While many local government races were effectively decided in the August primary election, a Clarkston area resident is on the November ballot for state representative.
Bill Scrase is a Democrat running for representative in the 44th District, which includes Independence, Springfield, White Lake and Highland townships. He is challenging incumbent Republican John Stakoe of Highland.
‘I wanted to run to make a difference,? Scrase said. Currently employed at the UAW International office, he was shop chairman at GM’s Service Parts Operations plant in Waterford for several years.
Formerly a Fenton resident, he has lived in Independence Township for four years and has been active in Democratic Party activities for years.
Citing a wife who died of cancer a couple years ago, Scrase said he has a ‘deep concern? for rising health care cost and for Michigan’s employment picture.
‘I see what’s happened to our manufacturing base in our country,? he said.’If we don’t have the good paying manufacturing jobs, we won’t be able to pay for health care.?
Stakoe, in his first term as a state representative, said he will run on his record of working for the interests of his constituents. A former law enforcement officer and township supervisor, Stakoe frequently appears in the district and meets with local municipal leaders.
‘I like to look at the basics,? he said. ‘Your first job is being an advocate for the people you represent.?
Since going to Lansing, Stakoe said he has developed the skills needed to be effective in dealing with other state officials, including those who represent different geographic areas.
‘There’s a real art in getting legislation passed,? he said.
That said, Stakoe said he doesn’t have one specific issue ranking above others.
‘All of it’s important to me,? he said.
Scrase admits to the challenge of defeating an incumbent Republican, but said he will work hard in his campaign.
‘People are likely to change their minds,? he said.