2020 Election Preview Vote in Person Or Absentee Thru Nov

City Pulse • September 30, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 15 2020 Election Preview vote in person or absentee thru nov. 3

The City Pulse Election Guide Welcome to our 2020 Election Preview issue, changing voting patterns. produced in cooperation with the League of Women For complete guides by the League The excerpts this week and next are generously Voters, which has generously allowed City Pulse to of Women Voters for local and underwritten by the Lansing City Clerk’s Office and use selected content in a common effort to better the City Pulse for Community Journalism. If you inform voters on what is the most important elec- state races, see www.vote411.org wish to donate, please see www.lansingcitypulse. tion in the nation’s history since at least 1932, when and www.LWVMI.org. com/donation. Franklin Roosevelt defeated Herbert Hoover in the — BERL SCHWARTZ, editor and publisher midst of the Great Depression. Then the nation’s races. We hope to work with the local and state well being was at stake because of the economic league next year and in the future to present you the havoc. Today, we face not just a recession, but the Coming next week league’s complete guides on races in mid-Michigan. greatest health challenge since 1918 as well as what The League of Women Voters information on While we took into consideration presenting this many see as an unprecedented assault on constitu- candidates for candidates for judges, university information early, it’s cclear as Michigan and the trustees, selected school boards and a selection tional rights on multiple fronts. nation move in unprecented numbers to absentee of races in Eaton County will appear in City Pulse This guide is unfortunately incomplete. We will voting that it would have been better to present it along with endorsements in statewide, present additional races next week, including many even earlier, given that people are already voting. congressional and local races. in Eaton County as well as several school board We will do better in future years as we adjust to Voting underway in Greater Lansing. Here’s how to do it.

At the South Washington office complex, a city of Lansing polling location, Margarett Suleyman does Stories in this special section are not go inside to vote. paid for by readers like you through Instead, she places her absentee ballot in a secure contributions to the CityPulse Fund for drop box outside. Community Journalism. To contribute, “I’m voting absentee because of my age and the please go to lansingcitypulse.com/ coronavirus,” Suleyman said. “I’m old and black, donation. and that’s the combo right now.” As the Nov. 3 election draws we definitely anticipate an closer, a record number of increase.” Michigan residents are mak- Swope said that he expects ing a similar decision. mail-in voting to play a large As of Sept. 21, over 2.3 mil- role in this election as the lion absentee ballot requests pandemic continues to affect have been submitted, accord- Michiganders. ing to the secretary of state. “Personally, I think the This is a significant portion popular trend will be voting of Michigan’s registered vot- at home, but any avenue is ers, which number nearly In order to register, residents must show proof available to voters,” Swope of address with one of the following documents: a 8 million, according to the said. “We’re trying to make all Michigan Voter Information Michigan driver’s license or State ID card, a current options as safe as possible. utility bill, a bank statement, a paycheck or govern - Center. “I think every voter should Across Ingham County, ment check, or another government document. decide which way they feel Voters can check their registration status https:// clerks Chris Swope of most secure,” he said. Lansing, Jennifer Shuster of Danielle James for City Pulse mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Voter/Index Lansing resident Margarett Suleyman drop- Swope said he urges voters East Lansing and Evan Hope who do not plan on heading of Delhi Township said that ping off her absentee ballot. How to request an absentee ballot: to the polls to consider voting A voter must live in a city for at least 30 days to together they have already absentee. sent out over 50,000 absentee ballots, and more request an absentee ballot there. “It’s not too late,” Swope said. “We can mail bal- There are several ways to request an absentee bal- requests just keep coming in. lots out legally until the Friday before the election, Swope said his office has sent out nearly 30,000 lot. although I wouldn’t recommend waiting that long.” “We’ve mailed out applications to all Michigan ballots to voters, including those living out of state Delhi Township Clerk Hope called voting absen- or overseas. voters,” Swope said. “You can fill out the application tee “is a safe way to vote and protect your health, to receive a ballot and mail it back in, or if you have “We had 27,000 ballots going out the door in one and the process is secure.” day,” Swope said, “and we plan to send out several a Michigan driver’s license you can go online and The Michigan Voter Information Center has pro- apply.” hundred more in our next wave.” vided voters with steps to take to ensure that they East Lansing has also mailed over 8,839 absentee Ballots can also be requested in person at a local are registered to vote and follow the correct proce- clerk’s office. They must be requested by mail before ballots, and Delhi Township has sent out an esti - dure for requesting a ballot. mate of 9,200. 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, but they can be retrieved Ingham county reported around 209,500 regis- in person until 4 p.m. the day before the election. tered voters for the 2020 election. How to check voter registration status: Again, though, waiting to the last minute for a Voter registration can be done online, at a local According to Swope, this past year saw an increase mailed ballot could be too late. branch of the secretary of state or at a local clerk’s in Lansing’s local election participation, which he Voters can track their ballot or view a sample at office. attributes to absentee voting and expects to contin- https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Voter/Index while they To be eligible to vote in Michigan, residents must ue with the November election. wait to receive it. be U.S. citizens, over 18 years of age and not serv - “Lansing had two municipal elections last year, ing a sentence in jail or prison. Voter registration is and we did see about a 25% increase in partici - What to do after receiving an absentee open through election day, and some clerk’s offices pation,” Swope said. “I don’t know if there will be have opened satellite offices for registration purpos- ballot? that much of a change for November’s election, but es. See How to vote, Page 16 16 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • September 30, 2020 2020 Election Preview vote in person or absentee thru nov. 3

Dewitt Rd S Airport Rd Airport S How to vote W State Rd E State Rd

from page 15 W Grand River Ave

Once a ballot is received, residents cast their votes E Sheridan Rd and sign the ballot envelope. The ballot can then be N Grand River Ave

N East St mailed back to the City Clerk’s Office or placed in a Turner St

Wood St Wood Gier ¤£127 secure drop-box location. N Martin Luther King Jr Blvd Community D Dr elta iver According to Swope, Lansing has 15 drop box R Fire Center Lake Lansing Rd Station 2 locations open 24 hours a day. “Ninety percent of Lake Lansing Rd Willow Hwy N Grand River Ave the city is within a mile and a half of one of our drop RdN Waverly

boxes,” Swope said, “so it should be pretty conve - St Wood

N Larch St N High St High N

Coolidge Rd

N Harrison Rd nient for most voters.” W Willow St

Elmwood Rd

N StWalnut Lansing drop-box locations include fire stations, Fire W Mall Dr community centers, the CATA CTC station and the St Station 8 W Saginaw St

N CapitolAve

N Washington Ave N Washington

Cedar

N Pine St City Cemetery Office. W Saginaw St N E Saginaw St Foster

East Lansing voters can drop their ballots at the Fire Ave N Grand Ivan St E Shiawassee St N Foster Ave N Foster Community

Station 1 Marshall St north lot of East Lansing City Hall at 410 Abbot Ave N Clemens W Ottawa St Center

N PennsylvaniaAve W Michigan AveLetts E Michigan Ave Michigan Ave Road, the MSU CATA Transportation Center at W Allegan St Community

S Clippert St

CATA Trans. S Homer St

S Howard St the Shaw Parking Ramp No. 1 or the East Lansing Center S Larch St E Kalamazoo St ¤£127 S Pine St Center Department of Public Works at 1800 E. State Road. S GrandAve E Saint Joe Hwy W Saint Joseph St W Saint Joseph St E Main St Also, East Lansing announced Tuesday it will St E Main St W Main ¦¨§496 ¦¨§496 open a satellite office Oct. 5 at Hannah Community E Hazel St Rd Lansing Trowbridge Rd Center, 819 Abbot Road. Voters can register, vote Moores River Dr

Waverly Rd Waverly and turn in absentee ballots there before Election Baker St Day. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays Oct. Snow Rd Cemetery Office Rd Harrison S 5-Oct. 30 and Monday, Nov. 2. Hours on Saturday W Mount Hope Ave E Mount Hope Ave and Sunday, Oct. 31 and Nov.1 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Hours Moores River Dr on Election Day are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Aurelius Rd Pierson Hwy Forest Rd Delhi Township voters can drop off their ballots Lansing Rd at the drop-box in front of the Township Offices at Pleasant Grove Rd

2074 N Aurelius Road. Blvd Jr King Luther Martin S Fire Millett Hwy W Holmes Rd E Holmes Rd Other drop-box locations can be found online at Station 9 the Michigan Voter Information Center. Locations St Cedar S Mary Ave W Cavanaugh Rd CATA vary by area, according to Swope. Dunckel Rd “Michigan operates under one election law, so all Headquarters Fire Rd Collins clerks follow the same rules,” Swope said. “The only Pleasant Grove Rd

Waverly Rd Waverly Station 6 differences between offices are things like location W Jolly Rd E Jolly Rd of drop boxes and hours of operation.” Southside Ballots must be dropped off by 8 p.m. on elec - Community Center

tion day. Mailed ballots can arrive within 14 days Rd Williams

S Martin Luther King Jr Blvd Fire after the election if they are postmarked by Nov. 2, Pleasant Grove Rd Station 4 according to a Michigan Court of Claims ruling. Hart Hwy W Miller Rd E Miller Rd

S Cedar St Aurelius Rd

S Washington Rd

What are some common mistakes Bishop Hwy Dell Rd Edgewood Blvd

made when filling out a ballot? Rd Waverly ¦¨§96 According to Swope, one of the most common Eaton Rapids Rd mistakes a voter can make is forgetting to sign the Willoughby Rd Willoughby Rd

outside of the ballot envelope. Rd Grovenburg Miles “We use their signature and compare it to one on 0 0.5 1 N Michigan Rd Rd Eifert N file to ensure that no fraud is committed,” Swope said. “If they don’t sign it, we do try to contact them to let them know, but the voter has to sign the enve - Proposed Ballot Drop Box Location Roads Proposed Ballot Drop Box Locations with 1.5 Highway lope in order for their vote to count.” Lake or River Is there any cost for voting absentee? Ballot HighwayDrop-Box Ramp Mile Buffer Locations 1.5 Mile Proposed Ballot Arterial Road According to Swope, voting absentee will not add Drop Box Buffer Location Collector Road Address any additional cost during the November election. City Limit “We are paying for postage for this election,” Gier Community Center 2400 Hall St, Swope said. “Most communities have not paid for Foster Community Center 200 N Foster Ave postage in the past, but the secretary of state is pro - viding funding in this election.” Created by: A. SkeltonLetts IT-GIS Community Center 1220 W Kalamazoo St Date: 24 August 2020 Can an absentee vote be changed after it is mailed Data Source: City of Lansing,Southside State of Michigan Community Center 5825 Wise Rd in? According to the Voter Information Center, a vot- CATA Transportation Center 420 S Grand Ave er can spoil their ballot if they wish to change their CATA Headquarters 4615 Tranter St vote for any reason. A voter must submit a written request to their city Mt. Hope Cemetery Office 1709 E Mt Hope Ave or township clerk, sign the request and state how Fire Station 1 120 E Shiawassee St they would like to receive their replacement ballot. This request must be received by 2 p.m. the Fire Station 2 2114 N Grand River Ave Saturday before the election if received by mail. A Fire Station 4 1435 E Miller Rd ballot may be spoiled in person at the clerk’s office until 4 p.m. the Monday prior to the election. Fire Station 6 5135 Pleasant Grove Rd If a voter has not returned their ballot, they can Fire Station 8 815 Marshall St surrender it or sign a statement stating that the bal - Fire Station 9 520 Glendale Ave lot was lost and vote at the polls. — DANIELLE JAMES Lansing City Hall 124 W. Michigan South Washington Office Complex 2500 S. Washington Courtesy Lansing City Clerk City Pulse • September 30, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 17 2020 Election Preview vote in person or absentee thru nov. 3

Statewide Proposals on November 3, 2020 Ballot

Statewide Proposal 20-1 Statewide Proposal 20-2 Michigan Use of State and Local Park Funds Amendment Michigan Search Warrant for A proposed constitutional amendment to allow money from oil Electronic Data Amendment and gas mining on state-owned lands to continue to be collected in state funds for land protection and creation and maintenance of A proposed constitutional amendment to require a parks, nature areas, and public recreation facilities; and to search warrant in order to access a person’s electronic data describe how money in those state funds can be spent. [Referred to the Ballot by the Legislature] or electronic communications. This proposal would: [Referred to the Ballot by the Legislature] • Allow the State Parks Endowment Fund to continue receiving money from sales of oil and gas from state-owned lands to This proposal would: improve, maintain and purchase land for State parks, and for • Prohibit unreasonable searches or seizures of a person’s Fund administration, until its balance reaches $800,000,000. electronic data and electronic communications. • Require subsequent oil and gas revenue from state-owned lands to go into the Natural Resources Trust Fund. • Require a search warrant to access a person’s electronic data • Require at least 20% of Endowment Fund annual spending go or electronic communications, under the same conditions toward State park improvement. • Require at least 25% of Trust Fund annual spending go toward currently required for the government to obtain a search parks and public recreation areas and at least 25% toward warrant to search a person’s house or seize a person’s things land conservation. Should this proposal be adopted? • Should this proposal be adopted? * YES * NO YES NO (Source: Michigan Secretary of State) * * A “yes” vote supports making changes to how revenue in the state’s park-related funds can be spent, including (a) making projects to renovate recreational facilities eligible for grants and (b) allowing the parks endowment fund to be spent on park operations (Source: Michigan Secretary of State) and maintenance, and (c) removing the cap on the size of the natural resources trust fund. A “yes” vote supports this constitutional amendment to require a search warrant to access a person’s electronic data and electronic communications. A “no” vote opposes making changes to how revenue in the state’s park-related funds can be spent, thus (a) continuing to prohibit projects to renovate recreational facilities from receiving grants and (b) continuing to prohibit the parks endowment fund from being spent on park operations and maintenance, and (c) keeping the cap on the size A “no” vote opposes this constitutional amendment to require a search of the warrant to access a person’s electronic data and electronic communications. natural resources trust fund.

Support for: Vote Yes for MI Water Wildlife & Parks No organized groups for or against this proposal have been is leading the campaign in support of the ballot measure. Website: www.miwaterwildlifeparks.com/ formed as of September 8, 2020. Opposed: No organized group has been formed as of September 8, 2020. (Source: Ballotpedia) (Source: Ballotpedia)

• Michigan’s Voter Information Center: HOW www.michigan.gov/vote TO GET • Your local or county Clerk’s office • MichiganVoting.org INFORMATION (Election Protection Coalition) • The League of Women Voters, ACLU, OR HELP NAACP or another voter advocacy group 18 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • September 30, 2020 2020 Election Preview vote in person or absentee thru nov. 3

U.S. Senate Term: 6 years • Vote for ONE (1) QUESTION 1 QUESTION 2 Duties: U.S. Senators share the responsibility with U.S. Representatives for HEALTH CARE: What do you see as the federal ECONOMY: What federal policies do you enactment of the nation’s laws as provided in the U.S. Constitution. Senators government’s role in health care? Given the support for a healthy economy and to ratify international treaties and confirm Presidential appointments of Cabinet Covid19 pandemic, what are your concerns help the broader American public im- members, federal judges, and foreign ambassadors. and plans regarding U.S. health coverage, prove their economic positions? Qualifications: A Senator must be at least 30 years of age and a U.S. Citizen policies and programs, including Medicare and for at least 9 years. There are 100 Senators, two from each state. Medicaid? As we continue to work through the pandem- My top priorities include rebuilding our GARY PETERS, Democrat ic, it’s never been more critical that Michiganders economy and creating good-paying jobs in Website: petersformichigan.com/ have access to quality, affordable health care. I have Michigan to strengthen our middle class. I’ve worked to protect and strengthen the Affordable passed legislation to promote manufacturing Facebook: facebook.com/PetersForMichigan Care Act and oppose the GOP-led lawsuit to over- in Michigan, support small businesses and ex- Twitter: twitter.com/GaryPeters turn it in the Supreme Court which would gut pro- pand opportunities in the skilled trades and am Occupation / Current Position: United States Senator tections for pre-existing conditions for over 1.7 mil- working to bring back manufacturing of critical Education: After Alma College, I put myself through night school, lion Michiganders and raise health care costs. I’ve medical supplies. Before entering public ser- earning degrees from Michigan State University, Wayne State Uni- fought to ensure Medicare and Medicaid are fully vice, I worked in business for over 20 years, and versity Law School and an M.B.A. from the University of Detroit Mercy. funded, and worked to bring down the cost of pre- understand the unique challenges that small Qualifications and Experience: Michigan native, 20+ years experience in business, scription drugs by passing legislation to fight big businesses face and their critical role in our served in the U.S. Navy Reserve rising to the rank of Lieutenant Commander, served pharmaceutical companies’ from monopolizing the economy. That’s why I helped pass the Small in elected positions in local, state, and federal governments. lower cost, generic drug market. Business Jobs Act which provided tens of millions of dollars to Michigan.

We are facing a major crisis right now with COVID, Michigan is home to the most innovative JOHN JAMES, Republican which has stressed our nation’s healthcare systems. manufacturers, agricultural producers in the Website: johnjamesforsenate.com Any healthcare plan that I support must absolute- world. I support trade policies that bring back Facebook: facebook.com/JohnJamesMI ly protect individuals with pre-existing conditions, and protect US jobs. As a member of Detroit Twitter: twitter.com/JohnJamesMI lower drug prices, and protect seniors. We must Mayor Mike Duggan’s Workforce Develop- Occupation / Current Position: U.S. Senate Candidate, former Army also protect Medicare/Medicaid and work to ensure ment Council, I’ve worked to help make the Captain, President- James Group International their long-term sustainability. We need a patient- American Dream possible for Michiganders. Education: Bachelor of Science from the U.S. Military Academy, centered, market-based approach that works for ev- Politicians talk about bringing manufacturing eryone. We need to keep the parts of the Affordable back, but we need leaders to actually support Master of Supply Chain Management and Information Systems from Care Act that work and replace the parts that don’t, policies that bring those jobs back. I also sup- Penn State University, Masters of Business Administration from the University of MI including those that increase prices. We must em- port opportunity zones to help revive areas Qualifications and Experience: Ranger-qualified aviation officer, served in Opera- power doctors & patients, not insurance companies hurt most by COVID. Americans aren’t looking tion Iraqi Freedom earning a Combat Action Badge (CAB) and two Air Medals while and the federal gov. for free stuff, just a fair shot. I look forward to logging over 750 flight hours, leading 2 Apache Helicopter Platoons bringing my experience to the U.S. Senate.

The government has a limited role in health care! A true free market in Michigan-less regu- VALERIE L. WILLIS, US Taxpayer This is the states right to create laws on medical cov- lation of businesses; nothing that stops trade Website: willisforcongress.com erage for all. Let the experts take care of this-the in- inside of Michigan, the USA and worldwide; Occupation / Current Position: Licensed Insurance Agent-11years; surance carriers are the experts, for over 245 years! government needs to stop interfering in busi- Wealth Advisor, IRA, Pensions, Annuities, Medical Care, more Obama tried to break the carriers and invade their ness trade; the Michigan economy has been Education: AA-Associate Degree in Fine Arts BA-Bachelor Degree income streams. We can cover all the people of this decimated by Gov. Whitmer’s unconstitution- Liberal Arts/Minor English MAc-Masters Degree in Educational Ad- country by state, with pre- existing conditions and al executive orders; our business economy ministration and Community Leadership BS-(unf) Business/English disabilities, we the people need to control our own has been decimated, yet no where in our Mich Lang & LIt policies. I have solved this problem and I urge my Constitution or US Constitution says the govt Qualifications and Experience: 11 Years Licensed Insurance Agent: Wealth Advisor: voters to come and meet me and listen to my solu- can shut down our economy yet we allowed tion, it is the only one that makes any sense. I am the them to at great financial losses; we have the Medicare, Medical Coverage, Health Saving Accounts; Medicaid; Social Security expert in this area. right to due process to sue the state of michi- Pensions; Annuities And Ira Rollovers: Farmer 19 Years Navy Wife 16 Yrs gan for our losses this iscommon in the insurance world to make up our losses. We all deserve to have universal basic healthcare, I believe that if we are our best, healthiest, MARCIA SQUIER, Green especially with an ongoing global pandemic. We also most educated selves, not only would our Website: crowdpac.com/campaigns/395494/marcia-t-squier need more healthcare providers, which is why my economy be improved, but also the quality Facebook: facebook.com/MarciaSquier4Senate/ #HIRE jobs program focuses on Healthcare, Infrastruc- of life overall, in addition to a significant re- Twitter: twitter.com/triple_marcia ture, Renewables and Education. We would also need duction in crimes of desperation. If we invest Occupation / Current Position: Valet Supervisor for a local, Michi- more educators in order to accomplish this goal. And into ourselves, our healthcare and education, gan-based company Education: Bachelor of Science Degree Wayne we could absolutely afford this if we just simply ended by expanding already existing legislation to State University Class of 1997 Psychology Major the endless wars and enacted a GI Bill for All type leg- include everyone, regardless of age or mil- Qualifications and Experience: 2 terms on local park association (IGPA) Board of islation. People could do voluntary community service itary status, we could ensure lifelong basic Directors- Chairman & 2nd Vice President 1 term as secretary for local middle school instead of military servitude. Working towards peace healthcare and higher education beyond high instead of more costly wars, death and destruction. school. Skilled trades and STEM fields are very parent-teacher committee crucial in today’s day and age, and we’re only hurting ourselves if we fail to achieve this goal. DOUG DERN, Natural Law Did not respond in time for inclusion U.S. Representative in Congress Term: 2 years • Vote for ONE (1) QUESTION 1 QUESTION 2 Duties: Representatives share the responsibility with Senators for enactment of HEALTH CARE: What do you see as the ECONOMY: What federal policies do you the nation’s laws as provided in the U.S. Constitution. Laws that require payment federal government’s role in health care? support for a healthy economy and to of taxes are initiated in the House of Representatives. Given the Covid19 pandemic, what are help the broader American public im- Qualifications: A Representative must be at least 25 years of age and a U.S. your concerns and plans regarding U.S. prove their economic positions? Citizen for at least 7 years. There are 435 Representatives based on Congressional health coverage, policies and programs, districts reapportioned after each census. Michigan has 14 districts as of 2012. including Medicare and Medicaid? MICHIGAN DISTRICT 7 The role of government should be to make We need to support job growth by help- GRETCHEN D. DRISKELL, Democrat access to health care easy and affordable. ing our small businesses and diversifying our Website: votegretchen.com I support universally accessible, affordable job market with hightech and green jobs. We Facebook: facebook.com/votegretchen health care. COVID-19 has illuminated our should eliminate unnecessary regulations Twitter: twitter.com/votegretchen need for protection for those with preexisting to ensure business success, and ensure rural Education: (BS) University of Lynchburg (MBA) George Washington conditions, and the astronomical cost of pre- broadband access such that families can start University (MPA) University of Michigan scription drugs. We should make expanding their own home-based small businesses. We Qualifications and Experience: City Council (93-98) Mayor of Sa- policies and programs like Medicare and Med- shouldalso support community college pro- line (99-12) State Representative (13-16) The majority of my experience is nonparti- icaid a priority to better equip our country to grams that train students in growing technical handle large scale health issues in the future. I fields, including trade schools and apprentice- san. support Medicaid expansion and lowering the ships, and work with our local businesses to qualification age for Medicare. match workforce requirements. TIM WALBERG, Republican Did not respond in time for inclusion City Pulse • September 30, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 19 2020 Election Preview vote in person or absentee thru nov. 3

QUESTION 3 QUESTION 4: QUESTION 5: QUESTION 6: ELECTIONS: What federal policies do you SOCIAL INJUSTICE: Do you believe there ENVIRONMENT & ENERGY: IMMIGRATION: What policies do you sup- advocate regarding elections, campaign is systemic racism, economic disparity, What policies do you support to meet port relative to immigration into the U.S.? funding and voting rights? Do you sup- and other social injustices which should U.S. energy needs while protecting our port mailing ballots to all eligible voters? be addressed by Congress? If so, what water, air and land for current and future policies do you support? generations?

Voting is at the core of our democracy and From police violence to the impact of We need to invest in clean energy job cre- As Ranking Member of the Senate Home- every American has the right to make their COVID-19 on minority communities, it’s clear ation and support measures to tackle the land Security Committee, securing our bor- voices heard at the ballot box. I support pol- Black and Brown Americans face institutional threat of climate change, which will continue ders and upholding our laws is my top priority. icies to curb the influence of money in elec- racism. We must address inequities in our so- to harm the Great Lakes and threaten our way Immigrants are essential to the fabric of our tions and make it easier to vote. I’m a proud ciety including fixing economic, health and of life. I am committed to reducing carbon nation, strengthening our communities and cosponsor of the John Lewis Voting Rights Ad- educational disparities in addition to reform- pollution, building a clean energy economy economy. That’s why I support comprehensive vancement Act to protect and expand voting ing our criminal justice system. That’s why I’m that supports both our economic needs and immigration reform, common sense laws to rights. And as the President attempts to disen- leading legislation to improve community provides environmental justice. I’ve passed strengthen our borders, a tough but fair path franchise Americans from voting, I’m working policing, support commonsense policing re- legislation to prevent catastrophic oil spills to citizenship for undocumented immigrants to modernize our voter registration system, reforms, and fought to increase access to capital on the Great Lakes and curtail the use of tox- who are already working and paying taxes duce long wait times to vote, prohibit decep- for minority-owned businesses amid the pan- ic PFAS chemicals. I’ve also secured historic here, and keeping families together. tive practices that could discourage voting, demic. I will continue fighting so every Mich- Great Lakes funding to clean up contaminated and make sure that the people of the state of igander can achieve our nation’s promise of lakes, beaches and waterways, and prevent Michigan are able to vote absentee. justice, prosperity and equality for all. the spread of invasive species.

