7/2/14 - Just a week after a similar event in Howell, a candidate forum for local state House and U.S. Congressional primary races was held in Brighton last night. The forum was divided into segments, grouping together the candidates from both parties in the races for the 42nd state House seat and the 8th Congressional District. More than 100 residents gathered in the Brighton Center for Performing Arts in Brighton High School for the forum. In the state House primary race, Democrat Tim Johnson is running unopposed and therefore did not take part in the discussion. However, he was allowed to give a brief address to the audience, in which he blamed House Republicans for inadequate education and road funding. The Republicans in that race were asked a variety of questions on topics ranging from medical marijuana to regulations on fracking. They included Brighton School Board President Nick Fiani, who advocated for small government and said he was a strong pro-life supporter, retired newspaper executive Rich Perlberg, who expressed support for Gov. Snyder's revitalization efforts, Brighton Township Treasurer Lana Theis, who touted her experience at shrinking government and teacher Dale Rogers, who spoke to his experience as preparing him to face the state's education problems. Dale Rogers is unrelated to incumbent Bill Rogers, who is leaving office due to term limits. For the 8th congressional district, former State Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop and State Representative Tom McMillin will duke it out for the Republican nomination. Both agreed that changes in fiscal policy were needed at the national level. There are four candidates on the Democratic side, though last night about half the audience left when it came time for their discussion. They include economist Ken Darga and Ingham County Treasurer Eric Schertzing, both of whom expressed support for increased bipartisanship. Also running on the Democratic side are Central Michigan University Professor Susan Grettenberger and attorney Jeffrey Hank, who focused more on social and domestic justice issues. The 8th District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives is being left vacant by Mike Rogers, brother of Bill Rogers, at the end of his current term so he can pursue a career in talk radio. (TD)
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