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New Michigan ResidentElection Guide Election Day is 11.08.16 – Get out and vote!

By Alounso Gilzene

+General Information County: Ingham US House District: Congressional District 8 State Upper House District: Senate District 23 State Lower House District: House District 69 Michigan Unified School Districts: East Lansing School

District County Commission Districts: 8 Ingham County District

+The Candidates

The following pages will provide details on candidates Some of this information will be direct quotes from

each candidate’s website The information presented is not my own view, and is

representative of the candidate’s political stance

+8th Congressional District : Michael Bishop (R) - Incumbent

Conservative Record: Mike Bishop is a life-long conservative leader with the record to prove it. Mike Bishop has led by supporting: more than $1billion in budget cuts, lower taxes, right-to-work, part-time legislature, reduced pay for public officials, 2nd amendment rights including co-sponsoring ‘shall carry’ CPL laws; pro-life legislation including a 100% pro-life record.

Record of Cutting Government Spending and lowering taxes: As a conservative leader had a record of putting forth more than $1 billion in cuts and fought for lower taxes in Michigan. Mike Bishop received a 100% rating from the Michigan Chamber of Commerce.

Repeal Obamacare: Mike Bishop has fought against Obamacare from the start. Mike Bishop will vigorously fight against Obamacare.

2nd Amendment: Supporting our 2nd amendment right to bear arms, Mike Bishop championed right-to-carry legislation, received A/A+ rating from NRA and is personally a gun owner with a CPL.

+8th Congressional District : Suzanna Shkreli (D)

Suzanna will stand up to any attempt to privatize, reduce benefits, or turn the programs over to Wall Street and private health insurance companies.

In Congress, Suzanna will oppose raising the retirement age, and will support efforts to bring down the price of prescription medicine, such as allowing Medicare to negotiate for lower rates.

Suzanna believes we must make college and higher education more affordable for everyone who wants to earn a college degree. She will also fight to make community colleges and trade schools more accessible for those who want to improve their skills.

In Congress, Suzanna will continue that fight by voting to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which protects domestic abuse survivors. She will fight to pass legislation like the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, which further prevents discrimination in the workplace.

Most importantly, Suzanna believes women should be able to make their own health care decisions, and will fight back against members of Congress who want to outlaw a woman’s right to choose.

+8th Congressional District: Other Candidates (These Candidates don’t have substantive platforms) Jeff Wood (L) Maria Green (G) Jeremy Burgess (NL)

+8th Congressional District:

The following link contains a detailed Candidate fact sheet

http://lwvmi.org/documents/VG2016GE.US08.pdf

+69th District, Michigan House of Representatives: Sam Singh (D) Incumbent

“Positioning Michigan in a global economy means having top rate schools and universities, robust job growth and a strong commitment to a clean environment. If we focus on these three areas, we can create the type of Michigan we want to see in the 21st century.  As a former Mayor, non-profit employee, and current State Representative I’ve worked closely with community leaders to bring real solutions to our state’s problems”

We must make sure that we are supplying our teachers with the appropriate technology, training and resources to make sure students are getting the best educational opportunities.”

“We need to support the technology transfer from higher education institutions to entrepreneurs so we can take ideas from the laboratories to the marketplace. We need to adequately fund all levels of education so our students are prepared to enter into a global workforce.”

+69th District, Michigan House of Representatives: Sam Singh (D) Incumbent Continued “As a State Representative, I have sponsored legislation to increase our

state’s energy efficiency standards. We need a comprehensive state agenda on clean energy and energy consumption which will help us make the right long term decisions.”

“I am proud to have supported progressive issues throughout my entire career both in politics and in the nonprofit sector. Though our state has made many strides over the years, we have stepped back in some areas. I am a strong supporter of a women’s right to choose and voted against legislation that prevents private insurance companies from offering coverage for abortion without the purchase of a special rider. “

“I also offered an amendment to the state budget to prevent state funds from being used for court costs defending Michigan’s unconstitutional and discriminatory anti-marriage law. I have been and will continue to be a voice to protect the rights of underrepresented people across our state.”

+69th District, Michigan House of Representative: George Nastas III ®

“Indiana is a right-to-work state now, so Indiana has got a comparative advantage versus Michigan,” he said.  “And when manufacturers look at where they’re going to expand their businesses or put their businesses, they’re going to look to Indiana rather than Michigan.  That’s not to say people shouldn’t have the right to form unions, but workers shouldn’t be compelled to join those unions as a condition of employment.”

(Could not find other relevant info)

+State Board of Education

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.

+State Board of Education: Candidates Link to Candidate Fact Sheet:

http://lwvmi.org/documents/VG2016GEStateBoardofEd.pdf

+University Administration Elections University of Michigan Board of Regents Michigan State University Board of Trustees Wayne State University Board of Governors

+Michigan Supreme Court

Michigan Supreme Court – 8 Year Term Michigan Supreme Court – Partial Term

+Ingham County Commissioner: Mark Grebner (D) The County's priorities have remain largely unchanged for 40 years:

how to allocate our scarce resources to deal with new and changing public needs. Looming on the immediate horizon is the need to replace our outdated jail and associated facilities. Because the public is unlikely to support a stand-alone millage for that purpose, we will need to be creative in finding the $80 million needed.

