A publication of the Petoskey News-Review
2
United States 1st Congressional What is your position on the health care reform bill, and will you support it in the future?
Dan Benishek Republican
AGE: 58 RESIDENCE: Crystal Falls EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in biology, University of Michigan, 1974; medical degree, Wayne State University, 1978. POLITICAL CAREER: Has not previously run for political office. PROFESSIONAL CAREER: General surgeon in Iron Mountain, 1983-present. PERSONAL: Married to Judy; five children. ONLINE: danbenishekforcongress.com
Gary McDowell Democrat
AGE: 58 RESIDENCE: Rudyard EDUCATION: Attended Lake Superior State. POLITICAL CAREER: Michigan state
representative, 2005-present; Chippewa County commissioner, 1981-2002 (board chairman, 19982002). PROFESSIONAL CAREER: Currently ownertreasurer of McDowell Hay Inc., a hay farming and distribution company in Rudyard; United Parcel Service driver, 1970-2003. PERSONAL: Married to Carrie; three children. ONLINE: votemcdowell.com
Glenn Wilson Independent
AGE: 46 RESIDENCE: Rose City EDUCATION: Attended Ferris State University. POLITICAL CAREER: Has not previously run for
political office.
PROFESSIONAL CAREER: Founder-owner of M-33 Access, 1998-present; of Pagosa WorldWide, 1996-98; of Custom Software, 1996-present. Independent software programmer, various companies, 1992-96; senior software support engineer, Symbol Technologies, 1991-92; mechanical design engineer at MJR Industries in Menominee, 1991. PERSONAL: Married to Tracie; six children. ONLINE: wilson4congress.com
Would you like to see Social Security privatized? If not, how will you ensure that it will be available for generations to come?
Would you support a national immigration law similar to what is currently enacted in Arizona?
As a physician, I know that America has the best health care system in the world — a system that needs fine-tuning, but definitely not a government take-over. We need to focus on free market reforms, which will increase competition and decrease costs. ObamaCare should be repealed and replaced with a bill allowing health insurance to be tax deductible, portable, and sold across state lines. Tort reform is also needed to rein in skyrocketing costs associated with frivolous medical lawsuits.
My mother and father-in-law depend on Social Security, so this issue is very personal for me. I do not favor any reduction, freeze, or changes in the benefits provided existing retirees. This is a promise made to those over the age of 62 by their government, and it must be honored 100 percent. However, reforms are needed to ensure the program’s solvency. Younger workers should have the option of placing a portion of their Social Security taxes into guaranteed personal accounts, like those available to federal employees. This would allow workers to pass on these assets on to their heirs.
I support the efforts of the State of Arizona to protect their borders and their citizens. Immigration must be legal and regulated, and our borders must be secure. Uncontrolled access to our country increases entitlement expenses, decreases available jobs, and renders us vulnerable to terrorists who want to harm us. This is a national security issue with which we cannot compromise.
There are a lot of good things in the health care reform bill – prohibiting insurance companies from dropping people with pre-existing conditions, allowing children to stay on their parents’ insurance policies until age 26, prohibiting insurance companies from dropping individuals when they become sick – and there are things that might not work that will need to be changed. What I can’t support is going back to a system where we are all at the mercy of the insurance companies and their abusive practices.
I am absolutely committed to protecting Social Security for today’s seniors and future generations, which is why I pledged to oppose any and all efforts to privatize Social Security, reduce benefits or raise the retirement age. During the Reagan Administration, Democrats and Republicans came together to look at the challenges facing Social Security and worked to make it more sustainable for the future. We can do the same thing again to ensure that the Social Security system remains available without turning it over to Wall Street.
Immigration is absolutely a federal issue that must be addressed by the federal government. We cannot have 50 different immigration laws in 50 different states. Immigration has to start with securing our borders and cracking down on employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants because if no one was hiring illegal immigrants they would not be coming here.
I support repealing the health care bill and replacing it with real reform that actually lowers our health care costs. Congress needs to start writing laws that are in the best interest of the American people. Some possible solutions for lowering medical costs include allowing Americans to purchase insurance across state lines for competitive rates, applying tort reform on frivolous lawsuits, and eliminating fraud, waste, and abuse in the Medicaid/Medicare system. I also support issuing a veterans medical insurance card which they can use at any medical facility in their area, allowing our veterans the dignity of choosing their own doctor and eliminating extensive travel.
To ensure the well being of our seniors, the federal government should pay back all the money that was already paid into Social Security that has been taken out and spent for non Social Security issues. Any future Social Security paid in from the American worker should go into an untouchable trust fund account. There should also be mandatory yearly increases equal to the cost of living for all recipients every year. The FICA limits should be raised from $106,800 to $150,000. Younger Americans paying into social security should have the option to buy government backed securities in the forms as bonds.
Yes, America is the only country in the world that does not secure and protect its own borders. This is the responsibility of our federal government and neither party has addressed this issue. The flow of people illegally entering our country not only poses a threat to our economy but to national security as well. I support ending all incentives and amnesty for illegal immigrants. However, as America is a country of immigrants, I do support lawful immigration, and think we should simplify the immigration process for those who want to come here legally and pay taxes.
★ SEE INFORMATION ON THIRD PARTY CANDIDATES FOR U.S. 1ST CONGRESSIONAL ON PAGE 5
ELECTION 2010
How should America proceed in the war in Afghanistan?
A product of the Petoskey News-Review
3
How can you as a U.S. Congress foster job creation in America?
Does Congress need term limits? If so, what would you support?
Do you support stem cell research?
Does America need tax reform?
As the father of a veteran of the Iraqi and Afghan wars, I understand the immense pride — and fear — that comes when your child serves our country in the armed forces. However, I must defer to our commanders on ground when it comes to war strategy. Politicians must acknowledge that they do not have all the answers. As a general matter, it is the responsibility of our federal government to provide a strong national defense and be vigilant in the War on Terror. We should honor and respect our armed services and veterans, not undermine their strength and dignity.
As a medical doctor, this issue has personal meaning. I support important scientific research, without undermining the fundamental ethical principles that have guided medical research in this country for decades. I would welcome and encourage a stronger emphasis on adult stem cell and umbilical cord blood stem cell research, which provides real promise for treatments to help millions of Americans. I strongly support a policy that prevents taxpayer dollars from being used to encourage the future destruction of human embryos.
In Congress, I would support efforts to reform and simplify the existing tax code, and I would strongly oppose any proposals to increase taxes on wage earners, small businesses, investors, and other job creators. I recognize that no rational economist would advocate raising taxes during a recession. Accordingly, I believe that raising taxes now would be reckless and irresponsible, and that Congress should focus on tax reforms that would grow jobs and the economy.
Throughout this campaign, I have stressed that Congress needs to cut spending, cut taxes, and cut government regulation to foster job creation. This includes extending the tax cuts passed in 2001 and 2003. Failure to do so would constitute the largest tax increase in American history. Until these steps are taken, there will be continuing uncertainty for businesses in Northern Michigan — and around the country. We need to create an atmosphere of certainty where businesses are confident about the taxes and regulations they will face so they can begin to hire again.
Yes. Career-consumed politicians in Washington got us into the mess we are in today by voting for bills they have not read, for the deficits America cannot sustain, and for the unrestrained increase in federal power. That is why I am happy to tell voters I strongly favor term limits. I have already signed a pledge stating that I would support efforts to impose a three-term limit on members of Congress.
We need to bring our troops home as quickly as practically possible. We are engaged in a prolonged conflict with no end in sight and no clear objective remaining. We must aggressively work to hand control over to the Afghan people much like we have done in Iraq.
I support adult stem cell research because it holds immense promise for curing or treating a wide range of diseases. Cord blood stem cells, for example, are showing real results for curing or treating diseases. I do not support the destruction of human embryos for stem cell research.
The federal tax code has become so loaded with loophole and tax credits that many millionaires and billionaires pay less in taxes than some middle class families and that is just not right. We need a simplified tax system that ensures all Americans are paying their fair share and that small businesses keep as much of their own money as possible to reinvest in their businesses and our economy.
Government can create an environment that helps businesses create jobs. By making sure that American workers and American jobs are a priority in everything we do – from trade policies to Wall Street reform and energy policy – government can create the framework that helps businesses create jobs and grow our economy. For too long we have watched as our laws send more and more of our jobs overseas while middle class Americans have a harder time making ends meet.
Term limits are unnecessary when voters hold elected officials accountable on Election Day and the role of outside money in politics is reined in. Effective campaign finance reform will do far more to reform our government for the better than arbitrary term limits.
Bring our troops home. We have troops stationed in countries all over the world, yet we ignore our own borders. Furthering the war in Afghanistan will only escalate the hostility shown toward the United States. I believe America needs a foreign policy of peace and diplomacy. We shouldn’t be in the business of nation building, and unnecessary military intervention should be avoided at all costs.
I do not support human embryonic stem cell research. I do, however, support adult stem cell research, and think that if we can forward scientific innovation without costing human life it should definitely be explored.
Yes, tax reform is needed badly. I advocate replacing our current tax code with something that the average person can comprehend and comply with. In my opinion, our current tax system is over complicated, unconstitutional, self-incriminating and inefficient. As your Congressman, I would like to overhaul the income tax and end the capital gains tax and death tax.
