a guide to the 2010 primary election

Tom GeorgeRepublicanPORTAGE — Republican State Sen. Tom George has maintained a unique method for monitoring the vital signs of Michigan’s eco-nomic and social health through-out his decade in the state Legis-lature. Long hours working as an anesthesiologist in Kalamazoo hospital operat-ing rooms have helped George stay connected to the world outside of Lansing politics. It’s part of a 25-year career as a medical doctor that has helped shape George’s political outlook and his longshot bid to become Michigan’s next governor.

— Tim Martin

Pete HoekstraRepublicanHOLLAND — If Pete Hoekstra wanted job security, he wouldn’t be seeking the Republican nomination for Michigan governor. He could be pursuing another term in Congress here on Michigan’s western shore where voters have re-elected him eight times since his astonishing defeat of a powerful GOP incumbent in 1992. Or Hoekstra could return to the private sector where he worked before politics. Instead, he’s traveling the state to persuade people that he’s the guy to turn things around in Lansing.

— Ed White

Rick SnyderRepublicanLANSING — Rick Snyder is a workaholic, a man who thinks a four-hour round of golf is a waste of time and who didn’t even step into a home his wife had built in South Dakota when he worked for Gateway Inc. until it was nearly done. But get the silver-haired Snyder near his power boat on Gun Lake, and the same intensity the Republican gubernatorial candidate brings to the business world shows up in his water skiing. — Kathy Barks Hoffman

ELECTION 2010 2

Governor of Michigan currently Jennifer Granholm

Virg BerneroDemocratLANSING — Virg Bernero isn’t a guy who believes in staying in the slow lane. Immersed in politics before he reached his teens during his aunt’s campaign for an Oakland County commissioner’s seat, Bernero turned his gift for gab and passion for help-ing people into a career that has tak-en him from class president at Wa-terford Mott High School and Adrian College student body president to jobs as an Ingham County commis-sioner, state lawmaker and Lansing mayor — all by the age of 46.

— Kathy Barks Hoffman

Andy DillonDemocratSOUTHFIELD — Andy Dillon doesn’t fit neatly into any of the ste-reotypes that typi-cally shape Michigan politics. The Democrat entered politics just six years ago and has defied description ever since leaving a lucrative career as a business turnaround specialist with companies such as GE Capital and Wynnchurch Capital. Dillon says political pundits and party insiders may care about such characteriza-tions, but average voters don’t. The lawmaker from Wayne County’s Red-ford Township says he’s fed up with partisan politics and he’s betting that enough voters feel the same way to make him Michigan’s next governor. — Tim Martin

Mike BouchardRepublicanSHELBY TOWN-S H I P — M i k e Bouchard tackles purse-snatchers in restaurant parking lots, speeds off to New York and New Orleans when disaster strikes and hunts bears with a bow and arrow. And now the hard-charging Oakland County sheriff — nickname “Rambo” — is running in the GOP gubernato-rial primary. — Mike Householder

Mike CoxRepublicanDEARBORN —

“Be tough” is Mike Cox’s motto, a way of operating that has influenced his work as a county prosecutor and Michigan’s attorney general — even his run for gover-nor in the Republican primary. His way down that path began early as the son of Irish immigrants growing up in a blue-collar suburban Detroit neighborhood. But it was three years in the Marine Corps from 1980-83, he says, that laid the real foundation.

— David Runk

ELECTION 2010 3

What needs to be changed in the Michigan budget process to make it a more bipartisan effort?

What areas of government or services should be downsized?

What areas of govern-ment or services should receive more attention or more funding?

Should the state fund the Pure Michigan tourist campaign and if so, how?

Would you support a term limit for the legislature?

Randy BishopRepublican

Howard WalkerRepublican

Bob CarrDemocrat

RBR

HWR

BCD

Michigan

37th Senate currently Jason Allen

“Part of it is the lack of experience (in Lansing). I served under three Speakers of the House and each one had come to that job with only two years of legislative experience and none of them had ev-er chaired a committee. So, when you have a lack of experience, what happens is legislators tend to go to their corners. We still need term limits, but that’s part of the disfunctionality.”

“It’s a complete travesty. They don’t understand our state constitution, the governor doesn’t, the Senate doesn’t and the House doesn’t. They need to look at the constitution and see that we are mandated to fund schools fully. Then it is public safety, especially prisons — not letting them out early because we can fund it. And the last thing, is we need to fully fund our infrastructure, our bridges and our roads.”

“Anything that we do that is a duplication of something offered to us by the federal govern-ment. Number one: Why do we have a Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration? We don’t need it. Defund it, eliminate it. Number two: Why do we need the Department of Envi-ronmental Quality (now part of the Michigan DNRE)? We have to Army Corps of Engineers that can do it for 48 other states, why can’t they do it for Michigan?”

“The (Michigan Department of Agriculture). The MDA had a budget of $62 million budget in 2000, Granholm in the last 10 years has cut it down to $30 million, when agriculture has been the only industry growing at a 3 percent annual rate. We’ve cut the funding to allow them to hire food inspectors.”

“I’d like to see it be a part of the MDA’s budget.Bishop said if the agricultural department was

funded at the $80 million level, it would be able to fully fund the ad campaign.

“I believe in agro-tourism. I think people would absolutely come to our state to go on wine tours, they would come to see how blueberries and cher-ries are (grown) and I think it would be of histori-cal significance for young people to understand what agriculture has done in this state.”

“Term-limits should be abolished with the ac-ceptance of a part-time legislature. If you go to a part-time legislature, it should be a volunteer pub-lic service.

“You have to make some money go to Lansing once a week, but you should also have time to go to your community to feel the laws that you are passing and how it is affecting the public.

“People need to read my bookmark that says, “It’s not just about which political party, it’s about serving communities.” It’s a very simple formula.

“I e-mail, every week, statewide officehold-ers from both parties. That’s how you do it. We’re friends. I don’t care what party you are.”

“Well, we (recently) talked to the Great Start program for kids. They want to add a cabinet position for kids. I said to them, what’s that go-ing to do to our budget? They didn’t have any-thing to say. I told them what it does is save us money, because we have somebody — now — that can oversee the waste and get rid of it.

“You need a good center group. I’ll guarantee what my opponents say, ‘you can’t add a posi-tion’. But, you need someone to oversee the pro-gram and make sure it is functioning properly.”

“Bringing lots of little jobs up here is im-portant. I want factories to put people back to work.

“Instead of laying somebody off, cut the staff of 20 back to 38 hours instead of 40 hours, while in the short-term. Flex time also works. Everybody doesn’t need to go to work at 8 o’clock in the morning.”

“Because I ran the Mackinac Island Cham-ber of Commerce, I was their Lilac Parade organizer. We had the largest parade ever. A woman said to me the other day: ‘Bob, you still hold the record.’”

