By Mary Drier
Staff Writer
THUMB AREA — Redistricting, which was approved in 2011, will come into play during the general and primary elections in August and November in some districts.
In the 31st State Senate, inc. Mike Green (R – Mayville) is challenged by newcomer Republicans Kevin Daley, Jeffery L. Phillips, and Democrat Ron Mindykowski for the four-year term.
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.
Under redistricting, the 31st District will cover Bay, Tuscola and Lapeer counties.
In order for voters to know a little more about the candidates who want to represent them, The Advertiser mailed each candidate a questionnaire ask-ing: (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:
Mike Green
(1) As a father of five, grandfather to twenty, retired tool and die maker, former farmer, small business owner, and county commissioner, I understand firsthand the challenges that Michigan families, workers, job creators and local communities face.
As state senator since 2011 and state representative from 1995-2001, I have used that experience to build a proven record as a conservative leader on tough issues and as an effective legislator for my district, in policy areas that include the state budget, the federal balanced budget amendment, agriculture, the 2nd Amendment, natural resources, crime victims’ rights, veterans, tax and regulatory reform, welfare reform and states’ rights, among others.
My experience as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, chair of three budget subcommittees (DNR, Agriculture and DEQ) and member of two additional standing committees will also be important over the next four years.
(2) I am the only candidate in this race who is endorsed by Right to Life of Michigan, National Rifle Association and A+ rated, Citizens for Traditional Values, Michigan Chamber of Commerce, National Federation of Independent Business, Michigan Manufacturer’s Association, Michigan Agri-Business Association, Michigan Milk Producers, Michigan Pork Producers, Police Officers Association of Michigan, Michigan Association of Police Organizations, Attorney General Bill Schuette and Republican Sheriffs Lee Teschendorf, Ron Kalanquin and Michael Bouchard.
(3) As your state senator, I have worked hard to put Michigan’s fiscal house in order and make Michigan a place where our kids and grandchildren can live, work and raise a family if they choose. I have also championed states’ rights, opposed the implementation of Obamacare in our state, sponsored reforms that kept Obama’s EPA regulators out of Michigan, and authored the official federal balanced budget amendment petition passed earlier this year.
Since 2011, I have a 98 percent attendance record, cast nearly 3,100 votes for my constituents and had 23 reform bills passed into law. Legislating is about much more than pushing buttons; you have to lead and I have the strongest record of effectiveness in this race.
Michigan has made a lot of progress over the last few years, including the creation of over 250,000 private sector jobs. In fact, Michigan is now leading the nation in new manufacturing job growth. But, we still have a lot of work to do. I am seeking re-election to continue working hard for my district in the Michigan Senate on issues such as fixing our roads without tax increases, making Michigan an even better place to do business and create jobs, strengthening agriculture and expanding ag-processing, and standing up to an out-of-control federal government.
Kevin Daley
(1) I’m 56-years old, my home town is Lum, and I’m a farmer and state representative. I’m a fifth-generation farm owner who was born and raised in the district. For more than 30 years I’ve been active in our community, in our church and in public service. I’ve served our local area as township supervisor, treasurer and trustee, and I am currently serving my sixth year as a state representative.
Debbie, my wife of 36 years, and I have raised three children and our third grandchild will be arriving yet this year. My combination of experience in farming, local and state government, and as an active member of our community, qualifies me to be the next State Senator for the 31st District.
(2) The most important endorsement I can receive will come from the voters of Tuscola, Bay and Lapeer counties on Tuesday, August 5. In each of my past campaigns for the House of Representatives, I was endorsed by the Michigan Farm Bureau, Right to Life of Michigan, and the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. This year I’ve also been endorsed by the Small Business Association of Michigan.
(3) I’m running to provide the residents of Tuscola, Bay and Lapeer counties with an alternative to their current State Senator. I’ve invested the time to meet with local elected officials and residents in every township in Bay and Lapeer counties, along with 19 of 23 townships in Tuscola County in the past few months, and I’ll remain visible and active after I’m elected.
I am a consistent conservative leader who votes that way regardless of political pressure. I’m proud to say I voted FOR the “Right to Work” law, which my opponent opposed. I also voted AGAINST creating a health exchange and expanding ObamaCare, which my opponent supported. And I haven’t missed a single vote in the legislature, although my opponent has missed more votes than all but one GOP Senator. You can be sure I’ll always do what I say and say what I do, and you won’t get any double-talk when I’m your State Senator.
Jeffery L. Phillips
Phillips did not respond to the questionnaire by deadline.
The Republican who wins in August will square off against Democrat Ron Mindykowski in November.
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.