Year after year, more American jobs are lost to other countries. The NAFTA trade agreement has been great for everyone except the American worker. More than 50 percent of the manufacturing jobs lost in the last 10 years from the entire country came from Michigan. I suggest we cut taxes and regulations, repeal NAFTA and CAFTA, allow small business easier access to loans, and stop treating our small businesses like big corporations who can’t afford to hire staff lawyers, and large accounting firms. Our Congress has made laws that make it nearly impossible for a small company to compete and this must end.
I am supportive of term limits. There is no reason for someone to stay in office for 20+ years. However, I think passing campaign finance reform empowers voters, and not big corporations, parties, or special interests, which clears the playing field and allows us to vote out representatives who aren’t performing their job. Let the voters decide, not the special interest money.
4
Michigan 37th Senate Howard Walker Republican
AGE: 55 RESIDENCE: Traverse City BIRTHPLACE: St. Ignace, Michigan FAMILY:Married to Dianne; two sons (living on
their own) and one daughter (living at home) CURRENT OCCUPATION:Candidate EDUCATION/DEGREES: BS Degree in Forestry from Michigan Technological University (‘77) POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: State Representative (104th District) for 6 years representing Grand Traverse and Kalkaska counties
WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR KEY ISSUES?: To make Michigan more attractive
for job creators; school funding equity and developing Michigan’s energy-producing potential. WEBSITE: howardwalker37.com
Bob Carr Democrat
AGE: 62 RESIDENCE: Mackinac Island BIRTHPLACE: Hillsdale, Michigan CURRENT OCCUPATION:Historic
preservationist
POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Won the Republican nomination for 1st Congressional District in 1996
It looks like Michigan will face a $1.6 billion deficit in the 2012 budget. What measures would you support for balancing the budget in the future?
With the state still hovering around 13 percent in unemployment, what can you do as a state senator to foster job creation?
Public schools are using one-time stimulus funding to pay for school in 2011. What do you suggest as a long-term solution?
There are a lot of tough decisions that need to be made. Michigan’s government has to live within its means. We cannot afford to raise taxes; we need to reduce the size of government. A recent report by Michigan’s auditor general showed that the Department of Community Health wasted $4.4 billion over the course of two years. We need to investigate every department and look for similar waste. That is low hanging fruit. We can also look at the salaries of public servants. The private sector has been devastated and public employees are still receiving raises. This would of course include the salaries of legislators and state officials. I believe we should also revisit house speaker Dillon’s plan to pool health insurance for state employees. There is no reason why the state should be paying almost double the average cost of premiums compared to the private sector.
The government has a role to play in creating an environment that is attractive to job creators. Currently, it is very difficult to do business in Michigan. I experienced that firsthand for 15 years while owning and operating my land surveying business in Traverse City. We need a culture change in Lansing. Right now, bureaucrats are in the business of blocking projects and applications that don’t comply. When I say culture change, I mean that government has to be in the business of assisting people comply with regulations and get their projects moving. Also, the Michigan Business Tax is terribly complicated, unpredictable and it picks winners and losers. We desperately need a new business tax that is more predictable, simpler, and lower. These two things will go a long way toward making Michigan attractive to job creators and getting the economy moving again.
Public school funding is a high priority. When I served in the Legislature I fought for school funding equity. I, along with many others, had some success in closing the gap, but there is still a long way to go. Many schools downstate receive a foundation grant of $9,000 to $10,000 per student while our schools receive the base foundation of $7,100. Closing the gap is part of the solution, but it will not be enough. The long-term solution is getting our economy growing again and therefore increasing revenues to the state. There are also things like cost sharing that local school boards can do to reduce their costs and that should be rewarded through incentives.
Efficiency, efficiency, efficiency. When I get to the Senate, I will be looking first at how we can tighten up procedures and become more efficient. Doing that I will then figure out if we need other reforms. Redirecting our effort and putting efficiency as a front-and-center policy may well take care of the rest.
I am the district’s salesman — we have the work force companies would long for. My job is to invite. Also, my job is to gain ideas from other districts that would fit one of my communities. Bring together the idea, the people and the discussion that would lead to adopting and implementing.
Efficiency first. I attended the Education Summit a month ago. Two days of meeting with superintendents and principals. The cuts are maxed. Now we need to share where we can and be more concise in management. It will work wonders.
WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR KEY ISSUES?: Economic opportunities; education;
environment; better health care. WEBSITE: bobcarr.org
RE-ELECT BILL FRASER
For results on election night visit petoskeynews.com or sign up for breaking news text alerts at petoskeynews.com/alerts
PETOSKEY CITY COUNCIL My opponent would have the council return to the secretive, non-transparent style of a past era. Let’s keep moving forward in a transparent, informative form of governing.
Hardworking • Dedicated • Responsive
VOTE TO RE-ELECT BILL FRASER, COUNCILMAN Paid for by the committee to re-elect Bill Fraser. 905 Sunset Ct., Petoskey, MI 49770
ELECTION 2010
5
A product of the Petoskey News-Review
Do you support the Pure Michigan tourism advertising campaign? If so, how should it be paid for?
What areas of revenue sharing and consolidations for local government would you support?
Do you believe term limits have been a positive in the Michigan legislature? If not, what changes would you like to be made?
I would use increased revenue sharing payments as incentives for consolidating services like fire, police, human services, finance, tax assessment, and land planning. We can no longer afford to have the many layers of local government services that have existed in the past, and we have to make some tough choices.
I think term limits have produced a leadership vacuum in Lansing. I served under three different speakers of the house and each one had come to the job with only two years of Legislative experience and had never chaired a committee. There is similar lack of experience in the Senate. Without that experience, there is a lack of trust, lack of quality, long-term relationships and lack of institutional knowledge. Right now, Lansing is largely run by bureaucrats, lobbyists and legislative staffers who do not answer to voters. This all contributes to the dysfunction in Lansing. It will be up to the voters, but I would propose extending term limits to a total of 12 years and allow a legislator to serve that in the House or Senate or combination. This would be a two-year reduction from what legislators are currently allowed to serve (6-year House and 8-year Senate).
I whole heartedly support the Pure Michigan campaign. Tourists from out-of-state are a much higher percentage of tourist business than they were before Pure Michigan and the campaign is producing over $2 for every $1 the state invests in it. It is one of the few things that the government is doing right, so I think we should be doing a lot more of it. However, I believe paying for it should be shared between the state and the tourism industry. There are funding options that need to be explored, and I intend to take a lead on this issue.
Term limits were instituted because of the Legislature officials abusing their long-term service into having favorites and non-favorites and dealing accordingly. Now, in the years since, the limits (have been enacted) there has been an experience gap. We need to look at adjustments. By the way, I think we also need to look at department adjustments. People burn out in a job. We might want to term-limit bureaucrat after a period of time. Move to a new department.
Yes! Karen (wife) loves the slogan “Pure Michigan.” Funding, now that we know the campaign works and works well. We will, I believe, be able to fund it from the expanded sources government and private.
Michigan is not all the same. So, Northern Michigan and the U.P. by layout and logistics does not work for consolidation of education or government. We need the townships. We need the schools to stay local. It is economic good sense.
Given the opportunity, Do you support the what legislation would you Medical Marijuana Act, like to introduce first in or would you like to see legislative changes made? the Senate? I voted against the medical marijuana legislation which I think was the correct thing to do. As it stands, we have a law without many specifics about how it should be implemented and enforced. So, there is more work to be done. However, the voters have spoken and approved a ballot initiative which gives us our current law. I respect the will of the voters and I will work to make sure that this system works to the benefit of Michigan citizens.
In reality, marijuana could be a medicine. However, the abuse of the law is tempting, and we must have safeguards. There is now an uptick in recreational use. Correlation? I do not favor recreational use. Specific changes? I need to get the Senate and work with the folks who are on all sides of this issue. Knowledge is power.
I will be introducing legislation that will help create jobs and get our economy moving forward. Putting Michigan citizens back to work is my number one priority. One way we can do that is to permanently secure funding for tourism promotion. Tourism is the lifeblood of Northern Michigan, and I will be working hard to support this critical industry. I will also introduce legislation to help stop invasive species like the Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes. This would be similar to the Great Lakes Compact that stopped water diversions. We need a strong compact that will address the huge threats posed by invasive species. My priority is to be the district’s economic opportunity conduit. Karen and I are both passionate about improving and safeguarding good education. Karen is a teacher and I served on a high school board. Writing legislation will come in the flow of things. However, one thing rolling around in my mind is implementing agricultural history projects where in rural areas and maybe all (areas) we educate elementary students for several years — A hands-on agricultural education experience — down on the farm at fairgrounds, etc. There may be a place for legislation? The ag history projects still would be mostly operated with Michigan volunteers. Getting to the Senate as a senator does open up more opportunity.
United States 1st Congressional THIRD PARTY CANDIDATES Ellis Boal
Patrick Lambert
Keith Andrew Shelton
AGE: 66 RESIDENCE: Charlevoix EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in
AGE: 50 RESIDENCE: Oscoda EDUCATION: Plymouth Salem High School,
AGE: 27 RESIDENCE: Escanaba EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in
Green
mathematics, Bowdoin College, 1966; law degree, Wayne State University, 1972. POLITICAL CAREER: Ran unsuccessfully for University of Michigan Board of Regents in 2008, for county commission in 2006 and for county prosecutor in 2004. PROFESSIONAL CAREER: Attorney in Detroit and Charlevoix, 1973-present. PERSONAL: Single. ONLINE: ellisboal.org
U.S. Taxpayers
1977.
POLITICAL CAREER: Has not previously run for
political office.