“What we need to do in this state is take our positives in every town and make sure people can have fun with it. If you do that, we’re never going to have a problem with tourism.”

“I’ve read the my opponents want a part-time legislature, and they are both the same ones that will tell you Michigan is in terrible shape.

“Now, this is real important, (lawmakers) get there Monday night in Lansing and go home Thursday night or Friday morning. For most of us, we could survive on a three-day ‘work week’ as they call it.”

“Personally, we need to look at every budget and find out where we can consolidate. When you look at some of the cuts we are going to have to make, you go to where the money is, and the money is in human services, education and cor-rection. I think that takes up about 75 percent of the general fund.”

Walker said he is not proposing cutting those areas, but rather that historically those areas have the majority of the state’s resources. Instead, he advocates reforms before cuts.

“I think there is a lot of room in Northern Michi-gan for increased funding for public schools. Dur-ing my time in the legislature, I worked real hard for school funding equity. If you ask any of my col-legues in Lansing what I was most known for was carrying the flag for school funding equity.”

“It’s been shown in every report I’ve seen you bring back $2 or $3 for every dollar spent on Pure Michigan. If we’re doing something right, why not do more of it?” Walker said.

Walker said he would like to see the campaign funded at its original $30 million level.

“I would support using general funds. But, you’re going to be competing against (education, corrections and human services).”

“I think we are a highly beauracratic state. I don’t think the citizens would be served with a part-time legislature until we have got our beaucracy user friendly. I could support it if the red tape was gone and folks were moving through the process in a streamline fashion.”

United States

1st Congressional

ELECTION 20104

How should the new health care reform bill be handled?

What are your feelings on the second amendment?

What are your thoughts on national defense?

What are you thoughts on global governance (efforts to combine multi-national governments like the European Union)?

“The first item is that we have to stop it by any means possible. We’ve got to repeal (the bill). Next, we have to defund it and stop the implementation in any way.” Allen said he knows liberals in Southeastern Michi-

gan are already talking about expansion, because “they see this great boon of resources going into De-troit.” “That automatically is a red flag. As a conservative,

we have seen so many dollars go into the city of De-troit. We have to make sure our rural health care is taken care of.”

“The health care bill is a complete disaster. As a physician, I’m accutely aware of the problems in our health care system and this health care bill doesn’t address any of those problems.”Benishek said “it simply adds another layer of poli-

tics, bureaucrats and government lawyers oversee-ing the health care system.”He called for free market reform in the health in-

surance business and tax credits for employers, as well as health savings accounts.

“As a conservative and a veteran, I’m very honored to have served this country in the (Michigan) Na-tional Guard to protect our constitution.”Allen said as an avid outdoorsman, he has the only

100 percent rating by the National Rifle Association.“I’ve co-sponsored legislation from everything from

the Eddie Eagle (safety program) to hunter safety,” Allen said. “I have done the concealed weapons permits and helped move those through the legis-lature.”

“I believe primary function of the second amend-ment is to protect ourselves from tyranny. It’s all well and good to be a hunter and protect yourself in your home, but we have the rights as citizens to be armed if we have a tyranical government, so they cannot just make us do what they want.”He added that guns enable citizens to overthrow

such governments, but without guns people “would not be able to do that.”

“I believe we have to continue and bolster our na-tional defense, because this is one of the areas that there are a lot of enemies out there going after us.”Pointing to the “Axis of Evil,” he said it is important

the country provide troops with the necessary sup-port to defeat enemies.“We know that currently the Obama administra-

tion is cutting back on the appropriate equipment, whether it be radio antennas or field gear — like the kind made here in Antrim County,” he said. From there, he said, the military has to continue to

adapting to fight new types of threats.

“Well of course I believe in a strong national de-fense. We shouldn’t be going to war lightly either. I don’t think we should be putting troops on the ground without a declaration of war.”He said the nine-year war in Afghanistan has not

been done right, citing his own daughter’s service in Iraq and Afghanistan.“We have to treasure of our children, the treasure

of our money in wars that I’m not sure there is a good plan for.”Benishek added the country needs to secure its

borders to defend against terrorists.

“As a conservative, I’m very scared of the power grabs that have gone on by Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid and Barrack Obama in regards to the way we are running this country.”Allen cited the issue of Cap and Trade, the national

health care reform bill and banking finance bill as “power grabs.”“In effect, they are quietly assaulting our individual

rights,” he said.

“America is a sovereign nation. I would never vote to put our troops under another country’s control. I’m a solid conservative.” Benishek said he was not sure Obama believes that,

but Benishek said he’s completely against it.

Jason AllenRepublican

Dan BenishekRepublican

JR

DR

currently Bart Stupak

ELECTION 2010 5

“As a regular, everyday, ordinary American, I reject this idea of health care being legisla-tion at all. The word care in the health care bill — I don’t see any care in the bill,” he said. “This was supposed to be insurance reform. There doesn’t seem to be any reform for the everyday American.”Donlon said he would assist in repealing

the bill if given the opportunity, but also knows people in the district would like to see affordable health care.

“What do you do about health care? It is a gigantic mess. All it was was confusion. We had one of the best health care systems you could ask for. Was it perfect? Absolutely not. It could have been improved in many ways.”Hooper said should people go across the

state borders and have free enterprise.Holding up a copy of the U.S. constitution,

Hooper said “the entire United States is reg-ulated by the little book.”

“A couple years ago, a very wise man told me, ‘You think heath care is expensive now, what until it is free!’” Everybody knows it has to go. If the U.S. Supreme Court doesn’t do it, repealing health care will be job one.”Stillings said the health care system in the

United States is the best in the world, citing relatives who live outside the U.S.“That health care bill is a tax bill, noth-

ing more. The whole thing is a misnomer, a 2,700 page place to hide things that they know you won’t like.”

“I am strong, pro second amendment ad-vocate. I feel that in order to have freedom, we have the second amendment.” Donlon emphasized that the amendment

is about the “right to bear arms” not about guns.

“The second amendment means you can protect yourself. People have tried to turn it around for years, saying it was meant for a militia. It’s not meant for a militia. You the American people have the right to own a gun. You have the right to choose what cali-ber that gun might be. You have the right to carry it on you if you so choose. We’re not going to turn into a wild west country and start running around shooting people.”

“The second amendment right to bear arms is absolut. It goes all the way back to English common law, when an English king would try to overstep his bounds and take the weaponry from the people.”He said the “Right to Life” implies the right

to live and the means to do so.

