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Several new names will emerge among Macomb County’s political scene in Lansing this year due to redistricting and nowhere is that more noticeable than the race for state House of Representatives.
The altering of district boundaries has created widely diverse House districts.
Representatives, who earn $71,685 plus health benefits, serve two-year terms at the state Capitol in Lansing.
The Macomb Daily asked House candidates for brief biography information as well as their stands on Michigan’s response to COVID, the economy and inflation, voting and reproductive rights, among other topics.
Here are their responses, which have been edited for space:
Democrat
Veronica Paiz
Residence: Harper Woods
Age: 65
Occupation Harper Woods City Council member
Education: Bachelor’s degree from Wayne State University, master’s degree from New York University
Past political experience: Harper Woods City Council member, appointed and elected in 2015 and 2019; precinct delegate 2012 2022; executive board member of Michigan Democratic Party Hispanic Latino Caucus; former executive board member of Grosse Pointe Democratic Club.
Covid response
I approve of Gov. Whitmer’s actions protecting Michigan residents. This pandemic took everyone by surprise, and we all did the best we could with the information we had at the moment; it was a learning experience and gave us insight in how to better prepare and respond for the next state emergency
Reproductive rights
I support Proposal 3 Reproductive Rights and am a strong advocate of self-determination including an individual’s personal responsibility for their own body
Voting security
I’m looking forward to the passage of Proposal 2 ensuring voting rights and security for Michigan residents and overseas military members. I urge everyone to read the Secretary of State website excellent elections security page
Other issues
I plan to address other issues including municipal finance, housing, disability issues, our environment, and ending the Republican tax on pensions of hardworking District 11 residents.
Republican
Mark T. Foster
Residence: St. Clair Shores
Age: 60
Occupation: Owner of Foster Realty
Education: Lake Shore High School
Background: Formerly employed as a bartender at Mr. Paul’s before opening his own real estate business and owns a laundry service.
Political experience: Served as the chair and co-chair of the St. Clair Shores Zoning Board of Appeals for 20 years.
Michigan Covid response
Atrocious. Gov. Whitmer with support from lifetime political allies like the Hertel family, intentionally placed the sick in nursing homes. Raising the death toll and costing an untold number of our loved ones their lives all to validate the use of emergency powers. Schools were closed, businesses were shuttered for “safety,” but you could still go Black Friday shopping at BestBuy. This was the greatest transfer of wealth in history and has almost completely dissolved the middle class.
Voting Security
If the machines are not connected to the internet why does the NSA have to monitor for foreign interference? Scantron tech has been around forever, do you remember the teachers having to adjudicate 60% of the tests? Exactly. Which precinct is five hours away from the TCF center and staffed by children, why else would a van full of ballots come in at 3 a.m. with no chain of custody documents? Did you know in France they put paper ballots in clear boxes, it is a really complex system and I am glad we use unsecured computers.
Reproductive rights
Although I would like to see some common sense limitations, I am pro choice. However, this proposal 3 is horrific, confusing, extreme, and unconstitutional. I hope we all vote no. Why would our leaders put sex change language relating to minors into a bill on abortion.. As your representative I will fight to bring this issue back to the ballot in a clear and concise format that deals with this issue directly and without all the fine print.
Education
Math, science, history, English, and athletics that’s it. Last I checked, woke was not a subject. The children of the community should be educated not brainwashed. Radical teachers unions and liberal policies have destroyed the educational system, pushing parents farther from the class room with every step. It’s time for all parents to stand up and say “It’s not ok”.
Other issues
As a state rep, Foster says he will work to defend the community “from radical liberal ideologies,” and he’s not afraid to say “it’s not OK.”
Democrat
Kimberly Edwards
Residence: Eastpointe
Age: 34
Occupation: Clinical social worker/mental health professional
Background: The daughter of an Army veteran, Edwards said her experience as a mom, wife, social worker, and community advocate qualify her to make good policy and budget decisions to address root causes of disparities across Michigan communities.
Covid response
Based upon the Michigan website, it’s noted that the State of Michigan worked around the clock to test and treat COVID-19 patients.
Voting security
Michigan should continue to provide extensive yet appropriate safety measures, that ensures every vote is counted and secured.
