The Romeo Observer - Romeo, Michigan: Northern Macomb County's weekly newspaper since 1866

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CURTIS OSTRANDER	DUAINE HARDING
ELEANOR TODD	ELMER "BUD" HAHN
GERVASE KILEY	MARIAN SUTTON
ORLO KIRKUM	SLAVA KOKOTOVICH
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Candidate responses for Primary Election, Aug. 3

      U.S. GOVERNOR
       MIKE BOUCHARD (R)
       Occupation: Oakland County Sheriff's Department, Sheriff (1999- present).
       Government, professional and political background: Oakland County Sheriff, 1999- present.
       State Senate, 1991-1998; State House of Representatives, 1990; Small business owner.
       Why should voters choose you to represent them in this office?: As a former legislator, I was around when we had to make difficult decisions to make cuts in state spending. As a state we are no longer in a position to fund all of our "wants." I will be willing to make those decisions, even if it means being a one-term governor.
       Our problems didn't happen overnight and there's no quick fix or simple solution. It will take real leadership to dig us out of this mess and we can no longer allow the Lansing status quo dictate our future decisions.
       Your top three priorities if chosen for this office: My top three priorities are jobs, education and public safety. Right now, Michigan is in crisis. Jobs are fleeing our state every minute. On day one, I will freeze all non-essential spending. Simultaneously, we must make our state's tax structure more competitive and reduce regulation. As the former chairman of the Senate Education Committee, I have a long track record of championing improvements to Michigan's education system. One area we can focus on is consolidating school services and administration at an intermediate school district level. This will help maximize much-needed education dollars in the classroom. One of government's core responsibilities is to ensure the safety of its citizens. I have spent 24 years in law enforcement, and I believe the state must pick up the slack to protect its citizens when the federal government fails to do so.

       MIKE COX (R)
       Did not respond.

       TOM GEORGE (R)
       Occupation: Practicing physician, state senator.
       Government, professional and political background: Did not respond.
       Why should voters choose you to represent them in this office?: This campaign is about fixing our economy by bringing jobs back to Michigan. State government cannot create jobs but rather shapes the environment for growth. Currently that environment is hostile. Changing that environment requires investing in Michigan's infrastructure (roads, education, public safety) and reducing business taxes. Each of those steps requires funding we do not have. To maintain the solvency of the state, resources need to be shifted from costly social programs in order to make these investments.
       Your top three priorities if chosen for this office: The first three steps I would take to promote job growth in the private sector: Constrain spending growth on state health programs: 1. The most important factor driving health care cost is an individual's health behavior. Medicaid needs to be redesigned so recipients are required to maintain their health. Public employee health care must be redesigned so recipients have incentives to maintain their health. Controlling these programs is the key to freeing up resources needed to fix Michigan. 2. Structural reforms of state government: Some reforms could be accomplished by executive order. For example, I would create a Department of Business Assistance for one-stop permitting. Most reforms require legislative action and some require constitutional change. I have already voted to support major structural reforms such as public school and state employee retirement reform bills. As governor, I would work to bring these reforms to fruition. 3. Repair Michigan's image: Decay in Detroit and other cities, while not an accurate reflection of our state as a whole, are the picture of Michigan to the outside world.

       Pete Hoekstra (r)
       Occupation: U.S. Representative of the Second Congressional District of Michigan.
       Government, professional and political background: Fifteen years at Herman Miller, vice-president of marketing; Ran for Congress in 1992, defeating a 25-year incumbent that outspent me 15-to-1 in a Republican primary; served as chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, as well as on the Education and Labor, Transportation and Infrastructure, and Budget Committees.
       Why should voters choose you to represent them in this office?: With my combination of experience in the private sector and public service, I know job creators need government to get out of the way to be successful, and I have the know how to get the reforms we need passed into law. I embrace the servant leadership model, which means I serve and work for the people. I will listen to your concerns and ideas and work with you to develop real solutions for our state that give you freedom to improve your life.
       Your top three priorities if chosen for this office: 1. I will work to get the bureaucracy out of the way. Michigan has all the tools necessary to be a center of prosperity again, but time and time again the government is standing in the way. I will have the state focused on growth and investment from day one and hold bureaucrats accountable. 2. I will reduce the cost of government to reflect the new normal for the state and the needs of Michigan taxpayers. 3. I will also work with the Legislature on creating a tax code that attracts investment and growth, including eliminating the Michigan Business Tax and personal property taxes, as well as reducing the non-homestead tax. We must provide businesses the certainty they need to invest and reduce the tax burden on job creators and families.

