By Mary Drier
Staff Writer
THUMB AREA — The 84th State Rep. seat will be the most contested race on the Tuesday, August 5, ballot with seven Republicans and two Democrats running for the open seat.
Newcomer Republicans vying for the seat are: Curtis J. Boeher, Edward J. Canfield, Dan Grimshaw, Marlene Jobe, Tom Wassa, James L. Wencel, and Kurt Damrow, who previously served as state representative.
Newcomer Democrats vying for the seat are Richard Badger and David J. Jaroch.
Under term limits, Terry L. Brown (D – Pigeon) cannot seek re-election. Brown was first elected to the house in 2006. He served two consecutive terms, then lost his bid for a third term in 2010 to Kurt Damrow. He was elected to a third term in 2012.
Now, Brown is running for the 25th State Senate challenging inc. Phillip Pavlov (R) for the four-year seat. That race will be decided during the November election. Currently, Huron and Sanilac counties are represented by Senator Mike Green (R – Mayville). However under redistricting, Green will not represent those two counties starting Jan. 2015 when they become part of the 25th District along with St. Clair County and part of Macomb County. (See related article on senate race)
In order for voters to know a little more about the candidates who want to represent them, The Advertiser mailed each candidate a questionnaire asking: (1) What qualification, background, experience and education do you have that you feel would make you a good representative? (2) Have you received any political endorsements? (3) In your opinion, why should residents vote for you?
The following are their responses.
Republican Candidates:
Curtis Boehmer
(1) I am the newly appointed Air Force Auxiliary/ Civil Air Patrol’s Michigan Wing Commander in charge of all state operations with nearly 1,500 members state wide. I’ve served over 12 years on the Harbor Beach School Board of Education; Gov. Rick Snyder’s appointment to the Dept. of Human Services- Medical Care Facility Board-Huron County.
I was raised in southern Tuscola county in Watertown Township. I went to school in Millington. I’ve been a Speech Therapist for over 34 years at the Huron Intermediate School District. I have a BS from the University of Texas/Dallas; Education Certifications from Central Michigan University and an MA from Grand Valley State University in Leadership.
(2) I’ve been endorsed by the Michigan Right to Life. I’ve received the Small Business Association of Michigan Stamp of Approval, and the Michigan Coalition of Responsible Gun Owners rating of Highly Pro Gun.
(3) I will represent all the people of the 84th District. I will work to bring job opportunities to our counties that will allow for economic growth. I will maintain my integrity making the right decisions in Lansing for the good of all people.
I’ve been a lifelong resident of the District and know it well. I am not tied down to the demands of narrow special interest groups. With me “What you see is what you get.”
Dr. Edward J. “Ned” Canfield
(1) I am a lifetime Michigan resident who was raised on our family farm in Fowerville, and have lived in Sebewaing for 21 years. I am a husband, a father of four, a family physician, and a small-scale farmer, a U.S. Navy veteran, and a small business owner for over 20 years.
My career as a family physician and leadership in my profession as well as local organizations like Rotary have taught me to be a good listener and communicator. Those experiences help me relate to the people of the Thumb and make me a better representative. More detailed information about my education and background can be found at the website www.edwardcanfield.com.
(2) Endorsements: Michigan Farm Bureau AgriPac, Michigan Milk Producers Association, Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Michigan Right to Life, Michigan Osteopathic Association, and the Michigan State Medical Society.
(3) Residents should vote for me because of my broad background, willingness to serve and understanding of the issues as they affect the people of Huron and Tuscola counties. I have served on organizations at the local, state and national levels.
I have been in situations that have required the strength and the integrity to make tough decisions and will use that experience to represent the concerns of the people of our district.
During our campaign (and I mean “our campaign,” as this work has involved my entire family and many friends) we have been to almost every town talking to folks. We have met people in all walks and stages of life. I have listened to great ideas of how to improve our communities. We have a beautiful area, but the Thumb has been through some tough times. I see signs of light shining through and getting better. I would like to be part of our recovery, so I am asking for your vote in the Republican Primary on Aug. 5.
Dan Grimshaw
(1) I am a Title Insurance Agent; Owner of Mid-State Title Services, Inc., served on the Vassar School Board, served as Tuscola County Register of Deeds; and currently serve on the boards of Tuscola Behavioral Health, Mid-State Health Network and Tuscola Holiness Association.
I am a lifelong resident of Vassar where I graduated form before attending the University of Michigan-Flint, Saginaw Valley State University and Thomas Cooley Law School.
I’m one of 15 children born to the late Rev. Herbert and Normaline Grimshaw. I learned very early we need to do our best in all things. I am a member of The Holiness Missionary Church and traveled many years singing Southern Gospel music across the state.