I served in the U.S. Army to defend and pro- As a black man, as a father of three boys, I Here in Michigan, we have amazing nation- Our immigration system is broken, and I tect the rights and freedoms of this country. I was heartbroken to see the video of George al treasures, like the Great Lakes. We must pro- believe that both parties have failed. No one support and encourage every American’s right Floyd. And the others that have come before tect the lakeshore and update infrastructure wants to see families separated. America is a to vote. It is the cornerstone of our democracy. him. My father grew up in the Jim Crow South. to ensure the economic impact of the lakes to nation of immigrants and we are also a nation In Michigan, it is law of the land for every reg- I’m in the position to run for US Senate be- our state is not interrupted. I support an all- of laws. I will work to support reform of the le- istered voter to be able to vote absentee with cause somebody marched for me. My father of-the-above energy policy that will focus on gal immigration system that provides security no reason. moved to MI, started a family business and I’m affordable energy. I will champion policies and while supporting our economy. We need com- looking forward to using my platform and op- programs that protect environmental quality prehensive immigration reform that will help portunity to fight for anybody else who wants throughout the Great Lakes and protect them our nation grow and retain talent and thrive to work for an opportunity to achieve the from invasive species. The same applies to while also protecting our national security. I American dream. We need to offer all in Michi- the land we farm and live on and the air we am the only candidate in Michigan’s US Senate gan, who wish to achieve it, a path to prosper- breathe. We enjoy an incredible agricultural race who has ever had to secure a border. I will ity. This path will tear down barriers, increase diversity in Michigan and need to guarantee it work with anyone to work toward meaningful access, and provide economic opportunity. for future seasons. reform that ensures secure borders.

I, Valerie Willis, support in person voting! I, Valerie Willis, support constitutional rights Energy: we are still in the era of coal and I, Valerie Willis support the Willis plan for Get rid of the machine voting where only a and Michigan constitutional rights, as origi- gas, this is a reality of living now. We need to immigration and will take this plan with me few companies own all the machines. Go back nally intended. I support these constitutional get the lowest energy rates for our patriots when I win my race, and will fight for the right to paper ballots, with pens to vote with, with rights for all men, women and children, elder- in Michigan, while providing safe jobs to our to finally get to true immigration reform. 1) men and women counting by hand, locally in ly, disabled, veterans and more, of every race workers in the energy industry. Gas heating is Close all borders of the USA until we have im- every voting precinct and township! Which and nation that lives in our country and in my too expensive for most people and needs to migration reform and until we (house, senate will result in a real true count! Each county state. It is time we rise to our original consti- be lowered. Environment: Michigan is a chem- and president) agree 2) close the Mich border individually accountable! To the voters...Show tutional soverign status, as we the people and icalled septic tank, there is no other way to de- until further notice until we the people of Mich up and vote for every election, and vote in enact our unalienable rights. All should be scribe our beloved state. Anyone who denies have true immig. Reform. No new immigrants your township and county! This is how we the treated the same, and equal under law. this is a liar. We are at the top in cancer in the in until true reform has been achieved by our people remain free by exercising our right to nation and in pfas contamination in the united house, senate and governor 3) whomever is vote! Assemble your counties michigan gen- states. We have contaminated flouride water in the USA, or Michigan now, stays, and must eral jural assembly...Power resides in the re- in water pipes in our homes. immediately proceed to gain their citizenship. public.

I advocate for hand-counted paper ballots I do believe that there is systemic racism, I support as part of my #HIRE jobs program, I support giving a welcoming path to citi- with citizen oversight, as opposed to our cur- economic disparity and social injustices that going 100% fossil fuel-free ASAP. I support zenship for all people without violent pasts. rent system of machine-counted with gov- should be addressed by Congress. This in- strict penalties for polluters and poachers. People with other types of criminal pasts ernment oversight. Our central tabulators cludes breaking up corporate monopolies, in- We need to invest in renewable energy and should be eligible for citizenship after a pro- are extremely vulnerable to electioneering. creasing the minimum wage, stricter penalties infrastructure over the next decade if we are bationary period. Our country was founded by I do not support the use of privately owned for law enforcement and elected officials that going to continue to evolve as a nation and immigrants and descendants of immigrants. machinery, owned by companies that do- abuse their positions, and ending the War on civilization. Skilled trades investment for the It should always be the country people want nate to campaigns and/or parties. I support Drugs by retroactively legalizing cannabis and betterment of all. Innovation will be key in the to go to when they can’t stand their own. If taxpayer-funded recounts as opposed to tax- decriminalization of drugs in general. If we future, both near and distant. we end the endless war, the refugee crisis payer-funded major party primaries (especial- had universal healthcare and education, less would be greatly diminished, and more peo- ly ones that use superdelegates- the single people would self-medicate their problems ple would stay in their homeland if it wasn’t largest form of voter disenfranchisement in away and seek proper treatment instead. war-torn. Too many of us have no idea what existence today). I support taxpayer-funded it’s like to live in a country that sees military general elections with Ranked Choice Voting bombings regularly. (and/or Approval Voting).

Michigan voters in 2018 passed a “voter bill Systemic racism and other social injustices Clean energy jobs are the future to a healthy I support guest worker programs, especially of rights” with Proposition 3 which allows for are still significant issues that should be ad- earth and healthy economy. We need a more those in agriculture, to help supplement la- no reason absentee voting, same day voter dressed by Congress. Flint, Michigan acts as robust, affordable education system such that bor in markets that need more workers. I am registration, and a variety of other tools to in- a contemporary example where systemic more can enter the clean energy industry. supportive of a path to citizenship for undoc- crease access to the vote. I support broad leg- racism and economic disparity allowed for umented people living in this country as I be- islation that expands voter rights, and support widespread harm of countless communities of lieve that immigrants are who help make this mailing ballots to all eligible voters. Further, color. I support policies that invest within and country great. I am endorsed by End Citizens United, and protect minority communities. believe money shouldn’t be so salient in our politics. 20 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • September 30, 2020 2020 Election Preview vote in person or absentee thru nov. 3

U.S. Representative in Congress - Term: 2-years • Vote for TWO (1) Duties: Representatives share the responsibility with Senators for enactment of the nation’s laws as provided in the U.S. Constitution. Laws that require payment QUESTION 1 QUESTION 2 of taxes are initiated in the House of Representatives. HEALTH CARE: What do you see as the ECONOMY: What federal policies do you Qualifications: A Representative must be at least 25 years of age and a U.S. federal government’s role in health care? support for a healthy economy and to Citizen for at least 7 years. There are 435 Representatives based on Congressional Given the Covid19 pandemic, what are help the broader American public im- your concerns and plans regarding U.S. prove their economic positions? districts reapportioned after each census. Michigan has 14 districts as of 2012. health coverage, policies and programs, including Medicare and Medicaid? MICHIGAN DISTRICT 8 All Americans deserve access to affordable Michigan is the birthplace of the mid- ELISSA SLOTKIN, Democrat health care, and I’ll continue to defend fund- dle class, and we must enact policies that Website: elissaforcongress.com/ ing for Medicare and Medicaid. We need to help Michigan’s middle class succeed. The Facebook: facebook.com/pg/elissaslotkinforcongress defend and advance the progress made un- COVID-19 crisis shows that bringing manufac- Twitter: twitter.com/ElissaSlotkin der the ACA, and I believe that must include turing back to the U.S. is a homeland security Occupation / Current Position: I am the current Representative for allowing a Medicare buy-in for anyone at any and economic imperative, and our recovery Michigan’s 8th District. age. Health care reform must be accompanied plans should reflect that. For our communi- Education: I graduated from Cornell with a BA, and from Columbia by serious prescription drug pricing reform, ties to thrive, we need to invest in preparing University with a Masters in International Affairs. which is why I worked to pass two major bills our workforce for the 21st century workplace. through the House that would lower the cost Businesses tell me they have trouble finding Qualifications and Experience: Before I was elected in 2018, I spent my career in of prescription drugs. COVID-19 has reminded the local talent they need to compete, espe- national service. I served three tours in Iraq with the CIA, and served under both us of the inequalities in our healthcare system, cially in fields like IT and health care. We should Presidents Bush and Obama at the White House and the Pentagon. and we must act to ensure all Americans have invest in job training programs to match talent access to an affordable future vaccine. to opportunity in our own communities.

PAUL JUNGE, Republican Did not respond in time for inclusion

I support removing government meddling The only defensible role of government from healthcare. During the first few weeks in the economic realm is to protect property JOE HARTMAN, Libertarian of the Covid pandemic, the CDC prohibited rights, adjudicate disputes, and provide a legal Website: joe4congress.vote competition in development of tests. This is framework in which voluntary trade is protect- Facebook: facebook.com/JoeHartmanforCongress just one example of how the political control ed. I advocate for removing unproductive reg- Twitter: twitter.com/realJoeHartman over the healthcare industry limits the options ulations, reducing and eliminating taxes, and Occupation / Current Position: Tax Consultant for consumers and creates costly barriers to getting government out of the way of private Education: University of Central Florida: Bachelor’s Degree in necessary medical services. Due to regulato- enterprise. These regulations, including intel- Finance ry capture, government agencies often slow lectual property laws and occupational licens- Qualifications and Experience: I meet the Constitutional requirements of age, development of and access to new medicines, ing, actively hurt people by stifling human citizenship, and residency. devices, and technologies that may improve energy, innovation, and well-being. quality of care and reduce cost of care.

State Board of Education - Term: 8-year terms • Vote for TWO (2) DUTIES: The State Board of Education has eight members and has leadership and general supervision responsibility over all public education, including adult education and instructional programs in state institutions, except institutions of higher education granting baccalaureate degrees. It shall serve as the general planning and coordinating body for all public education, including higher education, and shall advise the legislature as to the financial requirements in connection therewith. It shall appoint a Superintendent of Public Instruction who shall be responsible for the execution of its policies.

QUESTION 1 QUESTION 3 Describe your qualifications and QUESTION 2 experience for State Board of Education What are the most pressing issues What actions and policies would you facing the State Board of Education and and explain your reasons for running. recommend to improve our education How would you be an asset to the Board? what actions would you take regarding system? them?

I believe my experience as a former legis- Michigan has been consistently underfund- We are in the midst a global pandemic, with ELLEN COGEN LIPTON, lator most qualifies me for this office. I served ing our K-12 schools since the early 1990's. no immediate end in sight. As such, the most Democrat for six years in the State House, serving as the Although Proposal A attempted to equalize pressing issue is the safe return to learning. I Website: ELforED.org minority vice-chair of the Education Com- funding among our hundreds of school dis- think the school board’s role should be to as- Facebook: Ellen Cogen mittee, as well as the minority vice-chair of tricts, it did nothing to address the two criti- semble and analyze research from around the Lipton the Appropriations Subcommittee on K-12 cal components of sufficiently and equitably state and around the country in terms of what Twitter: twitter.com/replip- Schools. As such, I have a deep understanding funding our schools. I would propose a “lock has worked and what has not worked during ton of the education policy as well as the funding box” around the school-aid fund, and not al- the pandemic. The school board can also be Occupation / Current Po- landscape in this state. I passed legislation to low it to be used to fund community colleges an important bridge between the local school require the state to undergo a comprehensive or public universities, which both have sepa- districts, which are nearest to their commu- sition: Attorney in private costing-out study to determine the cost of rate sources of funding. We also need to move nities, and the MDE which has access to the practice; President of the Michigan Promise educating a child in our state. This law result- toward a system that drives resources toward most relevant research regarding teaching Zone Association ed in the determination that we are currently our most vulnerable students, our English lan- and learning during a pandemic, best practic- Education: BS, Chemistry and BA, Art History underfunding all our students. guage learners, and those with special needs. es, and robust data analytical capabilities. from Williams College JD from Harvard Law School As the father of three children, I know We need to look at equitable funding, and Being on the State Board of Education isn’t JASON STRAYHORN, the challenges that parents, teachers, sup- when I say that I don’t want to “steal from the about being a Democrat or Republican. It’s Democrat port staff, and especially students are facing. rich and give to the poor,” I want to help give about doing your best so every kid in Michi- Website: votestrayhorn. Through my job I travel throughout Michigan struggling schools the resources they need to gan has an opportunity at a great education. com and I see the disparity between school dis- educate our children. I would also use the po- I want to remove any partisanship from the Facebook: facebook. tricts. There are children in Michigan who live sition on the Board to as a bully pulpit to advo- Board and ensure that we have one voice com/JasonStrayhornfor on separate sides of a street, and depending cate for children who need additional services, advocating for every kid in Michigan, no mat- on which side they live on will depend on such as special education and English as a sec- ter their race, religion, gender identity, or zip SBE whether they receive a quality education. If ond language children. code. Occupation / Current I’m on the Board I want to ensure that every Position: child in Michigan receives a quality education. Jason Strayhorn is a state of Michigan licensed Real Estate Broker with over 15 years of experience. Education: Undergraduate degree from MSU City Pulse • September 30, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 21 2020 Election Preview vote in person or absentee thru nov. 3

I don’t take corporate PAC money, so my Congress must address systemic racism The development of clean energy technolo- Our immigration system is broken and not constituents know I work for them, not special and inequality. I was a co-sponsor of the Vot- gies like wind and solar not only helps our en- working for anyone. I’m committed to work- interests. We need to curb unlimited spending ing Rights Advancement act, which requires vironment, it also means economic potential. ing on a bipartisan basis for reform that is in elections, end partisan gerrymandering, states to seek federal permission before mak- Michigan has always been a leader in manu- keyed to the needs of our economy, including and upend a culture of corruption. I have led ing changes to election procedure that could facturing, and I will fight to make sure we’re strengthening border security, reforming our legislation to prevent foreign interference impact accessibility for communities of color. in a position to welcome the next generation temporary worker programs, and providing in our elections by ensuring foreign govern- We must address racial disparities evident in of high-skilled, well-paying jobs to our state. a path to citizenship for Dreamers. I wrote ments can’t purchase domestic political ads. I police abuses and in the disparate impact of I believe access to clean water is a homeland bipartisan legislation that passed the House supported the reforms MI voters approved in COVID-19 on communities of color. I support security issue, because it is about the safety of to ensure humane treatment in immigration Propositions 2 & 3 and Secretary of State Ben- survivors of sexual assault and harassment, our communities. I championed six provisions detention centers. I co-sponsored the Farm son’s efforts to ensure voters can vote by mail. and introduced legislation to stop Secretary to protect against the “forever chemical” PFAS Workforce Modernization Act, which would I am a co-sponsor of the Voting Rights Ad- DeVos from making it harder for survivors to that were signed into law by the President. establish a program for agriculture workers in vancement Act, which would ensure minority successfully come forward with Title IX claims. In Congress, I am a member of the bipartisan the US to earn legal status through continued voters are given equal access to the ballot. I also am a supporter of the Equality Act. Great Lakes Taskforce. agricultural employment & contribution to the US economy.

The Libertarian Party presidential ticket will The most explicit example of systemic rac- I support policies that would remove the I advocate for expanded immigration and be on the ballot in all 50 states and should be ism is the social security system. The taxes are government barriers to replacing coal-burn- welcoming peaceful people to immigrate to included in the presidential and vice presiden- confiscated from workers and benefits are ing and oil-burning power plants with safe, the United States. A truly free market requires tial debates. Ranked choice voting sounds like paid to older people. The system dispropor- non-polluting, high-tech nuclear power the free movement of people, not just prod- a good idea. Based on the 10th amendment, I tionately hurts low income workers by reduc- plants. Generation IV nuclear power is an ef- ucts and ideas. advocate for the passage of the Daylight Act, ing their discretionary income. Based on the fective way to reduce carbon emissions. I also which would end federally mandated clock demographics of these groups, the outcome support deregulating the use of off-grid solar changing by allow the laws passed by state reflects systemic racism. Abolishing payroll power. legislatures to implement permanent daylight taxes would be an effective way to reduce savings time. systemic racism and wealth inequality. Ending the drug war, ending qualified immunity, and demilitarizing the police would help to reduce the social injustice imposed by law enforcement.

DUTIES: The State Board of Education has eight members and has leadership and general supervision responsibility over all public education, including adult education and instructional programs in state institutions, except institutions of higher education granting baccalaureate degrees. It shall serve as the general planning and coordinating body for all public education, including higher education, and shall advise the legislature as to the financial requirements in connection therewith. It shall appoint a Superintendent of Public Instruction who shall be responsible for the execution of its policies. QUESTION 3 QUESTION 1 QUESTION 2 What are the most pressing issues Describe your qualifications and What actions and policies would you facing the State Board of Education and experience for State Board of Education recommend to improve our education what actions would you take regarding and explain your reasons for running. system? them? How would you be an asset to the Board?

Having 30 years of experience as a success- Teachers must deal with way too much All one must do is look at the results to TAMI CARLONE, ful Corporate CPA & Process Improvement these days, like jumping through one gov- know MI is in trouble regarding education. Republican Expert, I am able to bring a professional lev- ernmental hoop after another, excessive pa- MI education spending goes up each year de- Website: tamicarlone. el of fiscal responsibility, & problem solving perwork & data collection, meetings & more. spite declining enrollment & declining results. com to the Board. Skills that will be helpful to the We need them connecting with students & The Wall Street Journal summed it up perfect- Facebook: facebook. Board given the role itself, as well as the sta- focused on teaching in their classrooms. We ly 1/2018, “Few state school systems report tus of education in MI. Being a national, state must make sure what teachers are learning worse achievement metrics than MI.” We must com/Tami4ED & local education advocate, activist, speaker in teacher college makes them ready to meet focus on academic achievement and not polit- Twitter: twitter.com/ & writer, for 20 years, I have built up an ex- the demands of the job, like expertise in pho- ical agendas. I am passionate about making MI T2CPA ceptionally unique set of skills to bring to the nics. Excellent teachers can CHANGE LIVES. We a POWERHOUSE in education for ALL children. Occupation / Current Board. I know education law, policy, funding, must stop the teach to the test mentality that We should be the state others look to as the Position: CPA and Process Improvement methods, standards, the players & more. I am is killing our children’s love of learning. We example. Every ed dollar must have a posi- Expert Education: University of Michigan running to give the students of MI Truth & Ex- must get out of Common Core & the related tive impact on classroom learning. Education Bachelor of Business Administration Ac- cellence in their education. testing & give our students the proven best policy makers must be held accountable for counting Major standards & tests. results.

I have been an education advocate for 17 The actions and policies I would recom- An immediate but temporary pressing issue MICHELLE A. years, founding board member at Michigan mend to improve our education system is a is the mass exodus from public schools due to Parents Involved in Education, and a leader- thorough examination of teacher training, the virtual learning platform that was not de- FREDERICK, ship team member at Stop Common Core in professional development, standards, and all signed for all students in mind. There are stu- Michigan. I am running because I have wit- standardized tests at each grade level. There dents that do not have reliable access to the Republican nessed and experienced the quality of my Website: michelle4sbe. must be a deficiency somewhere along the internet and/or the equipment needed, some own children’s public education deteriorate chain from development to delivery when students are not developmentally capable to com over the years. This is not an isolated incident. Michigan’s children are testing below the na- navigate a virtual learning format due to age Facebook: facebook.com/ Michigan’s current reading proficiency is at tional average. Parents and children should and/or disability, while other students are just michelle4sbe 44% and math proficiency is at 38% which not be subjected to a broken system with life- not able to learn through this type of platform. Occupation / Current Position: College demonstrates this is a systemic problem long consequences when problems should be I would like to have all public schools opened student throughout our great state. Michigan’s parents identified and rectified within a reasonable for children with virtual learning as an option and Michigan Parents Involved in Educa- deserve a voice that represents them on the amount of time. for parents who are not comfortable for their tion, board member State Board of Education, not another politi- child to attend in person. Education: BSN Student and Associates of cian. Arts, Oakland Community College 22 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • September 30, 2020 2020 Election Preview vote in person or absentee thru nov. 3

State Board of Education (continued) - Term: 8-year terms • Vote for TWO (2) DUTIES: The State Board of Education has eight members and has leadership and general supervision responsibility over all public education, including adult education and instructional programs in state institutions, except institutions of higher education granting baccalaureate degrees. It shall serve as the general planning and coordinating body for all public education, including higher education, and shall advise the legislature as to the financial requirements in connection therewith. It shall appoint a Superintendent of Public Instruction who shall be responsible for the execution of its policies.

QUESTION 1 QUESTION 2 QUESTION 3 Describe your qualifications and What actions and policies would you What are the most pressing issues experience for State Board of Education recommend to improve our education facing the State Board of Education and and explain your reasons for running. system? what actions would you take regarding How would you be an asset to the Board? them?

39 years’ experience advising on legal mat- Support freedom of choice in education. The COVID pandemic, and the State’s au- BILL HALL, Libertarian ters. Managed firm’s Real Estate Group for 10 Competition from schools of choice, char- thoritarian response, have severely damaged Facebook: facebook. years. Listed in The Best Lawyers in America ter and private schools and home schooling the educational development of a generation com/VoteBillHall since 1995. Served on many nonprofit boards. pushes traditional public schools to innovate of students. The SBE has abdicated its role, let- Occupation / Current Po- Boy Scout leader since 1994. Honors gradu- and better educate, and saves taxpayer dol- ting the Governor and legislature lead in man- sition: Real estate/mining ate, Northwestern Univ. School of Law and lars. Don’t mandate a “common core” curric- dating a response that ignores the wishes of law attorney/ Wabash College. Committed to improving ed- ulum. Give parents more freedom to choose parents and local school districts and rewards Partner, Warner Norcross + ucation through freedom of choice and fiscal schools and schools more freedom to choose special interests. The SBE should pursue pol- Judd, Michigan’s 2d largest responsibility. Will be an independent voice their own policies. Support fiscal responsibili- icies that respect parents’ freedom to choose on a Board driven by partisan politics. ty. Replace underfunded defined benefit with programs they feel are best, e.g., in-person law firm defined contribution retirement plans, State or remote schooling, delivered at home, with Education: Northwestern Univ. School of funding should follow the student, let poor- tutors, or at private, charter or traditional Law, Chicago, IL, J.D., cum laude & Order of ly performing schools fail rather than bailing schools. One size does not fit all, as pandemic the Coif, 1981, Wabash College, Crawfords- them out, re-deploy funds to focus on aca- effects vary widely across the State. ville, IN, A.B., magna cum laude & Phi Beta demic achievement. Kappa, 1978, Frankton High School, 1974 I just retired last week after teaching Com- Allow ALL students in Michigan to have a Making a quality customizable education RICHARD A. HEWER, puter Information Systems classes for Ferris choice on their type of education and have available to everyone in Michigan. I would not Libertarian State University at Big Rapids, on-line, and at the State money go to the education choice require students to attend failing school sys- Facebook: facebook.com/ various Community Colleges, Dual Enrollment they make. Increase Vocation Education, In- tems but allow students to have an online ed- Richard-Hewerfor- High Schools and ISDs. Teaching these classes dustry Certification and Dual Enrollment edu- ucation or do other creative education choic- Michagan-Board-of-Edu- showed me students need more options and cation options and make those available to all es. Providing guidance to school systems on should not be locked into the school system students, not just a select few. Not require all how to educate graduates that will fulfill the cation for their residence. My background would public schools have the same programs and job requirements needed in Michigan. I would Occupation / Current bring a unique prospective on educational teaching method but allow them to specialize. allow the students to pick their education op- Position: options some students have and ways those Let the students choose the school with their tions and not be required to go to a cookie Retired Professor / Professor could be expanded to all students. specialty and the teaching method that fits cutter local class. I would have more industry Emeritus their learning style, not just the ones that are certification, Vocational Education and dual Education: MBA - Grand Valley State Uni- available from their local public schools. enrollment options available. versity BBA - University of Michigan, Dear- born Diploma - Garden City High School

KAREN ADAMS, Did not respond in time for inclusion U.S. Taxpayer

DOUGLAS LEVESQUE, Did not respond in time for inclusion U.S. Taxpayer As a long time teacher I have been a stead- Stop the cuts to school funds. Stop the pol- COVID-19 and how to open up schools to MARY ANNE HERING, fast advocate for students, their families, icy of raiding one school budget to give to safe, in-person learning. The glaring disparity Working Class teachers, and the support staff who make another. The money is there. All these attacks in education in our school districts. Both can Website: workingclassfight. sure schools function. I have also organized could grind to a halt by ending tax cuts, sub- be resolved by guaranteeing high, high levels com in the working class for decades. I can speak sidies and outright gifts handed over by the of funding for all school districts. How? Ban- Occupation / Current Posi- for teachers and other employees who are state, to major corporations and real estate ish the idea that there isn’t enough money. tion: college teacher, Henry deprived of the means they need to educate speculators. I think the educational system The money is there! But we have to stop the young people, and whose wages and bene- can be transformed when those most affected raiding of public funds by private interests in Ford College fits are reduced because the state cuts money – school employees, parents and students – the form of tax breaks, and subsidies and to Education: formal educa- from education. I can give voice to workers organize together to demand that the money for-profit charter schools. I would use the re- tion from Michigan State who see their children deprived of a decent the laboring population pays, disproportion- sources of the SBE to assist teachers, parents, University, M.A. education because of those cuts. I will be say- ately in taxes, be used for public education. students and others in their communities to Psychology and through life experience at ing a tidal wave of money is needed to guar- And I would stand with them and assist in any organize to stop this theft to ensure full, high factory gates and in working class commu- antee quality education for all and safe in-per- way I could to help with that social fight. funding for public schools. nities son schooling. I am a junior at the University of Michigan To enhance student learning students need The most pressing issue is the profit-driven HALI MCEACHERN, in Dearborn. I am getting my bachelor’s in sec- smaller classroom sizes. Art, music, and gym corporations draining money from education. ondary education in history. As a teacher and are essential. Child and adolescent develop- Workers produce all of the wealth in society. Working Class board member I will use teaching best practic- ment determines a person’s quality of life, so There is an abundance of money in our com- Education: Henry Ford Col- es. I work as a server in a restaurant. I know the students need to be learning in enriched en- munities that should provide schools with ev- lege, University of Michigan needs of workers and their children. I am run- vironments. Schools can have psychologists erything they need. Each school should be the in Dearborn, ning because I know the resources are there to and nurses available for students, teachers, best. Our tax money is given in the millions restaurant worker for eight give every student in the state the best quality and parents. Conflict mediation and fami- and billions to corporate welfare. GM, Chrys- education. I went through the public schools ly counseling should be offered. A healthy ler, and Ford made billions of dollars in profits years in Allen Park. I want better for teachers and breakfast and lunch must be provided. The re- in 2018, then received billions from Michigan school workers. My main focus will be to facili- sources are there for students to have updated tax payers. If billion dollar corporations paid tate the most student learning and to improve technology; iPads, science experiments, cal- their taxes, and if workers taxes went to work- the working conditions of teachers and school culators, supplies, instruments, and anything ers, Michigan schoolscould have the highest workers. teachers tell us that students need to learn. quality of education. I am drawn to public service in Education Currently, we in Michigan are under a State Two big issues facing public schools are TOM MAIR, Green and to Health Care as immediate needs for of Emergency and we have a pandemic. I be- the COVID-19 pandemic & school funding. We Twitter: twitter.com/Tra- Michigan’s K-12 students so that the students lieve that the Public School Districts should must ask (demand) our state & federal elected verseGreens get the excellent education they deserve. have the authority to decide how school will officials for more funding than we received in Occupation / Current Posi- COVID-19 has become the ‘new school’ and to be delivered. From online to hybrid to face-to- the last budget. Funding for added costs this tion: Manager - Personal Artist prosper we need to work within the existing face. When a case is discovered in a face-to- year should be disbursed by the State Trea- Manager system of education adding higher health care face classroom, then all the students should sury from the CARES Act and more should be Education: K-12 Southfield standards to be safe. Not just safe learning, be in quarantine at home for 14 days. I will en- included in the next federal COVID-19 Stimu- Public Schools; Western Mich- but safe living in our Michigan communities. courage special education students (students lus Bill. I understand how to work with elect- I am an experienced & qualified administrator. with disabilites) at Intermediate Schools to be ed officials without political party getting in igan Univ I was elected in 2016 to a seat on the Grand in the classroom. Teaching can be done one- the way. On every board I have served on (20 - Major Business Administration Minor Marketing; Traverse County Board of Commissioners. I un- on-one if necessary. I believe Public Schools years-on over 12 major boards) I have worked Grand Valley State Univ - International derstand how to work in & with government. I should be online - online is preferred for as a team member for that organization. I’m a Business; Ferris State Univ - International Business was a manager at a federal agency . health safety reasons . Green and I’m independent of the two parties City Pulse • September 30, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 23 2020 Election Preview vote in person or absentee thru nov. 3

University of Michigan Board of Regents - Two 8-Year Terms – Vote for TWO (2) The University of Michigan Board of Re- QUESTION 1 QUESTION 2 QUESTION 3 gents has eight members and has general Describe your qualifications and WWhat are the two most pressing What recommendations would you pro- supervision of the university and the con- experience for the University Board and issues facing this university today, and pose to make university education more trol and direction of all expenditures from explain your reasons for running. What, what is your position on those issues? accessible to all Michigan’s residents? the institution’s funds. The board shall elect specifically, makes you an asset to a Uni- a university president who shall be the prin- versity Board? cipal executive officer.