Reproductive rights
I believe everyone should have the freedom to make necessary decisions over their reproductive organs.
LGBT rights
There should be no difference in rights of anyone.
Republican
Diane Saber
Residence: Roseville
Age: 53
Occupation: Dog trainer/ animal behavior specialist/ small business owner/ patient access representative
Education: Graduated from Lake Shore High School, attended Macomb Community College, earned a certificate in dog training from Animal Behavior College.
Political experience: Served as a precinct delegate.
Background: Worked on a task force with elected officials to draft legislation for better protection for animals and harsher criminal penalties against animal abusers.
Covid response
I do not believe this was handled well. I can understand a lockdown for a couple of weeks because no one knew exactly what we were dealing with. We were told the two weeks to flatten the curve propaganda. Trust the science, trust the data, we were told. Where was the transparency? Masks work, masks don’t work. Mass confusion was created. Illegal mandates were put on the people. Schools closed when children were the least at risk, yet our Governor thought it was ok to put Covid positive people in the nursing homes with non-positive patients. Small businesses were locked down yet big box stores, and liquor stores were allowed to remain open.
Michigan’s economy
We need to reduce the government spending. Reduce our taxes. Bring businesses back to Michigan and open up the pipelines so we can get back to being energy independent.
Gas prices have increased, our cost of goods and services has escalated, taxes are increasing, however, the residents of Michigan have had zero increase in their income. Spending power of the Federal Reserve note continues to decline due to government spending, which is debasing our currency.
We have shortages to our supply chain and workforce.
Prior to 2021, we were energy independent. Now due to the closing of pipelines here in America, we are paying for oil abroad. Government still continues to spend and supply billions of dollars overseas on the American taxpayers dime, while Floridians are contending with complete disaster.
Voting security
The voter list needs to be thoroughly cleaned up. We need to remove the Dominion and ES&S machines from our election process. Voter machines that can be connected to the internet leave our election process vulnerable to foreign interference. We need same day voting, paper ballots and hand counting. Voter ID needs to be checked and the illegal ballot drop boxes need to be removed.
Reproductive rights
Women have bodily autonomy. Women have the right to go to a physician for reproductive health. They have a right to take or not take birth control. They have a right to have sex or not have sex.
What has occurred under the guise of reproductive health care, is a proposal regarding abortion. Pregnancy is not a medical condition and abortion is not a medical treatment. This proposal goes far beyond abortion. What about the baby’s bodily autonomy? The unborn have rights also.
This proposal will change our Constitution, remove any parental consent for minors wishing to have an abortion, take puberty blockers (sterilization), and gender transformation. This proposal will lower healthcare standards by allowing any healthcare professional physician or non-physician to perform an abortion, which is dangerous to the mother. If a said person dies during an abortion procedure, there is no legal recourse. A person can have a partial birth abortion and an abortion up to and during birth. A teacher, counselor neighbor etc. can take your child for an abortion without permission from the parents.
LGBTQ rights:
All Americans regardless of race, gender, culture or religion have the same inalienable rights under our Constitution. I support life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness of all Americans.
Democrat
Lori M. Stone
Residence: Warren
Age: 42
Occupation: State Representative
Previous political experience: State Representative, 2 terms
Education: Fitzgerald High School & Macomb Mathematics Science Technology Center, 1998; bachelor’s degree in political theory and constitutional democracy, elementary education, 2002, Michigan State University; master’s degree in science education, Michigan State University; 2008; Michigan Political Leadership Program Fellow, MSU 2017
Covid response
Dealing with an emerging pandemic, after nearly a century since the polio epidemic required the entire world to relearn the basics of a public health response. I was the House Democratic Caucus representative on the Executive COVID-19 Health Updates for more than two years. Michigan learned what mitigation measures look like. We learned the results of viral spread without preventative vaccines or therapeutic treatments. We learned that not every individual or even every community is impacted in the same way at the same time. We learned some responses have greater impacts than others. We learned politicizing a virus is hazardous for everyone. We learned public health guidelines are meant to minimize severe health impacts, minimize deaths, and prevent healthcare systems from being overwhelmed so those that have the greatest need for treatment have access when they need it. We learned to value our essential workforce. Michigan needs to remember these lessons learned from our Covid-19 response when we face another epidemic or pandemic.