“I’ve got to believe the constituents of this district would want us to maintain a strong national defense. Working in the defense and aerospace business myself, I know we can make our defense program more effi-cient.”Donlon added that there are ways for Con-

gress to not appropriate money for it.On Afghanistan, he said, it’s a “mantra of

the present administration.” But, he can’t tell what is really going on there. “I think we are supposed to catch terror-

ists, but there is also this aspect of trying to protect the poppy fields. I’m not for that, and I don’t think the constituents of this district are either.”

“We have had the strongest military in the world, ever since this country’s inception and — especially— since (World War I).”He said the reason the military is strong

is that we have never held back on military support, technology or funding.“Also, we’ve got a compassionate army that

just doesn’t go out and slaughter people the way the Germans did in (World War II),” he said.Hooper said the military has to be the first

priority.

“One of the first things I would do would be to force the recall of our military personel from countries that are able to defend them-selves. Right now they are living on our dime, and that dime is not for them, it is meant for us.”Stillings said with the money saved by

bringing the troops home, the country can develop technologies and better weaponry to defend the United States.“Once we achieve that, we should achieve

peace through strength —t he operative word is strength. A strong national defense is the only way to fight aggression. People have to know there is a price to pay if you come after the United States of America.”

“Global governance is kind of an abstract term. You can look at it as people or relating to free trade.” Donlon targeted the free trade portion of

the discussion.“I’m under the opinion that we have got

to get money flowing back into our coun-try. We need products being build in this country more competitive with the rest of the world. I think once we do that and un-derstand that we are force to be reconned with in the manufacturing and production area, we may not fear this term so much and things will be better.”

“Global governance is the brain-child of the United Nations.” Hooper said unfortunately even Republi-

cans have fallen for the plan — noting Presi-dent George Bush Sr. sitting down to sign the “Kyoto Treaty.” He said the constitution has to regulate the United States, not something that comes out of the lips of the United Na-tions.

“Global government is the antithesis of the United States of America,” he said. “It is the end of individual liberty and is an effort by those that would return us to serfdom.”Stillings said it should be defended by all

means possible.

Patrick DonlonRepublicanPR

Don HooperRepublicanDR

Tom StillingsRepublican

Gary McDowellDemocrat

TR

GD

Gary McDowell was unavailable for comment.

AGE: 58 (Born April 21, 1952)RESIDENCE: RudyardPARTY: DemocratEDUCATION: Attended Lake Su-perior StatePROFESSIONAL CAREER: United Parcel Service driver, 1970-2003; Owner/treasurer, McDowell Hay Inc., hay farming and distri-bution company in Rudyard.POLITICAL CAREER: Michigan state representative, 2005-present; Chippewa County commissioner, 1981-2002 (board chairman, 1998-2002)PERSONAL: Married to Carrie; Three children, Alivia, Emily and RochelleONLINE: www.votemcdowell.com

ELECTION6

Michigan

107th House

Frank FosterRepublican

Mike J. PatrickRepublican

What needs to be changed in the Michigan budget process to make it a more bipartisan effort?

Are there areas of government or services that need to be reduced in the budget?

What areas need increased funding or additional attention?

Do you support wind farms?

How should communities deal with medical marijuana zoning?

“Every candidate on both sides say the big issue is jobs. Obviously it is jobs, but a balanced budget is the first step in creating a stable taxable environment that signals to small businesses, corporations and any other organiza-tion that their taxes are going to be five years out,” Foster said. “It’s the fundamental job of the legislature to balance the budget, and they have failed the last two years.”Foster advocates for a July 1 deadline for the budget.

“With 70 new freshman coming into the House this year, there is no reason why we can’t put this together and get this fixed immediately. There are also about 28 new sena-tors. So, there is no reason why we can’t get this done. Go in, work together, throw out your party alliances and get the job done.”

“All across the board. I think as a government, we have gotten extremely bloated. Everyone in Michigan needs to tighten up their budgets. No one is making as much money as they were five years ago. Our state government should act accordingly.“I think Michigan departments have to realize the same

hardships that Michigan families have.”

“It seems like there are too many overlapping agencies that can be eliminated to save money for the Michigan citizens. I would have to say you have to go after all the departments.”

“I think per pupil, Northern Michigan students are un-derfunded in comparison to downstate school districts. So, I want more equitable funding, because I don’t think there is any more value in a student from downstate than value we create from students in Northern Michigan.”

“I would take a look at agriculture separately. They have been doing a great job.“There are a lot of other things that need attention —

the job market of course. We’ve got to look at schools and funding for the kids, equal funding across the board for students.”

“We have to analyze wind farms from a cost benefit per-spective and also an aesthetic appeal. Renewal energy is great if it is cost effective.Foster said communities should retain the right to ap-

prove or reject wind turbines independently.“When it becomes cost effective to put wind mills on top

of a house, people will do it. Until then, I think the com-munities or businesses should do it.”He would support offshore wind farms in the Great Lakes

if it doesn’t affect commerce.

“I believe at this point in time, wind energy is not the most efficient form of energy. I think there is nuclear, natural gas and coal, which are cheaper.“Right now the Upper Peninsula doesn’t have the power

grid to deal with those wind farms. Until that is estab-lished, there is no reason even to talk about them.”Patrick said they could also potentially be a visible hin-

drance and he would be opposed to wind farms offshore in the Great Lakes until there was an environmental im-pact study.

Foster said he supported the voters initiative in passing the 2008 Medical Marijuana Act.“If they are obeying the law and respect the permit pro-

cess, I think people are well within their rights.”

“As far as medical marijuana, or legalizing marijuana, I’m against it. There have been doctors, or so called doc-tors standing on street corners selling prescriptions. I’m against it.”

ELECTION 7

currently Gary McDowell

Ryan NelsonDemocrat

Richard TimmerDemocrat

“I think bipartisanship is a nice thing you talk about dur-ing a campaign, but it’s not really possible if you don’t have good ideas. And most of the ideas have been coming from the parties and lobbyists or special interests. That doesn’t even begin to happen “I think the ideas have to come from the people in our

communities. We need to solve the problems in our com-munities and take them down to Lansing, and all of a sud-den people who represent other districts can’t deny you if you are trying to get businesses started (in Northern Michigan).”

“That’s kind of a tough one, because the lobbyists on both sides have politicians signing agreements stating they’re not going to cut taxes or they are not going to cut services.“There’s got to be compromise. I think there needs to

be an early budget, so schools, townships and coun-ties can react to the revenue stream. That has to be the priority.”

“It gets back to the budget and lobbyists. Right now it is about ‘who has the best department head?’Nelson said it has become a battle between lobbyists

when people are talking about “how to protect kids.”“Why should we let those important negotiations be

done by lobbyists? By associations, by unions?”Nelson said “it was not for someone running for office”

to decide what is cut in Michigan, but rather the residents of the state.