(2) I have been endorsed by Right To Life, but want the endorsement of the voters most of all.
(3) I am not looking to be the representative of any specific group or industry. I want to represent the people of the 84th District, whoever they are and give voice to their concerns.
We have had a former educator be our voice for six of the last eight years, and we need a change.
I am not trying to represent my occupation but do bring my years of fact research and problem solving to the office. Like you, I am concerned about the future of Michigan but also know none of us knows what will be. I believe the government does not have all the answers and people should be in control of their healthcare, education, property and career. We pay enough taxes and need to prioritize better where they are spent.
I also stand on the foundation of our Constitution along with you and the Second Amendment is critical to all Americans to preserve our freedoms.
Kurt Damrow
(1) I am the only candidate with a proven track record of accomplishments and helping the people of the Thumb not only as a Huron County Commissioner but also as our Districts State Representative. As a Commissioner I defended hundreds of families who were told they must purchase National Flood Insurance which saved our residents millions in unneeded insurance payments. I put together projects creating the Veteran Administration Clinic in the Thumb and other new facilities while serving as commissioner.
As your state representative, I took on issues like stopping the proposal to change No-Fault Insurance that wouldn’t reduce our premium payments. I met with families from Gagetown, Cass City and Caro and put together the help they needed when their groundwater wells were drained. My legislation created Michigan Veterans Courts and made it a felony to protest these Funeral and Memorial Services. I sponsored and co-sponsored other legislation that helped our Vets, reduced taxes on Business to help them keep their doors open.
(2) Most endorsements do not come out until after the primary; but at this time, I do have the endorsement of Right To Life and an A rating with the NRA.
(3) I am only one candidate in this race with the experience to hit the ground running on day one. I am also the only candidate that has a plan that I feel will create 2,000 to 3,000 new jobs here. I have worked on this plan for over four years and we were ready to start the International Trade program the first of 2013 but unfortunately I did not win the primary in Tuscola County.
We now have the opportunity to move forward and create the deep-water port, trade zones and welcome packaging and processing companies to our area. I also gave every resident of this district my cell phone number, e-mail address and was available as needed by our residents 24/7.
For more information go to www.kurtdamrow84.com.
Marlene Jobe
(1) I have 12 years of retail management experience, so I know what it is like to work under burdensome laws and regulation. I worked for 10 years as the executive director of a statewide employer association which required me to study, draft, and advocate positions on both state and federal legislation. I have worked with both Republicans and Democrats to get legislation passed or stopped. I have also worked to revise and/or repeal administrative rules. As a Project Manager inside a large state bureaucracy, I know that state government is just too big.
I hold a Bachelor of Science Degree from Wayne State University, where I have also served for four years on the WSU Alumni Association Board of Directors, Executive Committee.
With term limits in place there is little time to learn how to be a state representative, but my experience with how Lansing works will allow me to hit the ground running.
(2) So far I have been endorsed by Michigan Right to Life, and earned the Stamp of Approval from the Small Business Association of Michigan.
(3) I think I am the right candidate at the right time. I want to use my business advocacy and legislative experience to improve the quality of life for the people of this district as well as the State of Michigan. I am a strong conservative with common sense and integrity that supports a smaller nimble government.
I abide by an adage that, “Good politics rarely makes for good policy, and good policy rarely makes for good politics.”
Tom Wassa
(1) I’ve been involved in state and local government for over 30 years, including working for a city’s water department, various fire departments, and various police departments. I’ve worked for the State of Michigan’s DNR as an investigator assigned to investigate criminal investigations relating to environmental regulations. I’ve held supervisory roles as a police chief, village president, warehouse manager, corporate security officer, and as a business owner.
I have owned several businesses in my lifetime, one being a computer consulting business. I have an Associate Degree in Business and a Bachelor Degree in Management and Organizational Behavior. I have also attended Staff and Command School at Eastern Michigan University and a Law Enforcement Executive Leadership training from Central Michigan University. I received advanced financial and computer crime investigation training from the FBI Academy.
(2) No! I have refused to ask for any political endorsements that have asked for legislations that would require funding from taxpayers or give any special consideration to an organization. I believe the role of a state representative is to represent the people of the district.
(3) My diverse background and experience gives me a great deal of prospective on how government can, and has, impacted people, businesses, and the economy. I’m one of a dozen people in the State of Michigan that understands all of the Michigan’s environmental laws, and the impact those regulations have on businesses. I understand that governmental funded programs and the growth of government has crippled Michigan’s economy.
Based on my experience working for the State of Michigan, I know how state government can be reformed. As a local elected leader I’ve made motions, and guided local governmental bodies to reform to meet the challenges of a shrinking tax base.
