THIS JUST IN: The Detroit News Has Endorsed Marlon Brown for State Representative!
Here is the Article -
"Our choices for Macomb County state representative
As is the case in state House races throughout Metro Detroit, term limits mean many seats are being vacated by incumbents in Macomb County. Newcomers to state politics are vying to fill them, giving voters some new faces to consider in this primary election. These are our choices:
• District 28 ( southern Warren and Center Line): Republican Jason Balaska has no opposition in the primary to fill this open seat, but a number of Democrats are seeking a spot on this fall's ballot. We support MARLON BROWN, who is young but eager and would bring energy and a fresh perspective to state politics. Brown has participated in politics as an aide on the local, state and federal levels. Most recently, he served as a Delaware General Assembly legislative fellow while he was earning his master's in public administration with a specialization in state and local government. He wants to review what he says are the state's outdated revenue formulas and seek savings in government spending."
Friday, July 25, 2008
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Eight Democrats set for 28th District House Primary
Warren Weekly (MI)
Eight Democrats set for 28th District House primary
2008 ELECTION
MARIA ALLARD AND BRIAN C. LOUWERS C & G Staff Writers
Published: July 23, 2008
WARREN - A field of eight Democrats hoping for a chance to represent Center Line and parts of Warren in the Michigan House of Representatives will appear on the Aug. 5 primary election ballot for the 28th District. Marlon Brown, 24, holds a bachelor's degree in political science from American University in Washington, D. C., and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Delaware.
Brown said his work in the mayor's office in the city of Baltimore, as a legislative aide in the Delaware Senate, and as a Congressional intern for U.S. Rep. John Conyers and U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow led him to see the need for change in the Michigan Legislature.
"I think there needs to be some fresh ideas coming out of Lansing, having someone in that seat who will bring a new perspective," Brown said." I think that's what I offer. I've lived in other areas. I've studied government, and I've worked in government."
Brown said he wants to work to move the state forward in the pursuit of alternative energy.
"It will protect our environment, but it will revitalize our economy," Brown said, adding," I will move toward a more regionalized approach to economic development. This is something that other states have implemented to be successful."
Paul Clark, 46, a former vocational instructor for Van Dyke Public Schools, has served on the Warren Planning Commission for more than 10 years and currently chairs the commission.
A former community organizer for Warren's Paint the Town, and a former board member of the Community Development Corporation of Warren, Clark said he's always had the city's best interests in mind. He said that's why he's running for a seat in the state House.
"I want to use what I've learned in my experience from the Planning Commission, working with people, working with various city departments, working with businesses and large corporations," Clark said. "We've all got to coexist, even when businesses and industries move close to neighborhoods and everybody's always up in arms.
"I'm proud that I've always tried to make the right decisions. I want to use that experience when I go to the state level and work on things that are affecting me and my neighbors right now."
The high costs of energy and insurance, and the loss of jobs are top priorities, Clark added.
Center Line City Councilman Roy Gillette, 67, also has thrown his hat into the ring. With nine years on the council, 40 years in business, and 33 years with the Center Line Public Safety Police Reserves, Gillette believes he has the knowledge to make a difference in Lansing.
"I've got the experience to balance the budget," the mayor pro tem said." I have some ideas to get things working again. We need some reform in our correctional system."
Gillette would like to see state supported vocational training for the people of Michigan. If elected to
office, he'd also work on tax incentives to bring in new businesses.
"I don't feel any of the candidates got my background," Gillette said.
Gillette has been leaving fliers about his campaign in the neighborhoods he hopes to represent. But he doesn't stop to chat with anyone.
"I hate bothering people going door to door," Gillette said." I don't feel it's right."
Running for public office wasn't something Warren resident Lesia Liss pictured herself doing. But after 22 years of working in the health
care field - including 13 as an emergency room nurse - Liss wants to see something done so patients receive better medical care overall.
"I have seen patients who come in without insurance, without preventive health care," Liss, 41, said. "They come in sick and almost dying. Some have other problems they don't have medication for. Prescriptions cost too much. This is what motivated me to run."
Liss, a 1984 Mott High School graduate, has been walking the neighborhoods since April, listening to residents and their concerns about medical insurance, the economy, education and crime.