“I believe in our tax collection there are a lot of dollars that are supposed to be taxed that are not being done.”Timmer pointed to the 1099 used in the construction

industries and other areas. “We need to focus on those taxes, but also take a look

at how are departments are funded. It doesn’t seem like the bureaucracy in Lansing gets smaller, it seems like the cuts come to the counties and city levels.”

“Basically, I’m going to run as a true representative when it comes to spending. I’m not going to listen to interest groups. “I’m going to call up all the people in (those groups) in

the 107th and get information.”

“I think some of the biggest are the cuts to community mental health. It’s flooding our jails, courts and hos-pitals with people that are not criminals, but because they have no other treatment or place to go they end up in our jails.”

“Here’s the point on wind farms. We need someone to take a lead and mandate innovation. We need policies in Lansing and at our city level that need to happen first, because those are local issues.“But, we need someone who can back the people in Lan-

sing at a local level.”He deferred any decision to the local communities in the

107th House District, saying he wants to be a “true repre-sentative” for the people.

“I think we have gone a little bit overboard with what the potential is.“I’ve worked with as many as six companies (in the U.P.)

to develop wind energy alternatives.”“The key is getting the power from the farm to the area

that can use it. It is compounded by the fact that there is not always wind to make power.”“It’s a piece of the puzzle but not the whole thing.”Timmer said he would support offshore wind turbines if

the local communities supported them.

Nelson said it may sound like a politician’s answer, but he has not talked to enough people in his district to take a position on medical marijuana. “I’m not going to say, until I’ve talked to 100, 400 or 1,000

people to make an informed decision.

“I have a little problem with that because I know people who have gotten the medical permit and I question the doc-tor’s decision.”Timmer said he had a terminal relative who used medical

marijuana “and it was a tool.”Ultimately, he said, it is a local issue. “If that is what the

residents want and they come to a consensus, that is their choice.”

VOTEBARRY ANDERSON

for

G.O.P.Candidate

forState Representative

District 105

A Common Sense Candidateelectbarryanderson.com

Paid for by: Committee to Elect Barry Anderson 105th07643 Upper Bay Shore Road • Charlevoix, MI 49720

Fighting for EDUCATIONFighting for PUBLIC SAFETYFighting for SENIORS & VETERANS

VOTE GillespieCommissioner, District #6

• Fair and Responsive Representation• Fiscal Responsibility

Paid for by the Committee to

Elect Richard L. Gillespie,P.O. Box 217, Beaver Island, MI 49782

We are taxing people out of their shoes - and - homes!

The county budget ballooned from 7 to 13 million dollars!

We need fi scal restraint at all points in government!

ARE YOU BEING REPRESENTED PROPERLY?

ELECTION 20108

Visit www.truckerrandy.com • Please read “Why I’m Running...”

We need two things to help get Michigan back on the right track.

Jobs and a fiscally responsible government.“The key to the first, is the implementation of the second!”

Tea-Party Republican CandidateRegulatory Reform • Right to Work • Michigan FairTax • Part-Time Legislature

Paid for by: Friends of Randy Bishop • P.O. Box 2435, Traverse City, MI 49685

• I believe in our Constitution and the freedoms that it grants us.• I believe in a smaller, limited, and less intrusive government. • I believe that our elected public servants should be exactly that...servants.• I will work for the People, so they can enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.• I am Pro Life, Pro 2nd Amendment, and Pro 10th Amendment. • I believe in family, good education for our children and a fiscally responsible government.

Please view my 5 minute video

BISHOP for SENATE“It’s time to send a Common Sense Conservative Truck Driver to Lansing!!!”

PLEASE VOTE AUGUST 3rd

A hard working family man, farmer, small-business owner, and outdoorsman, I’ll bring common sense and energetic change to Lansing. I will focus on job creation, smaller government, along with tax and regulatory reform.

Right to WorkMichigan FairTaxPart Time LegislatureComprehensive regulatory reform

TRISTON COLE IS ENDORSED BY:Michigan Farm BureauCitizens for Traditional ValuesSmall Business Association of Michigan stamp of approvalMichigan FairTax AssociationMichigan Milk Producers Association

We must take the burden off of our economic engine.

We must create an environment for job creation.

We must move to a smaller and more effi cient government.

We must get back to the basics, the constitution and common sense.

“I will be the conduit for your voice in Lansing”

Paid for by Friends of Triston Cole 241 E. Eddy School Rd. Mancelona, MI 49659

I am here for Northern Michigan. Contact me at 231-631-6659 or tristoncole@gmail.com

TRISTON

COLEConservative for State Representative

ELECTION 2010 9

Can’t wait to hear

the news?

will post election

results once avail-

able the night of

the election,

August 3.

Also, check

Wednesday’s tree

edition of the

News-Review for

in-depth coverage

of elections.

petoskeynews.com • local news you can't get anywhere else

August 3 Primary Election 2010POLLS ARE OPEN:Polls are open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. EDT in most of the state, and from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. CDT in a handful of counties in the western Upper Penin-sula.VOTER REGISTRATION:The last day to register to vote in the primary was Tuesday, July 6.ABSENTEE BALLOTS:Eligible voters can request an absentee ballot by mail until 2 p.m. Saturday, July 31, or obtain an absentee ballot and vote in person at their city or township’s clerk office until 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 2. Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land reminds voters that no one other than those specified is allowed to return ab-sentee ballots. Nor should anyone else ask an absentee voter to give him or

her a completed ballot. She encourages anyone who believes that these proce-dures are being violated to call the De-partment of States Bureau of Elections toll-free at (866) 766-4355.PHOTO ID:Michigan now requires voters to show a photo ID of some kind to vote (it doesn’t have to be a driver’s license). If voters don’t have a photo ID with them, they can sign an affidavit and vote anyway.ELIGIBLE VOTERS:Out of Michigan’s 9.97 million people, an estimated 7.6 million are eligible to vote. The state has approximately 7.24 million registered voters.PAST ELECTIONS:In the 2008 primary, 1.43 million peo-ple voted, about 18.8 percent of eligible voters.

Keep Michigan & the Nation moving forward...

Vote Democratic2010 August 3 Primary

Governor VIRG BERNERO

orANDY DILLON

Representative in Congress - 1st DistrictGARY MCDOWELL

State Senator - 37th DistrictBOB CARR

Representative in State Legislature - 107th DistrictRYAN NELSON

orRICHARD TIMMER

Vote for your local Democratic Precinct Delegate

to the County Convention

Paid for by the Emmet County Democratic Committee

P.O. Box 823, Petoskey, MI 49770

ELECTION 201010

Michigan

105th House

What needs to be changed in the Michigan budget process to make it a more bipartisan effort?

What areas of government or services should be down-sized?

What areas of government or services should receive more attention or more funding?

How should Michigan deal with pubic education in the future in Michigan?