Michigan’s economy
The biggest driver of economic inflation during the pandemic was Corporate Profit (also known as corporate greed). Not worker wages. Not the supply chain. Not the government. I’m tired of inflation being blamed on the government, while corporations are padding their profits. Because CEOs know the government will get the blame for raising their prices. Corporations are laughing all the way to the bank while everyday households are trying to get by.
As Michigan emerges from the pandemic, the state’s economy should be focused on investing in high quality public education; developing a talented, competitive workforce that attracts businesses; economic development of good paying jobs that support families; addresses systemic inequity; and addressing child care costs and bolstering providers.
Voting security
Democracy is the most important issue on the ballot this year. The United States has the most secure voting system in the world. Despite fear mongering and challenges; no one has proven that any of the factors have resulted in election outcomes inconsistent with votes cast. Our election system is decentralized, non/bipartisan, and publicly operated. Residents can participate at every step of the system. It is hypocritical for people that do not respect the system to only believe that system is accurate when they win. Voting is a right as a responsibility of citizenship. Everyone should be exercising their voting rights.
Reproductive rights
I support every person’s privacy and self determination for making deeply personal reproductive healthcare decisions. Today over 60% of Michigan residents believe Michigan’s 1931 abortion restriction is government overreach of individual rights. The law unnecessarily criminalizes medical access and pregnancy. Proposal 3 would guarantee those rights in Michigan’s constitution.
LGBTQ rights
LGBTQ rights are human rights. Equality means no more, no less. People who identify as LGBTQ are entitled to the same rights and protections afforded every citizen of our country.
More information: [email protected]; electloristone.com; facebook.com/electloristone
Republican
Ronald Singer
Did not respond
14th District
Democrat
Donavan McKinney
Did not respond
Republican
Wendy Jo Watters
Residence: Warren
Age: 46
Occupation: Chef and warehouse packaging and quality control
Online campaign information: wendywattersformichigan.com, Wendy Watters for State Representative on Facebook
:Education: Earned an associate degree in culinary arts and hotel restaurant management.
Political experience: Elected to the Center Line Board of Education for two years of a six-year term in 2018 and then for a four-year term in 2020.
Covid response
The response to Covid-19 in Michigan was an extreme push of government overreach and detrimental to our local business and education. We watched many small businesses determined to be nonessential for months thus killing their ability to survive in our communities.
Educational loss for many students in the state was adversely affected by almost 2 years of closures and learning loss. As an elected school board trustee, I know how difficult it has been for the flexibility to educate via video stream with parent support. Many families had to give up jobs to stay home or give up their child’s education time while students were not allowed in schools.
Voting rights
Voting rights is our most valuable privilege to being an American citizen. We need to have fair accessibility and voter integrity for all.
Other issues
Michigan has many areas to improve, my top goals are:
1) Accountable public education including Career Tech ED (skilled trades).
2) Strengthen local infrastructure.
3) Support law enforcement and public safety for safe schools & neighborhoods.
4) Cut Red Tape policies for senior care and services.
As your representative, I will listen to your needs, I will advocate, and bring “Common Unity” back to our community. I will be a common sense voice for the needs of District 14 residents in Lansing.
Democrat
Aisha Farooqi
Residence: Sterling Heights
Age: 39
Occupation: attorney.
Education: Earned a juris doctor degree from the University of Detroit Mercy Law School and a bachelor’s degree from University of Michigan-Dearborn
Political Experience: Member of the Sterling Heights Zoning Board of Appeals
Covid response
I appreciate Gov. Whitmer’s efforts to combat Covid-19. She had to make difficult decisions with the limited data and information that she was provided with and it is without a doubt that she saved lives. However, I do not agree with every aspect of the Covid-19 response. I believe many of our small businesses struggled and the Legislature needed to do more to help small businesses recover from the pandemic.
Michigan’s economy
I believe we can improve our economy by investing in our residents and communities. We must create a tax structure that promotes entrepreneurship and job creation while providing the state with adequate resources to fund our priorities. It starts with educating our workforce and providing them with an opportunity to be successful and innovative in today’s economy. We must provide an efficient transportation network to move goods and services and increase the minimum wage as well as restoring prevailing wage. I also support expanding training and educational opportunities for skilled trade positions. I support investing in EV initiatives to help keep our region competitive and to attract young workers to our district. To combat inflation, I support putting money back into people’s pockets, including eliminating the pension tax, lowering prescription costs and addressing price gouging.