"Health care is tied into the economy and jobs," Liss said." Without your health, what can you do?"
If elected this November, Liss also will focus her efforts on providing training for skilled-trade professions to keep up with the demands of the ever-changing job market.
"People have to change their careers in this changing economy," she said.
Gloria Sankuer served previously on the Warren City Council, and just missed getting elected again in 2007. Sankuer, 69, finished 10th in the council race last November, and said now is a good time for her to seek office in Lansing, where she would look to bring funding back to the district.
"I really want to go there and get involved in making the laws, the laws that are going to help people and bring some money back to the communities, so we can help fight crime and reduce blight and fix our roads," Sankuer said." We have to make sure we get our fair share of state-revenue-sharing funds."
Sankuer said she would not support a tax increase as a member of the Legislature and that she would stand against any cuts to senior programs.
"I think (seniors) deserve all of the services we now provide. I think health care is a big issue. We have to see what we can do to maintain health care for those who have it, and getting it for those who don't," Sankuer said.
Another candidate as a Democrat for the seat is 43-year-old Alan Shepperd, owner of the Shepperd Construction Co.
"The state is in crisis," the Warren resident said." We are losing jobs by the thousands."
More jobs will remain in Michi-
gan if the economy isn't solely tied to the auto industry, in his opinion.
"We're a global economy," Shepperd said." We need to diversify."
He said heavily promoting the state more would be a step in the right direction.
"We need to inform people we have skilled workers," he said." We really need to sell Michigan. We have skilled workers, research and development, and medical teachers."
Shepperd, if elected, also would work to strengthen the education system for students, including those who show promise in vocational areas. Shepperd also would like to take a look at using renewable energy as a resource. Renewable energy is generated from natural resources - including sunlight, wind, rain and tides - that are naturally replenished.
He said the lakes are important, too.
"We must become stewards of our waterways," Shepperd said.
John Vostoris, 55, a former small-business owner and a private investigator who retired 10 years ago as a lieutenant from the Warren Police Department, said his investigative skills are precisely the sort needed to get to the bottom of the issues in Lansing.
"The state of Michigan is in shambles, and I think Warren has been hit exceptionally hard," Vostoris said." We're No. 1 in unemployment, and I think the cities of Warren and Sterling Heights need some honest and competent representation. We have a mayor that's very well-intended, but we need some support in Lansing to move the city forward.
"As a seasoned investigator, I think I have the ability to investigate the facts and solve problems. I've spent my whole life in public service doing just that."
Vostoris said he would work to encourage the redevelopment of south Warren.
"We need some help in the south end. We need to find a reason to bring people back," Vostoris said. The struggling economy also is on the mind of candidate Terry Wisniewski of Warren. He'd like to get Michigan back on track.
"We lose so many jobs to other states," the 48-year-old said." It's ridiculous."
He said when reports come in that 200 or 300 jobs have opened up, we have to remember the 2,000 or 3,000 that were lost.
"The state tends to go after programs that will not give us any relief One idea is to get a tax-free right-towork zone," Wisniewski said." You wouldn't be encumbered by union activity. It's something we have to look at."
Under the program," Everybody could buy stock in the company, which would help them bring more production and livelihood into the company," Wisniewski said.
The 1978 Fitzgerald High School graduate has been active as a volunteer for 27 years in Warren. Wisniewski also is knowledgeable in the area of natural energy.
Jason Balaska, 32, of Warren filed as the lone Republican.
Balaska, a program project analyst for Sprint Nextel, feels that politicians aren't listening to the people anymore. That's why he is running for public office.
"The voice of the people needs to be returned to Lansing," Balaska said.
If elected, Balaska will listen to his constituents by holding town hall meetings, making and receiving phone calls, and conversing via email. Employment and education are at the forefront of his campaign.
"I think we need to fight to keep jobs in our state and attract new jobs to our state," Balaska said. He believes tax abatements will help the process.
"As far as education, I think we need to make sure teachers have the resources they need to teach," the 1995 Fitzgerald High School graduate said." We need to reduce classroom size and assure equitable funding across (the board.) It's pivotal for us to grow as a state."