I am a proud product of Michigan’s public 1. Affordability. We need to continue fight- I’m fighting to protect the promise of public MARK BERNSTEIN, education system. From kindergarten to earning to keep the University accessible for fam- education. That means making the University Democrat ing three degrees from the University of Mich- ilies that struggle to pay tuition. Since I was of Michigan accessible for Michigan residents Website: mgobernstein. igan. My long commitment to public service, elected, the net tuition for students from fam- who struggle to pay tuition. I am dedicated com work in government, business and the law ilies with household incomes up to $120,000 to promoting broader access to life-changing Occupation / Current makes me uniquely qualified to serve on the has gone down significantly (21% lower). The education through the expansion of the Go Position: Regent of the University of Michigan Board of Regents. As Go Blue Guarantee is our promise to provide Blue Guarantee, continued investments in stu- a regent, I have fought and won for Michigan free tuition for families with incomes under dent scholarships, and significant investments University of Michigan families by successfully championing the Go $65,000 dollars and tuition support for fami- in diversity, equity and inclusion priorities. Education: University of Blue Guarantee - a promise of free tuition for lies with incomes up to $180,000 dollars. Michigan B.A., J.D., M.B.A. families with incomes under $65,000 dollars. 2. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The Uni- versity cannot be excellent without being diverse. We know that talent is distributed widely in our society, but opportunity is not. I ask for your vote for re-election to the The two most pressing issues facing UofM During my first regental term, we estab- SHAUNA RYDER University of Michigan Board of Regents. As are the COVID-19 pandemic and campus cul- lished the Go Blue Guarantee which opened the daughter of two university professors, I ture. The safety of our campus community access by providing free tuition to Michigan DIGGS, learned the importance of higher education to members is paramount. I support investment families making $65,000 or less. We expanded Democrat our collective futures. As an alumna of the un- into our health and research capabilities as financial aid to Michigan families making up Occupation / Current Po- dergraduate and medical schools, I am com- we investigate the best treatments, vaccines, to $180,000. Our challenge in this next term is sition: Regent, University mitted to improving our institution so that it and effective public health strategies. Our to expand a guarantee to our Flint and Dear- best serves its students, staff, faculty and our COVID-19 responses must consider the wel- born campuses, providing financial security of Michigan state. As the first physician to ever serve on the fare of the students, including physical and to aspiring students. We also need to expand Education: University of board, I was able to impact our large academ- mental health and the financial impact during pipeline programs, assisting middle and high Michigan--Inteflex Pro- ic hospital system to improve the healthcare this economic instability. I want to ensure a school students as well as older non-tradition- gram-combined 7-year of Michigan residents. I will continue to bring campus culture that nurtures and protects al students prepare for and see the college undergraduate and medical school pro- my knowledge and experiences to the board- members from discrimination and miscon- experience as an achievable, affordable goal, gram BS Biomedical Science and MD room. duct to create an exceptional learning envi- particularly if the pandemic impacts our econ- ronment for all. omy. As a life-long Michigander and having The impact of COVID-19 on students and Higher education could be more accessible SARAH HUBBARD, earned two degrees from U of M I care deeply athletics is the most pressing issue facing U to Michigan residents if the State of Michigan Republican about the impact and outcomes of the Uni- of M today. I believe strongly we should have would invest more - specifically focused on in- Website: hubbard- versity. I’m running to provide a perspective students on campus and be playing athletics state residents. Lowering tuition for in-state 4michigan.com currently missing from the Board - that of a safely. Coach Harbaugh has shown he can residents could allow far more families to af- conservative woman who understands educa- Facebook: facebook. keep his team safe and if others would follow ford U of M. Keeping tuition increases limited tion and the role U of M plays in MI. I’m a small his lead they would be safe too. Cancellation and increasing scholarships for in-state resi- com/Hubbard4Michigan business owner, advocate, sports enthusiast of U of M’s football season is draining $100 M dents will go far. Twitter: twitter.com/ and I’m not afraid to share my opinions. Voices from the athletic department - and that will Hubbard- like mine are needed in elective office to rep- have an oversized impact on all other sports. 4Mich resent people from throughout MI and ensure Additionally, the need to ensure free speech Occupation / Current Position: Govern- their tax dollars are being spent wisely. I grew for all voices on campus - including conserva- ment Relations and Business Consultant up on a farm and I’ll bring that down-to-earth tive voices. Education: 1990 -Bachelors of Political sentiment to the Board. Science and Psychology (double major), University of Michigan 2007 - Masters of Business Administration, Ross School of Business, University of Michigan As a U of M Regent, I will propose an imme- The greatest challenges facing U of M today Freezing tuition will address the greatest CARL MEYERS, diate freeze in tuition for Michigan resident are: #1 – To provide a safe education and cam- barrier of entry for our resident applicants. U Republican undergraduate students. Michigan families pus experience in a COVID-19 environment of M is now one of the highest cost public uni- Website: Meyers4Michi- are in financial crisis, trying to pay for college, and #2 – To maintain academic and institu- versities in the country. gan.com especially with COVID-19. Higher education is tional excellence with a constrained budget. Facebook: facebook. out of reach for most without family sacrifice As public health and science permits, the en- and crippling student debt. My 38 years of ex- tire University should return to pre-pandem- com/carl.meyers.10 perience in finance, investment management ic levels as soon and safely as possible. The Occupation / Current and board governance are an asset as U of M Board must control growth of the budget for Position: Raymond Jams addresses budgetary and tuition challenges. efficiency to assure continued excellence, af- Financial. Senior Vice My investment experience will assist in over- fordability, diversity, and inclusion. While nav- President of sight of the University’s 12 billion-dollar-plus igating Covid-19 and budget, the Board must Investments. Financial Advisor, WMS. endowment. Our daughters and sons should be more transparent. All business should be Education: University of Michigan - Dear- have access to a U of M Education! conducted publicly, with digital access. born. School of Business, BSA. 1979

JAMES L. HUDLER, Did not respond in time for inclusion Libertarian As an alumnus of the University of Michi- The most pressing issues facing the Univer- Clearly, COVID-19 has made it clear that the ERIC LARSON, gan and life time Michigander, I have a good sity of Michigan are dealing with COVID-19 traditional ways of educating are shifting. Pri- Libertarian feel for the place that the University of Mich- while maintaining academic excellence and or trends have simply been accelerated so that Facebook: facebook.com/ igan plays in our state. It is a national leader value for students. Also, we must always fo- now we face the opportunity to expand the Eric-Larson- in academics, research, and athletics and is an cus on keeping UM affordable and elite as a educational reach of UM in ways not before 237929759141/ economic asset to the state. We need to pre- public university. This could be done by pro- used through online learning. We can expand serve these attributes and I am uniquely qual- viding more online options and continuing UM’s academic reach virtually throughout the Twitter: twitter.com/EricL- ified to handle these decisions. I have been in the thoughtful consideration of the safety of state while also offering in person options for Larson private medical practice for over 16 years and faculty and students. students seeking a unique experience. This Occupation / Current also served in leadership positions within the could make UM not only more accessible but Position: Clinical Assistant hospital system and our physician group. As also affordable as its ‘customer’ base could ex- Professor in Anesthesiol- president of our group for four years I gained pand significantly. ogy, Michigan State University College of experience in strategy, business, and HR that Human Medicine would be useful as as Regent. Education: BSE - University of Michigan MD - University of Iowa 24 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • September 30, 2020 2020 Election Preview vote in person or absentee thru nov. 3

University of Michigan Board of Regents - Two 8-Year Terms – Vote for TWO (2)

Continued: The University of Michigan QUESTION 1 QUESTION 2 QUESTION 3 Board of Regents has eight members and Describe your qualifications and WWhat are the two most pressing What recommendations would you pro- has general supervision of the university experience for the University Board and issues facing this university today, and pose to make university education more and the control and direction of all expendi- explain your reasons for running. What, what is your position on those issues? accessible to all Michigan’s residents? tures from the institution’s funds. The board specifically, makes you an asset to a Uni- shall elect a university president who shall versity Board? be the principal executive officer.

RONALD E. GRAESER, Did not respond in time for inclusion US Taxpayer

CRYSTAL VAN SICKLE, Did not respond in time for inclusion US Taxpayer

Asian Pacific Islanders are among the larg- Covid requires an immediate, dynamic re- I remember when just being in Ann Arbor MICHAEL MAWILAI, est groups attending the University, but we sponse, free from the partisan politics that meant you could slip into an auditorium to Green haven’t been represented among the Board of have only worsened the situation. Health, watch a film you could never catch anywhere Website: migreenparty. Regents. Neither has poverty. I’ve walked door jobs, the careers the students are studying else. We have the ability to share more of org to door in Detroit’s poorest neighborhoods for, must all be carefully balanced and with- our classes with the general public through to save families from losing their home to tax out running a deficit. An economy has to be remote learning technology. That means in- foreclosure, and having been a four year stu- rebuilt, but it won’t happen by trying to force coming students can preview and review the dent at U-M, I know what getting their kids to it to happen. As much as I’d like free college to classes and professors, and adults can con- become graduates would do for their family. happen, it’s not the situation. It’s a marathon tinue learning... and this in no way cheapens From Kim Wong Ark to Vincent Chin’s murder, to 120 credits but U-M gives an affordable op- a degree from the University of Michigan be- I’ve learned from history and see the future of portunity for in-state students. Sabermetric cause it’s all a learning curve, which means ev- what’s possible, because if Princeton’s Board course advisement could help students get erything we do pushes learning forward, and brought down South African apartheid, some past obstacles like changing majors and drop- those who stay will become champions: the pure Michigan can change the world. ping out to graduate into successful careers. leaders and the best.

KEITH BUTKOVICH, Natural Law Did not respond in time for inclusion

Michigan State University Board of Trustees - Term: 8-year terms • Vote for TWO (2) The Michigan State Board of Trustees has QUESTION 1 eight members and has general supervision Describe your qualifications and QUESTION 2 QUESTION 3 of the university and the control and experience for the University Board and What are the two most pressing What recommendations would you pro- direction of all expenditures from the insti- explain your reasons for running. What, issues facing this university today, and pose to make university education more tution’s funds. The board shall elect a uni- specifically, makes you an asset to a what is your position on those issues? accessible to all Michigan’s residents? versity president who shall be the principal University Board? executive officer. MSU has gone through one of the larg- 1. Student health and wellness. We have to We need to realize that Michigan is 50th in BRIAN MOSALLAM, est sex abuse scandals in the history of this become the national model of how to make the country in investing in higher education. Democrat country. In May of 2018 I issued a plan of sure a Nassar situation never happens again. For the past 18 years, the Michigan legislature Website: VoteMosallam. reform (https://docs.google.com/docu- Please visit my website to read more about my has balanced the state’s budget on the backs com ment/d/134E9le3kSUwXzCeNuETGJFA1c- plan of reform “New Day MSU”. of higher education. That being said, I support Facebook: facebook.com/ QeoUP7VNGLDoBln7j4/edit?ts=5f566b- 2. Transparency and accountability. We the policy of families living below the poverty d8&skip_itp2_check=true&pli=1) and many have to hold all of those responsible for what level having the ability to go to MSU for free. I BrianMosallam/ of my initiatives havebeen adopted, including has transpired at MSU. That is why I have called would also like to see those who graduate and MSU an escalation policy of all Title IX reports to on two General Counsels to resign and fired a stay in Michigan having their income tax used Twitter: twitter.com/BMo- the Board, the creation of the Audit, Risk and third one. Once our legal claims are settled, as credit against their student loans. sallam63 Compliance (ARC) Committee and the hiring and in order to gain the public’s trust, I sup- Occupation / Current of a Chief Compliance Officer, who reports to port releasing the 6000 privileged documents. Position: President Spartan Wealth Man- the ARC. I know what it takes to fix MSU and agement that is why I have survivors and their parents Education: B.S. Engineering arts, Michigan supporting me. State University. As a student-centered educator, I have Frequent incidents of racism, misogyny, Strengthen Transparency and Accountabil- REMA ELLA VASSAR, advocated for marginalized, ignored, and and sexism and racial and sexual violence ity. There is still work necessary to redress the Democrat harmed students throughout my career. My threaten students’ feelings of safety and be- Nassar tragedy wrongs survivors and their Website: DrRema.com focus on fairness and justice will help facilitate longingness. Inequity and injustice need to be families experienced at MSU. Better Outreach Facebook: facebook. trust in MSU leadership, promote healing, and addressed, head on, with boldness, urgency, to Marginalized Communities. Intentional recom/rema.vassar.7 bring stability back to students, families, fac- and policy. Campus culture and climate need cruitment efforts in rural areas, low-income, ulty, and staff. As a current faculty member, I to change to facilitate inclusion that honors and to Indigenous families will diversify MSU. Twitter: twitter.com/drre- have expert knowledge of universities struc- differences and protects every student. Addi- Diversification in Administration, Faculty, and ma4msu tures, policies, and practices to bring to bear tionally, MSU faces financial challenges due to Staff. Students need to see themselves reflect- Occupation / Current Po- in this COVID19 moment. As the parent of a COVID19 and persistent funding cuts. Creative ed in those charged with their care and de- sition: Associate Professor Spartan entering her junior year, I have inti- fiduciary leadership is necessary to make up velopment. Affordability. MSU is a land grant Michael G. Morris mate knowledge of the unique needs of MSU for these losses while ensuring affordability institution and any Michigander should be Endowed Chair Eastern Michigan Univer- families and students, and a keen imperative and access to all Michiganders. Everyone de- able to afford room and board--including mid- sity to improve campus life. serves to be a Spartan. dle-class families. Education: PhD Urban Schooling Univer- sity of California, Los Angeles With Honors Distinction City Pulse • September 30, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 25 2020 Election Preview vote in person or absentee thru nov. 3

Michigan State University Board of Trustees (continued) - Term: 8-year terms • Vote for TWO (2) The Michigan State Board of Trustees has QUESTION 1 eight members and has general supervision Describe your qualifications and QUESTION 2 QUESTION 3 of the university and the control and experience for the University Board and What are the two most pressing What recommendations would you pro- direction of all expenditures from the insti- explain your reasons for running. What, issues facing this university today, and pose to make university education more tution’s funds. The board shall elect a uni- specifically, makes you an asset to a what is your position on those issues? accessible to all Michigan’s residents? versity president who shall be the principal University Board? executive officer. I am running for the MSU Board of Trustees The non-compliance with the Clery Act is Higher education is becoming financially PAT O'KEEFE, because I believe higher education is in a sig- only the latest example of the lack of oversight unattainable for minorities and lower income Republican nificant national crisis. MSU in particular is a by the Board. The Clery Act was designed to students. MSU must focus on using their re- Website: okeefeformsu. university that is in need of fiscally conserva- ensure university reporting on crimes on cam- sources, including millions of taxpayer dollars, com tive leadership on its board. I have spent the pus. MSU failed to provide the proper level of more efficiently and develop a larger out- last 30 years of my career as a crisis manager. Facebook: facebook. governance and oversight. I would suggest reach in the State of Michigan. I have specific My firm is recognized around the globe for MSU has not fixed the internal controls nec- financial plans and ideas to incentivise MSU com/okeefeformsu our problem solving capabilities. I am familiar essary to ensure a safe campus for students. to reach this objective. Programs like Income Twitter: twitter.com/ with dealing with troubled situations and pro- This is a very basic requirement for parents Sharing Agreements force universities to keep okeefeformsu ducing better than expected outcomes when who send their kids to MSU. Critical thinking the cost of education down while developing Occupation / Current Position: CEO of the stakes are high. I have served on adviso- is a basic ingredient for educational learning. students into productive members of society. O’Keefe Consulting & CEO of Grow Mich- ry boards at multiple universities across the An educational institution needs to expose No such program exists at MSU and it is one igan state. I understand the requirements of good students to a variety of opinions without fear of many options that should be considered by Education: Michigan State University - governance and oversight. of reprisal by school administrators. the Board in order to remain competitive. Bachelors in Accounting. Graduated Cum Laude Wayne State University - MBA in Finance I am running for MSU Trustee to ensure a 1) Paving the way for graduates to have a 1) Holding tuition costs down is crucial so TONYA SCHUITMAKER, healthy, strong future for Michigan State Uni- healthy future, which includes ensuring high- a Michigan State education is accessible. That Republican versity graduates; protect students and free er education is affordable and that students requires being fiscally responsible, focusing Website: tonyaschuitmak- speech on campus; and make MSU fiscally are learning the skills and values to prepare resources on priorities, and practicing strong er. com responsible and accountable to students, them for success. oversight and accountability. Facebook: facebook. families, and taxpayers. My husband, daugh- 2) Public safety: The campus must be safe 2) Michigan State is a big campus, so stu- ter, and I are MSU graduates, so we care about and freedom of speech needs to be protected. dents and their family need to feel comfort- com/VoteTonya Michigan State. During my career in elected In elected office, I received the “Outstanding able with the safety and security. By empow- Twitter: @votetonya office, I focused on public safety, the impor- Contributions to Public Safety” award, helped ering public safety officials, investigating and Occupation / Current tance of higher education, and expanding lead the charge to protect women on campus, bringing criminals to justice, and defending Position: Attorney economic opportunities for everyone. Addi- and was named both the Michigan Sheriff’s free speech, Michigan State will be accessible Education: Detroit College of Law, Juris tionally, I work as an attorney helping people Association Legislator of the Year and Victim and welcoming. Doctor Cum Laude Michigan State Univer- with business and family situations. Services Program Legislator of the Year. sity, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administra- tion

As an MSU student, I learned that some de- Student debt and better outcomes are the More online opportunities and out-state WILL TYLER WHITE, grees are worth more than others, but there most pressing issues. Getting a degree that satellite locations are needed. That means in- Libertarian was not much help to guide you on which leads to a successful career is paramount. vestment in changes, especially the availabil- Website: willtylerwhite. degree to pursue. I ended up studying inde- If you spend $100,000 on a vehicle, it has a ity of internet to all students. Some great out- org/ pendently with the International Economic warrantee and good trade-in value. Some reach has been ongoing since 1915 with MSU Occupation / Current Development Council and learned that eco- universities guarantee tuition rates until grad- Extension service. They help grow the econ- nomic development affects all communities uation. What kind of guarantee comes with omy in nearly every county, educating at the Position: Owner of White in profound ways. It is a cross-discipline field an MSU degree? There is an implied contract. community and individual level. In 2017 their Bros. Music in of study though, and not offered as a major. If students spend $100,000 to earn a degree programs reached 360,000 kids and adults, Bath. Eventually, I qualified as a Certified Econom- but can’t earn enough to repay the cost, they and their Product Center helped launch 91 Education: Lifelong ic Developer and encourage MSU to develop could be allowed free or reduced tuition for new businesses. The MSU Extension program student, technically still an programs in that field. As an entrepreneur and more education or placement services. Any should be supported and expanded. undergraduate at MSU. community activist for forty years, my busi- student debt payments could be suspended ness and nonprofit experience is also an asset. with no additional interest for certain periods. JANET M. SANGER, Did not respond in time for inclusion U.S. Taxpayer JOHN PAUL SANGER, U.S. Taxpayer Did not respond in time for inclusion BRANDON HU, Green Did not respond in time for inclusion My experience in the education field is that Campus safety is a number one issue at I believe that any student who desires to ROBIN LEA LAURAIN, I helped establish two proprietary schools in MSU. Safety from exposure to covid, sexual go to University should be allowed to do so. Green Lansing. I was a Program Director and Instruc- predators, racism, discrimination, and failure I would work to bring the New Green Deal Facebook: facebook.com/ tor so I understand funding sources for educa- to thrive as students. Safety is a huge umbrel- to MSU which calls for free college tuition. TrustRobinLaurain2020/ tion. Many of my students were eligible for the la. As a Trustee, I will work tirelessly to make Until this could be implemented, I would ad- Occupation / Current WIA program which helped to get individuals sure that umbrella covers all our students. vocate for a tuition freeze. I would also work receiving Sate aide into vocational fields so Students can not learn if they do not feel safe. towards a 30% tuition reduction and free net Position: Management for that they could be self sufficient. I found that Faculty needs to feel safe in order to effective- for all students who are not attending classes adult foster care homes many of my students lacked basic reading and ly teach. I will be that Trustee that walks the on campus due to the pandemic. Under my that care for adults expe- math skills. They had very little understanding campus and reaches out to the Spartan com- watch MSU would create a University Corps of riencing mental health of government or history. I set up tutoring munity. I will use that old business model... advanced students to work with at risk youth disorders. classes in reading and math skills outside of managing by walking around which I learned to prepare them for University in exchange for Education: I graduated from Nursing the program and recruited volunteers to help at MSU. I would advocate for tuition being cut tuition reduction. I would be there with the school in 1981 and am currently attending me. All my students passed! 30% for on-line classes. students helping them prepare future Spar- the Nursing Home Administrator’s Program tans. at MSU. BRIDGETTE ABRAHAM-GUZMAN, Did not respond in time for inclusion Natural Law 26 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • September 30, 2020 2020 Election Preview vote in person or absentee thru nov. 3

Wayne State University Board of Governors - Term: 8-year term • Vote for TWO (2) The Wayne State University Board of Gov- QUESTION 1 ernors has eight members and has general Describe your qualifications and QUESTION 2 QUESTION 3 supervision of the university and the con- experience for the University Board and What are the two most pressing What recommendations would you pro- trol and direction of all expenditures from explain your reasons for running. What, issues facing this university today, and pose to make university education more the institution’s funds. The board shall elect specifically, makes you an asset to a what is your position on those issues? accessible to all Michigan’s residents? a university president who shall be the prin- University Board? cipal executive officer. I’m a life-long Detroiter and CEO of SER Dissention on the board negatively impacts Affordable tuition will improve access EVA GARZA Metro-Detroit, a nonprofit workforce agency. I WSU’s reputation and progress. The Board’s among low income families. Stronger part- DEWAELSCHE, received my bachelor’s degree and Master’s in priority should be to support and guide WSU nerships with workforce and nonprofit agen- Education from WSU and have been involved on surviving this global pandemic, develop- cies will reach underserved communities i.e., Democrat with WSU since the ‘70’s. I was a WSU Alumni ing virtual learning that works for all students, long-term unemployed, returning citizens. Facebook: facebook.com/ Board member (12 yrs.) and was on several improving student retention, and ensuring a Entrance exams do not measure student suc- eva4wsu president’s advisory councils from Dr. Ada- solid financial position. WSU’s lost affiliation cess and should be eliminated. WSU needs Occupation / Current many to Dr. Wilson. I’m running because I’m with DMC Children’s hurts the medical school to address student retention and other bar- Position: President and worried about WSU’s future in this pandemic, and services to Detroit children. Since the riers through enhanced wrap-around social CEO of SER Metro- the turmoil on the board, and recent loss of af- WSU Board could not agree on a partnership and mental health services, housing, daycare, Detroit, a Detroit nonprofit filiation with DMC Children’s Hospital. I’ve sat with Henry Ford Hospital, they need to pursue transportation, and remedial resources. Fac- on many boards and commissions, and I bring another hospital to maintain its leadership ulty and staff need adequate tools, ongoing workforce development commitment and 40+ years of administrative, role within the medical community, city and training and support to ensure they meet stu- organization education and workforce experience. state, and for our children. dents where they are in this new virtual learn- Education: Bachelors of Sociology ‘79 ing environment. and Masters of Education ‘91, Wayne State University; Fellow of Michigan State Political Leadership Program; Community Exec. Leadership Program, Harvard University