Voting security
I believe voting is a constitutional right. We must ensure that all citizens are able to access voting safely. Absentee ballots and same day registration have proven to be secure through the pandemic and are key to ensuring all citizens can exercise their right to vote. I will oppose any legislation that creates unnecessary burdens to voting and oppose legislation that makes the job of our election officials more difficult.
Reproductive rights:
I will protect the right to make private reproductive health care decisions without government interference.
LGBTQ rights:
I do not believe we should discriminate against anyone. I would support expanding the Elliot-Larsen Act to include protections for members of the LGBTQ community.
Other issues:
As an attorney and Sterling Heights ZBA member, I know the importance of listening to the needs of people and the community rather than special interests. As a state Representative, I will be the voice of my constituents and put the community above party.
– Creating an economy that works for all of us with good paying jobs
– Fully funding public education so we can give our children the best chance at a successful future
– Investing in road and water infrastructure so we can have clean drinking water, basements that don’t flood and bridges that don’t crumble
– Safeguarding our freedom to make private healthcare decisions without government interference
– Supporting our local police, firefighters and first responders
Republican
Thomas Kuhn
Did not respond
Democrat
Nate Shannon
Residence: Sterling Heights
Age: 47
Occupation: State Rep, Michigan House of Representatives (2019-present)
Other work experience: Public school teacher at L’Anse Creuse Public Schools, Sterling Heights City Councilman (2015-2018)
Education: Bachelor’s degree in political science from Oakland University, master’s in secondary education from Wayne State University
Covid response
The COVID-19 global pandemic has been an uncertain time here in Michigan. Elected officials had to make difficult decisions and responded swiftly instituting CDC guidelines that saved lives. While we can be grateful that we are not seeing the same number of cases we were before and they are not leading to the same level of hospitalization rates, we cannot declare ourselves COVID free just yet. Especially as cold and flu season approaches, it is important to continue considering immunocompromised people and service workers by using best health practices.
Nobody wants another shutdown. It is up to the citizens of the Michigan to take simple and common sense actions, whether it is getting vaccinated, masking up, or using other best health practices to keep ourselves, families, and neighbors healthy and safe and to keep Michigan open for business.
Michigan’s economy
In Michigan, families should always come first. That means protecting our right to unionize and the freedom to negotiate for the things our families need, like good jobs, strong paychecks, and great public schools for all of our kids. We must protect Social Security and Medicare, make healthcare more affordable, increase the minimum wage, and provide paid family leave for all.
Inflation is a worldwide problem that requires cooperation between the states, federal government, and other nations to remedy. The state can’t solve the problem alone, but we can take steps to alleviate the rising costs of food, medicine, housing, and fuel that working families and seniors are facing. I was proud to author the MI Pocketbook Plan that would immediately provide working families with an additional $500 to help offset rising costs, while maintaining a balanced budget. I also authored legislation that eliminates tax breaks for companies that ship jobs out of state and overseas. I support repealing the retirement tax and support the governor’s executive directive to leverage state resources to fully implement the CHIPS and Science Act, which will help produce more semiconductors in state, create good paying Michigan jobs, and get our supply chain moving.
Voting security
The right to vote is our most basic and fundamental right. Holding free and fair elections is key to preserving our way of life and the freedoms that we enjoy. Those who seek to tamper with or defraud our elections should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. I do support existing voter identification laws that help ensure the integrity of our election process. I also support laws that make it easier for qualified voters to cast their vote such as early voting, expanded voting hours, and no-reason absentee voting. We must always respect the will of the people, whether our preferred candidates or ballot proposals prevail or not.
Reproductive rights
A woman’s right to choose is a personal matter of conscience and circumstance and is best made between a woman and her doctor, not in the state legislature or in Washington, D.C. I support repealing the 1931 law in Michigan that bans abortion without exceptions for rape and incest. We would all agree that families have the right to decide what is best for them and that is what is at the core of the struggle for reproductive rights. I have a history of fighting for families and will continue to do so in Lansing.