Eight Democrats set for 28th District House primary
2008 ELECTION
MARIA ALLARD AND BRIAN C. LOUWERS C & G Staff Writers
Published: July 23, 2008
WARREN - A field of eight Democrats hoping for a chance to represent Center Line and parts of Warren in the Michigan House of Representatives will appear on the Aug. 5 primary election ballot for the 28th District. Marlon Brown, 24, holds a bachelor's degree in political science from American University in Washington, D. C., and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Delaware.
Brown said his work in the mayor's office in the city of Baltimore, as a legislative aide in the Delaware Senate, and as a Congressional intern for U.S. Rep. John Conyers and U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow led him to see the need for change in the Michigan Legislature.
"I think there needs to be some fresh ideas coming out of Lansing, having someone in that seat who will bring a new perspective," Brown said." I think that's what I offer. I've lived in other areas. I've studied government, and I've worked in government."
Brown said he wants to work to move the state forward in the pursuit of alternative energy.
"It will protect our environment, but it will revitalize our economy," Brown said, adding," I will move toward a more regionalized approach to economic development. This is something that other states have implemented to be successful."
Paul Clark, 46, a former vocational instructor for Van Dyke Public Schools, has served on the Warren Planning Commission for more than 10 years and currently chairs the commission.
A former community organizer for Warren's Paint the Town, and a former board member of the Community Development Corporation of Warren, Clark said he's always had the city's best interests in mind. He said that's why he's running for a seat in the state House.
"I want to use what I've learned in my experience from the Planning Commission, working with people, working with various city departments, working with businesses and large corporations," Clark said. "We've all got to coexist, even when businesses and industries move close to neighborhoods and everybody's always up in arms.
"I'm proud that I've always tried to make the right decisions. I want to use that experience when I go to the state level and work on things that are affecting me and my neighbors right now."
The high costs of energy and insurance, and the loss of jobs are top priorities, Clark added.
Center Line City Councilman Roy Gillette, 67, also has thrown his hat into the ring. With nine years on the council, 40 years in business, and 33 years with the Center Line Public Safety Police Reserves, Gillette believes he has the knowledge to make a difference in Lansing.
"I've got the experience to balance the budget," the mayor pro tem said." I have some ideas to get things working again. We need some reform in our correctional system."
Gillette would like to see state supported vocational training for the people of Michigan. If elected to
office, he'd also work on tax incentives to bring in new businesses.
"I don't feel any of the candidates got my background," Gillette said.
Gillette has been leaving fliers about his campaign in the neighborhoods he hopes to represent. But he doesn't stop to chat with anyone.
"I hate bothering people going door to door," Gillette said." I don't feel it's right."
Running for public office wasn't something Warren resident Lesia Liss pictured herself doing. But after 22 years of working in the health
care field - including 13 as an emergency room nurse - Liss wants to see something done so patients receive better medical care overall.
"I have seen patients who come in without insurance, without preventive health care," Liss, 41, said. "They come in sick and almost dying. Some have other problems they don't have medication for. Prescriptions cost too much. This is what motivated me to run."
Liss, a 1984 Mott High School graduate, has been walking the neighborhoods since April, listening to residents and their concerns about medical insurance, the economy, education and crime.
"Health care is tied into the economy and jobs," Liss said." Without your health, what can you do?"
If elected this November, Liss also will focus her efforts on providing training for skilled-trade professions to keep up with the demands of the ever-changing job market.
"People have to change their careers in this changing economy," she said.
Gloria Sankuer served previously on the Warren City Council, and just missed getting elected again in 2007. Sankuer, 69, finished 10th in the council race last November, and said now is a good time for her to seek office in Lansing, where she would look to bring funding back to the district.
"I really want to go there and get involved in making the laws, the laws that are going to help people and bring some money back to the communities, so we can help fight crime and reduce blight and fix our roads," Sankuer said." We have to make sure we get our fair share of state-revenue-sharing funds."
Sankuer said she would not support a tax increase as a member of the Legislature and that she would stand against any cuts to senior programs.
"I think (seniors) deserve all of the services we now provide. I think health care is a big issue. We have to see what we can do to maintain health care for those who have it, and getting it for those who don't," Sankuer said.
Another candidate as a Democrat for the seat is 43-year-old Alan Shepperd, owner of the Shepperd Construction Co.
"The state is in crisis," the Warren resident said." We are losing jobs by the thousands."
