Comments on: More Local Candidates Enter State Races

By: Faye

Faye — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 22:13:39 +0000

I am always pleased when candidates stop by the neighborhoods they hope to represent. Today was no exception – especially since it was mine.

Unfortunately, three things happened today. The nice, friendly gentleman introduced himself and his infant daughter (sorry – but it really is a bit rainy to be walking around for hours with a young one…I was not impressed), then handed me a card for his candidate (you might be able to redeem yourself later, so I won’t name you here). I continued digging up dandelions from my front yard until I got to a good stopping point….only to find first, the card was totally plastic. Not even recycled plastic. Second, the candidate clearly states on the card he wants to “Support the environment.” Third, a couple of hours later, my mail arrived and I received yet another postcard, non-recyclable plastic, from this very same candidate.

The first and second items were frustrating enough to me that I walked around my neighborhood until I found the nice gentleman and gave him back his piece of plastic. He was totally surprised by my comments and clearly had not thought about how campaign materials on non-recyclable media contradicts someone who says they support the environment. I hope the candidate is pleased to know how long the images of his face and his family will exist in city landfills. The nice gentleman tried to tell me about all the things his candidate does for the environment by participating in various organizations. As I told him – actions speak more loudly than words – I am not impressed by someone on committees. Perhaps your candidate helps make policy and facilitate laws that are better for the environment, but these intentions don’t apply to him or you?

I hope others who make these kinds of campaign decisions will think twice before perpetuating needless waste. We just celebrated 40 years of Earth Day…unfortunately, we still have a lot more work to do.

By: David Palmer

David Palmer — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 02:29:25 +0000

Thank you for writing such a comprehensive article, Judy! For those of you who are following the contest in the 54th State House District, I encourage you to visit my website, which launched this week: [link] I look forward to your questions and feedback.

By: Rod Johnson

Rod Johnson — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 13:54:13 +0000

All that is nice, but the pesky question of whether one agrees with his politics still has to be asked.

By: Sean Duval

Sean Duval — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 01:45:35 +0000

I’m thinking that if donating a billion hours or so to charities, participating in numerous non profit boards and community events, and being a community leader makes one a corporate elitist, then maybe we do need this one in Lansing. Its hard to find someone who is more engaged, works harder or is better suited for this seat than Mark O.

By: Sam Seaborn

Sam Seaborn — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:35:02 +0000

Frank,

In response to your comments I am going to gather that you have never met Mark. Mark does have a banking background but he is not an elitist. This is evidenced by the thousands of hours he donated in order to make the district a better place.

By: Peter Bratt

Peter Bratt — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:53:16 +0000

Judy:

Thanks for the update on Russ-interesting. Makes the seat a bit more winnable for the GOP (IMO).

By: Brian

Brian — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 18:24:21 +0000

I have heard good things about Schwartz also and he would have my vote. Certainly stands a better chance than others in the race.

By: Frank Grohnert

Frank Grohnert — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 18:16:31 +0000

Good article. I think if Ken Schwartz decides to throw his hat in the 52nd race, then the Dems will have a real shot at beating the monied interests on the Republican side. Ken has shown that he has the financial credentials, leadership qualities and experience representing everyday folks necessary to be our voice in Lansing. We don’t need more bankers and corporate elitists in the legislature.

By: Alan Goldsmith

Alan Goldsmith — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 11:26:58 +0000

Then I suppose I’ll wait to see if pro-choice Joe Schwarz is going to run as an independent. He’s more progressive than half of the Democrats in state elected offices. We are likely going to have a Republican as our next governor anyway, thanks to the passive way the Dems have used their power over the last eight years. Andy Dillon, even without the choice issue, is part of that problem and not part of a solution.

By: Judy McGovern

Judy McGovern — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 02:11:30 +0000

Hi all.
Peter thanks for reading, and for passing along the information.
Russ Angerer dissolved his campaign committee soon after forming it. I spoke with him just a few minutes to confirm.
As for Ms. Brewton, she was certainly not serious in 2008. As recently as February, communication the Secretary of State’s office sent to her last known address was returned as undeliverable. That said, if the name’s going on the ballot, voters need to know who she is and what her campaign or non-campaign is about. Stay tuned.