LGBTQ rights
Nobody should be discriminated against because of who they are or who they love. I was proud to co-sponsor legislation that expanded the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to include sexual orientation as a protected status. Also, while on Sterling Heights City Council I supported the non-discrimination ordinance. Marriage and family are private matters. I will continue to advocate for all of my constituents to have equal access to opportunities and equal protection under the law.
Other issues
I have always been proud to stand with our first responders in public safety and to honor their service.. As state representative and while on City Council I voted to increase funding for police and fire and to provide them with the resources they needed to help make Sterling Heights the safest big city in the State of Michigan. I’m proud to have received the endorsement of the Police Officer’s Association of Michigan, the Warren Police Officer’s Association, and Michigan Association of Police. Adequately funding our police and fire departments will continue to be a top priority for me.
Email address:[email protected]
Republican
Michelle Smith
Residence: Sterling Heights
Age: 38
Education: Earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Walsh College.
Political experience: Serves as chair for the 9th Congressional District for the GOP
Background: A cancer survivor who formerly resided in Warren, I have been involved in politics since 2000, mostly in background roles supporting other candidates.
My platform centers around three major issues : excellence in education, safe communities, and improving infrastructure.
Covid response
I think Michigan’s response to COVID-19 was among the worst in the country. Our governor enacted rules that made no sense – do you remember when you couldn’t buy flooring or flowers, like COVID was transmitted via daffodils and ceramic tiles? Somehow it was decided that putting COVID positive patients into nursing homes, even though we knew that the elderly were the most vulnerable, was the best plan? Closing schools for two years even though we knew that kids were the least vulnerable? Forcing certain businesses to close but allowing others to operate and throwing people in jail for trying to make a living? It was insanity. It was government overreach at its finest. The only science that was followed was political science.
Michigan’s economy
When Biden was inaugurated, one of his first executive orders was to shut down Keystone and he has been tapping into our reserves ever since. This first move was the beginning of the economic turmoil we are now facing. We were energy independent and gas was reasonable, now the costs are increasing every day. Food prices are at a 40-year high. Interest rates have increased in a futile attempt to combat inflation, crushing what was a booming housing market. The stock market is declining, people on fixed incomes are having to decide between food or bills, and through it all Whitmer and other Democrats here in our state have been “Ridin’ with Biden” with no regard for what is actually best for the people living here.
Voting Security
Voting is a fundamental right and something we are all very fortunate to be able to do. It only makes sense that we secure the process. Technology has changed and that means we need to update our laws and safeguards in place. Asking for ID to vote is a step in the right direction and 77% of Michiganders agree. Asking people to request their ballot themselves and verifying their signature is absolutely a safeguard that should be in place. Outside money should not be flowing into the election system. Ultimately, people should be willing to take a few moments out of their day a few days a year to vote in person.
Abortion
I’m pro-life and endorsed by Right to Life. I’m a woman who struggled to get pregnant, and I cannot personally imagine ever ending the life of a child. However, I would be willing to consider a statutory law that addresses limitations on abortion and provides for possible exceptions. The good thing about a statutory law is that as culture shifts (hopefully to a more pro-life stance) we can easily adjust. I am adamantly opposed to Prop 3 as it goes far beyond the scope of abortion and removes parental rights from many decisions regarding healthcare and life altering decisions for children.
LGBT rights
I support the right of people to choose how they wish to live in society, free from judgement and harm. However, we do a disservice to girls when we allow biological boys to compete in girls sports or enter girls bathrooms/locker rooms. Our girls deserve better, it’s almost like no one is thinking about the girls and is entirely focused on the less than 1% of transgender people.
Other Issues
If I had to select another issue that I think should be on the forefront of everyone’s minds and should really be the focus of the government, I would select infrastructure concerns. Our roads are a disaster. Our freshwater lakes/rivers/streams are neglected. Our underground water/sewer systems are outdated. Our electrical grid is not ready for the transition to electric vehicles. We must properly fund these repairs and We must properly fund these repairs and get ahead of scheduled replacement instead of always trying to play catch up.
