7/9/14 - The Pinckney, Putnam, Hamburg, Hell Chamber of Commerce sponsored a candidate forum Tuesday night at the Hamburg Township Hall. The forum was divided into four segments, dedicated to Democratic and Republican hopefuls running for the 42nd state House seat and the 8th U.S. Congressional District. Republican Nick Fiani, President of the Brighton Board of Education, is one of four candidates running for the GOP nomination. He said he is a fiscally responsible man of his word. Also running is Lana Theis, Treasurer for Brighton Township, who touted her experience in making local government more efficient. Retired newspaper executive Rich Perlberg said he is the definition of the term limit candidate as a businessman and involved community member who would serve as a citizen legislator. Republican Dale Rogers is a high school teacher who says he has the expertise to deal with the state's education issues. Timothy Johnson is the lone Democrat in the race for the 42nd District. While he didn't take part in the question and answer portion of the event, he was allowed to make a brief statement beforehand. Meanwhile, six candidates are running for the 8th District Congressional seat being vacated by Republican Mike Rogers, who plans to take up a career in talk radio. Former Michigan Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop is one of two Republicans vying to replace Rogers. He said Americans are on the verge of a revolt in how their government and economy are managed. That was echoed by fellow Republican and State Representative Tom McMillin, who said if he is elected he will continue his fight against irresponsible government. On the Democratic side, former state Demographer Ken Darga stated he supports the pipeline projects in Livingston County, but feels regulations are needed. Attorney Jeffrey Hank said he is a progressive Democrat who will fight for freedom and the American Dream. Ingham County Treasurer Eric Schertzing emphasized that while he would not seek the repeal of Obamacare, he said he would seek to improve it. And Central Michigan University Professor Susan Grettenberger said she is ready to roll up her sleeves and get to work on a variety of issues including education, the environment and equality. Tuesday's forum will be rebroadcast on Hamburg community cable television in the weeks leading up to the August 5th primary. (LR/JK)
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