       RICK SNYDER (R)
       Occupation: Venture capitalist.
       Government, professional and political background: CEO, Board chairman and co-founder, Ardesta LLC (2000-current); Board chairman, Gateway Computers (2005-2007); Interim CEO, Gateway Computers (2006); president & CEO, Avalon Investment (1997-2000); president & COO, Gateway Computers (1996-1997); executive vice president, Gateway Computers (1991-1996); partner, Coopers & Lybrand (1988-1991); tax accountant, Coopers & Lybrand (1982-1991); adjunct assistant professor of accounting, University of Michigan (1982-1985).
       Why should voters choose you to represent them in this office?: Our political system in Lansing is broken. Michigan does not need another career politician to be elected as governor to continue business as usual. I'm the only candidate in the race who is a proven job creator and as governor I will work hard to continue my job creating ways to help put a stop to the economic disaster in which Michigan has found itself.
       Your top three priorities if chosen for this office: My top three priorities are to improve the economy by creating more and better jobs, reform Michigan's tax system and fix the broken government in Lansing. I believe that Michigan needs to cultivate a thriving and globally competitive economy with a diverse business base. By lowering the tax rate across the board, we let free enterprise work. The Michigan Business Tax is the most complicated business tax in the country and is killing jobs. As governor, I will eliminate it and replace it with a simple, fair, flat 6 percent corporate income tax. I also believe we need to reform the personal property tax and restructure the entire tax system to reduce the burden on families and businesses as the economy grows. It's also time to reinvent state government so that it runs efficiently and serves its citizens as customers. I want to restore ethics, accountability and transparency to state and local government, and implement value for money budgeting. I will replace antiquated bureaucracy with a government that gives taxpayers results for their tax dollars.

       VIRG BERNERO (D)
       Occupation: Mayor, City of Lansing.
       Government, professional and political background: Lansing mayor, 2006-present. Michigan Senate, 2003-2006; Michigan House of Representatives, 2000-2002; Ingham County commissioner, 1991-1999.
       Why should voters choose you to represent them in this office?: Citizens across Michigan have told me that they need a dramatically different kind of leadership at the state Capitol. They think their state government is broken and so do I. My experience and successful record as the mayor of Lansing qualifies me to tackle the historic challenges facing our state. As mayor, I balanced five straight budgets, on time, without raising taxes and without draining our reserves. By making the tough choices to force government to live within its means, we reduced the size of government by nearly 20 percent, yet we didn't lay off a single employee. We landed new development projects worth more than $500 million. As a result, our economic output grew faster than all but one other region in the State of Michigan and thousands of new jobs are being created. We've done it in the City of Lansing and now we will do it for Michigan.
       Your top three priorities if chosen for this office: My top three priorities for action are to rebuild the economic foundation of our state to create jobs, tackle the challenges of balancing the state budget while maintaining the vital state services our citizens expect, and strengthening our education system from pre-K through higher education. Education is economic development, and we must build on our skilled workforce to ensure that young people have the tools they need to compete and win in the global economy. To get Michigan's economy back on track and get our citizens back to work, my Michigan Main Street Agenda includes creating a state bank to open up credit opportunities for small businesses and export-oriented manufacturing, establishing Green Manufacturing Zones at former automotive plant sites and setting up Michigan International Business Investment Zones (MIBIZ) to attract new foreign investment that will create jobs.

       ANDY DILLON (D)
       Did not respond.

       representative in congress
       10th district

       Candice s. miller (r)
       Occupation: Member of Congress
       Government, professional and political background: 2003present, U.S. House of Representatives Michigan's 10th Congressional District; 19952002, Michigan Secretary of State; 19931994, Macomb County treasurer; 19801992, Harrison Township supervisor; 1979-Harrison Township trustee; Prior to 1979, worked for family small business.
       Why should voters choose you to represent them in this office?: I have a proven record of bringing effective and efficient change to government and a deep understanding of the challenges we face as a nation. I will continue to be a forceful advocate for this community in Washington. My constituents can trust I will stand up strong for our shared concerns and values.
       Your top three priorities if chosen for this office: 1. Economy & jobs/federal debt. It is crucial the federal government foster economic conditions for the private sector to create economic opportunity for all Americans. The American people are fed up with the massive new debt being placed on future generations. The culture of spending in Washington must be replaced with a culture of savings. 2. Strengthening national security/war on terrorism. The primary duty of the federal government is to provide for the common defense. We must support our military fighting across the globe and our law enforcement agencies and intelligence communities by providing the best resources to keep our country safe. As a border district, I stand ready to secure our international borders. 3. Protecting the Great Lakes. Recently, I joined with my colleagues and introduced the Permanent Prevention of Asian Carp Act that will direct the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct a study for the purposes of permanently separating the Mississippi River and Great Lakes Basins. I will continue to seek a federal role in resolving issues like water quality, pollution and invasive species.