After being appointed by Governor Whit- I am deeply concerned about the skyrock- More than ever before, students and par- SHIRLEY mer to Wayne State’s Board of Governors, I am eting costs of a college education. We must ents are questioning the cost of a higher ed- now running to retain my seat. I led a long ca- be proactive and think creatively about how ucation. While affordability is not the only fac- STANCATO, reer in civic, corporate and community leader- to address tuition affordability at Wayne State, tor affecting students’ accessibility to higher Democrat ship, both as CEO of a major civic organization particularly in this age of COVID-19, where education, I think it is the most significant one. Website: stancato4wsu. and as a high-ranking corporate officer in the state resources are strained and higher edu- In addition, I support the review of the heavy banking industry. For almost 20 years, I served value placed on the ACT and SAT as an effec- com cation support is more uncertain. Similarly, we as the president and CEO of New Detroit, must also be hyper-vigilant about addressing tive measure of scholastic aptitude for college Facebook: facebook.com/ where I worked across the proverbial “aisle” the health and safety of students, faculty and admission and success. I also believe new re- ShirleyStancato4WSU in the private and public sectors to create a staff at Wayne State, both in the short term cruiting strategies should be developed to at- Occupation / Current Position: Principal, more equitable and just community. I am pas- and long term. We must ensure the value of a tract the best minds from all geographies and SRS Advisory Services, LLC sionate about improving public education in Wayne State education and degree continues socio-economic backgrounds. Education: BA, Wayne State University; Michigan, particularly at Wayne State, where I to grow, whether students are learning in the MA, Wayne State University; Honorary am a proud, first-generation alumna. classroom, remotely or a mix of the two. Doctorate, University of Michigan

My campaign is based on leadership, pro- The two issues are keeping student and fac- The two issues are high tuition and admis- DON GATES, fessionalism, and innovation. From the board- ulty safe from COVID-19 and providing a qual- sion policies. First, tuition rates are too high. Republican room to the battlefield, I have led Soldiers in ity education using a hybrid teaching format. Second, admission policies are stringent for Website: gatesforwsu. combat and commanded units with hundreds Providing safe instruction means students and students that don’t test well on standardized com of Soldiers. I have presented and sold mil- faculty must follow all the protective measures tests. For tuition, I will NOT vote for a tuition lion-dollar projects to Corporate 500 compa- Facebook: fb.com/gates- outlined by the CDC during and after classes. increase in my eight years, reduce the admin- nies. As a retired Colonel in the Army Reserve, It is very critical they follow the rules, so they istrative staff and increase the faculty, and forwsu I know how to lead effective teams and treat don’t cause a flair up. I am in favor of stiff pen- scrutinize the exorbitant salaries and vote for Twitter: twitter.com/Gates- people with dignity and respect. I am trained alties for rule breakers. WSU has adopted a reductions. Under president Wilson, adminis- ForWSU to solve complex problems and develop in- hybrid teaching method which includes 100% trators increased 22% and faculty decreased Occupation / Current Position: Consultant novative solutions. I know how to work with on-line and some classes a mix of on-line and 12%. For WSU, MI students comprise 90%. For and Operational Architect for InSight Global all stakeholders, present recommendations, resident classes. The classes must be challeng- admissions, I will allow different admission cri- with JANUS Research Group make compromises, and implement winning ing and teach the same content, so students teria for a percentage of incoming students to Education: Masters Certificate, NDU 2019; solutions. I am running to give back and serve receive a quality education. increase Michigan students. Masters, Army War College 2015; MBA, my alma mater. Wayne State University 1997; B.S.B.A. Uni- versity of Nebraska 1990; B.G.S.D. University of Nebraska 1990 TERRY LYNN LAND, Did not respond in time for inclusion Republican JON EGLAS, Libertarian Did not respond in time for inclusion

CHRISTINE C. SCWARTZ, Did not respond in time for inclusion US Taxpayer migreenparty.org bio: Gratitude to all my Students: Restore hope/opportunities, Ask students what they want to create, not SUSAN ODGERS, relations. Born in Det. WSU grad. Very connect- mental health needs, school re-imagined via just do for a living. Students MUST be a larg- Green ed to WSU & Metro-Det. Identify as she/her/ Covid, affordability, personal safety, alumni er part of WSU’s creative process & decision Twitter: twitter.com/Tra- hers. LWV member. To give back. Knows needs outside Det. more connected to WSU, Jubi- making. Students question higher ed. cost verseGreens of students/their families. Lifelong higher ed. lee on debt, provide free internet & address to benefit ratio-with good reason. Increased employee. First elected Adjunct Faculty rep. at Occupation / Current other barriers, vets/disabled/BIPOC/LGBTQ flexibility in the when, way & what they learn. NMC. Works w/everyone. 17 yrs. state board; & international students beget greater sup- Listen to students & their families...they have Position: Professor; MPAS, 2 years as chair. In Det., served on New port. Leadership: Wider participation/deci- the answers. Increase WSU connection to the Northwestern MI College, Horizons & Det. Rec. Univ. Hosp. PAC Bds. Cur- sion-making by all, challenging enrollment & community & entire state; needs & resources. Columnist; Traverse City rently, VP of Traverse Area Dist. Library Board, funding issues more fully addressed, teacher Take $ out of politics (including at the univer- Record Eagle Chair Traverse City Human Rights Commis- needs higher priority. As the 2010 Sara Hardy sity level), no greed, no privatization, no union Education: BA Oakland Univ. MA Wayne sion, etc. Taxpayer voice beyond Metro area. Humanitarian of the Year, I witnessed the val- busting, no forgotten employees or students. State Univ. PhD all coursework/exams, Inspires hope. Hardworking. Speaks truth to ue of civility. Without students=no WSU. Prob- Period. Common sense governance. My WSU Wayne State Univ. power. Working class. Progressive. lems & answers lie w/the univ.’s most margin- education prepared me well for BOG. alized people City Pulse • September 30, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 27 2020 Election Preview vote in person or absentee thru nov. 3

Judicial Candidates appear in the NONPARTISAN section of the ballot Michigan Supreme Court Justice - Term: 8-year term • Vote for TWO (2) The Michigan Supreme Court is the state’s QUESTION 1 QUESTION 2 QUESTION 3 highest court and makes the final deter- Why are you running for the Michigan Do you believe the current process for What, in your opinion, are the two great- mination and interpretation of Michigan’s Supreme Court, and what educational, selecting Supreme Court Justices is the best est areas of need in the Michigan justice laws. It supervises all other state courts. The occupational, civic and community ex- path to fair and impartial representation – system, and how should the Supreme Court court has seven members. periences have you had that particularly including how candidates are nominated respond to them? qualify you for this office? for election or appointed for vacancies and how campaigns are funded and regulated? Please explain.

SUSAN L. HUBBARD, Nomination method: This candidate was Did not respond in time for inclusion nominated by the Green Party. I’m running for the Michigan Supreme As a Prosecutor I’m given the responsibili- In 2015, I was honored to receive the James MARY KELLY Court to serve as a defender of the rule of law ty to enforce the law and as a Justice on the T. Corden Civility Award from my peers in the Website: marykellyforjus- and a protector of the vulnerable in our so- Michigan Supreme Court my role would be to St. Clair County Bar Association. This award tice.com ciety. During 30 years as a prosecutor I have make certain we adhere to the rule of law. I will is given to attorneys who place a premium Facebook: facebook. been a steadfast champion for the rights of not be an advocate for any political cause, but on integrity, honesty, ethics and fairness. In com/MaryKellyforJustice/ victims. As Senior Assistant Prosecutor I was instead abide the law. Our system gives the short, those who practice law with dignity Occupation / Current the lead attorney for the Criminal Sexual Con- authority to make new law and our Constitu- and respect. The Michigan Supreme Court is Position: Senior Assistant duct Unit which handled all sexual and physi- tional system to the legislative and executive the ultimate authority in our state legal sys- Prosecutor, St. Clair County cal abuse cases against children. Not only did I branches and to the people. I will work within tem and must set the example for decorum Education: Michigan State University, Bach- vigorously prosecute crimes like drunk driving the system the other branches of government and enforce the rules throughout the system. resulting in injury and death, but also set up and the people put in place and will not put Some judges put themselves in the role as su- elor of Science Detroit College of Law, JD treatment programs to stop repeat offenses. I my judgement ahead of theirs. per legislators. It is incumbent upon our state’s Nomination method: This candidate was will always be a strong voice for victims and highest court to enforce and not make the law. nominated by the Republican Party. for safe communities. That is exactly what I will do. I am seeking re-election to the Michigan Every process can be improved, including The most critical challenge is access to BRIDGET MARY Supreme Court to continue advocating for the one we use to elect justices in Michigan. It justice. Eight of 10 people in Michigan can’t MCCORMACK the principle that everyone, regardless of their is important that the court is nonpartisan and afford a lawyer when they have a civil legal Website: bridgetmarymc- ability to afford a lawyer, deserves equal ac- therefore, in my view, the party nomination problem and they have to either navigate the cormack.com cess to justice and a fair opportunity to have process along with some of the independent courts without one or they simply don’t even their case heard. Since joining the court in expenditures can send the wrong message to try. We announced a Justice For All Taskforce Facebook: facebook.com/ 2013, I have worked each day to ensure that the public. Judges and justices have to be will- last year which aims to achieve 100 percent reelectchiefjusticemccor- our courts are accessible, independent, effi- ing to lose friends and elections when making access to the civil justice system in Michigan. mack cient, and engaged with their communities. decisions--that’s what their oath requires and There is also an absence of innovation and Twitter: twitter.com/ I spent my career as a lawyer working for in- in my experience they are, which makes some technology in courts, which costs them trans- bridgetmarymc dividuals who were disenfranchised from our of the cost to public confidence regrettable. parency, efficiency and access. We have made Occupation / Current Position: Chief Jus- justice system and prior to being elected was However, this is the process the People of great progress recently, but we need to make tice of Michigan Supreme Court the Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs at the U Michigan have selected and I welcome their processes more user-friendly and efficient to Education: New York University Law School, of M law school, where I still teach today. assessment of my work at the ballot box. improve our service to the public. New York, NY, J.D., 1991 Trinity College, Hartford, CT B.A., with Honors in Political Science and Philosophy, 1988 Nomination method: This candidate was nominated by the Democratic Party. The Supreme Court needs Justices who The nomination and election process for The future of the judicial system is for the KERRY LEE MORGAN will apply the law as written, not as it ought Supreme Court Justices is adequate. Cam- People to decide, but that future must recov- Website: pck-law.com/ to be written in the mind of the Judge. My paigns will always be funded in part by special er a solid commitment to the rule of law, not attorney/kerry-l-morgan/ background in the law for over forty years has interest sand those who propose schemes to the law of judges. Michigan Lawyers must Facebook: martindale. taught me the importance of this purpose. My limit the effect of those interests, have an in- also be freed from the politicized State Bar com/attorney/ker- experience in the practice of law before judg- terest of their own in influencing the outcome of Michigan by elimination of compulsory ry-lee-morgan-2161158/ es has taught me that judges are sometimes of elections. The People are the best check on membership. The Supreme Court should be Occupation / Current reluctant to simply apply the law as written. I those interests and funding abuses through leading this fight. Instead, it sides with the Position: Attorney. Kerry can bring a balanced respect for the written the ballot box. Government “solutions” and Bar. It compels lawyers to pay money to the Lee Morgan is Of Coun- law and the Constitution in particular to the the snake oil of “bipartisan” support are de- Bar for the propagation of ideas with which bench, so that Justice may be done. signed to simply increase major party control they disagree. The Court also tramples down sel to the law firm of Pentiuk, Couvreur, & of the Supreme Court and should be avoided. the natural rights of conscience in the process. Kobiljak, P.C. Securing natural rights is the states only com- Education: Regent University, M.A. Public pelling interest. Policy, magna cum laude, 1985. Detroit College of Law, J.D., 1981 Michigan State University, B.A. Political Science and Crimi- nal Justice, with honors, 1977. Nomination method: This candidate was nominated by the Libertarian Party. As an unexpected candidate in almost ev- Although I believe money and politics First, Michigan needs to reduce archaic KATHERINE MARY ery way; I am running for the ability to affect should not intertwine, my only comment on laws. Just because the constitution overrules NEPTON positive change across Michigan for genera- Campaign Finance is that current Michigan certain laws does not mean that Michigan Website: votenepton.com tions. Bringing my unique world view to the law makes things appear as if those in power should have these laws on the books. Next, Occupation / Current Courts. My secondary goal in running is to never considered that an Indigenous person Michigan has gotten too close to the “debtor’s bring awareness to the fact that in Michigan’s would ever get as far as being on the ballot. prisons” of time long past. Our Founding Fa- Position: Lawyer at The 183 years as a state we are only beginning to And, justifiably, it has taken 183 years for Mich- thers set up a system so that we would never Nepton Law Firm, PLLC bring Indigenous people into the fold. I won- igan to have their first ever Indigenous person need to put people in jail for not being able to Education: University of der how many Indigenous clerks there are Candidate for Supreme Court Justice. There pay a bill. In Michigan numerous people are in Connecticut Thomas M. across Michigan. I wonder how many Indige- are specific barriers to me, as a candidate, be- jail for this very reason. This systemic problem Cooley Law School nous lawyers have the opportunity to take a cause of my race that are built into Michigan influences society in many ways. The less able Nomination method: This candidate was job offering various opportunities instead of Law. Neighbors & sister tribes are restricted, you are to pay a fine, the more likely that you nominated by the Libertarian party. working blue collar jobs through school like I for reference please see MCL 169.252, and have a criminal record because of debt owed did. These aims are why I am running. MCL 169.254. to the state. This is unacceptable. 28 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • September 30, 2020 2020 Election Preview vote in person or absentee thru nov. 3

Judicial Candidates appear in the NONPARTISAN section of the ballot Michigan Supreme Court Justice (continued) - Term: 8-year term • Vote for TWO (2)

The Michigan Supreme Court is the state’s QUESTION 2 highest court and makes the final deter- QUESTION 1 Do you believe the current process for QUESTION 3 mination and interpretation of Michigan’s Why are you running for the Michigan selecting Supreme Court Justices is the best What, in your opinion, are the two great- laws. It supervises all other state courts. The Supreme Court, and what educational, path to fair and impartial representation – est areas of need in the Michigan justice court has seven members. occupational, civic and community ex- including how candidates are nominated system, and how should the Supreme Court periences have you had that particularly for election or appointed for vacancies and respond to them? qualify you for this office? how campaigns are funded and regulated? Please explain.

The Rule of Law is a bedrock of our society, The people should decide who their judg- We have the greatest legal system in the BROCK SWARTZLE and we must be vigilant in protecting it. Jus- es are. There are many ways this can be done, world—if you can afford it. Simply put, justice Website: BrockForJustice. tice, due process, equity, and fairness all flow and Michigan’s system strikes a reasonable that is too expensive is not justice. We must com from the Rule of Law. As a Michigan Court of balance. It is absolutely essential that judges make access to justice cheaper for everyone, Facebook: facebook.com/ Appeals Judge, I am committed to upholding run as nonpartisans, because our judicial can- from the single mom to the corner storekeep- Brock Swartzle these principles. Before becoming a judge, I ons require us to “be unswayed by partisan in- er to the adoptive parents to the low-income For Justice worked in the Legislature as House General terests.” Canon 3(A)(1). We need more outlets juvenile to our biggest employers. So, (1) the Occupation / Current Po- Counsel, in 3 federal courts as a law clerk, and to inform the public about each candidate’s Michigan Supreme Court needs to reform sition: Judge, Michigan as a lawyer in private practice (e.g., antitrust, judicial philosophy and experience, so that ju- its court rules to make pretrial matters (e.g., Court of Appeals employment, healthcare, criminal law, etc). dicial elections are focused on the issues, not fact discovery, motion practice) quicker and I’ve given back to my community through catchy slogans or memorable phrases. And, cheaper, and (2) the Court needs to work with Education: B.S., University of Michigan; J.D., my church and alumni association, as well as most importantly, candidates must be trans- the Legislature and other groups to provide George Mason University Law School teaching at the MSU Law School and serving parent—that is why I have posted my opin- juveniles who enter the justice system with Nomination method: This candidate was on a national judicial education board. ions to my website, BrockForJustice.com. early and effective intervention. nominated by the Republican Party.

My experience with employment law (rep- Our partisan nomination process is con- The lack of complete data makes it impossi- ELIZABETH M. WELCH resenting small businesses, nonprofits, and fusing. An alternative is a non-partisan com- ble to fully study and understand outcomes in Website: welchforjustice. individuals); bi-partisan advocacy for public mission/appointment by Governor/reten- our criminal justice system. The Court should com/ schools, voting rights, and conservation; crim- tion election process. Importantly all judges work to modernize technology platforms in Facebook: facebook. inal law and abuse/neglect cases; and com- should face voters in elections to ensure they order to gather data in a usable format across com/welchforjustice munity mediation will add value to the Court. stay connected to those served. Voter guides the State so that outcomes are examined to Twitter: twitter.com/welch- I have served in leadership roles on my local with candidate information could be sent to ensure justice is delivered fairly across all de- forjustice school board, in nonprofit organizations, and all voters with absentee ballots and be placed mographics and programs are implemented Occupation / Current on foundations working to solve deep chal- in polling places. Finally, we must have full, that ensure safer communities. Additionally, lenges in our communities. We need justices timely disclosure of all money spent in judicial we have a crisis in our court system; the vast Position: Attorney with broad backgrounds and exposure to races. Candidates already have robust cam- majority of litigants lack access to counsel. We Education: Penn State University, BA with different viewpoints to make important deci- paign finance disclosure requirements, but must utilize technology and new pathways to honors; Ohio State University, JD sions and ensure the Judicial Branch functions the law should also require full disclosure of ensure everyone can access justice fairly (even Nomination method: This candidate was fairly and transparently to assure public trust. money spent by everyone else. if unrepresented). nominated by the Democratic Party. Judicial Candidates appear in the NONPARTISAN section of the ballot Michigan Appeals Court All candidates are unopposed and The Michigan Appeals Court is the primary appeals court of the state. were not sent questionnaires. There are 4 districts; candidates run on the Nonpartisan Section of the Ballot. District 1 District 3 District 4 6-Year Terms – Vote for no more than THREE (3) 6-Year Terms – Vote for no more than TWO (2) 6-Year Terms – Vote for no more than TWO (2) KAREN FORT HOOD MARK THOMAS BOONSTRA MICHAEL J. KELLY ANICA LETICA CHRISTOPHER M. MURRAY JANE E. MARKEY AMY RONAYNE KRAUSE District 2 District 3 District 4 6-Year Terms – Vote for no more than TWO (2) Partial Term Ending 1/1/2023, 2 Years Non-Incumbent, 6-Year Terms – Vote for MARK J. CAVANAGH Vote for no more than ONE (1) no more than ONE (1) JONATHAN TUKEL JAMES ROBERT REDFORD MICHELLE RICK

VOTE FROM HOME VOTE IN YOUR CLERK’S OFFICE by Absentee Ballot September 24 to November 2 ✔ Ballot Drop Boxes are available in 40 Days of Voting! most communities. For Drop Box or location(s) see www.Michigan.gov/vote VOTE AT YOUR POLLING PLACE ✔ Mail 1st Class by October 19 - or on November 3, 7 am - 8 pm drop it off in person at your Clerk’s office. City Pulse • September 30, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 29 2020 Election Preview vote in person or absentee thru nov. 3

Ingham County Clerk - Term: 4-years • Partisan • Candidates: Choose One The County Clerk maintains county records, serves as the chief election officer for the county, and records statistics on births, deaths, marriages, military discharges and applications for citizenship. The clerk also 1. Please describe your quali- 2. What are the priority issues 3. How could voter participation, serves as clerk for the board of commis- fications and experiences and facing the Ingham County Clerk? particularly among youth, be sioners. The clerk can also officiate at wedding ceremonies. As the chief election explain why you are running for increased? official for the county, the clerk supervises the Ingham County Clerk posi- all elections and is responsible for admin- tion. istering campaign finance reporting for all candidates that file locally. I have been County Clerk for Ingham The biggest priority that faces the Ingham Increasing youth participation is a specific BARB BYRUM - DEM County for the past 8 years. During that County Clerk is ensuring that our elections challenge that I have been tackling head on. Occupation: Ingham time, I have been credentialed as a Certi- are administered openly, fairly, and secure- Ingham County is uniquel y sui ted to dr ive County Clerk fied Elections/Registration administrator ly. In the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, youth registration, awareness, and turnout Email: clerkbyrum@gmail. and have successfully conducted 25 elec- one of the top issues that faces clerks at all in our elections due to our several colleges com tions. In 2016, I was the first County Clerk levels is how to provide a safe environment and universities here. I have partnered with Website: barbbyrum.com to complete the recount of the Presidential with which to vote. I have been promoting student groups as well as MSUVote to hold Facebook: facebook.com/ Election. I have been an advocate for the the right to vote Absentee without needing many registration drives and information barbbyrum voting rights of qualified registered voters a reason for several years, as a result of the sessions on campus, reaching thousands Education: Juris Doctor, and have focused on the rights of military passage of Proposal 3 in 2018. My office has of student youths. In 2020, I created the MSU College of Law 2004 Bachelor and overseas voters. I am an active member sponsored mailings that would give resi- “Student’s Guide to Voting” and worked of Science in Agribusiness of the Overseas Voting Initiative, a collabo- dents the ability to easily sign up for their with local high schools and universities to Management, MSU 1999 ration to improve the process of voting by local clerk’s Permanent Absent Voter Ballot distribute. This guide focused on how to Address: PO Box 27344 the military and civilians living abroad. In Application List. I hosted Ingham County’s register to vote, common misconceptions Lansing, MI 48909 2017, I served on Election Center’s Security first Election Academy to encourage a bet- about changing your registration and how Task force and I currently serve on Michi- ter understanding of Michigan elections to find out where your polling location is. I gan’s Election Security Commission, a team and the numerous precautions taken to also have been creating content for media of advisors tasked with securing elections secure our elections. I am a prolific election platforms that youths typically in our state. I worked with the LWV to regis- blogger as I believe the more people under- prefer. I have made several public service ter our most vulnerable residents to ensure stand how our elections are run, the more announcements that I have been able to that they are able to exercise their right to confidence people will have in the outcome share via Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, Insta- vote. I am running for re-election as Ingham and the more likely others will want to be- gram, and TikTok. I’ve also disseminated this County’s Clerk because my work is not yet come involved in the process. information using traditional media. done. JOSEPH W. WERNER - REP Candidate did not respond Candidate did not respond Candidate did not respond Email: electjoewerner@ gmail.com

Ingham County Treasurer - Term: 4-years • Partisan • Candidates: Choose One The County Treasurer is the custodian of all county funds and the collector of taxes. 1. Please describe your quali- The treasurer receives all revenues, fications and experiences and 3. How could voter participation, invests reserve funds, collects delinquent explain why you are running for 2. What are the priority issues property taxes, and sells real estate that facing the Ingham County Clerk? particularly among youth, be has unpaid taxes. The treasurer is also the Ingham County Clerk increased? the chairman of the Ingham Land Bank. position. ERIC A. SCHERTZING - DEM Candidate did not respond Candidate did not respond Candidate did not respond Email: [email protected] BRUCE A. LITTLE - REP Email: [email protected] Candidate did not respond Candidate did not respond Candidate did not respond Phone: 517-282-1722

Register of Deeds - Term: 4-years • Partisan • Candidates: Choose One The Register of Deeds records deeds, land Question 1 Question 2 contracts, mortgages and other docu- Please describe your qualifications and What are the priority issues facing Ingham County ments showing property ownership within experiences and explain why you are running for Register of Deeds? the county. The duties are established by the Ingham County Register of Deeds position. state law. I have been serving in local government for two decades, beginning As Register of Deeds, I have taken an interest in educating the public DERRICK QUINNEY - as a City of Lansing Police Commissioner. I spent ten years in that role, on the dangers of property fraud, predatory lending practices and abu- DEM providing oversight to the Lansing Police Department and holding its sive contracts. There is strong evidence that communities of color are Occupation: Ingham leadership accountable. In November of 2007, I was elected to serve as especially vulnerable to predatory lenders and bad-faith land contracts, County Register of Deeds an at-large member of the Lansing City Council. I loved supporting my and putting a stop to those disturbing trends is key to ending system- Email: derrickquinney35@ community in that position, working to improve the city that raised me. ic racism in our region. It is my conviction that would-be victims must gmail.com I remained on the council for seven years. Iwas appointed to serve as be armed with the knowledge to safely pursue homeownership, and the Ingham County Register of Deeds in 2015 and re-elected in 2016. that type of knowledge will be especially pertinent in the wake of the Facebook: facebook.com/ Since taking office, I’ve focused on streamlining customer service and financial devastation many families have experienced due to COVID-19. derrick.quinney ensuring that county homeowners are connected with the resources Ingham County is also facing budgetary stress related to the COVID-19 Education: University of they need to achieve comfort and security. I have taken care to support pandemic, and maintaining efficient county workplaces will be of vital Michigan Labor Studies Program homeowners of all races, religions, gender identities and sexual orien- importance as we attempt to control costs and balance budgets go- Phone: 517-706-9883 tations, and to guarantee the faithful execution of Ingham County’s ing forward. I have made every effort to promote that kind of efficiency Address: 2010 Wellesley Dr non-discrimination policies. I am running for re-election to continue by modernizing the recording process and transitioning to a digitized, Lansing MI 48911. United States that vital work. 21st-century system. CAROL J. VANDRE - REP Email: [email protected] Candidate did not respond Candidate did not respond Phone: 517-256-3779 30 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • September 30, 2020 2020 Election Preview vote in person or absentee thru nov. 3

Prosecuting Attorney - Term: 4-years • Partisan • Candidates: Choose One The Prosecuting Attorney—a licensed attorney--is the chief law enforcement officer for the county. The office reviews, authorizes and prosecutes violations of felony and misdemean- Question 1 Question 2 or criminal laws committed within the county. Please describe your qualifications and What are the priority issues facing The prosecuting attorney reviews all drug and experiences and explain why you are running for Ingham County property forfeiture matters, reviews petitions involving juvenile offenders under 17, and files the Ingham County Prosecuting Attorney. Prosecuting Attorney? action to establish family support, as well as serving an array of other legal functions.