I have over 30 years of experience and knowledge, and I would work hard for the people of Huron and Tuscola Counties, as well as the State of Michigan. I believe through government and tax reforms we could create a condition in which the people would benefit more from their labor. The more disposable income the people have available to them, the more money would be flowing back into the local economy, creating sustainable jobs.
When people have more disposable income, that our local economy will grow.
James Wencel
(1) After spending 37 years as a teacher, coach, athletic director, principal, business manager and superintendent I feel that I have the necessary qualifications, background and experience to be a great representative for the 84th district. In my positions as principal and superintendent, I have gained experience in negotiations and bringing about successful compromises between differing parties, which I believe would be a valuable asset as a state representative. I have a master of arts degree in educational administration from Central Michigan University.
I also am a licensed municipal bond representative and I am a Vice President for a Public Finance Company working with schools in the state of Michigan to help finance or refinance bond issues. With my financial background I have a broad understanding of how our economy works.
In my past I have worked as a marine deputy, insurance agent and test driver/mechanic at Chrysler Proving Grounds. During my college days I worked as a cook at Win Schuler’s Restaurant in Marshall, Michigan. Growing up I worked for my grandfather, first at his gas station and then on the family produce farm. I also worked for an area family farm during my high school years. As you can see I have had many different experiences in the work force which helps me understand the diverse economy in Michigan and the Thumb.
I am a member of the First United Methodist Church of Bad Axe. I am on the Staff/Pastor Parish Relations Committee and I have been on the Administrative Council. I am a member of Gideons International and I was the president of the Huron County Gideon Camp. I am a member and a past president of the Bad Axe Rotary Club along with being a Paul Harris Fellow. I am on the national board of directors for the Council of Standards for International Educational Travel. This council sets policies and standards for the high school exchange programs.
I also serve on the Michigan Rural Healthcare Preservation Board which helps manage rural hospitals in the state including Deckerville Community Hospital. I have been married to my wife Rita for 38 years and we have four adult children. I like to hunt and fish along with coaching football at Owendale Gagetown High School and wrestling at Mayville High School.
(2) I have been endorsed by the Michigan Townships Association, Michigan Association of School Administrators, Right to Life – Michigan, and Michigan Pork Producers Association (MPPA).
(3) I vote for people who I can trust and I think that is why voters should vote for me. I will be available to the people from the 84th district and I will listen and act on your concerns and behalf. I plan to lead and not be a follower in the House of Representatives. I know we can do better in our area and state if we elect the right people to represent us. People who know me trust me because of my values, keeping my word and work ethic. I do what is right even when no one is watching. We need people of the highest integrity representing our area and state.
I am a problem solver and I have helped many people in my lifetime and I plan on continuing this work as your state representative. I have common sense and I know the difference between right and wrong. I am intelligent enough to know that I do not have all the answers but smart enough to know people who do that I trust.
Rita and I chose to live in the Thumb. We fell in love with the area in 1988 when I became Principal of Mayville High School. I retired in 2010 as superintendent of the Bad Axe Public Schools and we continue to live in Bad Axe.
Democratic Candidates
David Jaroch
(1) My parents introduced our family to volunteerism and community service from birth. I have continued that commitment throughout my life. My education includes a BS in Math Education, a Master’s in Business Administration and a School Administration Certificate.
I have served the Village of Ubly as a trustee and as president, and Huron County as a commissioner. Volunteer commitments include Habitat for Humanity, Ubly Community Club, and various teacher organizations, Ubly Homecoming plus many more. I believe in good governance over good politics.
(2) Endorsements: Michigan Teamsters Joint Council No 43, UAW Region 1, and American Federation of Teachers.
(3) The Thumb of Michigan is my home. I have assisted in writing the Village of Ubly Master Plan and the Huron County Master Plan. I have served as a school improvement coordinator for Huron, Sanilac and Tuscola Counties along with being active in other educational issues. My Finance background helped me prepare balanced budgets for the Deckerville Community School, the Village of Ubly and Huron County. As a professional negotiator my contracts allowed districts to live within state allocated dollars.
I am a fiscal conservative who believes tax revenue is for providing goods and services that the private sector cannot or will not provide. I am also socially responsible believing that we must preserve our land and water for future generations.
It is time to get away from divisive issues and create a state where everyone is working to improve all aspects of our economy so all can gain from our growth.
Richard Badger
Badger did not respond to the questionnaire by the deadline.
The Republican and Democratic winner is August will square off during the November election.
The polls will be open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Mary Drier is a staff writer for the Tuscola County Advertiser. She can be reached at drier@tcadvertiser.com.