       HENRY yanez (d)
       Did not respond.

       STATE SENATOR - 11th DISTRICT

       jack brandenburg (R)
       Occupation: Owner, Blue Water Industrial Supply, Inc., Mt. Clemens, 1979-2010.
       Government, professional and political background: State representative, 2002-2008.
       Why should voters choose you to represent them in this office?: I started my business right out of the trunk of my car 31 years ago. I bring a tremendous amount of private sector common sense to the table, which is badly needed in government today. While in the State House, I served my entire six years on Appropriations. In my six years, I personally cut $205 million out of various budgets that I deemed wasteful spending. I am fiscally conservative and I will always put the interests of the people first.
       Your top three priorities if chosen for this office: 1. The Legislature must at once enact a tax structure for businesses that makes Michigan very attractive for businesses to relocate or start up here. The Michigan Business Tax and the 22 percent surcharge must be scrapped. When this is done, Michigan will once again thrive and jobs will be created. 2. Our state is in debt because our government is spending too much. Debt and deficits do not occur because we are taxing too little, they occur because we are spending too much. I want to enact legislation that will prohibit government from deficit spending. 3. I want to continue my work for the unborn. I am 100 percent pro-life and I always will be. Until Roe vs. Wade is overturned, this fight will never end for me. Legislation for the repeal of the ban of same sex marriage has been re-introduced. I will always fight for the ban.

       LEON DROLET (R)
       Occupation: Director of the MI Taxpayers Alliance, Michigan's largest taxpayer rights organization (2006 present); cabinet maker (1999 2000); retail manager at Lakeside Mall (1988 1993).
       Government, professional and political background: Republican policy staffer (1993 2000); Former state representative (2000 2006); former county commissioner (1999-2000, 2007-2008).
       Why should voters choose you to represent them in this office?: Because no candidate has a stronger commitment to representing taxpayers instead of government interests. I am less interested in the government's budget and very interested in protecting citizen's budgets. I am a pro-life, Ronald Reagan Republican with a proven record of opposing reckless government spending, fighting tax hikes and I have an actual plan to restore prosperity to Michigan.
       Your top three priorities if chosen for this office: We must cap the cost of politicians' and government employee benefits at the private-sector average cost for benefits, and use the savings to reduce taxes. Currently, benefits for politicians and government workers cost 220 percent more than benefits cost for private-sector workers. These rich benefits for the "political class" drive up government budgets and raise taxes. If we capped government benefits at the private sector average, we could save taxpayers $5.7 billion every year. The entire state business tax cost Michigan businesses about $2.3 billion last year. By capping government benefits, we could eliminate the business tax, cut the state income tax in half, and still have money left over to protect services. Every taxpayer would be better off, and Michigan would become only the third state with no tax on businesses<bringing huge job growth.

       KIM MELTZER (R)
       Occupation: State representative, 33rd District; Business owner, manufacturing company in Romeo.
       Government, professional and political background: 2000-2004: Clinton Twp. Board of Trustees; 2007-present: State representative, 33rd District; 2002-present: job provider in manufacturing; professional figure skater; personal trainer in weight room training.; former director of health club; Calvin College; Wayne State University graduate: Bachelor's in Political Science.
       Why should voters choose you to represent them in this office?: I am the only candidate with experience in manufacturing. Therefore I know what policies the manufacturing industry needs to compete in the global market so that more manufacturing jobs come back to Michigan. Manufacturing jobs are critical in order for Michigan to rebound economically. We cannot be just a service industry. Manufacturing creates wealth. Michigan has the infrastructure, the talent and strong work ethic to take back the jobs other countries have taken from us. It is not cheaper to outsource. Government policies have sold out the American worker and I plan to fight for a strong middle class. I also have a record of never voting for a tax increase and have signed the taxpayer's pledge which holds that I will not vote for a tax increase as your senator.
       Your top three priorities if chosen for this office: 1. Remove the MBT surcharge on business. This will prioritize existing Michigan businesses and be inviting to businesses outside of Michigan. 2. Adopt my Arizona type immigration legislation. At a cost to Michigan of $400 million annually, Michigan cannot afford to subsidize programs that benefit illegal immigrants. I am the only candidate willing to make this a priority. 3. Adopt legislation to require all government expenditures to be placed on line so taxpayers know how their money is spent.

       COLLEEN SAPUTO (R)
       Did not respond.

       JIM AYRES (D)
       Did not respond.

       JONATHAN GARSTKA (D)
       Did not respond.