As a liberal, I will try to protect services to the needy and vulnerable. At the same time, I will continue my efforts to put the County on a sound fiscal footing, by ensuring that we don't finance current programs by saddling future Boards with debts, in the form of unfunded pension or retiree health care obligations.

I intend to rewrite the County's ethics policy to cover other elected officials and provide clearer guidance to County employees. I'd also like to speed up the Trails millage process.

+Ingham County Commissioner: Christopher McNamara (R) Not a lot of info

+Ingham County Clerk

The County Clerk is elected for a four-year term and is responsible for keeping records of births, deaths, assumed names, co-partnerships, and issuing and filing marriage licenses.

Candidates: Barb Byrum (D) Joseph W. Werner (R)

+Ingham County Drain Comissioner The Drain Commissioner's Office provides for

construction, maintenance and improvement of County public storm drains.  Responsible for the legal establishment and administration of drainage districts.  Assesses benefited property owners to pay for costs of the drains.  Other responsibilities include lake level control, soil erosion control (through issuance of permits), acting as the County Board of Public Works and review of proposed subdivision plats. 

Candidates Patrick Lindermann (D) George Platsis (R)

+Ingham County Prosecutor The Prosecuting Attorney’s Office reviews all requests for complaints and warrants involving violations of state law, Michigan State University and/or County ordinances.The Prosecuting Attorney is responsible for a wide array of legal functions for Ingham County some of which include:

Chief Law Enforcement Official for Ingham County

Reviews, authorizes and prosecutes violations of felony and misdemeanor criminal laws of the State of Michigan committed within Ingham County

Reviews petitions involving juvenile persons under 17 who engage in state law violations

Reviews all drug and property forfeiture matters

Attends contested mental health commitment hearings

Files and prosecutes actions to establish paternity

Files actions to establish family support matters

+Ingham County Prosecutor: Billy Jo O’Berry (R)

“I am running for the office of Ingham County Prosecutor because our community has been betrayed. As a public servant for the last 30-years I am angry about the hypocrisy that has gone unreported. I am uniquely qualified to lead the Prosecutor’s Office to a place of integrity and pride. I have been married to Rick for 42-years; our daughter Jolina is a defense attorney and my granddaughter, Grace is 9 years old. I have prosecuted and supervised staff attorneys in thousands of cases. I will hold those who violate the law accountable while upholding constitutional rights. I am the most qualified candidate in this race. I have the experience required to be effective and above all else I am not just looking for a job. I have been a part of this community my entire life and will always have the best interest of the community in mind. I am not interested in seeking another office, I am not interested in backroom deals or taking the easy way.I am interested in truth and justice.”

+Ingham County Prosecutor: Carol Siemon (D) As a life-long Ingham County resident and an experienced former

assistant prosecuting attorney, I working to create progressive changes in the criminal justice system. My professional experience is broad-based and extensive. I've managed staff, administered budgets, developed policies, and worked collaboratively with state, federal, and tribal officials. This campaign is a continuation of the work I've done in a 35-year career. I've investigated child welfare agencies, prosecuted domestic violence and sexual assault, served on the CEI Community Mental Health Board, worked with the Michigan Race Equity Coalition, and developed policies to help stop the over-representation of juveniles in the juvenile justice system.

I believe that justice, fairness, and equality should not belong to just one party. I promise to work together to build a system to reduces crime and provides justice for all.

+Ingham County Sheriff: Eric Trojanowicz (R) I am running for Sheriff because I want to make a

positive difference and bring the community and the Sheriff Office together. Working together is the only way we as a county can improve our communities.

My top three priorities are as follows: 1. Create a positive change at the Sheriff's Office that

incorporates community involvement.2. Reduce the administration so that I can increase the road patrol. The Sheriff's Office is too top heavy.3. Work with the Board of Commissioners. The Sheriff needs to have an open line of communication with them.

+Ingham County Sheriff: Scoot Wriggelsworth (D) I am running for Ingham County Sheriff to protect children,

families and seniors throughout Ingham County. I look forward to building on my proven track record of fighting crime, and making the Sheriff's Office even more effective at responding to citizens.

To lead the men and women of the Ingham County Sheriff's Office in this ever changing and dynamic world of law enforcement, including corrections.

Challenge our employees to shake the status quo in our profession and develop new and innovative ideas to keep people in our county safe. I have a proven track record of doing this at ELPD, and will challenge members of ICSO to do the same.

+Ingham County Register of Deeds The duties and responsibilities of the Register of Deeds

Office are established by state law to include recording, indexing and retaining documents that convey or encumber real estate located within the County.

Candidates Derrick Quinney (D) Gloria G. Richards (R)

+Ingham County Treasurer: Bruce Little (R) On the issues: “Ingham County has the second highest

average property tax rate in the State of Michigan. We have a health care millage which is being used to fund programs in other counties most notably, we are funding the Livingston County free dental program, a county which has one of the lowest millage rates in the state.”