What are your thoughts on the recent natural gas boom in Northern Michigan?

Barry AndersonRepublican

Triston ColeRepublican

Tim BoykoRepublican

TR

TR

“I think that’s the key, for both parties to work together. I think it is time in Michigan to abandon partisan politics and do what is best for the state and best for communities.”Anderson said he supports a two-year bud-

get process.“But, I think they just need to get down to

business and just talk.”

“I believe it is happening right now. I see the (Char-Em) intermediate school district and the consortium already doing collective book buys and other collective services.“I know the Michigan State Police are also

downsizing. The Cheboygan post will be-come a satellite post of the Petoskey post. So, they are downsizing all the time.”“My opponents have this idea that they are

going to go down on day one and create jobs and consolidate services. It can’t happen.”

“In a community, I believe if you have a strong school system, have a good sheriff’s department, fire department, ambulance service — people are looking for that and will move into a community. Small businesses will start up and jobs will follow.”

“I think back in 1995 when Proposal A was passed, it started off well. But, it’s been tweaked 75 times since with different man-dates. I think if we can stop some of the man-dates and go back to what it originally was designed for, it’s going to certainly help the whole education process.

“People are concerned about the produc-tion costs they may get charged. They are concerned about that if the well isn’t on their property it could be drawn from another property. One of the big concerns I hear peo-ple talking is water use.“Right now I’m pretty hesitant with all the

blasting that will have to go one to get through the shale.”

“We have a massive budget hole. We try to be everything to everybody and we have a spending problem. That is not government control.”

“We need to look at the three main areas of government where money is spent — edu-cation, corrections and health and human services,” he said.He advocates across the board cuts in all ar-

eas of government and calls for “forensic ac-counting” in the budget to find waste.If necessary, Cole said “void the contracts” of

public employees if needed to save money.

“We need to be mindful of the Department of Agriculture, as agriculture is a growing sec-tor of the Michigan economy. It is one of the few areas that are growing in Michigan. It’s not just farmers.”Cole said additional money is not needed,

but rather better use of the agriculture pres-ent funding used in duplication of services for inspections and other regulations would provide resources.

“We need to improve the number teachers to students in education. We have a greater ratio — 2 to 5 — in prisons. Investment in ed-ucation is what it is all about, but it is smart investment. We’ve got plenty of money, I just want to see how we are spending it.”

“I think it is going to fund the initial stages of Michigan’s recovery. I think that the money is being paid — the per-acre lease money — is going to go directly into our local economy, and people are going to begin doing work on their homes, buy cars, pay for education — they are going to spend the money. It will begin fostering a new economy.”Cole would be in support of slant drilling

“We’re going to have to have a team in Lan-sing that truly wants to transform. We’re going to take contracts are up for renewal and have the discussion with employees about what’s do-able in this economy and what’s do-able in this state.” Boyko said “serious discussion” between the major invested groups is the only option to prevent the taxpayer from continu-ally being used as an ‘ATM machine.’”

“The term I’d rather use is right-sized, make it fit the population, make it fit the community. That may mean job shifting, that may mean job sharing, but everything has to be put on a zero-based budget. We have to ask: should the government be doing this? How do we de-liver this with the greatest efficiency?” He said looking at the consolidation of services and offices has already began to take place.

“The biggest hole is in infrastructure. We’re delaying the replacement cycle of bridges and roads to the point where it’s going to be a governmental catastrophe. But, that’s going to also involve how we look at the labor laws, how we deal with the (Michigan Department of Transportation) and local road commis-sions.” Boyko also said are an important focus area. “We have enough funds, but we have to look at teacher-to-student ratios and administrative costs.”

“Without a highly educated workforce, we’re not going to attract high-paying, high-wage jobs. So, reform is necessary — financial reform and interior reform. We have to look at the arts and science to make sure our education meets the needs of Twenty-First century students and we adapt and inovate.” Boyko said he would support additional work-study programs or increased community college participation on a year-round schedule as long as local tourism wasn’t interupted.

“It’s an area that’s extremely encouraging. Given our dedication to protecting the envi-ronment, I think Michigan is poised to be-come an example good energy production and that we can carry on our good tradition of environmental stewardship. I’m encour-aged if we can do it in a manner that protects our three resources: people, water and oil/gas up here.”

ELECTION 2010

currently Kevin Elsenheimer

Kenneth GlasserRepublicanKR

Dennis LennoxRepublicanDR

Greg MacMasterRepublican

Greg A. DeanDemocrat

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“I think part of the problem is we have term-limits. Therefore, we send people down to Lansing with no experience with accidents. They may say they do, but when you are talk-ing millions of dollars and all these functions, sometimes it is pretty hard to understand.“One of the things we need to do is we need

the budgets to be zero-based. We need to put on the table exactly what each department does, how they function, what programs and whether the work or not. Then we decide whether to fund them.”

“We need to reform the budget process in Lansing to ensure sound management of the people’s money. I’ve got a specific plan — the Lennox plan out there. It moves the fiscal year from Oct. 1, to July 1, and they get docked pay every day it is late.“Number two: the Lennox plan prevents

them from taking up any ‘pet projects’ until the budget is passed. That will make them want to pass the budget that much quicker.”

“It’s grid lock. Concessions are going to have to be made. The private sector is taking a beating and the only people that can afford to live are on the public dole.“Most people that I know that are not be-

ing effected are on the public payroll and that’s bad. They are going to have to realize that we the taxpayer can’t fund salaries and wages and benefits that most people are ac-customed to.”

“I think we need to look at the whole thing. We need to begin a discussion about what gov-ernment should be doing. We haven’t had this discussion in Michigan. “Specifically, there are several departments

of this government that are enormous. One of those departments is Human Services. That and the Medicaid and Medicare budgets rep-resent 40 percent of spending in Michigan. We have to take a hard look at that — what we’re spending and are these programs effective.”

“I’ve been an advocate for a part-time legis-lature for a long time. If we can’t expect our legislature to take pay cut, how can expect anyone else to? I think most everybody else will follow suit. Three percent (cuts) across the board for legislators is a joke.”

“It think we need to pay more attention to our infrastructure, especially in Northern Michigan. For us to be competitive with manufactures in southern Michigan, we have to keep our transportation costs down and our energy costs down. If we look at the three things effecting the bottom line the most, it’s pay roll, energy and transportation. We’re doing all right on the pay roll side.”

“I think there are three core functions of government – in no particular order. Public safety/law enforcement, education and in-frastructure. Those are the three things gov-ernment is supposed to do. Everything else is a luxury we cannot afford.”“I’d cut spending across the board, but also

ensure that the core forms of state govern-ment are funded, that they are invested in and able to perform, because right now we can’t even do those three.”

