuesday to decide a number of issues including who will be the two party nominees for governor, state senator and state representative.
I’m not going to waste space lecturing registered voters how important it is to take time out to drive to your polling place Tuesday. If you want to take part in the political process you’ll do it- if not then you need to stop crying about how terrible our government is.
The position of governor is of prime importance. We will be without do-nothing Jenny for the first time in eight years. It is a real opportunity for the right leader to make real change in Michigan and lift this state out of the economic depression that encompasses all of us.
On the Republican side, you’ve got a crowded field. The odds-on favorite is Pete Hoekstra, the congressman from Holland, who has served in the House for 17 years. Before that he was a marketing executive at Herman Miller. Three other Republican candidates are hoping to overtake Hoekstra in the final campaign days. They include Attorney General Mike Cox from Livonia, who has had to deflect all sorts of accusations about his participation in the so-called Kwame Kilpatrick topless dancer party at the Manoogian Mansion.
Not so controversial, Mike Bouchard, Oakland County sheriff, is trying to bring his message of fiscal responsibility to as many voters as he can muster. In so doing he has visited Clare County- only Cox and he have done so, and made a good impression on party followers here. Lastly, the maverick and former president of Gateway Computers, Rick Snyder has poured more money in to television commercials than the other candidates combined. He proclaims to be the only non-politician running, and says if you want real change he’s your guy.
On the Democratic side of the ballot there are two candidates. Poll leader at this point is Speaker of the Michigan House, Andy Dillon, from Redford. Before entering politics, Dillon was president of Detroit Steel. A fiscal conservative, Dillon has received flak from unions, because of a health care plan and other legislation he has introduced that wouldn’t benefit workers as much as business.
His opponent, Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero, has embraced unions and workers. That strategy has served him well, as he has had great support from his Lansing constituents since first being elected mayor in 2005.
As you can see there are plenty of choices. Choose wisely! The next governor will have a lot to say about our quality of life for the next four years.
Another political race that impacts Clare County is the 97th District House position. Due to term limitations, current state representative Tim Moore cannot seek another term. That mean eight candidates have jumped in to the fray in an effort to win that seat.
On the Republican side, there are five candidates. Joel Johnson of Clare has been running long and hard to win the nomination. He even quit his job as manager of Johnston Elevator to concentrate on campaigning. He’s running as a pro-lifer who would like to see term limits extended and a part-time legislature.
Kim Emmons of Lake, a fulltime mother, made a splash by telling constituents that she recently found that her house was being foreclosed upon. She wants voters to know she believes in full disclosure, even if it’s to her detriment. A couple of days ago, Gladwin Republican Thomas Kerrins, quit the race, to support Emmons.
Another Republican candidate is George Gilmore, a Clare small business owner. Gilmore is running on a familiar platform- reduce government spending and create more jobs. The final Republican candidate is Roy Morrison, a Standish corrections officer, who want more government efficiency but would not be in favor of a parttime legislature.
On the Democratic side there are three candidates. Harrison’s Jason Liptow is an instructor at MMCC. The conservative Democrat has taken the no tax pledge and supports a part-time legislature. Mark Lightfoot, of Lake, is the Freeman Township supervisor and owner of the Swiss Inn. Big on limiting taxes, Lightfoot decrys the fact that permit fees and certain taxes have tripled over the past six years.
A third Democratic challenger is Standish writer, Tim Barnum. He supports a part-time legislature, a graduated income tax and a constitutional rewrite.
Another race of interest is the 35th Senate seat. This sprawling district is a collection of eleven counties including Clare. For the first time in two decades, Clare voters will be represented by someone named other than McManus. First George, and the Michelle McManus were termed out.
Hoping to capture the seat are Republicans Darwin Booher, Kevin Davis, and Gary Finstrom. On the other side of the aisle, Roger Dunigan is faced off against George Huffman.
You can help shape the future of state government through your selections on Tuesday. Please study the candidates and issues, and take the time to make an informed decision at the polls.