PROFESSIONAL CAREER: Aircraft mechanicinspector for Kalitta Air LLC, 1991-present; TIMCO, 1999-2001; Kitty Hawk Airlines, 1998-99; American International Airways, 1990-98. Auto mechanic, 1981-90; U.S. Navy, 1978-81. PERSONAL: Married to Laura; four children. ONLINE: voteforlambert.com
Libertarian
entertainment and sports promotion (public relations), Northern Michigan University, 2009. POLITICAL CAREER: Has not previously run for political office. PROFESSIONAL CAREER: Sports reporter, Daily Press in Escanaba, 2010-present. PERSONAL: Married to Sarah Jill Shelton. ONLINE: lpwm.org/KeithShelton
6
Michigan 107th House It looks like Michigan will face a $1.6 billion deficit in the 2012 budget. What measures would you support for balancing the budget in the future?
Richard Timmer R Democrat D AGE: 63 BIRTHPLACE: Grand Rapids FAMILY:Married, two daughters attending
With the state still hovering around 13 percent in unemployment, what can you do as a state senator to foster job creation?
Public schools are using large amounts of one-time stimulus funding to pay for school in 2011. What do you suggest as a long-term solution?
First we must enforce our existing tax law i.e.1099 tax loop holes. Estimates run as high as 45 percent of construction wages are not reported. End life time benefits for legislators unless they serve for 20 years or more.
Establish small business service centers across the state, like the pilot programs we are using in the central and eastern U.P. to help local small businesses survive and grow. Support buy local, buy Michigan.
I believe our schools must share services and use our ISDs to provide more services. We all know that education is the key to economic growth, we have to agree on the best method of funding it.
I believe gubernatorial candidate Rick Snyder says it best when he emphasizes the need for “value based budgeting.” We need to start looking harder at how we spend our money so that we can do it more wisely. There is plenty of potential for reform in our state, with public/ private partnerships, opportunities for service consolidation and prioritizing spending where we need it the most. What we cannot continue to do is the routine we’ve created the past few years. Our tax and spending structures must be consistent and predictable, and I will not support raising any taxes.
Michigan is ripe with entrepreneurial talent, and has an educated, vibrant workforce that is unmatched in this country. Michigan’s current tax structure and regulatory environment, however, has stifled business growth and job creation with burdensome policies. As our next state representative, I will make it my priority to remove the barriers in place and allow an environment of job creation to exist, that tells prospective businesses “Yes, invest in Michigan.” This starts by eliminating the Michigan Business Tax and replacing it with a tax that makes sense, and lifting the regulatory red tape that prevents our small businesses from succeeding.
One of the toughest realities that we need to realize as a state is that, moving forward, we are going to have to do more with less. This is going to require choosing priorities for our state, and we will all have to make some sacrifices in order to succeed. When I talk about priorities, public education is on the very top of that list. I believe that our public education system is essential if Michigan is going to continue to have one of the best educated workforces in the country.
Lake Superior State
CURRENT OCCUPATION:Department Chair Construction Technology at Bay Mills Community College and owner Bay Mills Maple Products EDUCATION/DEGREES: Hope College, Business Administration POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Bay Mills Twp zoning and planning 15 years. Chippewa County Commissioner 4 terms
WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR KEY ISSUES?: Creating jobs. Stopping political
gridlock. Using common sense and family values in decision-making WEBSITE: timmerhouse107.com
Frank Foster F Republican R AGE: 24 BIRTHPLACE: Petoskey FAMILY:N/A CURRENT OCCUPATION:Builder EDUCATION/DEGREES: Bachelor’s degree in
business administration/finance — Grand Valley State University MILITARY:None POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: N/A
WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR KEY ISSUES?: Job creation and business growth WEBSITE: fosterforhouse.com
★ FOR POLL INFORMATION SEE PAGE 15
ELECTION 2010
A product of the Petoskey News-Review
Oil pipelines, like the one that exploded in Marshall, run under Straits of Mackinac. How would you prevent a similar disaster here?
Do you believe term limits have been a positive in the Michigan legislature? If not, what changes would you like to be made?
Yes the program has proved its success. I feel we should use a percentage of the income earned from the program to fund it.
We must have an update on the condition of all pipelines in our state and react accordingly. We can’t allow a similar event to occur in Northern Michigan.
Term limits without controlling campaign funding does not help the voters, it only gives special interests more control. I believe we must restrict the total amount of money allowed to be spent on an election. This is the only way we can truly gain control as voters. Then we can look at term limits and part time legislatures.
First as a freshman it is hard to introduce legislation. That said I would introduce a bill to establish the state budget by July 15th so our school districts and local units of government can establish their budgets. I would also introduce a bill to table any legislation that does not create jobs or help our economy when our unemployment level is in double digits.
Absolutely. The Pure Michigan campaign has consistently helped guide more tourists to Northern Michigan every single year, at the benefit of our businesses and local townships. We should be expanding this program so that it can continue to compound on its prior successes. It’s important to remember that the Pure Michigan campaign actually makes the state of Michigan money every year. The taxable revenue generated by the program exceeds the costs of the entire program year-by-year. If we were to create a sustainable fund for the program, it would pay for itself and expand its budget every year, without further assistance by the taxpayer.
Our regulations work if we actually follow them. In order for that happen, however, we must ensure two things. First, we have to guarantee that our legislature is enacting a proper level of oversight and is not letting anything slip through the cracks. Second, we cannot continue to put regulatory agencies on the chopping block and spread their resources so thin that they will miss violations.
Term limits are a good thing. Lansing does not need career politicians, and I am proud to be a citizen candidate for the House of Representatives. I do believe, however, that the current term limits are so short that they have created unintended consequences. There is currently no time to develop any element of trust or working relationships with peers, and I have heard numerous complaints about enhanced partisanship, bickering and short-sighted solution making. Let’s keep term limits, but make them long enough that our legislators can still be effective.
If Michigan is going to succeed, we need to show prospective businesses that we as a state are open for business. I believe that the first step in that direction is to show those businesses that Michigan has a sustainable and predictable business climate. In order to achieve that, my first piece of legislation would be to enact a two-year budget cycle, and require that the budget be passed by July 1. Our legislature has failed to responsibly achieve their primary goal in the past few years, and this can no longer be acceptable.
Do you support the Medical Marijuana Act, or would you like to see legislative changes made?
Do you support the Pure Michigan tourism advertising campaign? If so, how should it be paid for?
I think this act will open the door to legalizing marijuana and opens the door to many issues. Should the state try to make money off fees like some western states are considering or let the business community do so. I believe this and all issues like it should be left to our local units of government to enact in a manner that reflects the will of their communities.
The Medical Marijuana Act was passed by a direct vote of Michigan’s citizens, which I believe is the purest form of democracy in our country. I stand behind the voters of Michigan and of my district.
7
Given the opportunity, what legislation would you introduce first in the House?
8
Michigan 105th House
Greg MacMaster Republican AGE: 48 BIRTHPLACE: Inglewood, California FAMILY:Married CURRENT OCCUPATION:Campaign full
time
EDUCATION/DEGREES: Tech Degree – USAF Atmospheric Science, NAS Level 2 Underwater Archaeologist MILITARY:U.S. Air Force veteran of 10 years POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: None WEBSITE: gregmacmaster.com
Greg A. Dean G D Democrat
It looks like Michigan will face a $1.6 billion deficit in the 2012 budget. What measures would you support for balancing the budget in the future?
With the state still hovering around 13 percent in unemployment, what can you do as a state senator to foster job creation?
Public schools are using large amounts of one-time stimulus funding to pay for school in 2011. What do you suggest as a long-term solution?
I believe there are a number of cuts that can be made in government to help balance the budget, in particular is the pay structure and prolonged benefits packages that taxpayers continue to pay for after legislators and public officials have served in office. Our servicemen and women, who have served a decade in wartime, get fewer benefits than our legislators who have served far less AND under less stressful conditions. I would like to see a consolidation of resources (in the DNRE for example). When the DNR and DEQ combined into a single agency, many of the positions that were duplicated in each agency were kept intact. By cutting this duplication in the DNRE and other agencies and departments, we can save taxpayer money. The Legislature has to run Michigan like a business, (but not compete with the private sector); if the overhead is too costly, equal cuts must be made in each and every department – including the Legislature – to bring the budget under control.
Again, we can cut some of the needless barriers that government puts in the way of business — through taxes or regulation — to create a more friendly business environment. If businesses didn’t have to jump through all the hoops that they currently face, more enterprises would not only remain in Michigan, they would expand, thus creating jobs. The same goes for new or expanding businesses in other states considering a new home or an expansion. Make Michigan business friendly and the jobs will come.
I think any stimulus money should be spent on programs that are sustaining, that can create a revenue stream that will perpetuate over the long term. Funding a pay raise or adding staff will only delay the inevitable and we’ll see more cuts in the coming months or a year because we have run out of stimulus money. Our tax dollars need to go for education — education of students, supplies and programs that will foster an environment that is inviting to out-of-state families looking to settle down in an area. Our tax dollars should not go for pensions or health benefits. Let the individuals, teachers and employees decide how much they want to invest in their retirement as everyone else in the workforce does. As for health benefits; again, it should be up to the employee how much they should pay for benefits (and their families) that are in line with the private sector. Michigan can’t afford to fund everybody’s retirement or we’ll go bankrupt — it’s already happening.
Did not respond.
Did not respond.
Did not respond.
Greg Dean did not respond to News-Review questions.
★ BE SURE TO CHECK THE WEDNESDAY, NOV. 3 NEWS-REVIEW FOR IN-DEPTH COVERAGE ON ELECTION RESULTS.