More jobs will remain in Michi-
gan if the economy isn't solely tied to the auto industry, in his opinion.
"We're a global economy," Shepperd said." We need to diversify."
He said heavily promoting the state more would be a step in the right direction.
"We need to inform people we have skilled workers," he said." We really need to sell Michigan. We have skilled workers, research and development, and medical teachers."
Shepperd, if elected, also would work to strengthen the education system for students, including those who show promise in vocational areas. Shepperd also would like to take a look at using renewable energy as a resource. Renewable energy is generated from natural resources - including sunlight, wind, rain and tides - that are naturally replenished.
He said the lakes are important, too.
"We must become stewards of our waterways," Shepperd said.
John Vostoris, 55, a former small-business owner and a private investigator who retired 10 years ago as a lieutenant from the Warren Police Department, said his investigative skills are precisely the sort needed to get to the bottom of the issues in Lansing.
"The state of Michigan is in shambles, and I think Warren has been hit exceptionally hard," Vostoris said." We're No. 1 in unemployment, and I think the cities of Warren and Sterling Heights need some honest and competent representation. We have a mayor that's very well-intended, but we need some support in Lansing to move the city forward.
"As a seasoned investigator, I think I have the ability to investigate the facts and solve problems. I've spent my whole life in public service doing just that."
Vostoris said he would work to encourage the redevelopment of south Warren.
"We need some help in the south end. We need to find a reason to bring people back," Vostoris said. The struggling economy also is on the mind of candidate Terry Wisniewski of Warren. He'd like to get Michigan back on track.
"We lose so many jobs to other states," the 48-year-old said." It's ridiculous."
He said when reports come in that 200 or 300 jobs have opened up, we have to remember the 2,000 or 3,000 that were lost.
"The state tends to go after programs that will not give us any relief One idea is to get a tax-free right-towork zone," Wisniewski said." You wouldn't be encumbered by union activity. It's something we have to look at."
Under the program," Everybody could buy stock in the company, which would help them bring more production and livelihood into the company," Wisniewski said.
The 1978 Fitzgerald High School graduate has been active as a volunteer for 27 years in Warren. Wisniewski also is knowledgeable in the area of natural energy.
Jason Balaska, 32, of Warren filed as the lone Republican.
Balaska, a program project analyst for Sprint Nextel, feels that politicians aren't listening to the people anymore. That's why he is running for public office.
"The voice of the people needs to be returned to Lansing," Balaska said.
If elected, Balaska will listen to his constituents by holding town hall meetings, making and receiving phone calls, and conversing via email. Employment and education are at the forefront of his campaign.
"I think we need to fight to keep jobs in our state and attract new jobs to our state," Balaska said. He believes tax abatements will help the process.
"As far as education, I think we need to make sure teachers have the resources they need to teach," the 1995 Fitzgerald High School graduate said." We need to reduce classroom size and assure equitable funding across (the board.) It's pivotal for us to grow as a state."
Friday, July 18, 2008
A New Direction for District 28!
Here is what The Detroit News wrote about the state house race in district 28.
Nine in Warren, Center Line House battle
Alternative fuels, jobs, economy among top issues as 8 Democrats face off in primary.
Christina Stolarz / The Detroit News
WARREN -- The economy, job creation and alternative fuels are among the top issues that have attracted nine new state House hopefuls to battle to represent the interests of residents in southern Warren and Center Line.
The Aug. 5 primary race pits eight Democrats against one another, with the winner taking on Republican Jason Balaska in the November general election.
The District 28 candidates come from diverse backgrounds -- city council experience, nursing and public administration education -- that, they say, give them what it takes to replace Rep. Lisa Wojno, D-Warren, who is term-limited at three two-year terms. And those varied backgrounds give the voters choices.
Advertisement
"That's good for them," said Wojno, who began serving in the state office in January 2003. "There's great interest out there on ways to help turn Michigan around. A lot of people have a lot of great ideas."
Marlon Brown, 24, wants to bring ideas from his work as a congressional intern with two Michigan senators, a legislative aide in the Delaware state Senate and a mayoral aide in Baltimore to boost Michigan's economy. He wants to work on an economic development plan to have all the communities in southeast Michigan work together instead of competing against one another for secure jobs.