+Ingham County Treasurer: Eric Schertzing (D) In my fourth term as Treasurer I have continually

worked to make the office responsive to the needs of the citizens. Early efforts included Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program leadership and the Board of Capital Area Community Services - our local anti-poverty agency. After assuming the responsibility for the property tax foreclosure process in 2004, in 2005 I lead the creation of the County Land Bank Authority - the 2nd in Michigan. Passion, vision, leadership and energy are what I bring to the effort every day. Working to keep these local programs responsive to the wants and needs of Ingham County citizens, I ask for their continued support to make mid-Michigan a great place to live, work and play.

+Lansing Community College Board of Trustees Alex Azima Ryan Buck Angela L. Matthews (no website) Robert E. Proctor (no website)

+30th Judicial Circuit Court

Clinton Canady III Joyce A. Draganchuk

+Justice of the Supreme Court of Michigan: Joan Larsen I am running to retain my seat as Justice of the

Michigan Supreme Court so that I can continue to use my legal training and experience to serve the people of Michigan. My diverse legal career has prepared me well to grapple with the high-level legal questions that confront us on the Michigan Supreme Court. I believe the people of Michigan want justices who are evenhanded and who treat litigants, and each other, with civility and respect.

+Justice of the Supreme Court of Michigan: Kerry Morgan To provide the People a way to recover their

Constitutional rights and freedoms through the judiciary.

The government's only compelling interest is in the security of individual rights and freedoms. The Supreme Court's job is to secure our rights, not to barter them away to the State of Michigan or political subdivisions.

+Justice of the Supreme Court of Michigan: Deborah Thomas In 1994, Deborah Thomas was elected by the people of Wayne County to serve as a

Judge on the Third Circuit Court, where she has served ever since. Judge Thomas’s commitment to using whatever tools she has available to her to improve the lives of those in her community is never ending. On the bench, she has consistently taken a rehabilitative approach with those who come before her in court, recognizing that a community’s success is predicated on its leaders’ ability to build pathways to success for its members. Defendants in her courtroom who do not have a high school diploma often end up getting “sentenced” to complete their GED as opposed to more traditional, retributive, “tough on crime” sentences often handed out by other judges.

While on the bench, Judge Thomas started the largest Veterans Treatment Court in the State of Michigan, which is currently used as a model for other similar courts. She has also begun a Restorative Justice program in the Wayne County Circuit Court. Due in large part to her efforts, the state’s first toll-free Domestic Violence hotline was created.

In addition to her service on the court, Judge Thomas organizes and attends bi-weekly forums across the state of Michigan to educate the public on the legal issues of importance to that community. She regularly speaks on subjects ranging from human trafficking, how to deal with the police, how to restore one’s driver’s license, domestic violence, criminal record expungement, and many others at her own personal expense.

+Justice of the Supreme Court of Michigan: Frank Szymanski It is imperative that our Supreme Court be free of

special interest influence. As a Judge in the Juvenile Court, in Detroit for the last 10 years, I have worked with some of the poorest and most vulnerable young people and families in our community. I love my work because I see it as an opportunity to make a difference. I have started a number of community initiatives, 1) GNG (Guitars Not Guns), (volunteers teach at risk at youth to play guitar); 2) KKIS (Keep Kids In School) students thrive when school discipline policies value class time and suspensions are used as last option rather than a first option

+Justice of the Supreme Court of Michigan: David Viviano I am seeking reelection to the Michigan Supreme Court

because I believe I can continue to be a powerful voice for the rule of law in this state. I believe that a judiciary that adheres to the rule of law, interpreting and applying the law according to the lawmakers’ intent and not the judge’s own policy preferences, is the fairest legal system because it provides a principled and predictable basis for settling disputes. I am also a proponent of technological innovations in our court system, including the recent expansion of videoconferencing technology in our courts, which has saved Michigan taxpayers over $14 million.

+Justice of the Supreme Court of Michigan: Doug DernNo Statement or Info

+Local Boards of Education

East Lansing Public Schools Robert Clark Mike Conlin Kate Edsall Erin Graham Kyle Guerrant Hillary Henderson Nichole Martin

http://www.eastlansinginfo.org/content/school-board-race-update

Lansing Public Schools Mark Eagle Amy Hodgin Ronald L. Holley Gabrielle Johnson Melissa Lilje Stephen Purchase

http://www.mlive.com/lansing-news/index.ssf/2011/10/lansing_school_board_candidate.html

+Proposition: Ingham County, Potter Park Zoo & Potter Park, Millage Renewal Question For the sole purpose of renewing for the continued

operation of the Potter Park Zoo and Potter Park, including funding for operations, maintenance, and improvements, shall the Constitutional limitation upon the total amount of taxes which maybe assessed in one (1) year upon all property within the County of Ingham, Michigan, be renewed at up to 0.41 mill, $0.41 per thousand dollars of state taxable valuation, for a period of five (5) years (2016-2020) inclusive?

If approved and levied in full, this millage will raise in the first calendar year of the levy an estimated $2,799,104 for operations, maintenance, and improvements for Potter Park Zoo and Potter Park.

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