ELECTION 2010
A publication of the Petoskey News-Review
9
Do you support the Medical Marijuana Act, or would you like to see legislative changes made?
Do you support the Pure Michigan tourism advertising campaign? If so, how should it be paid for?
Oil pipelines, like the one that exploded in Marshall, run under Straits of Mackinac. How would you prevent a similar disaster here?
Do you believe term limits have been a positive in the Michigan legislature? If not, what changes would you like to be made?
Given the opportunity, what legislation would you introduce first in the House?
I believe medical marijuana has a place among the variety of treatments available to those suffering from pain and illness, but I also believe there have to be more strict regulations placed on the growing and disbursement of medical marijuana. I know this sounds odd after I have just called for a lessening of restrictions, but the law is so loosely written that there are limited controls on who can grow and sell medical marijuana, and the growth of marijuana clubs is concerning. I would limit the use of medical marijuana to an individual’s home, with driving limitations put in place to prevent potential accidents.
I believe the Pure Michigan campaign is an amazing success, and I believe the state should continue to fund it in the short term. It has been estimated that every dollar spent on the Pure Michigan campaign brings in as much as $6 to the tourism business. That’s hard to argue with. However, as tourism-related businesses begin to profit from the campaign, I believe they should, in turn, begin to donate part of their added revenue back into the Pure Michigan campaign to help pay for it. The campaign should be a partnership between government and business. Currently, the state’s spending is out of control and it’s hard to pinpoint where we could go for a reliable funding stream for the Pure Michigan campaign.
I believe the company that owns both pipelines has voluntarily made improvements to the pipes running beneath the Straits to prevent an environmental disaster there. I would support legislation that calls for more rigorous inspections and upkeep of the pipes, and believe the state and federal governmental agencies in charge of protecting the state from such disasters should be more vigilant in enforcing compliance with current and future laws.
I believe term limits are a huge mistake. Lawmakers who are limited to three terms in the House are unable to quickly assimilate to the governmental process, and once they develop key leadership skills, they are required to give up their seats. I believe the best way to limit the terms of lawmakers is to let the voters decide if someone has been in office too long. To continue “legislated term limits” has and will continue to force a turnover in the Legislature that affects how much can get done to better the state. Private businesses don’t operate this way and our state government should follow suit.
I have a number of drafts on the table waiting to be reviewed once in office; I would introduce legislation to reduce the rule-making authority that has become a huge barrier in trying to promote Michigan as business friendly. I would also like to see legislation to reduce the cost of energy and overhaul our overburdening tax system. Then I would start looking at reducing the size of government to a level that can help balance the budget quicker.
Can’t wait? will post election results once available the night of the election.
Ron Marshall with his wife Carolyn Matzinger and daughter Grace
Vote for Re-Elect Ron Marshall Petoskey City Council Ward 4 for by the Committee to Re-Elect Ron Marshall to City Council. Paid for Paid by the Committee to Elect Ron Marshall to City Council Paid For By the Committee to Elect Richard Timmer 18226 W. Chartrand Rd. Brimley, Mi. 49715
810 Howard St., Petoskey MI 49770
10 District map
Emmet County
Commissioners 1
On the ballot Dan Plasencia Republican incumbent
4th District
Shawn Wonnacott Republican
6th District
2
Les Atchison Republican incumbent
7th District
3 6
Race for the 2nd District Larry Cassidy Republican
AGE: 40 RESIDENCE: Brutus CURRENT OCCUPATION:Investment
advisor for Primerica
EDUCATION/DEGREES: Associate’s in Chemistry and Bachelor’s Mathematics from Lake State Superior University, Master’s in business from Central Michigan University
Ralph Fodell Independent AGE: 70 RESIDENCE: West Traverse Township CURRENT OCCUPATION:Retired UPS
account executive; served four years U.S. Coast Guard, seven 1/2 Detroit Police Department EDUCATION/DEGREES: Wayne State University (one year),
4
7 5
Are you running on a platform or specific issues?
What specific areas would you like to address as a commissioner during your two-year term if elected?
I’m local born and raised, so I appreciate the natural beauty and want to protect our environment around here. I’ve been a public school teacher, worked in the automotive manufacturing industry and — most recently — for the past 10 years I’ve worked as an investment advisor helping families and local businesses with financial planning.
I’ve made a commitment to the area and feel I can use my business and investment background to help with some of the financial challenges the county may face. I believe we can move in a positive direction.
There is nothing — like a pet project — that I am running to get done. My main thing is to continue doing what the commissioners have done. From what I can see, they’ve done a great job and I want to support what they’ve been doing.
Born and raised in the Detroit area, my wife and I made the decision to move our family to Petoskey in 1970. This was after having spent seven years on The Detroit Police Department, and four years in the U.S. Coast Guard. Working for Frost Pack/Sysco from 1970 to 1972, we then moved to the Alpena area where I started as a UPS delivery driver. While living in the Alpena area, I also served as a member of the East Grand Lake Volunteer Fire Department which also operated an ambulance. I completed emergency medical technician training (EMT) while on the department. In 1992, I relocated to Harbor Springs after accepting a role as a UPS supervisor and regional account executive.
One of my main concerns for Emmet County is the need for controlled growth to maintain our way of life, but we also need jobs that provide a decent income to support our residents. Having retired from UPS, as both a delivery driver and sales representative in Northern Michigan, I feel I have gained insight into the needs of the community at large. People need decent infrastructure to go about their daily tasks. Businesses need to be profitable while competing against those which have immediate access to downstate suppliers and customers. Local government needs to be fiscally responsible while providing essential services to its residents.
I think controlled growth within the county is very important. We need decent paying jobs ... It think we need to help people to run a business and be profitable, but at the same time not give tax abatements or zoning that violates the master plan. I also would like to limit spending projects that get out of hand financially.
What experience qualifies you as a county commissioner?
★ CANDIDATE RESPONSES FOR EMMET COUNTY 3RD AND 5TH DISTRICTS ON PAGES 12 AND 13.
ELECTION 2010 Race for the 1st District David J. Laughbaum Democrat AGE: 57 RESIDENCE: Pellston CURRENT OCCUPATION:Beef/grain
farmer
EDUCATION/DEGREES: Graduated from Pellston, North Central Michigan College (attended)
James E. Tamlyn Republican incumbent
AGE: 61 RESIDENCE: Mackinaw City CURRENT OCCUPATION:Mackinaw
City Department of Public Works Superintendent EDUCATION/DEGREE: US Army Medic, former paramedic/firefighter
Benjamin J. Fite Independent
AGE: 42 RESIDENCE: Pellston CURRENT OCCUPATION:Title examiner,
licensed agent
EDUCATION/DEGREES: Graduated from Hope College in 1990, B.A. double major business administration and psychology.
11
A publication of the Petoskey News-Review
What experience qualifies you as a county commissioner?
Are you running on a platform or specific issues?
What specific areas would you like to address as a commissioner during your two-year term if elected?
I currently serve on the Emmet County Planning Commission and have for the past six years. My main experience is in farming, which I believe about 25 percent of the county is open farm land. I’ve also worked in the timber industry.
I feel this is not a function of the county commissioners, but I think in the past, they have helped to improve roads and improve the road equipment. If there is money left over, I think, they need to look at making certain improvements... The other thing is ... under the current economic situation, the county needs to scale back the parks and recreation (department) expenditures. I am particularly against any county business that competes with private business. I’m not saying the government can’t or should do some things, but I think the government should do for the people what they can not do for themselves. Also, I am in support for keeping the taxes as low as we can. I think any time we can keep the money in the pockets of the taxpayer, they will spend it and stimulate the economy better than government can. I’m also big on law enforcement.
I would like to see more of an openness to county government, and I would like to see the board of commissioners expenditures published and more transparent ... It shouldn’t be a big dig for people to find out what (the county) is spending their money on. It’s the people’s money. I’d like to keep the tax rate low ... I think if they start now, two years from now, they can be operating on one mill less or at least not raising the millage rate. Special interests will have to take a backseat to the taxpayers, but I think (the taxpayers) deserve it.
My record – Our taxes are the in the bottom 25 percent of all Michigan counties. Our services (public safety, 911, airport, recycling, fairgrounds, medical care facility and parks) are some of the finest in the state. I first ran to build a 9-1-1 system and worked with two other counties (Cheboygan and Charlevoix) to build one of the first tri-county dispatch centers in the nation. Today we have one of the finest 9-1-1 central dispatch centers in the nation and are looked at as a model for cost effectiveness and public safety efficiency.
I have always been a strong public safety advocate. That would not change.
I would continue to keep this the best place to live in Michigan. The past several years we have marketed our county strongly for both tourism and business. This needs to continue.
I was in charge of Charleviox Abstract and Engineering’s title department for two and half years. I would say my life experiences my whole life have been leadership (positions). People usually look to me to lead. I think I have all the qualifications to be an excellent commissioner and would like to represent the taxpayers of my district.
I want to look to the interests of the taxpayers first. Another of my objectives is to evenly represent my district. Clean water is a priority, and stopping Asian Carp from invading is also important for Emmet County.
I’d like to do a careful review of county expenditures, through a fiscal audit and any other means available. In an effort to find savings that will allow us to lower taxes.
★ McKinley Township seeks a 0.3 mill tax, for 4 years to fund library services. It would raise about $10,000 the first year.