Four years ago, I ran for prosecutor to use my experiences with- Coronavirus is the most critical issue facing our society, and our CAROL A. SIEMON - DEM in the system - including 11 years as an Ingham County Assistant criminal justice system plays a role. We have worked to reduce our Occupation: Ingham County Prosecutor - to reform the office's charging and sentencing practic- state and local inmate population to control the spread of Covid-19 Prosecuting Attorney es, while expanding victim services. As the prosecutor, I've helped to which inmates are particularly vulnerable. We have stayed open Email: [email protected] create alternatives to mass incarceration by expanding diversion for essential operations, while encouraging our staff to work from Facebook: facebook.com/ and specialty court programming and working to reduce our pris- home when feasible. I'm encouraged that, thanks to our overall re- CarolSiemonforInghamCounty- on population by changing how we prosecute individual cases. In sponse to the pandemic, Ingham County has kept infections under Prosecutor/ 2017-18, we reduced our prison commitment rate by 21% while control, relative to hot-spot areas. Beyond that, I believe we need Education: BS Michigan State increasing diversion referrals, also by 21% - while the number of to create a justice system that promotes racial healing, ends the University, James Madison Col- cases dropped slightly overall. We have expanded our services to practice of mass incarceration, crafts a proportionate and humane lege, 1978, JD Suffolk University, Boston, MA, 1981 victims; adding a new assistant prosecutor dedicated to sexual as- response to each individual case, and serves victims and survivors Phone: 517-333-0687 sault cases; created a grant-funded domestic violence project with of crime in a trauma-informed setting. As the prosecutor, I have Address: PO Box 4488 the Lansing Police; adding a new victim-witness position to ensure worked to turn these beliefs into action by creating alternatives to East Lansing, MI 48826 notices are distributed; and added on-line notifications, so that incarceration while expanding our services to the victims of crime. crime victims don't need to rely on a recorded phone message.

I am a 50 year member of the Michigan Bar. Born in Crete, Greece I do not have an agenda. I will follow the law and the facts with GEORGE PLATSIS - REP to American citizens and raised in Battle Creek, Michigan from the transparency and truthfulness. I will uphold and honor our Bill of Occupation: retired age of 6 months. A resident of Ingham County for the last 50 years. Rights for every citizen and ensure that our fundamental freedoms Email: george.platsis@prodigy. U.S. Army Veteran serving 2 years during the Vietnam War era. are both practiced and protected. net Served 2 years with the Federal Trade Commission in Washington Facebook: George Platsis D.C. upon graduation from Michigan Law School. Served 10 years Education: Studied Medicine and as an Assistant Attorney General and Special Assistant Attorney Law at the University of Michigan, for the State of Michigan under Attorney General Frank Kelly, also where I also received my under- known as the "Eternal General.” Practiced civil trial and appellate grad degree law in the State of Michigan, primarily medical malpractice, em- Phone: 517-349-2440 ployment, condemnation and injury law cases. Argued before the Address: 2019 Shagbark Lane Supreme Court of Michigan, Michigan Court of Appeals, Federal Okemos, Michigan 48864 District Courts and 6th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Sheriff - Term: 4-years • Partisan • Candidates: Choose One The Sheriff has civil and criminal jurisdiction throughout the county. This office is responsible for executing orders of the courts, serving pa- Question 1 Question 2 pers, arresting and detaining accused offenders, Please describe your qualifications and What are the priority issues facing the Ingham and operating the county jail. The sheriff’s office experiences and explain why you are running County Sheriff? provides support for other law enforcement for the Ingham County Sheriff. agencies within the county, particularly for road patrols. SCOTT A. 27 year in law enforcement, starting with East Lansing Police Staff and budget. Since 2008, we have lost 45 full time positions be- in 1994 where I rose to the rank of Lieutenant. I was elected tween corrections and law enforcement. Trying to provide all that is WRIGGELSWORTH - DEM Sheriff in 2016 and took office 1-1-2017. My first term as Sheriff expected of us by the community we serve is more challenging than Occupation: Ingham County has been enjoyable and challenging all at the same time. I've ever. The financial impacts of COVID, on the federal, state, and local Sheriff lived in Ingham County all my life (50 years) and have invest- level will take years to fully grasp, and will likely significantly impact Email: sawriggelsworth ed most of my life trying to make our community better. My our profession. Transparency and accountability have never been more @comcast.net entire career in law enforcement I have done my best to make important. Hiring people with good moral character. Those willing to Website: votewriggelsworth. our profession better, and now in my role as Sheriff I can have listen more, talk less, and above all else willing to do what's right each com an even greater positive impact. I have a lot of work left to do. and every day both on and off duty. Using good judgment, giving peo- Facebook: Scott Wriggelsworth The Mission of the Sheriff's Office is "to provide correctional, ple their time, even those that find themselves incarcerated. The more for Ingham County Sheriff law enforcement, and support service excellence in partnership our profession can connect with people on a personal level, the better Education: 1988 Holt High School; 1992 Michigan with our community" Created under my leadership, this is my off we all are. State Univ (marketing). 2006 FBI National Academy expectation of myself, and my staff, each and every day. Now Partnering with our community and other law enforcement agencies Session 226 maybe more than ever, law enforcement and corrections are in in our area has a synergistic effect. Being able to do more (or the same) Phone: 517-285-1831 the spotlight and under the microscope. I accept the challenge with less, is only achievable through these partnerships. and look forward to leading ICSO for years to come. Address: PO Box 77 Holt, Mi 48842

DANIEL J. WELLS - REP Candidate did not respond Candidate did not respond Email: [email protected]

INGHAM COUNTY PROPOSALS Public Transportation System for Elderly and Disabled Millage Renewal Question Yes No For the purpose of renewing funding at the same millage level previously approved by the voters in 2016 for a transportation system to be used primarily by elderly and disabled persons in Ingham County, shall the constitutional limitation upon the total amount of taxes which may be assessed in one (1) year upon all property within the County of Ingham, Michigan, previously increased by up to 0.6000 mills, $0.60 per $1,000 of taxable value, be continued and renewed for a period of six (6) years (2021-2026) inclusive? If approved and levied in full, this Millage will raise an estimated additional $4,609,732 for the transportation system in the first calendar year of the levy based on state. The above proposal is for all residents of Ingham County. There are also proposals for residents in Danville School District, Eaton Rapids School District, LeRoy School District, Wheatland Township, and Williamston Township. Please go to www.VOTE411.org to see the wording of those proposals. City Pulse • September 30, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 31 2020 Election Preview vote in person or absentee thru nov. 3

Drain Commissioner - Term: 4-years • Partisan • Candidates: Choose One The Drain Commissioner provides for construction, maintenance and improvement of county public storm drains. That office is responsible Question 1 for all natural water courses and sewers and Please describe your qualifications and ex- Question 2 drains in the county and all water treatment What are the priority issues facing the Ingham plants established under the drain codes. Other periences and explain why you are running County Drain Commissioner? responsibilities include implementing state for the Ingham County Drain Commissioner. environmental laws, particularly those dealing with lake levels and erosion control. The Drain Commissioner also assesses benefitted property owners to pay for costs of a drain. I have been the Ingham County Drain Commissioner for 27 Infrastructure in the state and across the country is crumbling and PATRICK LINDEMANN - years. During that time I have spearheaded the construction in desperate need of repair, everything from roads, storm drains, sani- DEM and reconstruction of thousands of miles of stormwater infra- tary sewers, drinking water and gas lines. I have developed a proactive Occupation: Ingham County structure throughout the county. My innovative stormwater maintenance program, not reactive. My predecessors have taken a re- Drain Commissioner management practices and infrastructure replacement and new active approach to infrastructure management which has led to larger Email: patricklindemann@ construction projects have lead the way in the State of Michi- project costs, and more failures within our infrastructure. This reactive icloud.com gan and across the nation. They have saved millions of dollars approach has led to costly management of our infrastructure and ex- Web Site: patricklindemann. for the tax payers. I have lead the field in pollution reduction and tremely heavy pollution problems to our waterways. For the past 27 com environmental stewardship, managing both urban and rural years, I have worked to put a proactive approach together that coordi- Education: Bachelors Degree, stormwater runoff. My record and my finished projects speaks nates response and maintenance, which is cost-effective and efficient MSU in Resource Development. Extensive for themselves. at reducing pollution loading into our waterways and groundwater resources. My top priorities are to continue to face the complex issues of post-graduate credits in Water Management this office and to set into motion long-term programs which address Phone: 517-488-8651 these problems efficiently. It took us over 200 years to get here. Solu- Address: 3024 W. Willow St., tions will take many years. Lansing, MI 48917 BRIAN B. BEAUCHINE - REP Candidate did not respond Candidate did not respond Email: [email protected] Phone: 313-444-4538

Lansing Community College Board of Trustees- Term: 6-years • Non-Partisan • Candidates: Choose 2

Lansing Community College is directed and gov- Question 2 Question 1 What is your vision for LCC? What do you erned by a Board of Trustees, consisting of seven What special qualities do you bring to the members, elected at large in the community see as the role of the community college? college district on a nonpartisan basis. Lansing Community College Board? What are your priorities? I am the only candidate who has been on the Board for the Our priorities have been and will continue to be to focus on student Andrew P. Abood last six years. I was also previously appointed to the Civil Service success. Particularly in regards to persistence and completion. We also Occupation: Attorney by Governor Granholm. I am attorney, licensed in the State of need to continue to look a non traditional forward looking education- Email: [email protected] Michigan for the last 30 years. I have my own private practice lo- al environments and tools especially in light of the current pandem- Facebook: Andrew P. Abood cated in East Lansing. I attended and graduated from JW Sexton, ic. Our online tutoring has been a success and we need to push for Education: JW Sexton (1983) Michigan State University and Cooley Law School. I am a life long reduced costs associated with books for the classes. The community MSU (1987). Cooley Law School student of Lansing Community College. I have raised four chil- college role is an important step for Lansing and the districts student (1990). Also have attended LCC dren who all have graduated from college (Colorado, MSU and to get from point A to point B without going into a mountain of debt. Phone: Office 517-332-5900 U of M) and understand the importance of a quality education The college is an economic engine that partners with business to pro- Address: I live in Lansing and at fair price. I am a lifelong resident of Lansing and have been in- vide professional development, and we offer continuing education work in East Lansing at the Abood Law Firm. volved in numerous community service programs and continue and development for our residents. My vision for LCC is to continue on to give back to a community that has been so generous with me. our current trajectory of success but our double down on issues like development education and the importance of successful outcomes for our minority student body. As a former LCC student, a small business owner, a nurse, a I would like to see true shared governance at LCC. I believe getting Kimberly Kaye Azima mother, a grandmother, and a person with a husband who has everyone (faculty, staff, students, administrators, and board members) Occupation: Retired been a professor at LCC for over forty years, I bring to the table involved, rather than a top down model of governance, would help to Email: kimberly.kaye.azima@ a broad range of viewpoints, as well as an understanding of the promote student learning and student success. A community college comcast.net workings of the college. should be responsive to the needs of its diverse student population, Facebook: Kimberly Kaye Azima by being a place for everyone to learn and grow, no matter what their for LCC Trustee age, who they are, their background, and so on. The success of every Education: Nursing Degree student, whatever a student considers their success (be it mastering from LCC, Phlebotomy Certifi- a skill, achieving a certificate, earning a degree, transferring to a four- cate. Cosmetology License year institution, or just personal growth), is my highest priority. Phone: 517-281-2825 Address: 1132 Woodwind Trail Haslett, MI 48840 I’m from lansing and still live in lansing. I graduated from lan- I would like to see LCC raise awareness in the local school districts Gregory Sinicropi sing eastern My children Have attended lansing schools since to help grow enrollment. I would like to put a spotlight on LCC and it’s Occupation: Restauranteur kindergarten and are currently going to everett high school. My many wonderful programs. I see my role as a business person who can Email: [email protected] father has dedicated his Entire professional life to education and provide that insight into budgeting and spending. My first priory is Facebook: @sinicropiforL- is currently the superintendent of Lansing schools. I have been to get in and learn everything I can about the structure of the school, CC2020 in business for 22 years. I started with Kroger and was in retail the professors and the students and see how I help . I believe in open Education: Bachelors in management for almost 8 years and have been self employed dialogue and communication and I think I will do all I can to provide a business administration from with restaurants now for almost 15 years. I own Crossroads Grill fresh set of eyes on the problems we face in 2020 and beyond. western Michigan University and bar in leslie and I am co owner of arts pub in Lansing. I bring Phone: 517-282-0950 a business background with expertise in operations and have grown up in the education field. I know the struggles and have lots of resources to help me learn the processes I need to learn to help LCC. 32 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • September 30, 2020 2020 Election Preview vote in person or absentee thru nov. 3

Lansing Community College Board of Trustees- Term: 6-years • Non-Partisan • Candidates: Choose 2 Continued: Lansing Community College is Question 2 directed and governed by a Board of Trustees, Question 1 consisting of seven members, elected at large in What is your vision for LCC? What do you What special qualities do you bring to the see as the role of the community college? the community college district on a nonpartisan Lansing Community College Board? basis. What are your priorities? Resident of Greater Lansing area since 1967 with consider- LCC has been one of the most notable community institutions and Howard T. Spence able community contacts, and activism; 30+ years of exec man- community assets since its inception. It already provides a multitude Occupation: Attorney - Arbitra- agement state of Michigan in depts of corrections, commerce of education and training opportunities for a wide range of commu- tor -College Instructor - State of (public svc commission, insurance bureau, and occupational nity players - including young people who want to get education or Michigan Retiree (State Exec - licensing); experience in human resource management, organi- training experience to begin their post secondary education, to learn Licensing Exec - Ad Law Judge) zational development and team building; legal counseling and a skill or trade, or to explore and mature in both knowledge and expe- Email: [email protected] litigation experience representing both management and em- rience and ability. LCC also offers businesses training and special as- Website: howardspen- ployees in the state civil service and courts; strong people skills sistance for their growth and employee development. Individuals can ce4lcctrustee.com/ to respect and consider needs and issues affecting ALL area res- "self-actualize" by developing interests in the arts and sciences. I am idents; a love, passion and experience in advocating and imple- Facebook: facebook.com/how- happy with what LCC has been able to accomplish thus far. As a Board menting diversity/inclusion; 3 terms elected Eaton County Com- ard.spence.921/ missioner representing Delta Township; Active in Mich state bar, member, my priorities would include working with a new and incom- Education: BA Honors College Mich State U; MBA professional organizations and nonprofit community programs; ing president and COO to continue well established programs and to MSU; MS MSU; MLIR MSU; JD Univ of Mich Law member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc; experience and train- identify needed new education trends and programs to offer to the School; MPA U Mich ing in public policy, strategic planning and org oversight; a Life- community during what could be turbulent and challenging times. Phone: 517-321-8775 long strong enthusiasm for self-advancement through continu- "I believe that Education is a great equalizer." Address: 1637 Willow Creek Dr., Lansing, MI ing education. 48917 Becoming a Lansing Community College Trustee, I will bring My vision for Lansing Community College is to see students contin- LaShunda Thomas previous board experience, along with first hand experience. ue to experience success and be well equipped to enter a world unlike Occupation: State of Michigan Lansing Community College enabled me to begin my education anything we have seen in the past. That means addressing the needs Email: [email protected] as a single mother of five. I have also counseled many students of students in the classroom as well as outside. I want to empower our Facebook: Citizens To Elect and their parents, allowing me to be the bridge builder between student body to be the world shapers I know they can be, through rig- LaShunda Thomas faculty and students from many educational institutions. Being a orous academic standards geared to an ever changing social and cul- Education: Bachelors of Science mother, mentor, community activist, and a youth advocate, has tural climate. My priority would be safety for all students, faculty, staff, Publication Administration/ allowed me insight on real issues that our communities face. It and Administration. Preparing everyone to return to a safe campus, Community Development. has allowed me the opportunity to form a relationship with stu- assuring each individual that Lansing Community College has their Student-Masters Social dents, parents, and faculty within the greater Lansing area. safety in mind. My priority will also be to ensure that quality educa- Work tion continues even during the pandemic. Everyone deserves to have Phone: 616-951-1847 confidence that LCC is providing a safe place to continue the awesome Address: 1615 N. Waverly Rd work that is already being done. Lansing, MI 48917

Ingham County Commissioner- Term: 2 years • Partisan • Candidates: Choose One The Board of Commissioners is the 1. Please describe your 3. Of the many environmental policy-making body for county gov- qualifications and 2. What are the priority issues facing our 4. Do you see the role of the ernment, with broad budget powers experiences and explain issues facing the Ingham world, which do you think county health department to provide public services. The board County Board of Commissioners may create boards and commissions, why you are running for the In- are most urgent locally? How do changing as a result of our gham County Board of Commis- and how would you address you see county experiences with make appointments for administra- them if elected? tive positions, buy and sell land for sioners. government helping to solve COVID-19? county use, build facilities, borrow them? money and equalize property tax assessments. They set the salaries for most county employees.

20 years as a County Commis- The first priority is the impact Ingham County has always been The Ingham County Health DISTRICT 1 sioner, Chairperson of the BOC 2004, from the COVID-19 pandemic. Mak- a steward on being environmentally Department has been a leader Victor G. Celentino 2006, 2014, 2018 (partial). Member ing sure we are doing all we can aware. Global warming is an issue throughout our state when re- of the Law and Courts and County to ensure our employees and our facing our country. Ingham Coun- sponding to the COVID-19 pandem- DEM Services Committees. Capital Re- citizens of are safe and healthy. We ty has always established "green" ic. Our County Health Officer Linda Occupation: gion International Airport Authority have taken many proactive steps policies for building projects to the Vail, has exhibited exceptional lead- Special Education Board; member of NAACP; Italian when responding (declaring local extent possible. Our committee ership with her proactive approach Teacher American Club of Lansing; St. Gerard state of emergency; activating our process has always tried to identify when this first started. The results of Email: victorcelen- Catholic Church. Former Lansing EOC, working with officials and oth- any environmental concerns within our policies has kept the numbers tino8201@comcast. Township Trustee (1992-2000). Pres- ers within the region, making sure our country structure and looking at a minimal, however, we are very ently a Special Education teacher at our employees finances are not dis- at possible solution, for example saddened for those who have lost net Sexton High School with the Lansing ruptive, keeping businesses aware going 'green' on building projects their lives from this virus and our Website: vote- School District. I am running for re- of the stimulus money flowing into as I mentioned, or any other envi- thoughts and prayers goes out to celentino.com election because my years of experi- the region their continued oper- ronmental policy which would ben- their families and loved ones. As a Education: Diploma: Waverly High ence is needed in these challenging ations.etc.). The second priority is efit. Also, our Health department result of the the policies, our hospi- School; AD, LCC; BA, Olivet College; times. I've been involved with many to closely monitor the financial im- does an exceptional job monitoring tals have not been overburden and MA Western Michigan University. issues during my tenure ranging pact this will have on our finances lead levels in our water, which is an they have been able to handle the Phone: 517-285-9049 from infrastructure, recreational for the continuation of the FY 2020 environmental concern for our com- crisis. We are very grateful for the Address: 1029 Andrus Ave., Lansing, opportunities, and regionalism. In and when preparing for the 2021 FY munity. many health care workers who risk MI 48917 2020, Waverly Road from Old Lan- budget. Being prudent in any addi- their lives taking care of us. We will sing Rd to St. Joe street along with tional spending right now is being continue to work toward keeping MDOT's project on the interchange, practiced by the Board. My third our citizens healthy and safe during will be resurface and restructured. priority is the continuation monitor- this pandemic crisis. Ingham County I would like to monitor this import- ing the completion of the Waverly has been a strong and steady leader ant project which I've been involved Road/MDOT infrastructure project, throughout this crisis. with and benefits all the citizens of which has already began this spring. our region. I would like to continue to offer positive and responsible progressive leadership.

Kathy Prout - REP Candidate did not respond. Candidate did not respond. Candidate did not respond. Candidate did not respond. Email: [email protected] Phone: 517-372-3549 City Pulse • September 30, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 33 2020 Election Preview vote in person or absentee thru nov. 3

Ingham County Commissioner (continued) - Term: 2 years • Partisan • Candidates: Choose One The Board of Commissioners is the 1. Please describe your 3. Of the many environmental policy-making body for county gov- qualifications and 2. What are the priority issues facing our 4. Do you see the role of the ernment, with broad budget powers experiences and explain issues facing the Ingham world, which do you think county health department to provide public services. The board County Board of Commissioners may create boards and commissions, why you are running for the In- are most urgent locally? How do changing as a result of our gham County Board of Commis- and how would you address you see county experiences with make appointments for administra- them if elected? tive positions, buy and sell land for sioners. government helping to solve COVID-19? county use, build facilities, borrow them? money and equalize property tax assessments. They set the salaries for most county employees. I am currently serving in my sec- The biggest issue that will now There are many environmental For the foreseeable future, there DISTRICT 2 ond term as County Commissioner. face Ingham County will be our issues that we can focus on locally, will be increased demands on the Ryan Sebolt - DEM I also have more than a decade of ability to continue to provide the from preserving green space to in- Ingham County Health Department. Occupation: Gov- experience working in the legisla- quality services our residents rely creased use of renewable energy to We are very fortunate to have such a ernment Relations, ture, and through that, working with on while dealing with the antici- addressing traffic and urbansprawl. proactive health department whose various levels of government. Prior pated budget shortfall due to the I think the most important role the efforts have really helped to curb the Labor to being elected to office, I also was COVID-19 pandemic. county can play in addressing envi- spread of COVID-19 and flatten the Email: rsebolt@ on the boards of Suits and the City ronmental concerns is to serve as a curve. The health department will gmail.com (an LGBTQ professional networking regional coordinator. As a coordina- have a continued need to do con- Website: votery- group) and Michigan Pride (which tor, the county can help align efforts tract tracing, especially as we start ansebolt.com/ hosts the LGBTQ Pride Festival in between larger entities like Lansing to re-engage sectors of the econo- Facebook: face- Lansing each year). I am seeking re- and East Lansing, while also provid- my. There will be a need to contin- book.com/ election because I believe strongly ing assistance to smal ler townships ue to inform the public, including voteryansebolt/ in the work done by county govern- in developing their plans. vulnerable and marginalized pop- Education: B.A., Albion College 2005 ment. We provide critical services ulations on health and safety mea- that improve the lives of the resi- sures to prevent the spread of the Phone: 517-927-3917 dents of Ingham County. virus. There will also be the need to Address: 1555 N Genesee Dr inspect and enforce safety standards Lansing, MI 48915 at workplaces across the county. Peter S. Hudy REP Candidate did not respond. Candidate did not respond. Candidate did not respond. Candidate did not respond. Email: [email protected] Phone: 517-927-6682 DISTRICT 3 Derrell E. Slaughter - DEM Candidate did not respond. Candidate did not respond. Candidate did not respond. Candidate did not respond. Email: slaughterforlansing@gmail. com Phone: 517-295-1012

I am a Precinct Delegate, Volun- My Priority is to cut wasteful COVID-19 is our most important All I see changed is more testing Beverly K. Hansen teer for MIGOP by making phone spending & consolidate some of the issue at this time. Our County Health because we have advanced since REP calls, Mid Michigan Womens' Repub- County positions. Fix roads. Dept. is doing its job to make sure February. I also feel that spit would Occupation: Re- lican Club officer, Ingham County citizens are aware of what needs to help out instead of sticking swabs tired from MI Dept. Republican Party, top volunteer of be done as far as testing. up the nose. That would include the the County for 2020. I worked for individuals active germs present Treasury the Michigan Dept. of Treasury for in their systems. I also feel wearing Email: bkhansen4@ 32 years and am retired. I worked masks in public is important to keep aol.com in Kalamazoo Office for 16 of those the germs from spreading. Education: Grad- years and answered phones, helped uate of Parsons customers that came to office for Business School(now Davenport assistance and called delinquent College. General Business Course taxpayers, did tax returns, banking (acct. & bus.) reconciliation, filing and helped Phone: 517-708-7485 wherever needed. In Lansing I worked in Receipts Processing for 16 Address: 4811 Ora Street years and helped process funds from different departments and made sure that everything was balanced before sending out. Traced checks that were not credited. I have served as a County Commis- Our priorities have varied of the Ingham County has been fortunate Ingham County has been fortu- DISTRICT 4 sioner since September 7, 2013. I was years. Currently our priority is fight- to have a Health Officer who has been nate to have a Health Officer who Bryan L. Crenshaw appointment to complete the term ing the COVID-19 pandemic and working 24/7 to ensure the impact of has been working 24/7 to ensure for my predecessor who resigned for how this will impact our budget. COVID-19 has been as minimal as pos- the impact of COVID-19 has been - DEM other opportunities. Since joining the We will have to look at all aspects of sible. While we have had 793 confirmed as minimal as possible. While we Occupation: Atten- Board, I have been active in all delib- the budget and may have to make cases and 29 deaths, our Health Care have had 793 confirmed cases and dance Specialist, erations that have come before us. I some tough decisions on continuing Officer has worked to ensure our health 29 deaths, our Health Care Officer Lansing School have served as the Chair of the Law & or cutting programs. Each decision systems are able to deal the number has worked to ensure our health District Courts Committee in 2016 and 2018 will impact at least one resident. We of individuals who required hospital- systems are able to deal the the and have served as Chairperson of have to work to ensure this impact is izations/quarantined. This has helped number of individuals who required Email: bryanlcren- mitigate the spread by helping iden- [email protected] the Board for 2019 and 2020. I have minimal and does not risk the health hospitalizations/quarantined. This also served on the County Services and prosperity of our residents. tify where COVID-19 is prevalent. The has helped mitigate the spread by Education: Asso- and Finance Committee's. I want to county health department will still be helping identify where COVID-19 is ciates Degree in continue the work the Board has es- the leading charge in addressing public prevalent. Business, (Major Criminal Justice) tablished in improving the quality health issues, but the delivery maybe Lansing Community College 1996 of life for Ingham County residents. slightly different. More screenings be- Phone: 517-256-6573 As we have faced the impacts of fore individuals enter the facilities, out- Address: 213 E. Harris St.,Lansing, COVID-19, it is important to have reach to individuals who may exhibit MI 48906 someone serving who understand symptoms of COVID-19 and a response how the Board works and our bud- that will hopefully mitigate the spread get, as we will have to make some of the disease are all things the county tough decisions in the years to come. health department may move towards as we move forward. Jennifer L. Smith - REP Candidate did not respond. Candidate did not respond. Candidate did not respond. Candidate did not respond. Email: [email protected] Phone: 517-484-0202 34 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • September 30, 2020 2020 Election Preview vote in person or absentee thru nov. 3