Dean said before any new money is spent, the state needs to trim its budget.However, he said after the economic hard-

ships are balanced, he would like to see the state invest natural assets.“I think Michigan’s natural resources have

to be preserved.”

“Public education needs to continue to be a vibrant part of the economy. We need to train our children. We need to educate them and have them ready for the work place. It’s pretty much that simple.“I don’t think that the problem lies in the

funding mechanism. The problem is the spending.”Glasser feels federal and state mandates

have tried to apply a “one-size fits all stan-dard on children.”

“Education is one of those core functions of government. As someone who has been to public school, homeschooled, been to charter school and went to parochial school, I understand education from a unique per-spective.“Teachers have to be allowed to teach, prin-

cipals to be principals and we need to get the beauracrats in Lansing and Washington out of the way of the education system.”

“I think we need to make our best efforts to invest in technology driven research. A lot of the money that goes into universities has to become free information that is decimated to the general public, as opposed to benefit-ing only certain corporations.“I would love to see more money go to re-

search and development.”

“It’s a good thing. One of the ways wealth is created is through mining or gas drilling, manufacturing and agriculture.“It’s a good thing that we have one of those

areas heating up. Agriculture has been car-rying us for some time, so no we see mining coming around.“It’s good for Northern Michigan, it’s good

for mineral owners.”

“I’m for all of the above: wind, solar, natural gas. If we had tides, I’d be for tide solutions. I don’t support drilling in the Great Lakes, though. And, it’s too early to tell — in terms of natural gas — what all that is going to en-tail. Quite frankly, there isn’t an issue for me to be involved in now — other than it has the possibility of being a tremendous economic boom for Cheboygan County.”

“I think the state has an obligation to moni-tor these resources. It’s a great idea to tap these resources. It’s good for consumers. It’s good for investors. “Ultimately, I’d like to see it left up to per-

sonal property owners. Even though the state has lease out large parcels of land. That’s a reasonable move by the state that will gener-ate jobs.”

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“I’m sure there are a lot of people with their own agendas, but they just need to realize ev-ery decision going forward is going to have to put Michigan forward, rather than their inter-ests or the special interest groups,” he said. “The reason they have failed so many times is there is a matrix of problems where other people and institutions are pulling and not able to get anything done.”

“I think government overall needs to be downsized — to become leaner, more effi-cient. They need to carbon copy the private sector. Businesses around the state have had to cut back and become a lean organization in order to meet the needs of the customer. They are able to do it.” MacMaster called for a proficiency study to look at where the Michigan government is oversized.

“Everyone needs funds. The question is where are we going to get those funds. Back in the mid-90s we had a robust industrial age where the automotive industry help fuel it, and we had a bustling economy because we had the tourism, we had the jobs working for us in a tax-based revenue,” he said. “I can’t put my finger on one single agency. It’s going to have to be everyone at the table. I’m talk-ing state employees, police, schools — you name it.”

“We have a great education system, they are very good. But, we have some that are push-ing their limit and need to retire,” MacMas-ter said.He said, “simply teaching from textbooks

that are five, 10 and 15 years old isn’t going to work anymore.” Advocating new technol-ogy to replace aging text books, MacMaster said it was important for Michigan to pre-pare students heading to “computer-savvy” colleges.

“I like the idea, as long it is environmentally safe as well as being responsible,” MacMas-ter said. “I’m not cool on the slant drilling un-der the Great Lakes. I’d like to stay away from that. But, as for the leases, some are calling it the next gold rush, and although most of it is tagged for state land, I know there are a lot of private individuals that have hundreds of acres that have been approached.”

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“It’s time to modernize state government and government at all levels. It’s time to bring gov-ernment in the 21st Century.“We have to justify the existance of every layer

of government. A great example is businesses. You want to open a business up across the street. Well, you’ve got to go to the state and get a license. Then you have to get another license from another department. Then the local level, probably the county as well. There should be a one-stop shop for businesses.”

ELECTION 2010

Emmet County

Commissioners Race

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Paul HramiecRepublican

Chuck LaughbaumRepublican

Jim TamlynRepublican

David James LaughbaumDemocrat

Dan PlasenciaRepublican

EXPERIENCE: Laughbaum, 60, of Pellston, is a retired truck driver, farmer, and

part-time school bus driver. He is running for the 1st District.

PLATFORM: Laughbaum, who has lived in the area his whole life, calls himself a Reagan conservative.“I feel I am more on the old-fashioned side of things,” Laughbaum said. “I’m running to give tax-payers and citizens of Emmet county a more con-servative choice.”

NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMMENT.

EXPERIENCE: Hramiec, 38, is a financial advisor, Peto-skey Republican running uncontested for the Emmet County District 3 seat held by Tom Shier, who will not seek re-election.He says his financial experience has given him a “front row seat” to taxation and investment issues effecting the people of Emmet County.

“I respect every dollar that is hard earned and never lose sight of the fact that for many it is very difficult to make a living up here.”

PLATFORM: Despite running unopposed, he says he wants to show the constit-uency he wants the job and is not taking it for granted. Hramiec follows a belief that “less taxes and smaller government makes it an easier road for everyone.”“I think it’s important that people know who their publicly elected and appoint-ed officials are,” he said.

EXPERIENCE: A retired met-al stamping tooling special-ist for Ford Motor Company with 37 years, Plasencia has

been an avid presence in Littlefield and Springvale Townships, as well as the village of Alanson. “I thor-oughly enjoy working on the many committees I am appointed to (10 total) and I believe I am making a difference with my input for continuous improve-ment of our public services and communication with my constituents,” he said.

PLATFORM: Plasencia said the number one issue for Emmet County is the shrinking tax base and re-lated drop in revenues, “which pose a challenge to continue the services people expect.” He also sup-ports affordable transportation that won’t bankrupt the taxpayers. Attracting businesses with well pay-ing jobs is also a priority, he said.

EXPERIENCE: Tamlyn, 61, is from Mackinaw City and

has served as commissioner in Emmet County’s 1st District for the last 20 years.Tamlyn has lived in the area his entire life, and said he enjoys serving his community and the people of Emmet County.

PLATFORM: “I’m a strong advocate of public safety and helped get the area’s 911 service up and run-ning,” Tamlyn explained. “I used to work as a para-medic and firefighter and there came a time when I felt I couldn’t do the physical stuff anymore, but still felt a need to serve my community.”

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ELECTION 2010

Larry CassidyRepublican

Gordon KruskieRepublican

Jim WerdenRepublican

Judith HamillRepublican

David L. ClinkRepublican

Shawn WonnacottRepublican

Jack JonesRepublican

John NicholsRepublican

Les AtchisonRepublican

EXPERIENCE: Jones, 76, is a retired master plumber. He has served on the Emmet County Board of Commission-ers for more than 13 years and on the county’s planning commission for 28. He also spent about 12 years on Bear Creek Township’s planning committee

and roughly a decade on the Springvale-Bear Creek Area Sew-age Disposal Authority Board.