12
Race for the 3rd District Emmet County Commissioner Paul Hramiec Republican
AGE: 38 RESIDENCE: Harbor Springs CURRENT OCCUPATION:Financial
What experience qualifies you as a county commissioner? I have never previously held public office, but as a financial advisor, I have a front row seat to the taxation and regulatory issues the people of Emmet County fall under. Less taxes and responsive government makes it an easier road for everyone.
Emmet County is fortunate that its economy is not based on a single industry like southeastern Michigan. My platform is to protect and promote the ‘commanding heights’ of our local economy; tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, and the homebuilding industry. How many of us would want to live here if it looked like Telegraph Road? I have close ties to the Little Traverse Association of Home Builders and we have to plan to keep this industry at work yet maintain the beauty that makes this a great place to reside and vacation.
“We can’t wait around for Detroit to recover and benefit from any ripple effect. In the short term, I’d like to continue the work on our long term strategic plan to keep Emmet County the great place it is for all of us to work, live and retire. My focus will be very simple, promote viable economic growth yet maintain the pristine beauty surrounding the Emmet County lifestyle.”
“I’m running because I’m retired. I’ve got a lot of time to put into (being a commissioner) and have over 30 years of management experience, in mostly consumer product fields. I’ve run small companies and been the vice president of five companies. I think my background would assist in creating something for Emmet County, and I would work for Emmet County, not for the Democrats, Republicans, the Greens or whatever other parties are out there. Some where in the middle we have to stop haggling, Republican, Democrat or whoever.”
“I’m running locally (as an independent) because maybe it can start some sort of grassroots movement. Vote independent. Vote what you think. Don’t just pull a lever down for one party or the other party. “Another part of my platform is I think we have to balance a budget and not spend more money than we have coming in. A budget is something you put out five years in advance, and just because you meet the budget levels doesn’t mean you’re not going to spend more than what the income level is.
I think commissioners should have termlimits. I think (Emmet County commissioner Tom Shier) made the right choice to serve for eight years and decide that was enough. He had given his input, done the job he wanted to do. I think we have some commissioners who — as I understand it — have served 16 years or more. I think that is too long, not that they could come back after two years or four years or whatever. I’d also like to explore making county commissioner seats nonpartisan posts.” Above all, I’d like to maintain the budget.
advisor
EDUCATION/DEGREES: St. Francis Grade School, Petoskey High School, Marquette University, B.A. History.
William (Bill) Soellner Independent AGE: 79 RESIDENCE: Harbor Springs CURRENT OCCUPATION:Retired
businessman, vice president/owner EDUCATION/DEGREES: Sale Marketing International business degree (3 year program), Henry Ford Community College (attended) POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: None
Are you running on a platform or specific issues?
Charlevoix County
Race for the 6th District
Commissioners
Chx. County Commissioner
Shirlene Tripp Republican incumbent
District map
2nd District Ronald Reinhardt Republican incumbent
3rd District
Richard Gillespie Republican
EDUCATION: High School POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Served four
1st District
Chris Christensen Republican incumbent
What specific areas would you like to address as a commissioner during your two-year term if elected?
years on county board in 90s politically proactive all my life
1
6
5
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
2
Licensed Builder, Real Estate Broker, Pilot PERSONAL: Wife: Laura, children: Kellie, Kerrie, James and Kevin
3
4 Joel Evans Republican incumbent
4th District
Robert Drebenstedt Republican incumbent
5th District
Shirley Roloff write-in, incumbent EDUCATION: 12 years and two years business school POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: 12 years city council (city of Charlevoix), six years mayor pro tem, 14 years county commissioner (past chair and present vice chair) PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: 30 years co-owner Charlevoix Canvas PERSONAL: Married 50 years to Bill, five kids, nine grandkids and two greatgrandkids
ELECTION 2010
A publication of the Petoskey News-Review
Race for the 5th District Emmet County Commissioner Sharon M. Peters Democrat
AGE: 60 RESIDENCE: Bear Creek Township CURRENT OCCUPATION:Art adjunct
professor, North Central Michigan College EDUCATION/DEGREES: Bachelor of art psychology; Oakland, elementary teaching certification
Jack L. Jones Republican incumbent
AGE: 76 RESIDENCE: Bear Creek Township CURRENT OCCUPATION:Retired master
plumber
What experience qualifies you as a county commissioner?
What specific areas would you like to address as a commissioner during your two-year term if elected?
Up to recently, no ‘political experience’ or even the desire to involve myself in such. However, my experience with the current Emmet County Commissioner was an eye-opener — when we presented our case about Beaker (their pet rooster) to them, and Jack Jones said (and I quote) “I don’t even want to talk to these people” — that was when I decided to run against him. He was no longer considering the “will of the people,” but, he and his fellow commissioners were dancing to a tune played by special interest parties ...”
I believe that the current board has done some very good things in regards to Camp Pet-O-Se-Ga, McGulpin Point Lighthouse, the county fair. But I also believe that their ultra conservative views are not conducive to a progressive approach to today’s political issues ... One of the reasons I am running is that we have a male/ Republican dominated board and it’s time to add a Democratic (and woman’s point of view). *Also opposes additional medical marijauana restrictions, wants county zoning to limit “rampant development of subdivided properties” in the county.
I’d like to see that hole in the ground become something we can be proud of. A community center with recreational facilities — including a swimming pool. It is literally the gateway to the city (Petoskey), and should be a showplace. *Advocates: Waterfront improvements; expansion for education; green technology and natural resource preservation.
Jones has served on the Emmet County Board of Commissioners for more than 13 years and on the county’s planning commission for 28. He also spent about 12 years on the Bear Creek Township’s planning committee and roughly a decade on the Springvale-Bear Creek Area Sewage Disposal Authority Board.
Jones sees budgeting as a major concern for county officials to tend to. “Maintaining a balanced budget is a big thing, because ... the ecomomy (is) the way it is,” he said. Jones noted that he has played a part in county decisions to pursue several major building projects — at the local fair grounds, Camp Pet-O-Se-Ga, the county building, the Headlands property near Mackinaw City and the Pellston Regional Airport — that all were accomplished within budget.
I’d like to see the projects we’ve started through completion, which means the (Pellston Regional Airport snow removal/aircraft recovery and rescue) building.
EDUCATION/DEGREES: NA
With the current state of the economy what do you feel the county can do to get the most out of taxpayer money?
Are you running on a platform or specific issues?
13
There has been talk about unfunded mandates from the state. What if anything do you think the county should do about this?
In your opinion what is the most important aspect of the county commissioner job and why?
Senior citizens play a large role in our community. What do you think can be done to better take care of them at the county level?
What do you feel is the No. 1 problem in the county and what can the board of commissioners do to fix it?
Be very keen on essential services and on being sure that we are spending taxpayer money wisely, the fundamental job of the board of county commissioners.
Unfunded mandates have been a problem in this state and others for many years. There should be a combined effort to stop what is actually an illegal activity. I would be proud to lead the charge in this effort.
To be certain that tax money is spent wisely and to be just as certain that taxpayers are dealt with fairly and quickly. It is their work that we do and they deserve the best treatment.
I have talked to people at the senior center and am aware of their desires going ahead. What can be done for seniors is find out what they want and incorporate it into our efforts. The senior demographic is growing exponentially and we should be ready for it!
Wasteful spending. There are things that have been done that are now a burden on the taxpayers who are struggling to keep their homes. We must make every effort to be sure that we spend their money wisely. A very important obligation that I do not feel has been taken seriously enough. We have expanded facilities we should never have and left other things begging, why? Strong leadership, that is what I intend to bring to the board.
Charlevoix County is a very conservative county. It is our job to watch and check our spending, relying on our department heads to monitor their budget, purchasing what they need — not what they want.
This has been going on for years — the state mandates and we pay. You ask me what we should do ... I think we should sue the state. The county board wants it to stop. We have our attorney researching the law stating it’s unconstitutional. This would empower the county to say NO! Hopefully we can get other counties to join in with us.
We must balance the budget, keep our spending down, have oversight over all our departments. Charlevoix County doesn’t have a manager (commissioners are the managers) so it’s extremely important to go to your appointed meetings and report back to your fellow commissioners. Keep the door open to all our citizens and use common sense in your daily decisions.
I am proud to say I have 34 years of volunteering with seniors. The county has taken a big step this past year. We hired a new director, added new services and have gotten more information out to the seniors. Charlevoix County has offered many services to our seniors. We have four senior centers, adult day care, free rides on the transit system, Meals on Wheels and home care. These are just a few. Charlevoix County respects their seniors and will continue to make their lives better.
Unemployment! I’m sorry to say there’s not much we can do. We will try to keep our employees working. We may have to cut hours. We all know things are going to be tough for the next couple of years and it will be our job to look at a roll back on our taxes.
★ Request to renew Charlevoix County’s Grandvue Medical Care Facility operating millage of 0.75 mill for 4 years, raising $1.5 million the first year.
14
Petoskey City Mayor
Ted Pall incumbent
AGE: 50 WORK BACKGROUND: Staff
anesthesiologist at Northern Michigan Regional Hospital since 1990, chief of anesthesiology, president of Northern Anesthesia Providers.
PREVIOUS PUBLIC OFFICES HELD/ POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: mayor of
Petoskey in 2005 and 2009-present, served on steering committee of Blueprint Petoskey comprehensive planning project in 2006-2007. FAMILY:Married to Lori for 26 years. Has two sons: Thad, 19, who is a student at Michigan State University; and Adam, 11, who attends St. Francis Xavier School.
