Trunk Show E EMMELLE Raczkowski: Detroit is clearly in need of help in remaking itself into the kind of viable, livable city and center of culture and industry it used to be. However, I am reluctant to support the undertaking of any massive federal spending program to fund this turn- around given the abject state of our current economy. I view Detroit's problems as prob- lems that can and should be addressed primarily on a local level, by resi- dents of the city, the region and the state of Michigan and only second- arily on a federal basis with help from Washington. As a nation, we have reached a crisis level in our spending and debt levels; we simply cannot do everything we want because we already cannot afford to pay for the things we need, such as Social Security and Medicare. We must first restart our local and national economies by reversing the policies of the current Congress: rein in federal spending, cut our debt, lower taxes and improve the regulatory envi- ronment to attract the businesses and workers who will provide the tax base to begin paying for Detroit's recovery plan. Peters: A strong Detroit region is essential to having a strong economy and quality of life in Oakland County, and we can't have a strong region with- out a strong, vibrant city of Detroit. The decision whether to "right-size Detroit" is a local issue, but members of Congress who represent the Detroit area need to work hard to provide the incentives and funds necessary to transform Detroit and our area into an exciting destination for jobs and families. A renewed Detroit that attracts busi- nesses and investment is a necessary foundation towards building a stronger and more prosperous region. I look forward to working with Mayor Bing, our next governor and other local lead- ers to make this progress for future generations. As a parent of three children, I want them to stay in the Detroit area and to have access to exciting, well-paying jobs and to enjoy a great quality of life. Read additional questions and answers on the Jewish News website: www.thejewishnews. com/9th 12th Congressional District: Face To Face SANDER LEVIN, Democrat, incumbent. Age: 79. Birth City: Detroit. City of Residence: Royal Oak. Family: Four children and nine grand- children. Religious Affiliation: Jewish. Education: Central High School, Detroit; B.A., University of Chicago (1952); M.A. in international rela- tions, Columbia University (1954); law degree from Harvard University (1957). Career Highlights: Currently chair of the United States House Ways and Means Committee; U.S. congressman since 1982; assistant administra- tor in the Agency for International Development (AID) (1977-81); elected to the Michigan Senate in 1964, serv- ing as Senate minority leader 1969- 1970. Website and phone number: www.LevinforCongress.com . (586) 576-1636. The JN Questionnaire IN: Why Should 12th District voters select you to represent them in the next United States Congress? Levin: I am running for re-election because I believe in Michigan's future, and I'm in a position to make a differ- ence on issues important to Michigan families, communities and businesses. My work combines local activity and outreach with legislative action and is informed by my deep roots in our communities. We are facing an unprecedented economic crisis that requires consis- Holiday/Spring Thursday, Oct 28th, Friday, Oct 29th and Saturday, Oct 30th 10 a.m.- S p.m. DONALD VOLARIC, Republican, challenger. Age: 48. Birth City: Detroit. City of Residence: Chesterfield Twp. Family: Wife, Lynn, and two daughters. Religious Affiliation: Christian (nondenominational). Education: San Diego High School; mortgage broker license (2000); health insurance license (2001). Career Highlights: At 23, ran a plant employing 70 people for third largest digital media company in Southern California; by 30, had $7 million in cli- ent accounts and given management responsibility for a region with about $50 million in sales; in 1998, returned to Michigan for work in mortgage banking and margin trading; in 2001, entered health insurance field, in 2004, started Freedom Health Insurance Agency; named Individual Agent of the Year, 2008. Website and phone number: www. volaricforcongress.com . (586) 925-0911. tent action to support individuals and communities, action to stimulate the economy and investments to create the jobs and industries of the future. Volaric: Many incumbents, Mr. Sander Levin among them, have come to believe that they constitute an elite ruling class, unaccountable to the people. I dispute that. The seat currently occupied by Mr. Levin does not belong to him; it belongs to the citizens of Michigan's 12th Congressional District. While I live a few miles north of the district, my small business is located there. Many of my clients live and work ON THE BOARDWALK 248.626.7776 Congress on page 18 October 21 • 2010 17