EXPERIENCE: Cassidy, 39, of Bru-tus, is running for Emmet County Commissioner in the 2nd District. Cassidy was born and raised in the area. After spending 10 years in the Detroit area, he and his wife returned to Northern Michigan in 2002 to raise their family.

Cassidy is an investment advisor for Primearica.

PLATFORM: “I’ve made a commitment to the area and feel I can use my business and investment background to help with some of the fi nancial challenges the county may face,” Cassidy said. “I believe we can move in a positive direction.”

EXPERIENCE: Kruskie, 73, of Harbor Springs, was born and raised in the area. Kruskie is running for Emmet County commissioner in the 2nd Dis-trict.He’s retired from the automotive in-

dustrial supply business where he worked for more than 40 years.While he currently serves as the supervisor for Readmond Township, Kruskie said he was approached by county officials to run for commissioner.

PLATFORM: “I feel I can shift gears and bring my experience into the role as commissioner,” Kruskie said. “I’ve attended many commissioner meetings in the past and know a lot of people and know the area well.”

EXPERIENCE: Werden, 58, of Alan-son, is running for the position of Emmet County commissioner in the 2nd District because he believes ev-eryone should participate in the gov-ernmental process.

PLATFORM: “I knew the position was open and decided it was time for me to step in and offer what knowledge I have to the county and the community,” Werden said.Werden has lived in the area most of his life, and is semi-retired.“None of us have all the answers, but I’m willing to do what I can,” Werden said.

EXPERIENCE: After growing up in Cheboygan, Atchison has lived in Pe-toskey since 1967. He is a business owner/partner with his son Michael. “I want to continue to serve, as my constituents have shown apprecia-

tion for my fair-minded views and voting record,” he said.

PLATFORM: “Medical marijuana is a current topic, and we are trying to understand all the implications that are confus-ing most all the counties,” Atchison said. He would also like to guide the balancing of health, safety and welfare of “all our citizens,” while being careful to not raise taxes on people who can not afford them. He says he values the opinions of the constituents and encourages people to write letters or e-mail him to continue the community dialogue.

EXPERIENCE: As the owner of S&S Welding and Amacher Motors, Won-nacott brings being both a business-man and community leader to his

bid for a county seat. He has been a member of National Wild Turkey Committee for the past seven years and is an assistant varsity football coach for Petoskey High School.“Part of what I’d like to promote is economic development in our area,” he said. “But, I welcome all facets of the job.”

PLATFORM: Wonnacott was both a neighbor and a friend and felt someone should carry on in the late commissioner Tom Foltz’s role for Emmet County. Foltz was the commis-sioner for District 6 until he was killed in a roll-over car ac-cident this past spring.

EXPERIENCE: Clink points to his ac-tivism with the Bay Harbor leachate pollution problem during the past four years. “In 2006 I got the horse manure removed from next to Petos-key’s Townsend water well after 9 years. I was the first to fight Alba injection

well (May 2, 2007, EPA Alba Meeting was June 13, 2007 ). I got both Charlevoix and Otsego County Commissioners to adopt Antrim’s County’s NO Alba well resolution.” He was also nominated for the Northern Michigan Environ-mental Action Council’s Environmentalist of the Year award in 2009 and 2010.PLATFORM: “We need to listen to the people with all info-mation we can get. Then decide: does this help the public, Is money being well spent, is it lawful to use funds for this? I have gone to over 120 Petoskey cty council, Resort Town-ship, county commissioner and environmental meetings in the past 5 years.”

EXPERIENCE: A resident of Emmet County all her life, Hamill has totaled more than 25 years of service with Em-met County, Bear Creek Township and Beaver Island as an appraiser and as-sessor.

PLATFORM: Retired for the past 10 years, Hamill said she will be catching up on current county events, while enjoy-ing the challenge of politics.“Some people like to give back to the hospital when they retire, I have an interest in politics,” she said.She wants to represent “all the people in Emmet County,” and says she is excited by the county’s growth in camp-grounds and its recycling program.

PLATFORM: Jones sees budgeting as a major concern for county officials to tend to. “Maintaining a balanced budget is a big thing, because ... the economy (is) the way it is,” he said. Jones noted that he has played a part in county decisions to pursue several major building projects — at the local fair-grounds, Camp Pet-O-Se-Ga, the county building, the Head-lands property near Mackinaw City and the Pellston Regional Airport — that all were accomplished within budget.

PLATFORM: Nichols hopes to put his familiarity with roads and their upkeep to use in county service. He would like to serve as a liaison between county government and the Em-met County Road Commission. Nichols also notes that his career gave him experience dealing with the public, and that he’s open-minded and willing to address situations that re-quire a fix.

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EXPERIENCE: Nichols, 60, is retired after 25 years of employment with the Cheboygan County Road Commis-sion — the last seven of which were in a foreman’s position. He also served as the road commission’s safety director for 20 years. In addition, Nichols spent

about five years in an appointed position on the local emer-gency planning board, representing the public works sector.

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well (May 2 2007 EPA

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ELECTION 2010

Shirlene TrippRepublican

Chris ChristensenRepublican

Charlevoix County Commissioners

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EXPERIENCE: Christensen is a real estate as-sociate broker and is running uncontested for his third term.

PLATFORM: Christensen is focused on fight-ing for county rights to make sure they don’t

get forgotten in state government.“I would like the county to have the ability to make our own deci-

sions,” said Christensen. “We are currently going after the state for unfounded mandates. We don’t want anything from them other than to have the ability to make our own decisions.”He prides himself on his dedication to the people of his district.“I’ve served the people of Boyne City for four years and I work to

serve them as cost effectively as possible,” he said.

EXPERIENCE: Tripp, who is in her fouth year as County Commissioner, has worked 30 years in township government. She was on the Plan-ning Commission for more than 20 years and was the Township Treasure for more than 20 years.

PLATFORM: Tripp says that communication is the most important part of her job as County Commissioner and with it everything else will get accomplished.“I’ve said it before: Communication. Communication. Communica-

tion,” she said. “We need to have good communication within the county government and with the people to get anything done. I work hard at communicating and visiting people face-to-face.”Another one of Tripp’s biggest focuses for the county is on educa-

tion and she feels that is the key to the success of the people of the county.“I work hard at educating,” she said. “I like to get out and meet the

people so I can educate them.” She believes the county is moving in the right direction and says

she’ll continue to work to keep the momentum.“After four years I still like to see the county going places,” she said.

“We’ve had some success and will work to keep the county moving in the right direction.”