Ingham County Commissioner (continued) - Term: 2 years • Partisan • Candidates: Choose One The Board of Commissioners is the 1. Please describe your 3. Of the many environmental policy-making body for county gov- qualifications and 2. What are the priority issues facing our 4. Do you see the role of the ernment, with broad budget powers experiences and explain issues facing the Ingham world, which do you think county health department to provide public services. The board County Board of Commissioners may create boards and commissions, why you are running for the In- are most urgent locally? How do changing as a result of our gham County Board of Commis- and how would you address you see county experiences with make appointments for administra- them if elected? tive positions, buy and sell land for sioners. government helping to solve COVID-19? county use, build facilities, borrow them? money and equalize property tax assessments. They set the salaries for most county employees. The focus of my career has been We are in the midst of a pandem- Our climate is changing, and hu- The role of many of our depart- DISTRICT 5 representing working people and ic where our county health depart- man activity is responsible for it. ments will change due to COVID-19, Todd Tennis - DEM charitable organizations as a lobby- ment and the Ingham Community Without action, the impact of this but obviously none will be more im- Occupation: Lob- ist in Lansing. For the last 25 years, I Health Centers are at the center change, which is already affecting pacted than our health department. byist have represented bus drivers, elec- of the response. We are facing a people around the world, will only Our health department leaders and trical workers, utility workers, school long-overdue reckoning with the get worse here in Ingham County. staff are already doing tremendous Email: ttennis@cap- employees, and a number of other systemic racism that has plagued At the county level, we have encour- work expanding access to testing itolservices.org organizations aimed at making an our nation and our community for aged more locally grown food by al- and in doing the follow-up work to Facebook: face- unfair world a little fairer. After being generations. We have already en- lowing more backyard agriculture. lessen the spread of this disease. As book.com/toddn- first elected to the Ingham County gaged our health department in We have also created a database medical treatments and vaccines tennis Commission in 2006, I have tried to testing and contact tracing to help of hazardous materials storage so become available, our health de- Education: Waverly be a strong voice at the county level identify and prevent the spread as to more quickly respond to spills partment will be at the forefront of High School. University of Michigan, for the residents of southesast Lan- of COVID-19, and our community or other accidents and prevent the dispensing medicines to the sick Bachelors Degree sing. I have been able to chair the health centers have implemented spread of contamination. and providing vaccinations to the Phone: 517-202-2303 Human Services committee on mul- policies to ensure that our residents healthy. We will also have an in- tiple occasions where I have led the can continue to receive primary creased burden to our mental health Address: 1924 Fairmont Street charge to enhance the availability of care without spreading the disease and substance abuse services due to Lansing, MI 48911 primary helath care services for Ing- further. We will take a close look the way this disease – and the quar- ham County residents. at our own policing operations to antines – have affected so many of make sure that we are not asking our Ingham County residents. law enforcement to perform tasks better suited to social workers and mental health specialists. I plan to- participate in our efforts to address racism as a public health crisis and point out repeatedly the stress and pain racism places on our communities of color – and find ways to address systemic racism in our institutions. David N. Robinson REP Candidate did not respond. Candidate did not respond. Candidate did not respond. Candidate did not respond. Email: [email protected] Phone: 862-220-8720

I have always been a believer With the Covid-19 pandemic Climate change is a growing issue It has to change. We need to fo- DISTRICT 6 of giving back to my community. we need to make sure that we are that we need to focus on the local cus on the investment of our health Brandon D. Currin From an early age, I began working spending and investing money in level. Ingham County has always in- system. I am proud of what Ingham with the Give-a-Kid Projects and the right areas. I want to make sure vested in our parks and green spac- County has done so far and we DEM from there my love of community that we are focusing on the most es and we need to continue to do need to ensure that we invest in Occupation: as grown. As a teacher, I see every- important aspects of the county. this. I am proud of the work of our way to help with testing and tracing Teacher day the benefits of our great county We need to continue to invest in the trail system which help connects all COVID-19 to make sure it does not Email: currinbr@ and believe that we need to invest health of the community. In addi- areas of the county and would like spread and expand in our communi- gmail.com in our future. As a teacher, I see the tion, I want to make sure this county to see those paths expanded. I live ty. We have done a great job so far Education: B.A. struggles families in Ingham Coun- remains a place people want to live. in the more rural part of the county we need to keep that work going. ty go through. I see what is needed We need to look at ways to continue we need to look at ways to invest Michigan State and want to give a voice to and fight the investment in to programs and and expand access to public trans- University for all residents. We need to ensure attributes that make people want portation to help with this connec- Phone: 517-604-1821 that Ingham County is a destination to call Ingham County home. I also tion. Address: 66 Lilac Lane region to our state so families can want to focus on our roads. While Mason, MI 48854 grow and prosper. touring my district I see the cracks, the potholes, the weeds growing in the roads. We need to make sure this is a continued focus on the county.

Professional Employment Experi- 1) The budget as a result of the I believe the most important en- I see the role changing to be a Randy Maiville - ence - Engineer Eaton Aeroquip 32 COVID Pandemic. The county was vironmental issue locally is ground- more visible one to the community REP Years, Local Government Experience just starting to feel relief from the water. Once an aquifer or ground- and public. Our Health Department Occupation: Engi- - Ingham County Commissioner, Dis- 2008 recession. COVID has impact- water is compromised or polluted has been recognized nationally and neer trict 6, 2013-Present (elected incum- ed our budget for 2020 and will im- it cannot be easily mediated. I have is led by a world class Health Officer. bent); Onondaga Township Super- pact 2021 significantly. This needs supported a revisit to a groundwa- As a commissioner my colleagues Email: randymaiv- visor 2004-2011; Onondaga Trustee, to be addressed while we continue ter study performed in the 1970’s and myself supported our Health [email protected] 1996 - 2004; Onondaga Planning the effort to address underfunded to have it updated and reviewed Department and our Health Officer Education: Univer- Commission 1990-2004 Why am I retirement costs while maintaining again. I have assisted a Health De- through this experience. As an ex- sity of Michigan, running? I wish to continue to serve the promises that were previously partment retiree who has taken this ample, our Health Officer worked BS Aerospace Engi- the people of my district and Ing- made to county employees. This can on personally. Ingham County does extensively over a weekend early neering, BS Mechanical Engineering, ham County. I have the most experi- be done by careful review annually have several polluted groundwater in the evolution to limit capacity in Leslie High School ence as an incumbent and previous and trying to exceed the minimum sites. The County Government can public places due to social distanc- Phone: 517-202-4919 township official. I continue to be a payments the state recommends help by support efforts to monitor ing issues in the area. Health Depart- voice for the out-county areas and when possible. 2) Complete the and minimize impact. For example, ment was initially providing media not special interests. As a previous new Justice Complex and leverage this can be done through support- updates 2 times a week and now local elected official, I was outspo- the efficiencies it should create for ing our Health Department‘s Envi- once in transparent Zoom meeting ken with mattersat the county level. staffing and supporting areas that ronmental Health sanitary efforts to allow the media to engage and I was asked to run by incumbents have been in shortfall due to past and the Drain Commission office to question to support the media mes- recognizing my work as a township budgeting. 3) Carefully review the reduce the movement of some of sage to the public. official. number of millages the county has the known polluted plumes. and only renew those as necessary. 4) Have regionalism be winwin and benefit multiple agencies or the entire tricounty area, not just one entity at the expense of taxpayer’s money and lack of critical services. Regionalism has often benefited one or two municipalities. City Pulse • September 30, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 35 2020 Election Preview vote in person or absentee thru nov. 3

I have always been a believer With the Covid-19 pandemic Climate change is a growing issue It has to change. We need to fo- DISTRICT 7 of giving back to my community. we need to make sure that we are that we need to focus on the local cus on the investment of our health Chris Trubac - DEM From an early age, I began working spending and investing money in level. Ingham County has always in- system. I am proud of what Ingham Occupation: Legis- with the Give-a-Kid Projects and the right areas. I want to make sure vested in our parks and green spac- County has done so far and we lative Aide from there my love of community that we are focusing on the most es and we need to continue to do need to ensure that we invest in as grown. As a teacher, I see every- important aspects of the county. this. I am proud of the work of our way to help with testing and trac- Email: chris- day the benefits of our great county We need to continue to invest in the trail system which help connects all ing COVID-19 to make sure it does [email protected] and believe that we need to invest health of the community. In addi- areas of the county and would like not spread and expand in our com- Website: chris- in our future. As a teacher, I see the tion, I want to make sure this county to see those paths expanded. I live munity. We have done a great job trubac.com struggles families in Ingham Coun- remains a place people want to live. in the more rural part of the county so far we need to keep that work Facebook: ty go through. I see what is needed We need to look at ways to continue we need to look at ways to invest going. facebook.com/ and want to give a voice to and fight the investment in to programs and and expand access to public trans- christrubac for all residents. We need to ensure attributes that make people want portation to help with this connec- Education: B.S. Conservation of that Ingham County is a destination to call Ingham County home. I also tion. Natural Resources - University of region to our state so families can want to focus on our roads. While grow and prosper. touring my district I see the cracks, Massachusetts, Amherst the potholes, the weeds growing in Phone: 517-643-1418 the roads. We need to make sure this Address: 2192 Cedar St, is a continued focus on the county. Holt, MI 48842 David A. Webber REP Candidate did not respond. Candidate did not respond. Candidate did not respond. Candidate did not respond. Email: davidaldenwebber77@gmail. com Phone: 616-834-3628

I was first elected to the Board of At this writing, we face an unprec- Michigan law gives counties only Yes . Public health has suddenly DISTRICT 8 Commissioners in 1976, and have edented fiscal and humanitarian specific powers, and our role in en- changed from being a complete Mark Grebner served, with two four-year gaps, ever catastrophe. Obviously the only im- vironmental issues is very limited. conversation stopper to being al- since. During those 44 years, I have mediate priority is to get the County Unlike many counties, Ingham does most the only thing people talk DEM been chose Chairperson of the Board through the present disaster with as not have any zoning or planning about. When the present crisis is Occupation: Politi- four times, and have served as chair little damage to the public's welfare powers. We support the Conserva- resolved, or at least controlled, I cal Consultant of each of the standing committees and long-term interests as we can. tion district with a modest appropri- think public awareness and support Email: mark.greb- at one time or another. Because of Once things settle down, we can ation, and we have a small millage will remain high for many years to [email protected] the high turnover on the Ingham return to the quieter concerns we to purchase development rights to come. In that climate, it should be Education: B.A. Board, most of our members think have temporarily put aside. County preserve farmland and open space. feasible to enlist public support for of 2010 as belonging to the misty government in Michigan has long The Drain Commissioner has reori- stronger programs to protect the Michigan State past, let along 2000, 1990, or 1980. faced large financial problems due ented his office's work to make en- public and prepare for future dis- University, 1981. On many topics, I am the only per- to our eroding tax base and the hos- vironmental protection the princi- ruptions. Ingham County has long J.D. Uni son with a working understanding tility of the Republican legislature to pal focus, making actual "drainage" treated our health department as Phone: 517-416-3419 of how our policies were originally any loosening of restrictions on the almost a secondary consideration. a priority, and funded it at a much Address: 615 Glenmoor created, or the circumstances that taxing powers of local government. My own role and interest in these higher level than neighboring Rd, #1B, East Lansing MI 48823 led to them. As I wrap up my tenure Ingham County's response has been matters has been limited. I am an counties have funded theirs. The - I have already announced that I do to repeatedly ask the public for au- environmentalist by orientation, experience of the past few months not expect to serve beyond 2036 - I thority to levy special property tax- but environmental issues aren't at insures that no one will success- find myself increasingly focusing on es to support specific functions: 9-1- the top of my priority list. fully propose to reduce funding. It protecting and strengthening the 1, the Zoo, the libraries, a new jail, seems likely that this new level of institutional safeguards against im- juvenile justice, and so on. The pub- public support will spill over into prudent budgeting, nepotism, petty lic isn't overtaxed, but we are prob- support for other programs of the graft, and the like. I believe my con- ably getting close to the maximum health department, including our tinued presence on the Board serves that's reasonable to tax real estate. medical and dental clinics, regu- to provide stability and perspective. Shifting 9-1-1 funding toward a sur- lation of rural septic systems, and charge on telephones was a small immunization. step in the right direction. Virgina Werner REP Candidate did not respond. Candidate did not respond. Candidate did not respond. Candidate did not respond. Email: electvirginiawerner@gmail. com Phone: 517-648-1016 36 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • September 30, 2020 2020 Election Preview vote in person or absentee thru nov. 3

Ingham County Commissioner (continued) - Term: 2 years • Partisan • Candidates: Choose One The Board of Commissioners is the 1. Please describe your 2. What are the priority 3. Of the many environmental 4. Do you see the role of the policy-making body for county gov- qualifications and issues facing the Ingham issues facing our county health department ernment, with broad budget powers experiences and explain County Board of Commissioners world, which do you think changing as a result of our to provide public services. The board may create boards and commissions, why you are running for the In- and how would you address are most urgent locally? How do experiences with make appointments for administra- gham County Board of Commis- them if elected? you see county COVID-19? tive positions, buy and sell land for sioners. government helping to solve county use, build facilities, borrow them? money and equalize property tax assessments. They set the salaries for most county employees. I am currently the President of the Ingham County, like many local Whether we are talking about Right now, the Ingham Coun- DISTRICT 9 East Lansing Board of Education and units of government, is facing sig- climate change, or about PFAS or ty Health Department is leading Erin Graham - DEM have served on that Board for the nificant budget shortfalls that have lead in the water, we need to think the charge locally to battle the Occupation: past five years. In my time on the been exacerbated by COVID-19. and act on the principles of climate COVID-19 pandemic, a monumen- Assistant Professor, Board, we have implemented men- These budget shortfalls are happen- justice and environmental justice. tal effort to keep us all safe. For as tal health programming, approved ing at exactly the same time that Minoritized communities are dis- long as we are dealing with this Department of inclusive sex education curriculum, people are experiencing increased proportionately impacted by en- pandemic, the Health Department History, Michigan reduced racial disparities in disci- trauma, unemployment, and threats vironmental pollutants, and we will need to be actively involved State University pline, advocated for students’ rights to their health and safety. This is a must reverse the histories of active in contact tracing and in commu- Email: erin@voteer- at the state and federal level, built complex and challening set of cir- government disinvestment in these nicating important information ingraham.com new schools for the next genera- cumstances that my background communities. Corporations need about the pandemic to the pub- Website: voteerin- tion of students, settled multi-year and experience will help navigate to be held accountable for pollut- lic. It will also be crucial that the graham.com contracts with educators, hired new alongside other commissioners. It ing the environment that we live Health Department continue to Facebook: facebook.com/ leadership, and created a shared is critical that we work collabora- and breathe in every day. We must provide the healthcare services, voteeringraham vision for the district that includes tively to solve the budgetary issues protect our futures and our chil- programming, and resources that inspiring, challenging, and equitable in order to continue to deliver the dren’s futures by bravely facing the residents rely on everyday: Ingham Education: PhD, Latin American educational opportunities for all stu- quality services that Ingham County science and investing the resourc- Community Health Centers, immu- History, University of Houston dents. I also teach History, Women’s residents depend on: health and hu- es necessary to protect all Ingham nizations, WIC, maternal and infant Address: 622 Beech St. Studies, and Chicano/Latino Studies man services, parks and trails, hous- County residents’ health. health, health equity equity and East Lansing, MI 48823 courses at MSU and have completed ing, infrastructure, and more. social justice, and environmental the City of East Lansing’s Emerging health initiatives, among others. As Leaders course to learn more about a Commissioner, I will work hard to municipal government. I am running make sure that the Ingham Coun- for this position because I believe ty Health Department has the re- that residents deserve a commis- sources needed to help residents sioner who brings the experience lead safe and healthy lives. and expertise needed to strongly advocate for the community. Crystal M. Grantham - REP Candidate did not respond. Candidate did not respond. Candidate did not respond. Candidate did not respond. Email: crystalgrantham2014@gmail. com Phone: 409-300-0097

I am a licensed Engineer in Mich- Top priority is to stop the spread As we develop the region we I see the county health depart- DISTRICT 10 igan with 35 years of design, con- of Covid-19 in Ingham Co., by re- need to minimize the negative ef- ment working with other county Robert Orlando struction, and material testing expe- viewing practices that worked and fects of construction on the water- departments to contain the virus. rience. I am iinvolved with housing didn''t and comparing this with oth- shed. My experience with surface They could work closer with the Pena - DEM and feeding initiatives. I was a board er local gov'ts will help to control water engineering firms will help sheriff's department to enforce safe Occupation: Civil member of the Lansing Habitat for the virus. Covid -19 testing needs to me make good decisions on policies practices and mitigating measures Engineer PE Humanity. I am a supporter of the be monitored and reported to the relating to storm runoff. We need to against the spread of Covid-19. For Email: penar@ Lansing Area Aids Network, and the public. Intolerance of certain social further develop our wind and solar example, this could include check michigan.gov Greater Lansing Area Food Bank. I groups. I would encourage accep- power generating capabilities so points were travelers are ques- tioned about where they are going Facebook: Bob am a current member of the Capital tance and inclusion of diversity of that we can reduce our fossil fuel Area Food Council. I am a supporter all peaceful racial, cultural, sexual, use. The Lansing Area is fortunate to to and coming from. Who they had Pena for Ingham of the League of Michigan Bicyclists, and religious groups in our com- have public utilities. Not privatizing contact with and the purpose of the County and a member of the Tri -County Bi- munity.Substandard housing will them is a means to maintain afford- trip. This was effective in Malasia, Education: BSCE cyclist Association, and the Lansing be addressed by working with ex- able energy. The commission can and Singapore. Trips for pharma- UT Austin. MSCE Michigan State Bike Party. I am a Chicano Advisory isting organizations. I will work with help in the development of sustain- ceuticals, banking, groceries, and Phone: 517-256-2671 Committee member and an Earl Greater Lansing Food Bank, Allen able plans for the long term. other high importance trips would Address: 2100 Vine Street Nelson Singer. I am a UMVIM United Neighborhood Center, and other or- be considered essential. These Methodist Volunteers In Mission whi ganizations to improve healrhy food checkpoints could be at neighbor- ch includes construction of schools access for all. I will work on promot- hoods and county lines. A public and orphanages in Belize, Mexico, ing bus, air, bicycle, road, and rail health official and a deputy would South Africa, Haiti, and Guatemala. facilities because optimum transit be at these check points gathering I served as the US representative of helps the economy grow. and recording data. Consequently, the Congress of Ibero-Latino Amer- the sheriff and county health de- icano Asfalto aka CILA. I am running partment could use this informa- for the Ingham because i have re- tion and testing information to per- sided here for 35 yrs. I will work for form contact tracing similar to what prosperity for all. I will collaborate was successfully done in Iceland. with leaders to ensure this. This would also help the sheriff's department develop better community relations. Kelly Christopherson Candidate did not respond. Candidate did not respond. Candidate did not respond. Candidate did not respond. REP Email: kellychristopherson@gmail. com Phone: 517-283-5825 City Pulse • September 30, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 37 2020 Election Preview vote in person or absentee thru nov. 3

Ingham County Commissioner (continued) - Term: 2 years • Partisan • Candidates: Choose One The Board of Commissioners is the 1. Please describe your 2. What are the priority 3. Of the many environmental 4. Do you see the role of the policy-making body for county gov- qualifications and issues facing the Ingham issues facing our county health department ernment, with broad budget powers experiences and explain County Board of Commissioners world, which do you think changing as a result of our to provide public services. The board may create boards and commissions, why you are running for the In- and how would you address are most urgent locally? How do experiences with make appointments for administra- gham County Board of Commis- them if elected? you see county COVID-19? tive positions, buy and sell land for sioners. government helping to solve county use, build facilities, borrow them? money and equalize property tax assessments. They set the salaries for most county employees. In my first term as County Com- The COVID-19 crisis has dramat- Locally, we need to find ways We have always had a strong DISTRICT 11 missioner, I focused on expanding ically changed the priority issues to switch to renewable energy. I central health department in In- Emily Stivers access to healthcare and mental facing the Board of Commission- have been a champion for energy gham County, and the COVID-19 healthcare in Ingham County, im- ers. In addition to roads, parks and efficiency, particularly in improve- crisis is showing us just how strong DEM proving our Parks and Trails, and in- trails, and access to healthcare, we ments to our buildings and parking our team is. I'm very proud of the Occupation: creasing funding for and efficiency now have serious budgetary con- lot lighting. Now it's time to think role the Health Department has Ingham County of our roadways. Although we made cerns brought on by income losses about investing in solar technolo- played in providing accurate and Commissioner significant progress on the first two related to the crisis, and we have gy to provide a significant percent- timely information, access to test- Email: estivers@ issues, particularly around the pas- to find ways to take care of our age of the County's energy needs, ing and health services, and lead- gmail.com sage of millage renewals for both, I workers while making necessary and save us money long-term with ership during this crisis. I don't see was not able to get through a roads budget cuts. In addition, we have smart investments now. that role changing. The Ingham Website: emilystiv- millage we desperately need. That's to make sure black communities County Health Department has ers.com the main reason I'm running for re- and other vulnerable populations been a strong leader and will con- Facebook: face- election: to finish what I wasn't able have the access to healthcare and tinue to lead. book.com/EmilyKStivers to accomplish in my first term, and education they need to survive this Education: MA, Public Policy, Ford see through the projects I helped crisis. These will be our top priorities School, UofM. BA, International Re- get started. In terms of my quali- in 2020-1, and possibly beyond, in lations, James Madison College, MSU fications, I have a master's degree addition to still-pressing concerns Phone: 202-534-8691 in Public Policy, have had a 20-year about roads and infrastructure. Address: 1010 Cliffdale Drive, career in nonprofit advocacy and communications focused on helping Haslett, MI 48840 the least-advantaged, and in my first term, served as Vice Chair of County Services and Chair of the Ethics Sub- committee. I currently serve as Vice Chair of Human Services. I hope voters will re-elect me so I can continue representing Meridian Township at the Paul Adams Lello REP Candidate did not respond. Candidate did not respond. Candidate did not respond. Candidate did not respond. Email: [email protected] Phone: 517-580-4305

I am completing my first term as As we deal with the short-term We need to continue our work The Ingham County Health De- DISTRICT 12 County Commissioner. With my past severe revenue declines from the cleaning up Brownfield sites. The partment has done an impressive Mark Polsdofer experience as Chairman of the Ing- pandemic, we need to continue to County Commission through the job handling this unprecedented ham County Brownfield Redevelop- look for opportunities to save mon- Brownfield Redevelopment Author- pandemic and keeping everyone DEM ment Authority, and am a member ey, while delivering needed services ity approves appropriate projects, informed. While I do not see their Occupation: and past Chairman of the Ingham to our residents. As a member of the which in turn helps provide the role fundamentally changing, I am Deputy State County Economic Development Finance Committee, I have already resources to restore these contami- certain that this experience will Transportation and Corporation Board of Directors , my requested each Department Direc- nated locations and put them back provide an opportunity to adjust Commission Policy colleagues asked my to continue to tor to show and prioritize what a into productive use. I have asked things into the future to better serve our citizens. The challenge Adviser- MDOT serve representing the Commission. 10% cut would look like. While we the Facilities Director for Ingham I have an extensive background with must deal with the revenue issues County to look at incorporating will be making immediate changes Email: polsdofer@ transportation issues, having served in the current and next fiscal year, electric vehicle charging stations while revenues are still not back to yahoo.com in a variety of roles at the Michigan we need t o also make decisions on county property. This issue/dis- usual levels. Website: facebook. Department of Transportation since that make our region attractive into cussion is ongoing, but it will help com/ 2008. In addition, I had the privilege the future for job retention and cre- us transition our region to support votemarkpolsdofer of working directly with Governor ation through continued support the mainstreaming of electric cars, Facebook: @votemarkpolsdofer Jennifer M. Granholm as Deputy Di- and expansion of non-motorized and help make us a draw for job Education: BA, Western Michigan U, rector of Legislative Affairs in 2010. I trails connection our communities creation in turn. I also support the 1994. Political Science, Minor in also serve on the the Board of Direc- and promoting inclusive and open drain projects under way. These im- International Business. MSU Law, tors for LEAP, the Lansing Economic policies for all people however they portant projects when finished will Area Partnership. I believe my back- identify themselves. help stop pollution in our rivers, and 1996-98. ground will allow me to continue curtail flooding problems as well. Phone: 734-604-0856 working effectively and vigorously Address: 1611 Wenonah as an advocate for the needs of Oke- Drive, Okemos, MI 48864. mos and our entire region.