Sherry Loar-Trudell A AGE: 50 WORK BACKGROUND: Owns and W
o operates Baby Steps Child Care, chief e executive officer of Americana Pancakes I wholesale manufacturing, previously Inc. o owned and operated Americana Pancake House in Conway.
PREVIOUS PUBLIC OFFICES HELD/ POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Advocate,
Bureau of Children and Adult Licensing; board member, Tax and Spend Must End; currently “defending the right of independent day care operators to exist free from political mandated restrictions.” FAMILY:Spouse, Ricky L. Trudell Sr.; children Ricky (spouse Jennifer and son Lincoln), Jonathan, Robert (spouse Lainé), Thomas (spouse Meghan), Adam and Randy
The recent declines in taxable property values have cut into one of Petoskey’s major revenue sources. What basic approach do you think the city needs to take to remain financially sound?
In general, what attributes do you believe make you well-suited for city office in Petoskey?
What issue(s)/concern(s) do you believe will be most pressing for city government in the year ahead?
I maintain a strong desire to lead open, thoughtful and thorough discussion of the issues before the city, and to do so in a civil manner. I am experienced chairing city council meetings on complex and controversial issues and have done so in a fair and efficient manner. I welcome public comment and criticism while I try to steer the discussion to the merits of the issue. I have a great working relationship with the city staff and council, and respect what each brings to the table. I have encouraged us as a group to make better decisions by learning from each other’s experience and perspective. I look to the citizens for direction with particular focus on the city’s long-range master plan. Finally, I am very proud of Petoskey and believe its leadership should be a positive reflection of the great community we live in.
I believe the most pressing issue before the city is maintaining the high level of service we enjoy while balancing the budget. Maintaining a climate positive for business and jobs is another important issue. I am excited that Kilwin’s is preparing to go ahead with its new site on U.S. 31. A tax abatement from the city was one part of making that happen and during the abatement more tax revenue will be generated than the previous use. This year the city council had a special session to meet with the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance, which was a great opportunity to open dialogue between council and the alliance for future cooperation. Other important issues before the city are continuing discussion with CMS over leachate disposal options, and seeking public input on proposed rail corridor improvements, which will create a linear parkway through the town connecting to Bay View.
This year’s council dealt with a budget deficit of 10 percent and did so largely through cuts in spending. I did not support a millage increase, preferring to reconcile any remaining deficit with cash reserves. Moving forward, the budget discussion for 2011 needs to focus on exploring every opportunity to remain millage and tax neutral and to find cuts in spending. The greatest challenge for the city is to maintain the high level of service that our citizens enjoy and which draws people to our area. The discussion will get difficult in the years ahead as we, like other communities, will have to make tough decisions. It will be easy for some to sit on the sidelines and politicize this. I hope our citizens will engage in thoughtful discussion on this important matter and have dialogue of realistic options before us.
Residing in the city of Petoskey 37 years, attending St. Francis Xavier Elementary School, Petoskey High School and North Central Michigan College, I have experienced our community from youth to maturity. As the business owner of Baby Steps Child Care and chief executive officer of Americana Pancakes Inc., I have experienced the demands placed on business and have listened to the concerns expressed by many residents. My intent as mayor is to put my strong communication and conservative business skills to work in my interaction with council, city employees and residents. I believe my ability to know when to lead and when to follow with commitment, integrity and teamwork are my strongest attributes.
The most pressing issue for Petoskey city government is to rein in the runaway spending habits of the past. Our residents have had to endure with less, and city government has to be reflective of its citizens. Policies and programs forced on the taxpayer without taxpayer input are not fair. Every citizen and city employee (elected or otherwise) must make an effort to build a bridge that ends our divides. The previous administration has promoted a personal agenda. We face too many critical issues and the stakes are simply too high to sit on the sidelines and allow our elected representatives to impose more constraints, higher taxes and utility bills, without a serious look at the potential for reducing costs.
It is true that times are somewhat challenging for city government, with declines in taxable property values, but the times are much more challenging for our residents. Declining property values, unemployment and uncertainty in the financial industry have had an effect on everyone. With a watchful eye on fiscal soundness, the city of Petoskey must look for ways to do with less. All avenues of potential savings have to be explored. Our city has a $27 million operating budget to maintain an area that covers approximately six square miles of land. The greatest financial challenge facing our city government is resolving the selfinflicted costs that have been foisted upon us by past practices.
★ Running at large to fill two Harbor Springs city council seats are Alan Hegedus (incumbent), Cecelia Johnston and Josie Maclean;
ELECTION 2010
We’ve seen new property maintenance standards adopted and the nuisance ordinance updated. Do you believe the city is now in a good position to address property upkeep issues? Or do more steps need to be taken? Or do the standards that were recently put in place go too far? I believe the city finally is in a good position to respond to nuisance and property maintenance concerns. Decriminalizing the existing nuisance ordinance was a long overdue step to allow for better enforcement. The property maintenance code adoption came as a response to an action item in our community’s master plan and was strongly supported by the public safety department as well as the county building inspector. I saw firsthand the safety issues that public safety officers were concerned about when I toured an apartment the day after a devastating fire this summer. After what I saw, it would be unthinkable for a responsible elected official to not take some action. The property maintenance code as adopted was a compromise. There are no routine rental inspections, and no additional city staff hired to do inspections. It sets a basic minimal set of standards that apply to all properties.
My belief is, it’s the city’s job to assist its citizenry into a comfortable coexistence, not to govern by threat. I believe the method used to force the passage of an “International Property Maintenance Code,” IPMC, on our community was a complete misuse of power wielded by my opponent. Landlords were singled out to hide the fact this code affects all of us. The IPMC includes over 700 possible code violations. Absolutely nothing is grandfathered! This code is so intrusive into our lives; the city saw fit to create an “anonymous” complaint procedure. The adoption of the IPMC must be rescinded.
A publication of the Petoskey News-Review
The future of the Petoskey Pointe site is a topic of local curiosity. Do you see a role for city government in promoting a new use for this stalled downtown project’s site? If so, what approach should the city take? To the citizens of Petoskey the future of the Petoskey Pointe site is much more than a curiosity. At the entrance to our town it is the first and last impression visitors have of Petoskey. While I did have serious concerns about many aspects of this development, I believe we need to learn from the past but not dwell on it. With potential sale of the site by PNC bank, individuals serious about purchasing the site have approached me. There have been some exciting ideas, and I am a positive voice for uses that are compatible with our long-range planning. I believe that the greatest asset we have in promoting development of that site is our beautiful city itself. The investment our citizens have made in our infrastructure, recreational facilities, and library will serve us well into the future.
I am of the opinion, the failed Petoskey Pointe project is directly related to the overzealous aspirations of my opponent. The time lost (because of) the referendum, coupled with the weak housing industry, doomed the Petoskey Pointe project. The failure by my opponent to act in the best interest of our citizens and protect our vested tax dollars is sad. It is time to look forward and not back. At this time the city of Petoskey has no rights to the land with exception to the rules governing a planned unit development (PUD). With the current lack of business environment in our state, those governing our city must serve as ambassadors to new investors when the opportunity arises.
Where to go to cast your ballot Polls will open at 7 a.m. West Traverse Township and will close at 8 p.m., Nov. Township Hall, 8000 M-119 2, at the following polling Harbor Springs, City of locations: City Hall Annex 160 Zoll St. EMMET COUNTY Bear Creek Township Petoskey, City of Precinct 1 and Precinct 2 All precincts 373 N. Division Road Knights of Columbus Hall 1106 Charlevoix Ave. Bear Creek Township Precinct 3 Petoskey Snowmobile Club CHARLEVOIX 5125 Evergreen Trail COUNTY Bay Township Hall Bliss Township 05045 Boyne City Road Township Hall Boyne City 2365 N. Sturgeon Bay Trail Boyne Valley Township Hall Carp Lake Township 2489 Railroad St., Boyne Falls Township Hall, 6339 Gill Road Chandler Township Hall Center Township 07620 Chandler Hill Road Township Hall, 981 Van Road Boyne Falls Cross Village Township Community Center 5954 Wadsworth
Charlevoix Township Hall 12491 Waller Road Charlevoix
Friendship Township Township Hall 3018 Beacon Hill Lane
Evangeline Township Hall 02746 Wildwood Harbor Road Boyne City
Littlefield Township Township Hall, 7631 Burr Ave.
Eveline Township Hall 08525 Ferry Road East Jordan
Little Traverse Township Township Hall 8288 S. Pleasantview Road Maple River Township Township Hall, 3989 N. U.S. 31 McKinley Township Township Hall, 1820 N. U.S. 31 Pleasantview Township Township Hall 2982 S. Pleasantview Road Readmond Township Township Hall 6008 Wormwood Lane Resort Township Township Hall 2232 Resort Pike Road Springvale Township Township Hall 8198 E. Mitchell Road
Harbor Springs ballot issue: Shall the city sell a lot its Hoyt Street reservoir property?
15
Wawatam Township Township Hall 123 W. Etherington St.
HayesTownship Hall 09195 Old U.S. 31 N. Charlevoix Peanine Township Hall 19759 Lake St., Charlevoix St. James Township Hall 36825 Kings Hwy. Beaver Island South Arm Township Hall 0281 S. M-66, East Jordan Wilson Township Hall 02530 BC/EJ Road Boyne City Boyne City Hall 319 N. Lake St. Boyne City Charlevoix City Hall 210 State St., Charlevoix East Jordan Civic Center 101 Civic Center Lane East Jordan
16
Petoskey City Council - Ward 2
Bill Fraser incumbent A AGE: 61 WORK BACKGROUND: I have spent more W
t than 30 years in the fly fishing industry b beginning with a management position with t 3M Co. in the early ‘70s. For the last 20-plus the y years I have operated my own manufacturers’ rep business in addition to helping operate my wife’s 107-year-old family business, Jesperson’s Restaurant. I am now retired from the fly fishing business and run the restaurant full time.
