Six Republicans, Carlos D. Allison, Dan Kelly, Eileen Kowall, Dave Presnell, Patrick J Sullivan, and Matt Thrasher, and Democrat Mark Venie are running for their party nomination for Michigan’s legislature, 44th district. Presnell, Sullivan, and Venie did not respond by deadline.

Dan Kelly, 47, attorney, Giarmarco, Mullins & Horton, 18 year resident of Independence Township, township trustee since 2000
Why are you running?
I want to change lansing by changing who we elect. To reform state government. We need to stop electing lansing’s candidates and the musical chairs of politics. I support a part-time legislature and reducing taxes by reducing the size of government.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
Reform government by advocating a part-time legislature. Part of the dysfunction of the state legislature is caused by a lack of experience and real life decision-making. A part-time legislature will open the process up and at the same time save the state millions of dollars in salaries and life-time benefits.
Reduce taxes by reducing the size of government. For economic growth, we must reduce our spending through consolidation and sharing of services. The state’s businesses will succeed if we keep our taxes low and stable.
Create jobs. The michigan economy must be the focus of the upcoming legislature. We must incentifize entrepreneurs and start-up companies through a consistent tax policy and a commitment by the legislature to long-range spending reductions. Legislative gridlock does not produce the stability needed to attract and keep business.
Why should voters elect you into office?
‘Michigan is in need of an economic turnaround. Having spent 20 years managing a successful law practice, I have the legal and business experience, education, and training to lead an economic turnaround. Additionally, i have advised public entities, including school districts, and municipalities for over 20 years. My business, legal, and governmental background and experience qualifies me for the office.
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Eileen Kowall, 56, county resident since 1981, Oakland County Commissioner since 2002
Why are you running?
I’m running for state representative because I believe state government has gotten seriously off track. I’m extremely frustrated with the lack of leadership and action in response to the serious problems we in Michigan are facing. Our tax structure and burdensome government regulations have created a very unfriendly business environment. We are not just losing business to India ? we’re losing business to Indiana! I want to look at what successful states are doing and study how we can do likewise.
As a county commissioner, I’ve worked hard to keep our budget balanced while making county government more efficient and accountable to taxpayers.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
Repeal the MBT Surcharge; tax restructuring to make Michigan more competitive with other states; eliminating unnecessary government regulations to make MI more competitive with other states.
Why should voters elect you into office?
My experience as part-owner of a small business has taught me what it’s like to sign both sides of a paycheck and how tough it is to survive tough economic times.
As a County Commissioner, I have demonstrated I can make tough but fiscally responsible decisions. I have supported the elimination of future legacy costs by eliminating defined health care benefits for retirees and moving to Health Savings Accounts, and supported numerous other employee benefit adjustments. I have supported efforts within the County, between the County and local communities, and amongst communities to combine and share services and technology. As a member of the Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee, I have worked to manage jail overcrowding and to make our justice system more efficient and responsive. Through my leadership positions as Republican Caucus Chair and Finance Committee Vic-Chair, I have been able to build consensus amongst my colleagues in order to advance good county policies. Also, as Chair of the Board of Commissioners Legislative Study Group, I have worked with the state legislature on many issues affecting county government. I have attended State House sessions, testified in committee and visited legislative offices either in support of, or in opposition to pending legislation.
Personally, I have always been accessible and responsive to my constituents. My home phone number is listed in the phone book, the Oakland County Directory, website, etc. Also, as I have with my role as a county commissioner, I will dedicate myself fulltime to the people I represent. I have had no problem standing up to fellow elected officials and others in county government when I felt they were going down the wrong path.
My foremost and only concern as a state representative will be what’s best for the people of Oakland County and Michigan.
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Matt Thrasher, 38, production manager, Print shop, lifetime White Lake Township resident, first-time candidate
Why are you running?
I am running to represent the working men and women. The political rhetoric and finger pointing is only going to continue unless “we the people” do something about it. We do not have are priority’s in order, Poor policy and decision making have lead to the majority of the problems in this state and this country. We continue to have are rights taken and are taxes raised, then get less and less in return. We need to build a strong state Assembly made up of “working citizens” that will not only get Michigan back on track and represent the people, but who will also stand up to Washington when needed.
What would be your top three priorities if elected?
Beyond reform, we need to rebuild, jobs, Rights.
Why should voters elect you into office?
Voters should elect me because I have the three qualifications needed to be a state representative. First, common sense. Second, the will to do the right thing for the people. Third, respect for the Constitution. I will represent the working men and women, not lobbyist and special interest. I will support a part-time legislation and a salary reduction for ALL state elected officials. We need to cut wasteful/unnecessary spending and create more efficient government. We need to offer tax credits for family’s to send their children to private school’s to get a proper education, public school’s will come around once they start loosing funding. I will protect and restore individual, property, and business rights.