I am a businessman and have ap- As a result of COVID-19, the most Recycling is a very important is- Due to the lessons we have Sam Frangie REP proximately 40 years of banking ex- important issue to me in our coun- sue as it greatly helps our county's learned from COVID-19, the coun- Occupation: Businessman perience. I am a former Delhi Town- ty is supporting the businesses and environment and beyond. I would ty's health department must be Email: [email protected] ship Trustee and an Ingham County their employees and to make sure like to see the county government prepared to respond to any future Education: Business Administration resident for 42 years. I believe I can they are financially sound. create new programs to expand re- health risks that may arise. Our coun- Phone: 517-347-9691 use my experience to benefit the cit- cycling access in public places. ty's health department should be Address: 2169 Woodfield Rd. izens of our county. selfsufficient and ready to deal with these unfortunate situations. 38 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • September 30, 2020 2020 Election Preview vote in person or absentee thru nov. 3

Ingham County Commissioner (continued) - Term: 2 years • Partisan • Candidates: Choose One The Board of Commissioners is the 1. Please describe your 2. What are the priority 3. Of the many environmental 4. Do you see the role of the policy-making body for county gov- qualifications and issues facing the Ingham issues facing our county health department ernment, with broad budget powers experiences and explain County Board of Commissioners world, which do you think changing as a result of our to provide public services. The board may create boards and commissions, why you are running for the In- and how would you address are most urgent locally? How do experiences with make appointments for administra- gham County Board of Commis- them if elected? you see county COVID-19? tive positions, buy and sell land for sioners. government helping to solve county use, build facilities, borrow them? money and equalize property tax assessments. They set the salaries for most county employees. I have served as a Commissioner A fair and just legal system that The first step is for people to take The Health Officer, Linda Vail, and DISTRICT 13 since 1984. My background includes focuses on "Best Practice". Address- responsibility for their own actions the Health Department has provid- Randy Schafer employment in: Agriculture, Busi- ing the substance abuse and addic- that have an immediate impact. The ed tremendous leadership during ness, Education, Construction and tions. Working with Foster Agencies, Ingham Conservation District pro- this time. She does not engage in REP Manufacturing. All these experienc- such as ST. Vincent Catholic Char- vides fantastic guidelines. Reduce, personal attacks or partisanship, Occupation: es contribute to an understand of ities to protect the children who Reuse, Recycle. Influence starts with but rather leads with knowledge, Retired Vocational the complexity of County Govern- are in need of a safe, loving, stable us and personal lifestyles. Examine courage and risk/benefit annalists. Education Teacher ment. I served on: Law Enforcement, place to call home. The Sheriff Dept. ones' own home and ways to pro- The Depar tment has earned re- Email: commscha- Human Services, Finance, Adminis- has decimated by budget cuts since tect the environment. The Ingham spect. The Board will listen carefully [email protected] trative Services, Fair Board, Tri-Coun- 2008 and taken the vast majority of Health Department Environmental and be able to make good deci- ty Regional Planning, Tri-County hits. Everyone should have a right Division is very active. Tri- Coun- sions. There are 14 Commissioners. Education: Pewa- Narcotics, Tri-County Office of Ag- for a response during a crises. Coun- ty Regional Planning works with All 14 have respect for the Depart- mo-Westphalia ing, Road Commission, Local Emer- ty Government is complex with Ground Water Management, Effi- ment and look forward to working High SchoolB.S. gency Planning, Vice-Chair Pro Tem, functions involving state, federal cient Transportation, PFAS, Efficient together to address the constantly and M.A. Michigan State University Township Association, Local Emer- and local units of government. The Energy Use and a host of other moving targets and balancing the Classes at. Lansing Community gency Planning; as well as many top priority must be cooperation functions that directly impact the consequences; while addressing Phone: 517-655-1325 sub-committees. Citizens for Scha- and elimination of the constant at environment. The County does not safety, mental health, economic im- Address: 4139 Meadowdale Drive fer is an "Under $1,000 Committee". tacks in government on each other. stand alone. It is very conscious of pacts and human misery caused by Williamston, MI 48895 This means I do not solicit Campaign The discussions must be on Fiscal the fact it must work with entities total shut downs. Donations or have Fund Raisers. The Responsibility, efficient and ethi- such as the Sierra Club; providing emphasis is on "serving the citizens" cal delivery of services. The County green space and reducing the foot- and running on my record. must have a balanced budget and print. It must continue to out-reach reserve fund for times such as these to other units of government and to remain stable and keep an AAA also receive input. Local Emergency Bond Rating. At times it is difficult Planning and the Health Dept. are for politicians to control spending, constantly working with the com- rather than keeping in mind the munity to protect the environment. long term consequences of deficit I strongly support these agencies spending. and the missions. DISTRICT 13 Robin Case Candidate did not respond. Candidate did not respond. Candidate did not respond. Candidate did not respond. Naeyaert REP Email: [email protected] Phone: 517-281-5845

30th Judicial Circuit Court - Non Incumbent - Term: 6-years • Non-Partisan • Candidates: Choose One The Ingham County Circuit Court is a court of general jurisdiction, hearing civil cases and controversies seeking damages in excess of $25,000, all felony criminal mat- Question 1 Question 2 Question 3 ters, and all family matters. Judges of the Please describe your What is your position regarding Do judges have an obligation Family Division have jurisdiction over cases qualifications and experience alternative courts to meet to improve public involving juvenile delinquents, abused and explain why you are running community needs? understanding of the courts? and neglected children, adoptions, name changes, emancipations, parental consent for the position. waivers and domestic relation matters. Practicing family law attorney for 6.5 years. Alternative courts play a vital role in serving Judges have an obligation to improve pub- Colline Cheltenham Specialized training in family law matters from our community and meeting the needs of the lic understanding of the courts. Success of Occupation: Family Law Institute of Continuing Legal Education. Train- community as a whole. There is evidence that the courts largely lands on the trust that the Attorney ing on abuse and neglect mat ter s f rom DHHS imposing traditional penalties (such as incar- community has within the judicial system. The Email: colline.chelten- and SCAO. Admissions to the State Bar of ceration and fines) alone for criminal activity is way to instill trust in the public is to educate [email protected] Michigan, United States Supreme Court, and expensive, and not very effective in reducing them on how the court functions, what is to Facebook: facebook.com/ Federal District Court for the Western District repeat offending. Alternative courts provide be expected, and logistics of how a case will CollineForJudge of Michigan. Family Law Section Member of another avenue to discourage criminal activ- run as well as the obligations of each "player" Education: BBA - North- the State Bar of Michigan and Ingham County ity, and to implement rehabilitative services, in the courtroom (the lawyers, bailiff, judges wood, University. J.D. - Bar Association. I am specifically trained and which has a significant impact on the reduc- and parties). When the public understands the immersed in cases related to divorce, custo- tion of repeat offending. In alternative courts, judicial process and the function of the court WMU Cooley Law School dy, parenting time, child support and handle offenders are assigned a team that might in- systems, it reduces barriers, and encourages Phone: 517-214-1905 many issues related to child abuse and ne- clude a probation officer, a social worker and a them to use the courts properly. Additionally, Address: 444 Tarleton Avenue glect; Judge Lawless's courtroom is divided drug counselor. The group addresses not only they will feel that the judicial system is more East Lansing, MI 48823 equally among these two areas of law. Family treatment needs, but also issues like housing, accessible to them. For vulnerable popula- law is my area of passion and compassion. I employment and family reunification. This tions this is especially important, because the am now seeking this particular judicial role in type of rehabilitative approach is shown to court system can appear intimidating and out family court which will allow me to focus this reduce repeat offending, and reduces criminal of reach for them. Breaking down these bar- passion and experience on the protection of activity in a community overall. riers begins with education and that process minor children, the rehabilitation of the in- rests largely on the judge's shoulders. dividuals in a family, and the reunification of children with their parents when appropriate. City Pulse • September 30, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 39 2020 Election Preview vote in person or absentee thru nov. 3

30th Judicial Circuit Court - Non Incumbent - Term: 6-years • Non-Partisan • Candidates: Choose One Continued: The Ingham County Circuit Court is a court of general jurisdiction, hearing civil cases and controversies seeking damages in excess of $25,000, all felony criminal Question 1 Question 2 Question 3 matters, and all family matters. Judges of the Please describe your What is your position regarding Do judges have an obligation Family Division have jurisdiction over cases qualifications and experience alternative courts to meet to improve public involving juvenile delinquents, abused and and explain why you are running community needs? understanding of the courts? neglected children, adoptions, name changes, emancipations, parental consent waivers for the position. and domestic relation matters. I received my undergraduate degree from I support alternative courts to meet the Absolutely! Courts are often looked at as a Morgan Elizabeth West Virginia University and juris doctor de- needs of the Ingham County community. place of negativity and conflict. However, with gree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. I am Michigan courts need to create and provide al- proper education and appropriate communi- Cole a member of the State Bar of Michigan and ternative solutions to issues in our community engagement - courts can improve public Occupation: Ingham the District of Columbia Bar. It is vital that our ties. The 30th Circuit Court currently operates misconceptions. Chief Justice Bridget Mary County Probate Register/ next circuit court judge understands how our the following alternative treatment courts: McCormack is a prime example of this effort. Court Administrator judicial system affects children and families. I Phoenix Court; Drug Court; Truancy Court; She has worked tirelessly to make the Michi- Email: morgan.cole1022@ assure you; I do. I have and continue to serve Sobriety Court; Swift and Sure Sanction; Vet- gan Supreme Court engaging and accessible. gmail.com the children and families of Ingham County erans Court; and Mental Health Court. These If elected Judge of the 30th Circuit Court Fam- Website: morgancolefor- in a Court/Quasi-Judicial Role, whether it be specialty courts are often used as an alterna- ily Division, I will make it a priority, along with as: a law clerk to the Honorable Rosemarie E. my colleagues, to enhance the public under- judge.com tive to incarceration. Trained personnel work Aquilina; Friend of the Court Conciliator; Chief directly with individuals/families in targeted standing, trust and confidence in the Michi- Facebook: facebook.com/MorganColefor- Deputy Circuit Court Clerk for the Ingham areas. Each program adopts a multi-phased, gan Court system. This includes making the Judge/ County Clerk Barb Byrum; and currently as well-structured treatment plan with intensive court more accessible with community out- Education: Juris Doctor - Thomas M. Cooley your Probate Register appointed by Chief Cir- oversight and offender accountability. reach, social networking, and electronic filing. Law School; Bachelor's Degree - West Virgin- cuit and Probate Judge Richard J. Garcia. What ia University we need is someone with both legal and life Phone: 502-593-6506 experiences, who can make these difficult de- Address: www.morgancoleforjudge.com cisions with common sense and compassion. This is not for the faint of heart. It takes energy, commitment and patience. I am dedicated to protecting our children as I would my own. Attorney with over 25 years of experience As Chair of the County's Law and Courts Yes! The people who come to court should Carol Koenig in general practice including civil and criminal, Committee on the Ingham County Commis- have a basic understanding of what is hap- Occupation: Attorney at trial and appellate courts and informal dispute sion, I promoted specialized courts to manage pening to them and what the process entails. Law resolution/lawyer social worker. Have practiced each case individually and resolve problems This will promote the best outcome for all. Email: carolnkoenig@aol. in all Michigan Courts (trial, COA, MI Supreme) without overcrowding our jails and prisons. As People make better decisions for themselves com Eastern and Western Federal District Courts of a Commissioner, I've supported the sobriety and others with more knowledge and under- Website: CarolKoenigfor- Michigan and 6th Circuit Court of Appeals. We courts, mental health courts for those with un- standing. This is easy to accomplish with more justice.com are standing in unprecedented times with underlying psychiatric conditions, and veterans’ written materials and explanations that out- Facebook: ElectCarolKoe- precedented opportunity for change. People courts for those who have served our nation's line the process. I want the courts to belong nig have been yearning forchange for some time. armed forces. Veterans Court recognizes the to the people. I want to model access in such a As we rethink the role of law enforcement in special and unique role of our nation's service way that the average person feels welcomed, Education: J.D. Cooley Law School. B A Uni- our communities we must connect the dots. members, and works to resolve their cases feels that they belong there. Having your day versity of Detroit. East Lansing High School Instead of simply reacting to crime, home- and provide support so that they can succeed in court is about much more than results and Phone: 517-896-6716 lessness and violence, we have to take people in civilian life. While these alternative courts outcomes, it is about process, tone, civility Address: CarolKoenigForJustice P.O. Box where we find them and help them, for them- cost more, the outcomes are better and result and respect. When a citizen feels that they 1112. East Lansing, MI 48826 selves, their families and the greater good. As in net savings for all of us. were not recognized, seen or heard, especially John Lewis said, "We have the chance to save because of their color, disability, orientation the soul of America." I have been honored to be or other reason--then we have failed them. able to bring the power of the constitution to Each person must have a fair and equitable regular people, every day. Now, more than ever, opportunity to fully engage and participate in our country, our community and our courts the due process that the constitution affords need experienced and thoughtful leadership. them. Steve Kwasnik I am an Assistant Prosecutor in Ingham I believe strongly in alternative courts and Yes! I am struck by how many people get ex- Occupation: Assistant County for more than 15 years, specializing procedures as a tool to produce just, optimal cited by national and state elections, but are in crimes against children, domestic violence, outcomes. I have participated in Drug Court in unaware of the duties of the 30th Circuit Court Prosecuting Attorney, child abuse and neglect, adult sexual abuse, the 54B District Court, the Mental Health Treat- in the Family Division. Yet child protection, Ingham County and juvenile justice. I am assigned to the Fami- ment Court in the 30th Circuit Court, the Sub- juvenile justice, divorce, custody, and adopt Email: stevekwasnikforcir- ly Division and handle hundreds of cases each stance Abuse Court in the 30th Circuit, Family ion are services nearly everyone either uses or [email protected] year, dealing with these exact topics overseen Division (currently overseen by the court of this has friends or family use in their lifetime. That Website: kwasnikforkids. by this judicial opening. I am recognized as an judicial opening) and the Phoenix Court, in the is why it is so important that Judges use their com expert in the field of child abuse prosecution Family Court, which concentrates on support- standing to educate about these topics. As a Facebook: facebook.com/ and I train and lecture for the Prosecuting At- ing juveniles who are in danger of being sex prosecutor, I spend much of my time explain- stevekwasnikforcircuitjudge torney's Association of Michigan, where I teach trafficked. These alternative courts provide the ing court procedures to children and families Education: BA, International Relations, prosecutors, police, cps workers and child participants an opportunity for support and frightened by the system. It is an essential interviewers, how to forensically interview services to address their underlying issues. Suc- function because I know from experience that James Madison College at MSU - 1998; JD, children. I also have experience with divorce cess does not mean a conviction and a jail sen- the more comfortable people are with the MSU School of Law - 2004 proceedings, custody best-interest factors and tence, but rather an opportunity to gain insight process the more likely they are to provide Phone: 517-927-5782 the Friend of the Court. I am running because I and change behavior, allowing them to parent information the courts need to make just de- Address: 1302 Fairoaks Ct appear in family court every day and recognize their children, advance their education, and cisions. A judge's responsibility is even great- East Lansing, MI 48823 that when people come into the court they are serve as role models to the other participants er; ensuring that all parties provide complete in crisis and need an experienced, knowledge- who are struggling with addiction or hopeless- information, so that justice is served. I would able, kind, decision-maker, who will treat every ness. Utilizing informal probation and restor- happily speak and write about the courts in person with respect and give them a chance to ative justice techniques in Juvenile Justice can the community and make sure all hearings are be heard, and obtain justice. have similar benefits. available online to the public. 40 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • September 30, 2020 2020 Election Preview vote in person or absentee thru nov. 3

Michigan House of Representatives Duties: The Michigan House of Representatives shares responsibility with the Michigan Senate to enact new laws and amend or repeal existing laws. Qualifications: State Representatives may serve a maximum of three full terms. They must be at least 21 years of age and a registered voter in their district. There are 110 State House districts which are re-apportioned after each census. Partisan • Term: 2 years District 67 (choose 1) Biographical Info Kara Hope - DEM Website: votekarahope.com Facebook: facebook.com/KaraHopeHoltMI Twitter: twitter.com/KaraHope7 Occupation / Current Position: state representative Education: Juris doctor cum laude, WMU-Cooley Law School; bachelor of arts with high honors, Phi Beta Kappa, Michigan State University Qualifications and Experience: I an attorney with experience in the public, private, and academic sectors. I previously served (2012-18) as an Ingham County Commissioner, including a term as board chairperson.

Nate J. Ross - REP Candidate did not respond. Candidate Responses 1. EDUCATION: What is your position on the role of public funding of education in Michigan? What measures do you support/propose to improve educational outcomes and accessibility for all Michigan students? Kara Hope (DEM) Public funding for education is inadequate. Michigan struggles to attract and retain qualified teachers in part because of the poor pay. While we make more demands of our teachers, we don't provide them with the support they need. I would support incentives, like scholarships and student loan forgiveness or deferrals, to get Michigan's best and brightest into the teaching field. I support returning support personnel like school nurses, social workers, and librarians to our public school buildings, and I have already supported legislation to these ends. Nate J. Ross - (REP) Candidate did not respond.

2. ECONOMIC SECURITY: What policies do you support to increase jobs and help Michigan residents improve their economic positions, in general and given the pandemic? Kara Hope (DEM) A major investment (most likely with federal dollars and state dollars) in infrastructure would help create good jobs. Before COVID, Michi- gan needed major improvements in our roads, bridges, dams, and communications infrastructure. Those needs have not gone away. Michigan could use its public universities to attract and retain talented individuals in the fields of technology, science, and medicine. This could entail tuition breaks for students in these fields who promised to remain in Michigan for a set period after graduation. I also support raising the minimum wage and implementing other protec- tions for workers. Nate J. Ross - (REP) Candidate did not respond.

3. ELECTIONS: What state policies do you support regarding Michigan elections, voting and campaign funding? Do you support mailing ballots to all eligible voters? Kara Hope (DEM) I have introduced legislation that would enhance reporting requirements for so-called "dark money" groups. And I have introduced legislation that would give local clerks the tools they need to efficiently process absentee ballots. Even before the pandemic, more voters were expected to take advantage of the expanded eligibility created by Proposal 3 in 2018. With the SOS's decision to mail absentee ballot applications to all eligible voters, these reforms become all the more important. Yes, I do support making voting as accessible, inclusive, and fair as it can be; that includes mailing ballots to voters. Nate J. Ross - (REP) Candidate did not respond.

4. ENVIRONMENT/ENERGY: What actions or policies do you support to protect Michigan’s water, air and land for current and future generations? What is your position on energy efficiency and renewable energy? Kara Hope (DEM) I support "polluter pay" legislation, and I support putting more resources into ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. I support moving aggressively to producing more renewable energy, and energy efficiency is low-hanging fruit when it comes to reducing Michigan's reliance on fossil fuels. I also support making sure that environmental justice is a focus of all environmental regulations. Too often, low-income communities and communities of color are forced to endure bad corporate actors in their neighborhoods. Nate J. Ross - (REP) Candidate did not respond.

5. SOCIAL JUSTICE: How would you address the racial, economic, health, education, etc. inequities, including Michigan’s 20% of children and 17% of seniors living in poverty? Kara Hope (DEM) Raising the minimum wage to a living wage would help many escape poverty. Paid family leave and quality, affordable or free child care would also help. Better housing options would help families and seniors alike as would improved access to quality free or low-cost health care. I have introduced the Fair Scheduling Act that would give working parents more certainty regarding their work schedules, so they can plan for child care and participate in their children’s school activities. Nate J. Ross - (REP) Candidate did not respond.

6. GUNS: Do you believe that Michigan has a gun violence problem? If so, what measures would you support to alleviate this problem? Kara Hope (DEM) Like the rest of the U.S., Michigan has a gun violence problem. I support common sense measures that would keep firearms out of the hands of demonstrably dangerous people and that would impose consequences on firearms owners who fail to safely store their guns. Both of these measures -- “red-flag” laws and safe storage requirements -- have been introduced in the House this session, and I co-sponsored both. I also introduced legislation that would require background checks for persons who rent guns. Nate J. Ross - (REP) Candidate did not respond. City Pulse • September 30, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 41 2020 Election Preview vote in person or absentee thru nov. 3

District 68 (choose 1) Biographical Info Sarah Anthony -DEM Website: www.VoteSarahAnthony.com Facebook: facebook.com/SarahAnthony517/ Twitter: twitter.com/SarahAnthony517 Occupation / Current Position: State Representative -Lansing Education: Central Michigan University, B.S. - Political Science Western Michigan University, M.P.A. - Nonprofit Management; Human Resources Qualifications and Experience: Legislative Assistant, Michigan House of Representative Ingham County Commissioner Assistant Director, Michigan College Access Network

Robert J. Atkinson - REP Candidate did not respond. Candidate Responses 1. EDUCATION: What is your position on the role of public funding of education in Michigan? What measures do you support/propose to improve educational outcomes and accessibility for all Michigan students? Sarah Anthony - (DEM) Public education has a direct impact on the economy and raises families out of poverty. We must empower and equip our kids today to compete in a global job market tomorrow.I believe we must invest in early childhood education, public schools and higher education. I support increased per pupil funding, using an equity lens to ensure our most at-risk students receive the resources they need to success. Robert J. Atkinson - (REP) Candidate did not respond.

2. ECONOMIC SECURITY: What policies do you support to increase jobs and help Michigan residents improve their economic positions, in general and given the pandemic? Sarah Anthony - (DEM) I believe we must create a variety of programs and safeguards for both workers and businesses; including but not limited to: -Investing in the staffing and technology to speed up unemployment processing -Expanding earned paid sick leave -Restoring the Earned Income Tax Credit to 20 percent for working people with low to moderate income families -Providing loan and grant assistance and creating a fund for neighborhood businesses, seasonal and majority-minority owned businesses -Providing short-term funding that reduces unemployment benefits as workers’ wages return or funding is depleted Robert J. Atkinson - (REP) Candidate did not respond.

3. ELECTIONS: What state policies do you support regarding Michigan elections, voting and campaign funding? Do you support mailing ballots to all eligible voters? Sarah Anthony - (DEM) I absolutely support all eligible voters receiving ballots with a postage paid as well as making Election Day a state holiday and providing funding to local and state election officials. Robert J. Atkinson - (REP) Candidate did not respond.

4. ENVIRONMENT/ENERGY: What actions or policies do you support to protect Michigan’s water, air and land for current and future generations? What is your position on energy efficiency and renewable energy? Sarah Anthony - (DEM) I believe we must protect Michigan's land, water and air by adequately funding the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to ensure proper regulation and oversight in the state of Michigan. We must invest in order to ensure our drinking water is safe, our air is safe to breath, and that polluters are held accountable. I am also a huge proponent of clean and renewal energy and have fought to ensure programs to expand these efforts are affordable for everyone in the state. Robert J. Atkinson - (REP) Candidate did not respond.

5. SOCIAL JUSTICE: How would you address the racial, economic, health, education, etc. inequities, including Michigan’s 20% of children and 17% of seniors living in poverty? Sarah Anthony - (DEM) In order to address our government's historic and current failures to address disparities, we must take a muti-layered approach and look at every sector with an equity lens. That means, investing resources to close gaps in educational outcomes, health services, housing programs, access to health foods, etc. Robert J. Atkinson - (REP) Candidate did not respond.

6. GUNS: Do you believe that Michigan has a gun violence problem? If so, what measures would you support to alleviate this problem? Sarah Anthony - (DEM) While I believe in and defend the second amendment, I have advocated for common sense gun reforms to reduce gun violence and mass shootings throughout our communities. Robert J. Atkinson - (REP) Candidate did not respond. 42 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • September 30, 2020 2020 Election Preview vote in person or absentee thru nov. 3

Michigan House of Representatives (continued) Duties: The Michigan House of Representatives shares responsibility with the Michigan Senate to enact new laws and amend or repeal existing laws. Qualifications: State Representatives may serve a maximum of three full terms. They must be at least 21 years of age and a registered voter in their district. There are 110 State House districts which are re-apportioned after each census. Partisan • Term: 2 years District 69 (choose 1) Biographical Info Julie Brixie - DEM Website: JulieBrixie.com Facebook: facebook.com/StateRepJulieBrixie Twitter: twitter.com/JulieBrixie Occupation / Current Position: State Representative Education: Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Geography; University of Illinois; 1988 Master's Degree in Crop and Soil Sciences with a specialization in Environmental Toxicology; MSU; 1991 Qualifications and Experience: State Representative, 2019-Present Meridian Township Treasurer, 2008-2018 Meridian Township Trustee, 2000-2008 Envi- ronmental Consultant, 1991-1998 Public Funds Investment Manager

Grace S. Norris - REP Candidate did not respond. Candidate Responses 1. EDUCATION: What is your position on the role of public funding of education in Michigan? What measures do you support/propose to improve educational outcomes and accessibility for all Michigan students? Julie Brixie - (DEM) Make sure we're working with the brightest minds in education when we make decisions about our children's education, not the DeVos family. 2. Put an end to the senseless cuts and raid on the School Aid Fund. 3. Invest in pediatric literacy programming and establishing universal preschool. 4. Invest in the early childhood reading coaches and classroom support staff so every child has the one-on-one support they need to read at grade level. 5. Invest in our community colleges and universities again to reduce tuition rates and make college affordable for everyone. Read by full plan at JulieBrixie.com/ Julies-Plan. Grace S. Norris - (REP) Candidate did not respond. 2. ECONOMIC SECURITY: What policies do you support to increase jobs and help Michigan residents improve their economic positions, in general and given the pandemic? Julie Brixie - (DEM) We have to diversify our economy. We still rely far too heavily on manufacturing, which is why we have been hit hardest by the two most recent recessions. We have made some progress, but nothing like Minnesota. In the late 90s, we had the same median household income as Minnesota and were among the top states. Since then, Minnesota has increased educational attainment and retained their graduates in order to attract 21 century employers, while we have continued the failed policy of offering business incentives. We also have to increase the minimum wage to ensure people working full time are not living in poverty. Grace S. Norris - (REP) Candidate did not respond. 3. ELECTIONS: What state policies do you support regarding Michigan elections, voting and campaign funding? Do you support mailing ballots to all eligible voters? Julie Brixie - (DEM) I fully support mailing ballots to all eligible voters and any policy that make it easier to vote. For far too long, barriers have been placed on the right to vote to disenfranchise certain groups. We took a major step forward in 2018 when we passed the Voters Not Politicians' proposal to end gerrymandering and approved Proposal 3 to restore and expand voting rights. I'm working to protect the new redistricting commission as Republican lawmakers have repeatedly tried to underfund. I'm also working to support bipartisan legislation to make sure we can count absentee ballots in a timely fashion. Grace S. Norris - (REP) Candidate did not respond. 4. ENVIRONMENT/ENERGY: What actions or policies do you support to protect Michigan’s water, air and land for current and future generations? What is your position on energy efficiency and renewable energy? Julie Brixie - (DEM) If we're going to be successful tackle climate change, we must establish a state-wide plan to achieve 100% renewable energy production by 2050. It’s deeply ironic that the Capitol is currently having a geothermal system installed, which will make the Capitol 100% renewable. Yet, lawmakers inside haven't seen the value in establishing a plan to achieve 100% renewable energy production. I am also working to increase energy efficiency, recycling and a statewide septic code to address the thousands of failing septic systems that are polluting our waters. Residents can read my full plan at JulieBrixie. com/Environment. Grace S. Norris - (REP) Candidate did not respond. 5. SOCIAL JUSTICE: How would you address the racial, economic, health, education, etc. inequities, including Michigan’s 20% of children and 17% of seniors living in poverty? Julie Brixie - (DEM) The first thing we have to do is increase the minimum wage to ensure people working full time are not living in poverty. We also need to increase our educational attainment. States with higher educational attainment have higher medium household income. In order to achieve this, we have to make college affordable again and reduce barriers that many families face. For instance, single parents and low/middle-class households need affordable child care in order to pursue their education and professions. As it relates to lifting up our seniors, we need to support retirement benefits/plans and reform social security. Grace S. Norris - (REP) Candidate did not respond. 6. GUNS: Do you believe that Michigan has a gun violence problem? If so, what measures would you support to alleviate this problem? Julie Brixie - (DEM) Yes, and I have introduced legislation to establish a "Red Flag" law and to prohibit the possession of firearms in the Capitol so far during my first term in office. In order to address gun violence in our communities, we must: 1. Enacting Universal Background Checks 2. Robust Enforcement of Mental Health Record Reporting 3. Prohibiting Domestic Abusers from Purchasing Firearms4. Closing the Open Carry Loophole 5. Enacting a Red Flag Law 6. Establishing a Child Access Prevention Law 7. Banning largecapacity magazines, bump stocks and assault weapons Residents can read my full plan at JulieB- rixie.com/gun-safety. Grace S. Norris - (REP) Candidate did not respond. City Pulse • September 30, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 43 2020 Election Preview vote in person or absentee thru nov. 3 State House reps run last race before redistricting