Democrat
James Diez
Residence: Shelby Township
Age: 57
Occupation: Retired, executive in manufacturing and global supply chain in automotive and aerospace industries
Online campaign information: voteforjames.net
Education: Master’s degree in engineering management, University of Missouri, bachelor’s in mechanical engineering, Lawrence Technological University, graduate of Darden University Executive Training Program
Statement: I’m standing up for old school American values and rights. I am Pro Choice, Pro Gun Safety, and Pro Voting Rights. I’m exhausted by the hate, division, and gridlock. We can have differences, yet we should still listen and treat each other with respect. As your state Representative, I vow to do so. The State House makes the laws, who you vote for will impact in the upcoming months.
Covid response
Most forget this was a global pandemic, working in global supply chain, I saw it firsthand. Many tough decisions had to be made on the fly. Leadership at state level made many tough decisions, many lives were saved and many were lost due to bad information.
Michigan’s economy
Inflation is a complex issue and many factors play a role, the state House has little to no impact on global inflation. As long as global demand is greater the supply and corporate price setting are issues, then there will be inflation.
Voting security
I believe we always have had voting security. My concern now is the effort I see from the Republican Party to actively make is difficult for people to vote and multiple attempts to override the system.
Reproductive rights
How a person feels on the abortion issue is their right. Forcing their personal believes on others personal decisions and taking away others rights is wrong.
Republican
Douglas C. Wozniak
Residence: Shelby Township
Age: 75
Occupation: Attorney specializing in elder law, licensed real estate broker
Education: Law degree from Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University, bachelor’s in math from University of Michigan
Political experience: Served as a Shelby Township trustee (2008-2018), state Representative (2019-2021), and state Senator (2021-present)
Statement: Service as a state legislator is equal parts ensuring that bad policy is not enacted and that good public policy is signed into law.
Covid response
The people of Michigan reacted responsibly to the pandemic to take precautions and help save lives. However, the governor’s response was a government overreach to mandate the shutdown of so many businesses that caused their permanent closure and damaged our economy. Her restrictions on other businesses were haphazard and caused a great deal of confusion since they were not supported by logic. Studies have shown that states that shut down versus remained open had similar rates of infection.
Michigan’s economy
Our nation’s economy has been severely harmed by poorly thought out federal programs and policies. We in Michigan need to mitigate the harm to hardworking Michiganders who are struggling to balance their checkbooks to buy everyday goods. That is why we need to deliver immediate income tax and retirement tax relief to help fight the effects of inflation. I also support a fuel tax holiday to help offset the enormous increase in gasoline prices.
Voting security:
As a staunch advocate for election security, I have voted for more than 40 pieces of legislation to improve Michigan’s voting systems and election practices. We need to maintain zero tolerance for any violation of our election laws.
Reproductive rights:
Everyone’s rights and dignity needs to be respected including those of the unborn child.
LGBTQ rights:
Everyone’s rights and dignity needs to be respected.
Democrat
Linda Rose Clor
Residence: Macomb Township
Age: 70
Occupation: Clinical social worker, and marriage and family counselor
Education: Master’s degree from Wayne State University
Political experience: Has run for Macomb Township Board of Trustees
Covid response
I believe that COVID-19 was a bad experience for most people and many people are having residual depression from the experience. We were not prepared for the epidemic. I believe our state officials did their best to protect as many people as possible from death. I regret that we were not more prepared for the situation. Many people have residual depression and anger after this innately terrible event. We need to gain increased awareness regarding sanitation and pandemic procedures. We will probably have more pandemics in the future.
Michigan’s economy
I believe inflation is high because most businesses are trying to catch up on the lost revenues which occurred during the pandemic. I would like to see employees happy about returning to work but they must feel defeated because inflation rates are high. There are things that can be done to decrease inflation after the election and these things will help stabilize the spirit of America. Our whole country must make a conscious decision to have teamwork in all matters related to our problems.
Voting security
Voting security and trust must be regained in the American system. I believe the system is sufficient in preventing incorrect tallies. A person could vote and then die around the time of an election however, shouldn’t they be allowed their last voting privilege as long as it occurred during the parameters of election voting time? The experience of a political loss should be a respectfully calm situation and not a killing episode. American laws were broken after the last election and that creates a very demoralizing picture of American behavior. This type of drama needs to end with the drama being penalized. Americans are equal and penalty needs to be enforced.
