Candidate Forum for Election 2014 to be Oct. 17 in Hancock

HANCOCK -- A Candidate Forum, which may be the Keweenaw's only public debate for Election 2014, will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, in the auditorium of the Hancock Middle School, located at 501 Campus Drive (near Portage Hospital) in Hancock.

Democratic and Republican candidates for State Senate 38th District, State Representative 110th District, and Houghton County Commissioner 1st and 3rd Districts have been invited. These include Incumbent State Senator Tom Casperson (R) and his Democratic opponent, Christopher Germain; Incumbent 110th District State House Representative Scott Dianda (D) and his opponent, Bob Michaels (R)*;  District 3 Incumbent County Commissioner Tony Pintar (D) and his opponent, Mark Kemppainen (R); and District 1 County Commissioner candidates Rick Kasprzak (D) and his opponent, Eugene Londo (R).

The Forum will cover issues concerning children and youth in the Keweenaw region, including early childhood and K-12 education and social services. Time for audience questions will be made available.

This event is open to the public -- free admission.

Voter information and literature will be available prior to the candidate forum from 5:30 p.m. - 6 p.m. Someone will be there to address any questions you might have, including voter registration and absentee ballots.

The Forum is sponsored by League of Women Voters of the Copper Country, Copper Country Human Services Coordinating Body, Copper Country Great Start Collaborative, and Superior Child Abuse Prevention Council.

* Bob Michaels (R) was invited but reportedly is unable to attend.

Christopher Germain announces run for Michigan Senate, 38th District

ESCANABA -- Christopher Germain recently announced that he is formally launching his campaign as a Democratic candidate for State Senate in Michigan's 38th District -- a seat now held by Tom Casperson (R-Escanaba). Germain, a realtor and volunteer fire captain from Escanaba, is a life-long area resident.

"In my work as a realtor, I talk with Upper Peninsula families every day," Germain said. "I know what concerns they have when they are considering where to put down roots. With our state’s unemployment rate still one of the highest in the nation, local schools shutting their doors, and working families shouldering the burden of corporate tax breaks, it is obvious that the U.P. needs a stronger voice in the State Senate."

As a nine-year veteran of the Ford River Fire Department, Germain is especially concerned about drastic cuts to public safety services. He will work to restore crucial funding to local police and fire departments and area correctional facilities.

"The men and women who keep our communities safe have been forced to do more with less, and that needs to end," Germain said. "These severe cuts compromise public safety. Adequate funding is crucial to protecting our communities and keeping these workers safe on the job."

With devastating cuts in recent years forcing the closure of several public schools across the district, restoring education funding will be a top priority for Germain. His campaign will also focus on preserving the Upper Peninsula’s natural beauty and ending tax hikes on working families and senior citizens.

"This Legislature has dished out tax breaks to corporations with no strings attached, and it has all been done on the backs of the middle class and senior citizens," Germain said. "Retirees who played by the rules and worked hard their whole lives have been hit with a new tax on their pensions to help pay for these corporate handouts. The 38th District needs a senator who will oppose these tax hikes and put the middle class first."

In addition to his service with the Ford River Fire Department, Germain is also active with the Delta County Jaycees, Delta County Relay for Life, and Delta Lodge 195 of Free and Accepted Masons. He also serves as the President of the Upper Peninsula Association of Realtors, Inc.

"I have a long history of serving my community, and I’m excited to take that passion for public service to Lansing," Germain said. "I will be traveling around the Upper Peninsula in the weeks ahead to meet with voters. I am looking forward to learning more about their concerns and the issues most important to them."

Germain will be launching a website soon at votegermain.com.  He will also be announcing a campaign kickoff tour that will include various stops around the Upper Peninsula. This will give voters an opportunity to meet with him face to face and ask questions about the campaign.

Click here to visit Germain's campaign Facebook page.

The 38th Senate District spans the western and central Upper Peninsula. The district includes Alger, Baraga, Delta, Dickinson, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Keweenaw, Marquette, Menominee, Ontonagon and Schoolcraft counties.

Inset photo: Christopher Germain. (Photo courtesy Christopher Germain)