| Author
|
Post |
 
|
|
Steve Myers
Site Admin
|
Gleason for Senate
Lawmaker's growth, approach to job make him primary pick
FLINT
THE FLINT JOURNAL FIRST EDITION
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Two years ago, we endorsed state Rep. John J. Gleason's re-election primarily for two reasons: His performance had exceeded our expectations of him and he had revealed a capacity for bipartisanship, something Lansing sorely lacks to Michigan's detriment.
On top of this, Gleason is willing to work hard for what he wants, evidenced by the exhausting campaign he's waging for the 27th state Senate District seat currently held by Bob Emerson.
Because of Gleason's growth as a public official and the other aforementioned qualities, he is best suited among six Democrats running in the Aug. 8 primary to serve the Flint area. Voters should put him in the November runoff, where he would be expected to win in this heavily Democratic district.
Of two Republicans seeking this Senate seat, Adam Ford, 26, of Flint, a bright political newcomer who works for Electronic Data Systems, is our pick over Bob Longlois, 48, a cost analyst for DaimlerChrysler and a former Argentine Township trustee. Ford has the potential to help this community and there are many ways he could get involved other than serving in the Legislature.
However, for the moment, that's each candidate's goal, though these are testing times for public officials, who, fairly or not, are expected to help replace the state's industrial job losses with employment of comparable pay. While manufacturing shouldn't be written out of the state's future, a point Gleason stresses, new fields must be developed, likely spawned by university research.
Pursuing such an agenda requires effective government leadership, locally and in Lansing, where the impending departure of term-limited Sen. Emerson, D-Flint, leaves a huge hole. Not only has Emerson been a power-broker on major legislation, more often than not he's the area's go-to guy for countless needs.
Though Gleason, 51, isn't a policy expert like former state Rep. Jack D. Minore, 67, one of his opponents, the Flushing resident is more able to operate as a member of the Democratic minority because of his willingness to cross the aisle. He's had 11 bills signed into law, which is quite a feat, though most of them involved minor matters. We suspect Gleason could get attention for Genesee County even if Republican Dick DeVos wins the governorship because of the GOP friends he's made and his everyman demeanor.
Two other Democrats equal or exceed Gleason's experience in local and state government, but former Rep. Candace Curtis, 50, though thoughtful, has been out of office for awhile, and former Rep. Floyd Clack, 65, is unrealistic in expecting Lansing and Washington to dump enormous financial aid on Flint.
Auto dealer Patsy Lou Williamson, 73, wife of Flint's mayor, declined to meet with The Journal Editorial Board and, therefore, isn't eligible for endorsement consideration, and political novice Carolyn Yuille, 69, a retiree from Clayton Township, is focusing on the immigration problem.
Though the Democratic field is large, a few qualities matter most in evaluating candidates: relevant experience and an ability to accomplish something useful for the state and Flint area. Gleason fits that job description best
http://www.mlive.com/columns/fljournal/index.ssf?/base/news-2/115426391229800.xml&coll=5 |
|
|
Sun Jul 30, 2006 8:19 pm |
|
|
Guest
|
"Of two Republicans seeking this Senate seat, Adam Ford, 26, of Flint, a bright political newcomer who works for Electronic Data Systems, is our pick over Bob Longlois, 48, a cost analyst for DaimlerChrysler and a former Argentine Township trustee. Ford has the potential to help this community and there are many ways he could get involved other than serving in the Legislature"
Sure wish Adam had actually waged an actual campaign. I see no visible sign whatsoever in the community that he is running.
Longlois at least has signs out there. No mailings from either. I realize TV/Radio costs a lot more, and resources may be scarce for this race.
I doubt the Republican Party, hardly a force in Genesee County, figures this district is one in play for them.
biggie
So I hope Adam gets valuable experience and remains energized to stay involved in serving the community other than the legislature. |
|
|
|
Mon Jul 31, 2006 11:21 am |
|
|
Adam Ford
F L I N T O I D
|
The Genesee county Republican party is not in good of shape and has provided little or not support to me or Bob.
Last edited by Adam Ford on Mon Apr 25, 2011 2:06 pm; edited 1 time in total |
|
|
|
Mon Jul 31, 2006 7:30 pm |
|
|
Adam
Guest
|
|
|
Tue Aug 01, 2006 4:01 pm |
|
|
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Register
Profile
FlintTalk.com Forum Index
> Political Talk