Reproductive rights
All females must have control over decisions regarding their bodies and reproductive matters. The factors related to a pregnancy can be vastly different. Death of women by suicide or pregnancy can happen. Rights were given to women and they must be sustained. As a nation we must allow freedom of medical choice and confidentiality of medical records. The decisions of such matters must be between a woman and her doctor without moral judgments by persons of the general public.
LGBT rights
All persons regardless of sexual change or sexuality preference must be allowed the freedom of choice regarding these matters. I believe same sex marriages need to be allowed because it creates stability of sexual activity with respect to the bond and purpose of marriage. I do believe that same sex parents can have good parenting skills for a child. When we accept the differing norm we can begin to respect them and their rights of choice regarding these matters.
Republican
Joseph Aragona
Residence: Clinton Township
Age: 35
Occupation: Deputy supervisor in Harrison Township
Education: Graduated from Oakland University with a bachelor’s degree in biomedical diagnostics, and is about to complete a master’s in business administration from Michigan State University
Previous political experience: Served on the Clinton Township Board of Trustees (2016-2020)
Background: Aragona was employed as a purchasing agent for The Parker Group Inc., which repaired industrial electronic and later as a State Farm insurance agent.
Covid response
The current administration enacted policies unlike any others in the country that endangered the lives of senior citizens. Then, according to the non-partisan Office of the Auditor General, they severely underreported the number of senior citizen deaths in nursing homes. On top of that, Michigan had the most draconian rules in the country forcing dollars to leave our state.
People went to Ohio and Indiana simply because their government allowed businesses to hang an “Open” sign in the window. The current governor also ordered lawn care companies to shut down even though they work outdoors and expected local municipalities to enforce this tyrannical rule. I would say in light of these facts that Michigan failed the response to COVID-19.
Michigan economy
In the last few years inflation has sky rocketed because the federal government has spent our tax dollars like drunken sailors. What makes matters worse is the Biden administration has a weak energy policy that has caused gas prices to rise making it more expensive to go to work, the grocery store, or the kid’s soccer games. To add insult to injury businesses have closed or left our state such as Ford which closed their Romeo Plant while opening up new facilities in Tennessee and Kentucky.
Michigan has to do better. We need to create a business-friendly environment that will spur growth.
Voting security:
I’m always excited when someone new, no matter their party leaning, decides to vote for the first time. It’s a right that many around the world don’t get to experience. That’s why I support the implementation of voter ID laws and other policies that protect election integrity. People should be able to freely vote how they wish with a certainty that their vote counts.
Reproductive rights
I’m a pro-life candidate endorsed by Right to Life. I believe abortion ends a life and the only exception to allow an abortion is when the mother’s health is in jeopardy.
LBGT rights
The NCAA has done a complete disservice to women and women’s sports by allowing biological males to compete against them. I support the right of people to choose how they live in our society. But men should stay out of women’s sports, and out of women’s locker rooms/bathrooms.
Other Issues
Our roads and underground infrastructure are in need of repair here in Macomb. We need to allocate as much as we can to repairs. We should use the stimulus money that the state already has for roads instead of any other pet projects.
Democrat
Denise Mentzer
Residence: Mount Clemens
Age: 66
Occupation: Senior buyer, County of Macomb, member of UAW 889
Education: Earned a bachelor’s degree in business, graduated from Academy of Small Business Consultants at Grand Valley State University
Political experience: Now serving her 10th year as a member of the Mount Clemens City Commission. Former was a AFSCME 411 member where she served 19 years as union steward and five years as vice president
Covid response
We need to trust the science. We must continue to improve the speed of developing and manufacturing vaccines and treatments. Testing, vaccination and treatments of infectious diseases like Covid-19 should be free and widely available.
Michigan’s economy
We must make child care more affordable and accessible as people rejoin the work force. We must assist automotive and manufacturing retain and create jobs by attracting new tech businesses with state incentives and keep jobs here, not send them to China. Increase the wages and improve the working conditions for service and health care workers. We must work with unions to introduce high school students to skilled trades and construction jobs. We must end the pension tax.
Voting security
Macomb County Clerk Anthony Forlini hired a firm in 2021 to review Macomb County election security. He announced in January 2022 that the hired firm found no evidence of malicious internet connectivity, no evidence of data manipulation and no evidence of unauthorized software in election servers. I believe Macomb County voters can count on safe and secure voting.