"Michigan has always been strong in manufacturing, but we need to diversify into different industries," said Brown, who recently earned a master's degree in public administration. "Our state is facing challenging times which require innovative ideas, and new perspectives."
Center Line Mayor Pro Tem Roy Gillette wants to bring his budget expertise to the state level because he's helped balance the city's budget for nine years without having to raise taxes.
One way to make the cuts, he said, is to streamline some government departments. He suggests combining the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Environmental Quality, as well as putting nonviolent criminals on tethers so they can rejoin the work force.
"Our prisons are overloaded and we pay too much per prisoner," said Gillette, 67, a retired captain of the Center Line Police Reserves. "In Lansing, they're adding taxes and still not balancing the budget. I'm hoping to get in there and do something about this economy."
As an emergency room nurse, the main priority for Lesia Liss, 41, is health care. Liss said patients have told her they've thought hard about purchasing necessary prescriptions because of their cost. To combat the problem, she hopes to work with local doctors to set up medical clinics for the uninsured or underinsured so they have to pay only $5 a visit.
"People are choosing not to take (prescriptions), or taking them every other day because they want to make them last," said Liss, whose husband, Mark Liss, is on the Warren City Council. "They are the voters of Warren. This is enough."
Unemployment has been the catalyst to myriad issues in District 28 that include poverty and home foreclosures, said Terry Wisniewski, who works as a parts adviser, inventory controller and procedural auditor for the automotive industry. He said the food pantry where he volunteers delivers 40,000 pounds of food a month.
"We're in bad shape here," said Wisniewski, 48, who came in third place last year in the Warren treasurer race. "You see the despair."
Wisniewski proposes setting up tax-free right-to-work zones to entice businesses to the area and, in turn, create more jobs. But, in exchange for the tax abatements, he said, the employers should allow employees to own stock and attain retirement funds.
Retired Warren Police Lt. John Vostoris, 55, said he proposes that a Web site be created for all employers statewide to list their open positions. The site could eventually make the state money through paid advertisements.
He also wants to incorporate a tax credit for first-time home buyers who want to repair and occupy foreclosed homes to help solve the housing market issue.
"Having spent 26 years in law enforcement, I'm a seasoned investigator," Vostoris said. "You examine the facts and find solutions to the problem. Michigan needs help, they need some commonsense government. I feel I can help."
Other candidates are former Warren City Councilwoman Gloria Sankeur, 69, who hopes to allocate more state funds to create senior citizen programs to fight crime and neighborhood blight, according to an online candidate questionnaire. She did not return a call from The Detroit News.
Paul Clark, 46, could not be reached for comment. Alan Shepperd, 43, didn't return calls from The News.
Nine in Warren, Center Line House battle
Alternative fuels, jobs, economy among top issues as 8 Democrats face off in primary.
Christina Stolarz / The Detroit News
WARREN -- The economy, job creation and alternative fuels are among the top issues that have attracted nine new state House hopefuls to battle to represent the interests of residents in southern Warren and Center Line.
The Aug. 5 primary race pits eight Democrats against one another, with the winner taking on Republican Jason Balaska in the November general election.
The District 28 candidates come from diverse backgrounds -- city council experience, nursing and public administration education -- that, they say, give them what it takes to replace Rep. Lisa Wojno, D-Warren, who is term-limited at three two-year terms. And those varied backgrounds give the voters choices.
Advertisement
"That's good for them," said Wojno, who began serving in the state office in January 2003. "There's great interest out there on ways to help turn Michigan around. A lot of people have a lot of great ideas."
Marlon Brown, 24, wants to bring ideas from his work as a congressional intern with two Michigan senators, a legislative aide in the Delaware state Senate and a mayoral aide in Baltimore to boost Michigan's economy. He wants to work on an economic development plan to have all the communities in southeast Michigan work together instead of competing against one another for secure jobs.
"Michigan has always been strong in manufacturing, but we need to diversify into different industries," said Brown, who recently earned a master's degree in public administration. "Our state is facing challenging times which require innovative ideas, and new perspectives."
Center Line Mayor Pro Tem Roy Gillette wants to bring his budget expertise to the state level because he's helped balance the city's budget for nine years without having to raise taxes.