In general, what attributes do you believe make you well-suited for city office in Petoskey?
What issue(s)/concern(s) do you believe will be most pressing for city government in the year ahead?
I feel I am well suited for this office based on many attributes including my two-year term. I bring a business background and perspective to the job when it comes to budgets, staffing and cost containment. I am a good listener who likes to consider all sides of an issue before formulating an opinion. I like to seek consensus on an issue when possible but am not hesitant to make a decision.
In the next year ahead we will face many issues, both known and unknown. As far as known issues, I believe the budget will pose a big challenge. Declining property values will reduce tax revenue and challenge us to provide present levels of service with less money. I am sure that Petoskey Pointe will return to council chambers for consideration in some form. The environmental challenge of leachate at Bay Harbor may be an issue to be considered as well.
Times are challenging in financial matters. It is agreed that revenues will drop due to declining property values, the challenge is to maintain service levels with less dollars. Add to that the desire to do this without affecting personnel and you have a difficult budgeting problem. I think it will take a creative approach to solve this problem. Some capital improvements might have to be postponed along with major purchases such as those involving the motor pool. Just as Petoskey’s families are doing, the city might have to get another year out of vehicles that are due to be replaced on a rotation schedule. Given the economic climate of Michigan and the city, I don’t believe we should consider raising taxes. I also am not in favor of using fund surpluses to balance the budget.
My professional background has been in the area of public safety, having served (a combined) 35 years in both Glencoe, Ill., and the city of Petoskey. My wife, Barb, and I have lived in Petoskey for 22 years. While director of public safety (police and fire chief) in Petoskey we transformed the department to require all police and fire officers to undergo cross training, which also included emergency medical services. The department is more efficient and is one of the best operations in a city the size of Petoskey. I believe government’s foremost responsibility is to provide for the welfare and safety of its citizens. My experience in all facets of city government has taught me how it should function. The city council has five members, and each member, including the mayor, has only one vote on each issue. The council works as a team with no member having more authority than the other.
One key issue is making sure that our local government doesn’t overstep its bounds when intruding on the private lives of our citizens through unnecessary rules, regulations and ordinances. Ordinances are necessary, but only when implemented for the welfare and safety of our citizens. The city government and city council need to be more proactive and an advocate for business, especially in the central business district. We should uphold our city charter as it refers to council-manager form of government. The city manager is in charge of personnel and the daily operations of the city, not the council.
The city needs to review its entire operation and “need test” each department. In other words, let’s see if we really need all the programs being implemented, or if some programs could be eliminated. We should live with a balanced budget and not be doing things we can’t afford. Stop hiring consultants to do things that the staff could be doing. During the past year, four or five consultants have been hired by the city. Our community has a wealth of experienced people who, if asked, would volunteer to assist the city on many of these studies. We should live within our means. Property values were overinflated for many years. Now they have declined, and less tax revenue comes in for the city. Hopefully, they will level off in the near future. Until we know with more certainty, don’t spend what we don’t have in the budget. Hold off on any major projects unless they are emergency expenses.
PUBLIC OFFICES HELD/PREVIOUS POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: The only previous
experience I have is serving as 2nd Ward councilman and mayor pro tem the last two years. I have state and national board of director experience through my affiliation with Trout Unlimited, in which I served as state chairman and a national director and member of the executive committee. FAMILY:Spouse, Bobbe (married 39 years); four stepchildren; 16 grandchildren.
Thomas J. Postelnick A AGE: 72 WORK BACKGROUND: Was director of W
P Petoskey Department of Public Safety from 1988-98. Prior to that, worked in the Glencoe, I public safety department, including a stint Ill., a deputy director. as
PUBLIC OFFICES HELD/PREVIOUS POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Seeking elected
office for the first time. Has filled an appointed position as chairman of the CharlevoixCheboygan-Emmet Dispatch Authority’s technical advisory committee, and is currently an appointed board member for the Emmet County Ambulance Task Force. Has previously served as Petoskey’s acting city manager in the city manager’s absence. FAMILY:Married to Barbara for 42 years, has two adult children and two grandchildren.
The recent declines in taxable property values have cut into one of Petoskey’s major revenue sources. What basic approach do you think the city needs to take to remain financially sound?
★ BE SURE TO CHECK THE WEDNESDAY, NOV. 3 NEWS-REVIEW FOR IN-DEPTH COVERAGE ON ELECTION RESULTS.
ELECTION 2010
We’ve seen new property maintenance standards adopted and the nuisance ordinance updated. Do you believe the city is now in a good position to address property upkeep issues? Or do more steps need to be taken? Or do the standards that were recently put in place go too far?
A publication of the Petoskey News-Review
The future of the Petoskey Pointe site is a topic of local curiosity. Do you see a role for city government in promoting a new use for this stalled downtown project’s site? If so, what approach should the city take?
The National Citizen’s Survey completed recently had many questions concerning the subject of property maintenance. The question that sought to measure the public pleasure with present enforcement of the following code categories showed the percentages of respondents who felt the enforcement should be at “current level” or “more”: property maintenance, 91 percent; nuisance, 98 percent; rental property, 95 percent; building code, 94 percent. I think this shows an overwhelming approval for the new codes the current council adopted. The new International Property Maintenance Code is a minimal code that sets standards for minimum safety requirements in all buildings. This code will help the city assure safety of residents and help maintain property values. It is hoped that it will also help to reverse the trend of declining neighborhoods.
At the present time the Petoskey Pointe project is involved in a bankruptcy proceeding. When this is resolved, the city will be faced with another opportunity to consider this, or another project. It would be my feeling that the city should welcome a developer and work with them to get the best result for the city of Petoskey. A great many lessons have been learned in the past few years and I would make sure mistakes were not repeated. I would make sure the city’s position was protected at every turn so we would not end up “hold the bag” for another failed project.
The International Property Maintenance Code was recently adopted by our city council by a close 3-2 vote and it includes more than 700 code violations. This international code was designed for larger cities having building departments, not small communities such as Petoskey. Furthermore, being without a building department, enforcement of this code has been placed with the Department of Public Safety. This is a bad fit, and is an added burden for an already understaffed department. The frontline duties of our police/fire officers should not be diverted to perform building maintenance inspections. To answer your specific question, yes, I do feel that the standards put in place by this international code go too far. This code gives the right for a law enforcement officer to enter a private residence or business on an anonymous complaint. This is wrong and an intrusion on private property rights. I believe the International Property Maintenance Code should be repealed with our own relevant ordinance with input from council, staff and citizens.
The city government should play an advocacy role in promoting a high-quality development on a key entrance to the downtown business district. The city has vital need for parking which was planned as an underground parking facility in the original Petoskey Pointe project. Whatever happens with this site now, we still have a financial interest in it and parking should be part of it. The role of the city in any development is to assure that the developer complies with zoning ordinances and the city master plan. The downtown merchants’ association should be consulted for their input as it affects the whole downtown. The project could include a hotel conference center, retail shops or other commercial ventures, but should be a coordinated effort.
Paid for by Frank Foster for House. P.O. Box 452, Pellston, MI 49769
17
18
Petoskey City Council - Ward 4 What issue(s)/concern(s) do you believe will be most pressing for city government in the year ahead?
The recent declines in taxable property values have cut into one of Petoskey’s major revenue sources. What basic approach do you think the city needs to take to remain financially sound?
My training and experience in clinical psychology enables me to be a good listener. I have walked through my ward twice and talked with many residents and heard their concerns about blight and public nuisances. My advanced degree in economics has provided me with the background necessary to understand public policies.
Petoskey Pointe — to ensure that the next developer quickly makes the location look presentable and safe. Because the previous council did not adequately protect the city’s interests, the public wants us to proceed carefully in any negotiations with the next developer.
I believe that the city can cut costs without reducing services. In addition, we should consider ways of staffing that minimize the cost of overtime. In the end, we need to maintain the high quality of services that the residents have come to expect.
Wills believes his greatest asset is experience, noting that he has learned and experienced a great deal during his board, commission, council and mayoral service, and that he has had an opportunity to work with many diligent people in various city government positions. Wills also noted his educational background, including a biology degree weighted toward microbiology with coursework in industrial microbiology. He believes this gives him a good understanding of water and wastewater treatment processes. Loyalty is another attribute which Wills noted. He cites his nearly 34 years of living and working in the area as proof of his commitment to Petoskey and especially the 4th Ward. To further illustrate his loyalty, Wills noted the numerous times he has offered his services to the people of the city. He believes he has something to offer and is once again willing to offer his services to the local people.
The biggest concern for Petoskey is going to be provision of the level of service we have become accustomed to with a declining tax base. That being said, I don’t want to be negative. Petoskey continues to be a great place to live and is the envy of a lot of municipalities in having what it has considering its size. Many years ago, before I came here, the city fathers established some goals, the benefits of which we enjoy today. We must not lose sight of those goals. Some issues are not entirely in our own hands, and we must await the outcome of court decisions that will determine how the city can proceed. It is a concern, but as the city council representative I am willing to look at all options. Petoskey has maintained a conservative financial position and has a good bond rating.