Reproductive rights
I believe in a woman’s right to make their own reproductive and health care decisions. I don’t believe that women seeking abortions, nor providers of abortion, should be threatened with a felony and penalties of prison time. Pregnancies caused by rape or incest should be exempt from any anti-abortion laws. I don’t believe that any politician should tell a woman what to do with her own body.
LGBTQ rights
I believe people should be who they are and who they want to be. Period. I will continue working to protect the rights of our LGBTQ community.
Republican
Mike Aiello
Residence: Clinton Township
Age: 67
Occupation: Chiropractic
Education: Doctor of chiropractic
Political experience: Third term as a precinct delegate
Covid response
The current administration during the pandemic mandated policies that not only endangered the senior citizens in our nursing homes throughout the state of Michigan but also created epidemic portions of mental illnesses, at all grade levels by locking students out of class rooms. This same administration then decided to classify small businesses as non essential forcing them to close down or be fined heavily and revoke their business license. Any business that provides food on the table and a roof over a family’s head is essential. The methodology this same administration used forceful and unlawful mandates threatened peoples jobs if they don’t get vaccinated and forceful mask wearing. Healthcare choices should be between the doctor the patient not the government.
Michigan economy
Quickest way to slow down runaway inflation: First and foremost job creation with better pay. Cut many of the regulatory controls that suffocate businesses, these costs are then passed onto the taxpayer. Cut taxes so consumers have more disposable income to buy things their families need, like food, clothes, gas for their car so they can go to work.
Voting security
I support one person one vote
Other issues
Rebuild our power grids to prevent power outages
Democrat
Michael Brooks
Did not respond
Republican
Alice St. Germaine
Did not respond
Democrat
Kelly L. Noland
Did not respond
Republican
Jay DeBoyer
Did not respond
Democrat
Mark Lingeman
Residence: Metamora
Age: 71
Occupation: Retired from trucking industry
Background: I spent most of the last 40 years in various aspects of the trucking industry. The last 20 years were in expediting, so I was part of supply chain solutions well before the term became fashionable. I have no previous political experience but entered the race to give voters in the newly-drawn District 65 a choice. I have only taken donations from a few family members, friends, and a couple others. As such, I am beholden to no one but the voters.
Covid response
I support vaccines. The pandemic was hard on all of us. Health regulations promoted by Governor Whitmer and the MDHHS prevented well over 100,000 infections and saved thousands of lives.
Michigan economy
These are not just Michigan problems or even United States problems, they are world-wide problems. The pandemic, the resultant supply chain shortages, the stimulus checks from both the previous administration and the current one and the Ukraine war are among other things that had an effect on supply and demand. Experts knew inflation was coming but didn’t know what the severity would be. The Fed adjusting the interest rates is a balancing act and Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act are some of the tools being used to combat it.
Senators Peters and Stabenow and Gov. Whitmer are attracting businesses to Michigan and getting them to build and manufacture here. The Michigan House Democrats MI Pocketbook Plan is a 6-bill legislative package that will strengthen our economy, protect workers, and provide needed tax relief to working families and seniors.
Voting security
In the current climate, this is the one of the biggest issues, but not based on facts, just the Big Lie. Our state and other states have never had more secure voting. After the 2020 election, the Department of Homeland Security called it the most secure election ever. Election frau
Election fraud has been shown to be statistically insignificant. Oregon, which has had mail-in voting since 1998, did a study and showed that out of 60.9 million votes, fraud was found in 38 votes–a rate of .0000006%. A similar study, by the Heritage Foundation, done in 50 states, showed a fraud rate of .0000007%. Putting any election denier into any office that has sway over how elections are run and verified is like putting an arsonist in charge of the firehouse. We need to do all we can to get more people to vote. Democracy works best when everyone participates.
Reproductive rights
Like most Americans, I support reproductive freedom for all
LGBTQ rights
Again, like most Americans, I support their rights to equality.
Other issues
Guns—Most Americans approve of stricter gun laws. Common sense gun laws should be enacted. I support background checks, waiting periods, red flag laws, age limits, and banning assault-style weapons. These weapons are made for killing and there is no need or right for a civilian to have one.
Republican
Jaime Greene
Did not respond
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