The Oakland Post

Candidates make their claims at local Senate seat debate

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The candidates running for the Michigan’s 12th district senatorial seat participated in a debate at the Rochester Hills Public Library on May 25. The district includes Rochester, Rochester Hills, Auburn Hills and Pontiac as well as the townships of Oxford, Orion, Addison, Oakland and Independence. The seat is currently held by Michigan Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop.

All candidates were in attendance at the debate with the exception of Copper Rizzo. Those candidates are Kim Russell, Ted Golden, Gene Talierco, Casandra Ulbrich, John Garfield, Lois Golden, and Jim Marleau. All the candidates are republicans with the exception Ulbrigh and Mr. Golden.

The debate was hosted by LISTEN, Legislative Initiatives Strengthening the Environment with its director, Martha Black, as mediator for the debate. The bi-partisan group aims to “educate the public on important issues” said Black.

Russell is a small business owner that has struggled in the past years with her enterprise. “We survived [the last couple years] because we have lived within our means,” said Russell in her opening remarks. “Lansing is crippling small businesses with high taxes and less pay.” For more information, please visit kimrussell4senate.com.

Mr. Golden is a dermotologist born in the city of Flint. The Michigan legal system needs to see some changes, said Golden. For more information on the Golden Campaign please visit www.tagolden.com.

Taliercio came provided a detailed recovery plan which was handed out to the audience prior to the debate. This plan models off the bank of North Dakota, said Talierco. More information can be found at www.geneformichigan.com.

Ulbrich is a member of the Michigan State Board of Education. “Michigan is at a fork in the road,” said Ulbrigh. “We need to decide what kind of Michigan we want to live in.” Ulbrich hosts www.cassandraforsenate.com for more information.

Garfield is an Oakland University graduate who has, on occasion, spoke during classes on political science. We are not creating enough jobs to keep OU graduates in the state, said Garfield.

Mrs. Golden has many accomplishments ranging from small business owner to Rochester Hills city council member. For more information on Mrs. Golden please go to www.loisgolden.com.

Marleau is state representative opposed to a government run healthcare system as well as the betterment of our roads. “I would vote for a part time legislature,” said Marleau. “I would vote for a part time legislature if it comes with par time pay and part time benefits.” Additional information can be found at www.jimmarleau.com.

The primaries for both republican and democrat parties is on Aug. 2, and the state senate election for the 12th district of Michigan is on Nov. 2.