The biggest thing Wills said the city can do is to keep providing services which the community has enjoyed, and to continue making the community an attractive place to live in, work in and visit. In keeping with the city’s historical practice, this may mean postponing some capital improvement projects so that services can be maintained. Wills noted that state enabling legislation allows innovative ways for communities to fund services, and cited tax increment financing as an example which Petoskey has used to good advantage. He believes it is important to stay current and use all available options, and that carefully analyzing available grants can help determine if they will indeed benefit the city. Through the years, Wills has favored maintaining positive fund balances, even if this means slightly higher tax costs and utility rates. He said this approach is benefiting the city now, with some reserves helping to maintain service levels.
In general, what attributes do you believe make you well-suited for city office in Petoskey?
Ron Marshall incumbent A AGE: 66 WORK BACKGROUND: Private practice W
i clinical psychology, also has served as an in e economic analyst for the State of Michigan.
PUBLIC OFFICES HELD/PREVIOUS POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Elected to 4th
Ward council seat in 2008 FAMILY:Married to Carolyn Matzinger; has a daughter, Grace Matzinger Marshall.
B. Jeremy Wills A AGE: 62 WORK BACKGROUND: Has had career W
i dentistry since 1975, and has practiced in in P Petoskey for nearly 34 years. Also has had m many jobs along the way, including bus b dishwasher, stock and sales work in a boy, d department store, work at Pontiac Motors and General Motors Truck and Coach Division and as an automotive mechanic at a foreign car dealership. Was also involved in real estate and a retail business for several years in downtown Petoskey.
PUBLIC OFFICES HELD/PREVIOUS POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Served on
the Petoskey Parking Commission, which became the Downtown Partnership and later the Downtown Management Board, and also on the Marina Advisory Committee. Has also been involved with the Blueprint Petoskey comprehensive planning effort, and has served several terms as the 4th Ward council representative and several as mayor. Altogether, has been in public service for more than 30 years. FAMILY:Married to Kim and has four children: Heather Vandyke, Heidi Wills, Dr. Hale Wills, and Hilary Manthei. He has eight grandchildren: Konraad, Johanna, Kathrine, Liam, Colin, Anike, Koehn and William.
★ SIGN UP FOR VOTING RESULTS VIA TEXT ALERT AT PETOSKEYNEWS.COM/ALERTS
ELECTION 2010
We’ve seen new property maintenance standards adopted and the nuisance ordinance updated. Do you believe the city is now in a good position to address property upkeep issues? Or do more steps need to be taken? Or do the standards that were recently put in place go too far?
A publication of the Petoskey News-Review
The future of the Petoskey Pointe site is a topic of local curiosity. Do you see a role for city government in promoting a new use for this stalled downtown project’s site? If so, what approach should the city take?
Our new building maintenance code allows the city to ensure housing is safe by enabling the city to inspect properties that it believes are unsafe. For example, if a house catches fire, we can now inspect to ensure that any violations have been corrected. Housing that is considered blight will be required to make the necessary repairs. Since the code has been decriminalized and very specific, it will be much easier for the city to prevail in the courts. All these changes will enhance property values.
Until the bank officially gains ownership, the city needs to wait to avoid a potential lawsuit. When the PNC Bank takes over the property, the city can approach the bank to make the location look presentable and safe. Once a new developer takes over, the city can work with the developer in promoting development. Such involvement may involve economic incentives. The city’s need to expand public parking will be on the agenda with the developer.
There are some aspects of recent ordinances that I do not agree with, and I would like to have the opportunity to make some changes and improvements to them. I was not in favor of some of these changes when they were adopted during my last term on city council. I would like to revisit definitions of what is front, back and side yard and how each can be used. Recent adoption of the international standards for housing, while a beginning, do not serve our community as well as ordinances we may adopt that are written for our particular needs. It is often the case that new ordinances are adopted with the best of intentions while current regulations are not enforced. I also advocate equal enforcement of all ordinances. It was only recently that the decriminalization of infractions of some ordinances took place, more time is needed to determine the effect of that change. That is one of the main reasons I have decided to run for office again.
For now, Wills noted that decisions involving Petoskey Pointe remain in the hands of developers and bankers. While the city has an interest as a creditor to developers, it does not control the property, and Wills does not see a role for the city in land speculation. Wills said the city’s roles concerning any development include providing necessary utilities and infrastructure, along with provision of zoning regulations. He believes the city’s role in any future development at the site is to respond positively to potential developers’ requirements, adjusting planned unit development ordinances and zoning changes when needed. He noted that completion of development would allow some delayed street projects to be finished nearby. Apart from infrastructure and zoning, Wills believes the best thing the city can do is to make local conditions such that developers will see a great opportunity and proceed in some way with developing the area.
19
Governor of Michigan Virg Bernero Democrat
AGE: 46 RESIDENCE: Lansing PARTY: Democrat EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in
political science, Adrian College, 1986. POLITICAL CAREER: Lansing mayor, 2006-present; state Senate, 2003-05; state House, 2001-02; Ingham County commissioner, 199194, 1997-2000. PROFESSIONAL CAREER: Executive director, Michigan Association for Children with Emotional Disorders, and development officer, Alma College, 1995-1999; chief legislative aide to Sen. Jim Berryman, 1991-1995, 1999-2000; legislative analyst for House speaker’s communications staff, 1987-1991. PERSONAL: Married to Teri; two children. ONLINE: votevirg.com
Rick Snyder Republican
AGE: 52 RESIDENCE: Superior Township,
Washtenaw County PARTY: Republican EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in general studies, 1977; master’s of business administration degree, 1979; law degree, 1982, all from the University of Michigan. POLITICAL CAREER: Has never run for elected office. PROFESSIONAL CAREER: Founder, chairman and CEO of Ardesta, an Ann Arbor-based investment firm, 2000-present; Gateway Inc. interim CEO, February-September 2006; founder of Avalon Investments Inc., a venture capital company, 1997-2000; executive vice president and then president and COO of Gateway, 1991-1997; employee and then partner at Coopers & Lybrand, 1982-1991; adjunct assistant professor of accounting, University of Michigan, 1982-1984. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: On Ann Arbor SPARK’s executive committee; on the boards of The Henry Ford museum and several boards tied to the University of Michigan. PERSONAL: Married to Sue; three children. ONLINE: rickformichigan.com
ELECTION 2010
IT’S ABOUT JOBS!
VOTE BEN FITE FOR EMMET COUNTY COMISSIONER DISTRICT 1
Howard Walker for State Senate 37th District
ENDORSED/SUPPORTED BY: National Rifle Association Michigan Farm Bureau Small Business Association of Michigan Michigan Chamber of Commerce Michigan Association of REALTORS®
20
Michigan Association of Home Builders Michigan State Medical Society Police Officers Association of Michigan Right to Life of Michigan Citizens for Traditional Values
PLEASE JOIN THESE NORTHERN MICHIGAN CITIZENS THAT HAVE PLEDGED THEIR SUPPORT: Nick Agostinelli Molly Agostinelli Tom Alward Dave Barr Ed Boettcher Bob Brick Nancy Brick Tim Burden Steve Clark Greg Cheeseman Wes Dilworth Donna Dilworth Jackie Merta Charmaine Dressler James Erhart Holly Gallagher Fran Gingras Gary Godziebiewski John Haggard Pat Heintz Monica Hoffman Jay Hooper
June Jackson James Linderman Steve Kircher Michael Konicki Gail Kozlowski Dave Kring Marty Lagina Olivia Lagina Lynn Maxwell Matt Classens Brewster McVicker Mike Mulcahy Dan Musser James North Rob Manigold Joe Quandt Ron Shaw Bob Boeve Lou Smith Tony Stackpoole Ralph Soffredine Curt Taylor
Frank Taylor Scott Tilford Craig Tester Bob Mannes Jack Waldvogel Bill Walker Greg Williams Rob Winkelman Isaiah Wunsch Jack Zlotow Melissa Chenault Chuck Lombardo Kathy Lombardo Peggy Holland Kristen Lensch Roger Widing Karen Widing Herb Abramson Marianne Abramson Gretchen Knoblock Susan Kraus Eddie Albert
Spencer Stegenga Linda Stegenga Pete Wallin Marty Cotanche John Moolenaar Thomas McLenithan Ted Lockwood Mike Wills Dan Wolf Gerald Morris Marc Mercer Howard Vogel Tom Brown Wayne Pahssen Tom Ludwig Tom Casperson John Paul Fred Feleppa Ed OKeefe Jean Howard George Lasater Jerry Dumon
Susan Palarido Maryhelen Dumon Joseph Sarafa John Cunningham Arnold Sarya Robin Cunningham Rick Smith Michael Smith Joanne Smith Judy Smith Dan Stoudt Ross Childs Roger Thompson Larry Inman Cheryl Gore Follette Jim Tompkins Ida Tompkins Ellen Exworthy Robert Tucker George Galic Ann Tucker Bob Goff Dick Redmond Eric Grebe Pete Strom James Hackett Joe Elliot Ann Hackett Bruce Kuiken Maurine Kuiken Pat Leslie +++ Wayne Lobdell Cathie Martin Mary Milross N ovem ber 2 Ken Musson Sam Palarido +++
Vote
HowardWalker37.com
THE CHOICE FOR CHANGE
Paid for by Howard Walker for State Senate | PO Box 1508 | Traverse City, MI 49685
NOVEMBER 2, 2010
00276911
Go vote Nov. 2
Paid for by Committee to Elect Fite
2130 Nichols Rd. Pellston, MI 49769