Don’t get too attached to your state her COVID-19 executive orders are points these days, and House district. After 2020, it’s going “bearing down on them.” it’ll be an accomplish- The stories to look different. Possibly a lot differ- “This team is so big and we’re work- ment if he does better on this page through page ent. ing so hard every day. There’s a lot of than that. 46 are paid for The new independent redistrict - people invested in this,” she said. Hope, an attorney by by readers like ing commission will start redrawing Those people do not include the trade, was an adjunct you through maps next year after the 2020 cen - Michigan Chamber, the Lansing professor and Ingham contributions sus numbers come out. Rep. Sarah Regional Chamber and the Michigan County commission- Hope to the CityPulse Fund for Community Anthony, D-Lansing, could still be Farm Bureau, who all endorsed her er before starting her Journalism. To contribute, your rep in the 68th House District opponent. Johnsen said the endorse- first House term. The please go to lansingcitypulse.com/ donation. when they’re done … or not. ments “don’t mean much” in that 45-year-old Democrat seems to have For now, though, the area’s five state she’s a small business owner herself been in the middle of the Capitol’s representatives —Kara Hope, D-Holt, who has “great respect” for agricul - “now” issues. Anthony, Julie Brixie, D-Meridian ture. She said she’s piling up support She’s pushing to ban firearms from tions? Either way it’d Twp, Angela Witwer, D-Delta Twp., from individual entrepreneurs and the Capitol. She’s wants local clerks be good news for the and Graham Filler, R-DeWitt — are farmers. to have the ability to process ballots Lansing area. running in the 67th, 68th, 69th, 71st So how is Witwer racking up early. She sponsored a resolution The Republicans are and 93rd, respectively. endorsements? Simply, she talks to requiring all House members wear putting up a 54-year- people. Like, a lot of people. Local masks on the House floor. She also old Grace Norris as 71st House District officials. Superintendents. Business wants police to stop using tear gas to their nominee. She The most competitive of the quin- owners. Now she’s going door to door. control protests. sells mineral sup - Norris tet is in the Eaton County-based She publishes her home phone num- plements to support 71st, where Republicans had their ber on her website. Her goal is to be 68th House District health and wellness. sights initially set on Witwer, a fresh- more accessible than any other state Probably more interesting than She has worked in an international man House member representative that’s served the 71st. Anthony’s run against 77-year- import and export business as well as and Edge Partnership “This is a job that I didn’t need,” old auto parts store owner Robert for various universities. president. she said. “I wanted to do this for the Atkinson is Anthony’s These days, Democrats tend to Initially, meaning people and the people elected me. political future. As win this East Lansing/Meridian last year. In the mean- I’ve wanted to be readily available if a freshman, she was Township-based seat with about 68% time, Witwer raised they need me.” elected the House of the vote. more campaign mon- The Democrat said she’s worked Democrats’ caucus ey than any other state Witwer behind the scenes with the Whitmer chairwoman, a posi- 93rd House District House Democratic administration to loosen up tion she could prob - If this turns out to be a Blue Wave incumbent up until COVID-19 regulations for funeral ably win again if she election for Democrats, they may July. A former Patrick Colbeck cam- homes. She worked behind the scenes wanted it. Atkinson look back on this Clinton County- paign aide won the Republican to get gyms opened back up and hair However, Anthony based seat as a wasted opportuni - primary. And statewide business salons before that. could make a run ty. Filler has been as groups like the Michigan Chamber Like former Sen. Rick Jones and to chair the House impactful a freshman of Commerce, which rarely supports now-Sen. Tom Barrett, she sponsored Appropriations member as any in the Democrat, lined up behind Witwer. legislation restoring the sales tax Committee, too, House, but this dis - Meanwhile, President Donald exemption on pension income, which which is an appointed trict is trending the Trump’s numbers aren’t looking Gov. Rick Snyder eliminated during post. She’s also being wrong way on him. great in suburban areas like Delta his tax reform. courted locally to He only won elec - tion in 2018 with Township. House Republicans are Before any big vote, Witwer said run against Lansing Anthony Filler moving caucus dollars to Bay City, she’ll call constituents impacted by Mayor Andy Schor 52.45% of the vote Livonia and other areas where lead - the legislation and get their input. next year, even though and DeWitt is only ership feels their odds are better. For her, she said it’s not “her vote” she’s privately told folks she’s not becoming more suburbanized. The That’s not to take anything away but “our vote.” interested in the job now. Democrats were content to run from Gina Johnsen, From a historical perspective, with Dr. Muhammad the GOP nominee 67th House District Democrats tend to win this Lansing- Salman Rais, who was in the 71st House Republicans salivated over this based seat with about 75% of the fined $5,000 to settle District. The 51-year- south Lansing/rural vote. a public health code old Delta Township Ingham County dis- violation in 2018. He Republican directs trict for the better 69th House District was also sanctioned the Michigan Capitol part of the aughts. Speaking of upward- in 2012, according House of Prayer, The losses piled up, ly mobile state House to state public health Rais whose early-strike Johnsen though, and they’ve Democrats, Brixie records. campaign appeared to since given up being has proven to be the Rais’ immigra - take 2018 nominee Christine Barnes serious about winning caucus’ most prolific tion status ended up in the courts, off guard. it. This go-around, Ross fundraiser outside of mostly because of a 2002 domes - Johnsen’s slim, 273-vote win came they have a young, the current and pre - tic violence conviction, according to on the back of early campaign dollars enthusiastic candi- sumed next leader. If court records. The FBI and Attorney and some old-fashioned hustle. She’s date in Nate Ross, a Dart Container the Democrats take Brixie General’s Office initially roped him taken the initiative to meet people engineering analyst. the majority, Brixie into a 2012 Medicaid kickback at local restaurants and St. Gerard The 27-year-old Mason Republican is in best position to scheme where he was alleged to have Church, among other locations. She has scored endorsements from the become the speaker pro tem, which referred Medicaid and Medicare held a “Support the Badge” rally at Michigan Manufacturers Association, has been used in recent years as a patients to a rehabilitation clinic for the antigay Old Country Mill to sup- the Retailers Association and the stepping stone to the top spot in the illegal kickbacks. port law enforcement, drawing out Citizens for Traditional Values, House. The case against him was dismissed about 200 people and raising $1,800 among others. Brixie, also, could end up as House two months later. for police charities. He’s running a better campaign Appropriations Committee chair - — KYLE MELINN Johnsen said she “winning handi - than most, but he’s swimming woman or ranking member if the ly” as she talks with constituents who upstream. Democrats tend to win Democrats don’t take control. Brixie feel “voiceless,” as if the governor and this district by nine to 10 percentage or Anthony chairing appropria - 44 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • September 30, 2020 2020 Election Preview vote in person or absentee through nov. 3

Flashy James campaign runs against nuts-and-bolts Peters U.S. Senate candidate a sharecropper. and wondering if this is Granholm appointed John James headlined His father, John A. the day that your son is him to be the lottery Republicans’ 2018 tick- James, came from the going to see you bleed commissioner. et in Michigan when Bill Jim Crow south to build out in the street … . But He beat longtime Schuette faltered down an international logis- I also understand what incumbent U.S. Rep. Joe the stretch. Amazingly, tics company in Detroit. it’s like to be an officer Knollenberg in 2008 Republicans may need “I’m proud to teach patrolling areas with to start a congressio - James to pick up the my sons that this is the people who just as soon nal career that spanned ticket again in 2020. only country where you would like to see you two different districts. The former Apache can go from slave to gone, understanding When U.S. Sen. Carl helicopter pilot is out - senator in four gener - what it takes to leave my Levin retired in 2014, performing President ations and poverty to family and loved ones to Peters stepped in as the Donald Trump by a prosperity in one,” the stand up for people who Democrats’ heir-ap- Peters couple points in most James candidate says in one of can’t fight for them - parent, beating former Michigan polls. His pro- the campaign’s ads. selves.” Republican Secretary of lific paid TV ads — paid James’ wife, Liz, nar - This isn’t the John State Terri Lynn Land. for by his around-the-clock fundrais- rates another ad that features a James of 2018 who stood “2,000%” This reelection race is quite dif - ing effort — depict the Detroit busi- touching picture of their young son, behind Trump and held rallies with ferent than that one. He had blown ness executive as decisive, well-spo - Hudson, sitting on a hospital bed in Kid Rock. the publicly awkward Land out of ken and put-together candidate with- scrubs, taking in air from an inhaler. James is fundraising across the the water by mid-October. This one out Trump-like gimmicks. The guy is loved by diehard grass- country to portray a paid-media promises to be much closer. His young, athletic build and big roots conservatives and tradition - image that can’t be refuted by a polit- Outside interest groups are pouring smile doesn’t hurt. al Republicans alike. He allows ical record he doesn’t have or com- in money. The Michigan Campaign The 38-year-old Farmington Hills Republicans to give a nod to Blacks ments he doesn’t make in the tradi - Finance Network has the pro-Peters man is described by political consul- while supporting an Afghanistan vet- tional media. Senate Majority PAC spending more tant Dennis Lennox as something eran who puts “service before self” Six weeks before the Nov. 3 elec - on TV ads than Peters’ own campaign that came right out of central cast - and supports those in uniform. tion and James has done very few is. Peters is also spending about ing. James’ great-great-grandfather “I understand what it’s like to be media interviews. His campaign $98,000 a week on Facebook. was a slave and his great-grandfather a Black man in this country,” James seems to prefer it that way. He isn’t Along the way, he’s had to answer said at the Freeland Airport 90 in a position to answer questions why the U.S. Senate didn’t do more minutes before Trump’s September about Donald Trump’s latest odd-ball to prepare the country for a glob - appearance. “I understand what it comments. He’s not nailed down on al pandemic, why he didn’t show up feels like to have guns drawn on you potentially divisive issues. He is dic- for certain committees meetings and because someone perceives you as a tating his message, how he wants to why he uses his old state Senate retir- threat, as you’re parked in your car in deliver it, on his terms. ee health care coverage as opposed to a parking lot. And his campaign has the money that provided federal lawmakers. for 30th CIRCUIT COURTFor Equality“I understand for ALL. what it feels like to do it. The Peters campaign has attempt- to be pulled over in a nice area of To be clear, first-term incumbent ed to hit back on James ’ squishy YOUR District 10 County Commissioner kwasnikforkids.com Detroit with my son in the back Peters is still leading James. In the 31 answers on Trump’s U.S. Supreme The only candidate who works in the polls tracked by Real Clear Politics, Court appointee and his vague posi- For EqualityPeters for ALL. had a larger number in 29 and tion on the Affordable Care Act. field of child protection V O T E everyday. A u g u s tThank you 4 , for2 0 2 0 your YOUR Districtwas 10 County tied Commissioner in the 30th. James was up But since James isn’t in office and support in the primary! V O T E A u g u s tone 4 , by 2 0 2 0 a Republican-leaning firm has no political record, he’s taking 4 15 years as back in August. full advantage of staying on the attack Ingham County Bob Peña BobPeters, Peña 60, is what James is not. without having to defend much of The Generalcandidate for candidate for Assistant He’sIngham not County flashy. He’s not going to anything he’s done. Prosecutor ElectionIngham is County getCommissioner, swooned over. He doesn’t dodge Peters doesn’t have that luxury. He’s (child victims theDistrict media. 10 He’s a policy-savvy career been firmly opposed to the Senate’s Commissioner, Bob Pena for Ingham County and family November 3! Commissionerpolitical | @bobforcommissioner figure who loves to dive into confirming Amy Comey Barrett for court) Equity. District 10 the weeds andDiversity. pull out a compromise. the U.S. Supreme Court at this time. Inclusion. 4 2016 recipient The image he portrays on TV is who He was also an early strong voice of Civilian Citations from the Bob Pena for Ingham County Commissioner | @bobforcommissionerThe Committee to Elect Bob Peña | 2100Gary Vine Street, Peters Lansing MI 48912is. He’s excited about fix- against the Trump administration’s Lansing Police Department for his ing trade issues that can save north- apparent dismantling of the U.S. Post work fighting child abuse Equity. ern Michigan cherry growers from Office. 4 Graduate of Diversity. LANSING losing their farms to outrageously There’s a lot more to come. Peters MSU and MSU Inclusion. ASSOCIATION FOR subsidized Turkish exports. is the only incumbent U.S. Senate Law School HUMAN RIGHTS Paid for by The Committee to Elect Bob Peña 4 2100 Vine Street, Lansing, MI 48912 His name is attached to six bills Democrat on the ballot in a com - Youth coach, signed into law by President Trump, petitive seat. Democrats nationally husband, The CommitteePOSITIVE to Elect Bob Peña | 2100 Vine Street, Lansing MI 48912 RATING the most of any Democratic sena - need to protect his seat as if majority and father My name is tor in the Trump presidency despite depends on it. Robin Lea Having worked with Steve Kwasnik as a practicing being in the minority and in his first Because it probably does. attorney, I have known him to be prepared, Laurain term. The Libertarians do not have a and I am asking knowledgeable, open minded and fair. Combine these It’s because Peters works behind- candidate in this race. Doug Dern, qualities with his unmatchable years of experience, you to there is no doubt that Steve will serve the people and the-scenes on wonky, technical issues their 2018 Supreme Court nominee, families well as your next Ingham County Circuit Vote Green like electric vehicles and improv- is running under the Natural Law Court Judge. for Michigan’s Education Slate. ing weather forecasting. It directly Party banner. Marcia Squier is the — JULIE O’NEILL, impacts lives, but it isn’t going gin up Green Party’s candidate for the sec - 56-A District Court Judge I am the Co-Chair of headlines. ond straight cycle and Valerie Willis, To support the candidate that’s fighting for the Green Party of Michigan and I am the dual Also unlike James, he has a politi- a former congressional candidate, is families, vote for Steve Kwasnik for Ingham candidate for the Green Party of Michigan and cal record, and a long one at that. He running as the U.S. Taxpayers Party’s the Socialist Party of Michigan. County Circuit Court Judge by Absentee Ballot, served in the state Senate for a couple candidate. Visit us at michgreenparty.org. or at the polls on November 3rd! terms. He flirted with a gubernatorial — KYLE MELINN Check out all our Green Candidates! run in 2001, but he pulled out to run #michigangreensunited PAID FOR BY COMMITTEE TO ELECT STEVE KWASNIK for attorney general. After losing by FOR 30TH CIRCUIT JUDGE Paid for by the Trust Robin Laurain 2020 Committee 1302 Fair Oaks Ct., East Lansing, MI 48823 4106 Bridgeport St., Lansing, MI 48911. 5,200 votes statewide, Gov. Jennifer City Pulse • September 30, 2020 www.lansingcitypulse.com 45 2020 Election Preview vote in person or absentee through nov. 3 7 running for 2 spots on more orderly Supreme Court Not too long ago, Michigan Supreme “She is somebody I’ve Kelly said Markman came to the high rare high-profile nominee. Court races were high-dollar, overt- known for a long time. bench with a background in criminal As a circuit judge in the domestic ly partisan grudge matches in which She’s an incredibly hard prosecution, working with crime vic- division, she saw the hundreds of peo- the Michigan Chamber of Commerce worker. She knows a tims and their families. She’d like to ple who could not afford attorneys and dumped gobs of money into televi- lot about employment continue his voice as his replacement to successfully won a grant to create a self- sion ads to muscle their Republican- law,” McCormack said. the court. Her support from local prose- help divorce and custody on-line video. nominated members to the court. “Especially in the time cutors speaks to this commitment. “The video assists pro per litigants The Michigan Democratic Party of COVID, I think she Welch “I’m asking the people to vote for me in obtaining a divorce and custody,” pushed back with media-driven, gim- would add something because I bring a voice and a perspec- she said. “As a Michigan micky campaigns that included the to the court that would tive to the Supreme Court that nobody Supreme Court Justice, infamous “Sleeping Judge” ad and the be a big asset.” else has once Justice Markman steps I will continue to place purchase of a former justice’s state-is- Welch has earned the backing of down,” she said. the public’s best interest sued automobile. numerous labor union, environmental Swartzle is the only candidate to at the forefront.” That all changed groups and progressive organizations. serve on the state’s appellate court. The Kerry Lee Morgan is about the time Bridget The Michigan Association of Justice 49-year-old was appointed by Gov. Rick back as a Libertarian- McCormack was elected was an early supporter and essentially Snyder to the bench after being the chief nominated option. The Morgan to the bench. The former cleared the way for her nomination. of staff to then-Speaker Kevin Cotter. Lib’s 2018 nominee associate dean for clinical If Welch and McCormack win this Swartzle sees himself as a “rule of has practiced for more affairs at the University November, the court will swing to a 4-3 law judge” who worked as an assistant than 35 years. He was of Michigan brought Democratic-nominated majority. to a mentor, U.S. 6th Circuit Court of an attorney for the U.S. sound legal debate into McCormack With Justice Stephen Markman inel- Appeals Judge David McKeague. Commission on Civil the chamber where the igible to run again due to the 70-year- “He is someone I’ve tried to emulate Rights in Washington law, finally, appeared to old age limit on being a judicial can- over the years,” he said. “It is fair to say and is strong on person- take priority over partisanship. didate, the Republicans that the vision I bring to the court is al freedom and a person’s She listened to Republican colleagues nominated Court of very, very similar to the vision that he “unalienable rights.” like former Justice Bob Young. She Appeals Judge Brock brings to his court.” The Libertarians also Nepton agreed with them when she felt they Swartzle and former St. Previously, he was a litigation partner nominated Katherine brought forward the most compelling Clair County assistant with Honigman Miller Schwartz and Mary Nepton, who reading of the law. In turn, they lis - prosecutor Mary Kelly. Cohn and has experience in the fed- would be the first indigenous justice on tened to her when she brought forward Most recently, Kelly, eral courts. Currently, he’s an adjunct the Supreme Court if elected. the most compelling reading of the law. 61, was appointed in Swartzle professor at Michigan State University. The 37-year-old Lansing attorney Then, in turn, they started agreeing St. Clair County to Alongside McCormack, Swartzle has is a legally recognized member of a with her. essentially be the legal been gobbling up key endorsements First Nations band, a migratory group Before, decisions on the seven-mem- advocate for abused, from the Police Officers Association primarily based north of Quebec in ber court were predictably split along neglected and foster care of Michigan, the Detroit Regional of Canada, according to the Lansing State party lines. Today, those decisions that children in the judicial Chamber, the AgriPac and the Realtors. Journal. are not unanimous are split every which system. Prior to that, she Another sitting judge is also running. She’s worked in private practice for way, rarely on party lines. was the lead attorney Wayne County Circuit Judge Susan nearly six years doing estate planning, McCormack, while nominated by the of the criminal sexu- Hubbard, a former Dearborn City Medicaid planning, social security and Michigan Democratic Party, was elected al conduct unit for St. Kelly Council member and Wayne County wills, among other services. chief justice of a Republican-majority Clair County. commissioner, gives the Green Party a — KYLE MELINN court in 2019. Almost as astounding, the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, endorsed McCormack with the two Republican nominees. Rick Jones for Other business groups are following VOTE suit, backing the personable, charm- Eaton County Sheriff ingly quirky, even-handed McCormack. NOV. 3 For outside observers the court’s transformation has been remarkable. More recently, the Michigan Supreme Court’s ability to help local courts move It’s time for a change their business online and over Zoom The ONLY candidate rated during COVID-19 has made Michigan a "Very Positive" national model. The transformation has by Lansing Association for been — by and large — fairly smooth Human Rights (LAHR-PAC) and has created a much more open judi- and endorsed by: I want deputies ciary in the process. LiUNA! Local #499 “When people are satisfied with the Greater Lansing Labor Council AFL-CIO Ml. to have better court’s work, they’re less likely to fight Assoc. for Justice in partisan ways,” McCormack, 53, Plumbers/Pipefitters #333 training in offered. MRC Carpenters/Millwrights Running with McCormack for the Planned Parenthood Advocates Ml de-escalating two available spots on the bench on the Mayor Andy Schor • State Rep. Julie Brixie Democratic-nominated ticket is Grand Prosecutor Carol Siemon possible violent Rapids attorney Elizabeth Welch, Treasurer Eric Schertzing whose been in private practice for the Drain Com. Pat Lindeman situations last 13 years and in law for the past 26. Jerome Reide • Guillermo Lopez She has served since 2013 as a mem- For more, see: ber of the East Grand Rapids Public CarolKoenigforJustice.com Schools Board of Education. Up until last year, Welch, 50, served as a board member and president of the Michigan Fair and equal treatment for all people League of Conservation Voters. Paid for by CTE Rick Jones Sheriff McCormack personally called Welch to PO Box 115, Grand Ledge, MI 48837 talk her into running. 46 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • September 30, 2020 2020 Election Preview vote in person or absentee through nov. 3 Political shifts turn congressional districts on their heads The 8th Congressional District blunt, take-no-gruff attitude. which she’s the focal point for a broad- Trump still isn’t polling well in a crit- is supposed to be represented by a Rochester and Rochester Hills are er story, often on the increasing success ical part of the 8th District — Rochester Republican. swinging the Democrats’ way these of female political candidates. and Rochester Hills. Mitchell Research That’s how the Republican map days. Jackson County and Monroe are Junge has argued that her voting and Communications has Joe Biden up makers drew it in 2011. With rock swinging more the Republicans’ way. records swings too much with U.S. 50% to 43% there and Slotkin is up solid conservative northern Oakland It’s against this backdrop that Paul House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., 54% to 38% on Junge. County and Livingston County roped Junge is taking on the job that top-ti- Slotkin backed impeaching President If Slotkin were in trouble, she has in with Ingham, it had close to a 60% er Republicans Donald Trump and was a “yes” vote on an enormous nest egg she could tap Republican base at one point. It had didn’t want: tak- the $3 billion COVID relief bill that into. The Democratic Congressional the flappable, young Mike Rogers as ing on U.S. Rep. died a quick death in the U.S. Senate. Campaign Committee would be run- the incumbent. From the GOP per - Elissa Slotkin in However, according to Govtrack.us, ning ads in a snap. As of now, though, spective, what could go wrong? 2020 with Trump Slotkin is the 236th most conserva- it doesn’t look like either will be nec- Move down on the ballot. tive member of 437 U.S. House mem- essary. to the 7th The 53-year- bers who have voted in the 2019-20 As for the 7th Congressional District, Congressional old former term. For some perspective, U.S. Rep. folks should be more than familiar District. U.S. Rep. FOX47 anchor Rashida Tlaib, D-Detroit, is the 426th with the matchup. Driskell, a former Tim Walberg nar- recently returned most conservative member. Walberg is state representative and Saline mayor, rowly snagged the to Michigan after Junge 116th. hopped into the race at the last minute seat back from jobs in California Both the impeachment and the after no other real top-tier candidate Democrat Mark and Washington, Heroes Act vote split the district and emerged. Schauer thanks to D.C., with enough seed money to get Junge has made an issue of both votes Democrats hoped that Driskell the Obama back- his campaign off the ground. An attor- in the two debates that’s been held. would ride the 2018 Pink Wave into Walberg lash election of ney by trade, Junge worked in D.C. However, Slotkin has earned points an upset victory of the now six-term 2010. Seemingly as a congressional staffer and federal for being upfront with both votes. incumbent, but to no avail. The mar- competitive bureaucrat. He had more than enough In the face of a stream of heckler gin looked close at 53.8% to 46.2%, Monroe County replaced seemingly political experience and polish to take insults earlier this year, Slotkin boldly but getting to 50% for any Democrat competitive Calhoun County during out three other GOP primary challeng- held a town hall meeting at Oakland in that neck of the woods will be a chal- the 2011 district swap. ers in August. University, where she defended her lenge. Walberg seemingly was going to be He’s like the dog who caught the car impeachment vote. She held her poise, Outside of Delta Township and some on the Democrats’ at this point, though. didn’t engage with protesters and talk- Washtenaw County communities, hit list every two Slotkin, 43, has become the ed with as many members of the media there are few places Democrats can years. Michigan Democrats’ rising star. The as were interested after the fact. rely on votes in the 7th, even one like So, here we are former CIA analyst During this campaign, Slotkin has Driskell who stayed away from directly in 2020. The 8th and national secu- pivoted the discussion back to health attacking the president and has a his- Congressional is rity official has fig- care as much as possible while Junge tory of bipartisanship. represented by a ured out all aspects makes no bones about the fact he will Trump won this district 56% to Democrat who’s of being a success- vote with Republicans. 39% in 2016, which closely mirrored expected to win ful politician. She’s Slotkin has accused Junge of being Walberg’s number that year. reelection. And sharp on policy. “a mile wide and an inch deep” on pol- National Democrats are spend - nobody outside of Driskell She engages with icy. If the Affordable Care Act were to ing little to no money in the 7th this the 7th is paying groups large and be repealed by the U.S. Supreme Court, year. The attention has shifted to the much attention to small. She’s good Junge has said he supports continuing Kalamazoo and St. Joseph with Jon Slotkin Walberg v. Gretchen Driskell, Part III. one-on-on. She the policy in which insurance cannot Hoadley against U.S. Rep. Fred Upton. President Donald Trump’s trans- works to solve deny coverage to those with pre-exist- In 10 years, the dynamics of each formational changes to Republicans’ constituent prob- ing conditions. district has flipped as political alle- voting base has upper-income women, lems. And probably most of all, she As for more details on what an giances continue their seismic shift in particular, repelled by his boorish keeps in touch with her communities. “Obamacare” replacement plan would under Trump. behavior. But non-college educated The national media has noticed. look like, though, Junge refuses to be — KYLE MELINN men relate to the president’s simple, She’s done countless interviews in pinned down.

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