One way to make the cuts, he said, is to streamline some government departments. He suggests combining the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Environmental Quality, as well as putting nonviolent criminals on tethers so they can rejoin the work force.
"Our prisons are overloaded and we pay too much per prisoner," said Gillette, 67, a retired captain of the Center Line Police Reserves. "In Lansing, they're adding taxes and still not balancing the budget. I'm hoping to get in there and do something about this economy."
As an emergency room nurse, the main priority for Lesia Liss, 41, is health care. Liss said patients have told her they've thought hard about purchasing necessary prescriptions because of their cost. To combat the problem, she hopes to work with local doctors to set up medical clinics for the uninsured or underinsured so they have to pay only $5 a visit.
"People are choosing not to take (prescriptions), or taking them every other day because they want to make them last," said Liss, whose husband, Mark Liss, is on the Warren City Council. "They are the voters of Warren. This is enough."
Unemployment has been the catalyst to myriad issues in District 28 that include poverty and home foreclosures, said Terry Wisniewski, who works as a parts adviser, inventory controller and procedural auditor for the automotive industry. He said the food pantry where he volunteers delivers 40,000 pounds of food a month.
"We're in bad shape here," said Wisniewski, 48, who came in third place last year in the Warren treasurer race. "You see the despair."
Wisniewski proposes setting up tax-free right-to-work zones to entice businesses to the area and, in turn, create more jobs. But, in exchange for the tax abatements, he said, the employers should allow employees to own stock and attain retirement funds.
Retired Warren Police Lt. John Vostoris, 55, said he proposes that a Web site be created for all employers statewide to list their open positions. The site could eventually make the state money through paid advertisements.
He also wants to incorporate a tax credit for first-time home buyers who want to repair and occupy foreclosed homes to help solve the housing market issue.
"Having spent 26 years in law enforcement, I'm a seasoned investigator," Vostoris said. "You examine the facts and find solutions to the problem. Michigan needs help, they need some commonsense government. I feel I can help."
Other candidates are former Warren City Councilwoman Gloria Sankeur, 69, who hopes to allocate more state funds to create senior citizen programs to fight crime and neighborhood blight, according to an online candidate questionnaire. She did not return a call from The Detroit News.
Paul Clark, 46, could not be reached for comment. Alan Shepperd, 43, didn't return calls from The News.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Detroit Free Press Endorses Marlon Brown!
THIS JUST IN: The Detroit Free Press Has Endorsed Marlon Brown for State Representative
Here is the article -
"District 28 (Center Line, south and central Warren): Rep. Lisa Wojno, D-Warren, is term-limited. One of eight Democrats will face Republican Jason E. Balaska of Warren in November to replace her.
The Democratic field is extremely strong, posing tough choices for voters. The top candidates are Marlon Brown, 24, Terry Wisniewski, 48, and Lesia Liss, 41 -- all of Warren -- and Roy Gillette, 67, a member of the Center Line City Council for nine years.
Brown, who just completed his master's degree in public administration, is energetic and sharp. He's knowledgeable about alternative fuels and would be a strong advocate for mass transit and education.
Brown served as a legislative aide in the Delaware state Senate and analyst in the Baltimore mayor's office, giving him a fresh outsider's perspective. He was also a congressional intern to U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow and U.S. Rep John Conyers.
In a very close call, MARLON BROWN gets the nod. Michigan is hemorrhaging young talent. Brown is a sharp, young voice that the Legislature needs to hear."
Here is the article -
"District 28 (Center Line, south and central Warren): Rep. Lisa Wojno, D-Warren, is term-limited. One of eight Democrats will face Republican Jason E. Balaska of Warren in November to replace her.
The Democratic field is extremely strong, posing tough choices for voters. The top candidates are Marlon Brown, 24, Terry Wisniewski, 48, and Lesia Liss, 41 -- all of Warren -- and Roy Gillette, 67, a member of the Center Line City Council for nine years.
Brown, who just completed his master's degree in public administration, is energetic and sharp. He's knowledgeable about alternative fuels and would be a strong advocate for mass transit and education.
Brown served as a legislative aide in the Delaware state Senate and analyst in the Baltimore mayor's office, giving him a fresh outsider's perspective. He was also a congressional intern to U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow and U.S. Rep John Conyers.