ELECTION 2010

Ronald ReinhardtRepublican

Joel EvansRepublican

Robert DrebenstedtRepublican

Shirley RoloffRepublican

Jerry KeltsDemocrat

Richard GillespieRepublican

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EXPERIENCE: Reinhardt is a farmer who retired from East Jordan Iron-works after 42 years and served on the Soil and Water Conservation

Board for 20 years. He was elected as county commissioner in 2002.

PLATFORM: Reinhardt’s biggest focus is on agricultural business.“I’m the only commissioner who is a farmer and I look out

for farmers, and the agricultural business as a whole,” said Reinhardt.He is also focused on the county’s roads and making sure

they are in working order.“I’m also very interested in our county’s roads and I strive

to improve them,” he said. “I know many of them are not up to par and I will continue to work to improve them county wide.”No matter what he’s working on for the county, Reinhardt

says he will do it honestly and treat the people fairly.“Everything I do is done with integrity,” he said. “I be-

lieve in doing the right thing and I will always do the right thing.”

EXPERIENCE: Drebenstedt is re-tired from the Army, counsels vet-erans and is a board member for

health department. He also holds two Master’s degrees, one in health administration and one in psychology and substance abuse.

PLATFORM: Drebenstedt is focused on two main areas in his campaign: Taking care of veterans and taking care of senior citizens. “I’m a retired Army veteran and I strive for better every-

thing for vets. In the past they have been neglected and didn’t receive the support or respect they deserve,” said Drebenstedt. “There is also a large number of senior citi-zens in the community and they are often overlooked. I want to make sure they are taken care of as well.”He feels his education and experience will allow him to be

the best possible candidate.“I understand the troubles of veterans and senior citi-

zens,” he said. “I have worked as a counselor and I will fight to make sure they and everyone in the county are getting what they have coming to them.”

EXPERIENCE: Evans has already served two terms as county com-missioner and was a member of the East Jordan School Board.

PLATFORM: Evans is focused on running county business as efficiently as he can, making sure the county is acknowl-edged properly in state government.“We are now dealing with unfounded mandates put on

us by the state,” said Evans. “I’m working to make sure we are treated fairly.”Cutbacks are another issue he is focused on to make sure

the money is going to where it needs to, ensuring the peo-ple of the district are taken care of.“We need to be looking where we can to make cutbacks

in county government,” said Evans. “This will help ensure that people keep their jobs.”Evans has been happy with his position in the govern-

ment and looks forward to continuing to work with the people in his district.“I have enjoyed being county commissioner very much

and am pleased to be working with the people I’ve been working with for my past two terms.”

EXPERIENCE: Kelts has served as the director of the Boyne City Chamber of Commerce and spent

10 years on the Boyne City School Board. He was also the director of the Boyne City Food Pantry and was a small-business owner in the city.

PLATFORM: Kelts is focused on budgetary issues and mak-ing sure the tax payers’ money is being spent responsibly.“I am dedicated to correcting the flagrant misuse of bud-

get funds,” said Kelts. “ I know how to work in the confines of limited budget and responsibly manage taxpayer dol-lars.”He also supports the Plan for Economic Balance with a

defined approach to equipment and technology replace-ment.According to Kelts, the 5th district will be his main focus of

concentration and will receive all his attention if elected.“I do not represent any other township board or other or-

ganization. My sole responsibility as commissioner will be to the residents of the 5th district as your representative for Charlevoix County.”

EXPERIENCE: Roloff has been the County Commissioner for 14 years after spending 12 years on the City Council.

PLATFORM: Roloff considers herself the “common sense” candidate and says she works hard for the people of the county.“I’m a hard working county commissioner and always

think of what is best for the people of the county,” she said.During her time in office Roloff worked to develop a recy-

cling program for the county and plans to work just as hard on future projects.“The recycling program was a great success,” she said.

“We got the entire project up and going very quickly. I will work hard for all the projects I work on in my position.”She says with the current state of the economy she will

focus her attention and the county funds in a direction to help the people.“Now, with all the foreclosures our revenue will be down,”

said Roloff. “We need to think of our spending and our community to make sure we are taking care of the right things.”With 14 years in the position, Roloff says she has the know-

how to do the job. “I have proven experience as county commissioner.”

EXPERIENCE: Gillespie has been in business for himself for 35 years, he’s a pilot, a realtor, a certified builder

and was a county commissioner from 1992-1996. He cur-rently owns a realty business and an excavation business on Beaver Island.

PLATFORM: Gillespie claims to be fiscally responsible and wants to fight against unnecessary spending in county government.“I’m going to work to keep the books balanced,” he said.

“There have been too many people who have abused the system and I want to make sure that doesn’t happen.”He also wants to focus on veterans and their needs, senior

citizens and the Center on Aging, streets and roads, mini-mizing spending and providing oversight to all programs in the county.“I will make sure everything is running properly and

smoothly in the county,” said Gillespie.

ELECTION 2010 16

Protecting our health and water. Petoskey is replacing water wells now (2 at Meijer’s ) after I walked 38 parades in a Haz-Mat suit. If I didn’t do this, who would? Elected Offi cial answered “Sadly David, in these times, nobody!” It’s not about me getting Elected. It’s the people being served!

Hank Parkey - “As a tribal member of the Burt Lake Band, who’s tribal homelands lay within the watershed, MEEGWETCH (thank-you) for helping protect our waters!!!”

Randy Stewart - “One thing for sure David, people who vote for you will get a fi ghter and an honest man. You are what people need in this time and age to hold the wicked accountable and yes, serve the people for the good.”

Barbara J. Bradford - “David could be the most honest man you will ever know. It is about his community, his relationship with God and the goodwill in his heart. Don’t miss the opportunity, he is not rich, he is not out to get rich, he just wants to see justice, and the people served as it should be - honestly without motive. Please remember the man “David Clink” for Emmet Co. Commissioner #6. Thanks, I am his friend, and am privileged to be his as well.

David Clink for Emmet Co. Commissioner #6.

Paid for by the committee to elect David Clink Emmet County Commissioner

Read David’s U.S. Coast Guard report on Bay Harbor http://www.friendsofthejordan.org/alba/pdf/07-09-2009.pdf Find David on

COUNTY COMMISSIONER

Elect Jerry Kelts5th District

VOTE AUGUST 3, 2010Paid for by The Friends of Jerry Kelts 0023 Wilson Road, Boyne City, MI 49712

I am fi scally conservative and socially responsible.

Paid for by Citizens for Ken Glasser2366 S. Perch Lake Road, Gaylord, MI 49735

• He Cut Spending in Otsego County by 20%

• Exclusively Endorsed by Right to Life

of Michigan

• Endorsed by Citizens for Traditional Values!

Ken

Republican for 105th District

Glasser