In a very close call, MARLON BROWN gets the nod. Michigan is hemorrhaging young talent. Brown is a sharp, young voice that the Legislature needs to hear."
Saturday, July 12, 2008
A new VOICE for District 28!
Marlon Brown was interviewed this morning on Inside Out Entertainment, a local radio show airing on The Rythm 107.5. Marlon shared his background, experiences, and goals for the people of the 28th district and the state of Michigan. He also shared one of his original jazz compositions entitled "Excursion." Marlon is truly the candidate that will bring new energy to Lansing, be a new voice for the people of Warren and Center Line, and work toward a new direction for Michigan!
Marlon endorsed by Congressman John Conyers
United States Congressman John Conyers (MI-14) has officially endorsed Marlon Brown for State Representative in District 28 saying that he has what it takes to bring change to Lansing and promote a New Direction for Michigan. Marlon has worked as a Congressional Intern for Rep. Conyers in his Detroit and Washington D.C. offices. Representative Conyers, who chairs the House Judiciary Committee, realizes the leadership and energy that Marlon would bring to the state legislature and believes that Marlon is the most qualified candidate for the job.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
District 28 is Ready for Change!
Here is what the Detroit Free Press wrote about the state house race in district 28.
8 Dems vie to lift up Macomb district
Change a key goal of state House candidates
One of the most competitive state House races this year pits eight Democrats against each other for the chance to turn around two of Macomb County's poorest, most diverse communities -- southern Warren and Center Line.
8 Dems vie to lift up Macomb district
Change a key goal of state House candidates
One of the most competitive state House races this year pits eight Democrats against each other for the chance to turn around two of Macomb County's poorest, most diverse communities -- southern Warren and Center Line.
All promise change if elected to the 28th District seat -- a Democratic stronghold -- but their backgrounds and objectives set them apart. The winner of the Aug. 5 primary faces Republican Jason Balaska in the November general election.
The current officeholder, Rep. Lisa Wojno, is term-limited.
There's 23-year-old Marlon Brown, who wants to use his legislative experience in Delaware, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore to boost Michigan's economy with regional unity, more educational opportunities and diverse industries that include alternative energy.
"I want to see change and a new direction coming out of Lansing," said Brown, who was a legislative aide on the city, state and federal levels while pursing a bachelor's degree in political science and a master's degree in public administration. "With my education and experience working with legislators, I feel I could really make a difference."
An emergency room nurse, Lesia Liss opted to run because she says she's fed up with a health care system that doesn't ease the burden on the increasing number of people who need medical help but can't afford it. She wants more tax-funded clinics that base medical costs on income.
"We need action on health care reform now," said Liss, whose husband, Mark Liss, is on the Warren City Council. "I want to heal the community."
To strengthen the economy and remove people from the unemployment rolls, former Warren City Councilwoman Gloria Sankuer wants more state taxes funding high-tech fields and new training for laid-off manufacturing employees.
"This is a critical time. We have to be thinking differently about things," Sankuer said.
Center Line Mayor Pro Tem Roy Gillette said he can't stand by anymore and watch Lansing politicians squander hard-earned tax dollars.
"We have to streamline our government. It's spending way too much money," said Gillette, who supports taking amenities from jail inmates and finding creative ways to cut the budget.
For Terry Wisniewski, who came in a close third for Warren treasurer last year, luring new manufacturing jobs to the state is the top concern for his struggling district.
"We need a lot of help here," said Wisniewski, who suggests tax breaks for businesses to relocate. "I see a lot of despair."
The exodus of Michigan residents searching for better work, including his 18-year-old daughter, is a key reason retired Warren City Police Lt. John Vostoris joined the race.
"I'm tired of sitting back and looking at what's happening in Michigan," said Vostoris, a self-described conservative Democrat. "It's time for some business-minded, commonsense government."
A contractor who remodels houses, Alan Shepperd sees firsthand the devastating effects of the foreclosure crisis and partly blames creditors who offer loans to people who can't afford them.
"Foreclosed homes are boarded up, and people don't take care of their property when they leave," Shepperd said. "Once the cancer starts, it quickly spreads."
Candidate Paul Clark did not respond to requests for interviews.
Contact STEVE NEAVLING at 586-469-4935 or sneavling@freepress.com.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
