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IIIEITHE 2010 ELECTION
MEMEEPZ.11111.1111111111
Who Can Bring Us
Jobs And Prosperity?
The Race For Governor
On Nov. 2, Michigan voters will decide whether Democrat Virg Bernero or
Republican Rick Snyder will become the 48th governor of the state of Michigan.
On the ballot to be the new lieutenant governor are Democrat Brenda Lawrence
and Republican Brian N. Calley.
With the enormous challenges that face our state, the next governor must have
not just the right policies and priorities, but also must be able to rally the legisla-
ture, businesses and citizenry to lead Michigan to better times.
RICK SNYDER, Republican
Age: 52.
Birthplace: Battle Creek.
Residence: Ann Arbor.
Education: B.A. (1977), M.B.A.
(1979) and J.D. (1982) from the
University of Michigan.
Family: Wife, Sue, and children
Jeff, Melissa and Kelsey.
Religion: Presbyterian.
Career Highlights: Coopers
Lybrand (1982-1991): Began
in the tax department, in 1988
was made a partner. Gateway
Computer (1991-1997): executive
vice president and then president
and COO. Avalon Investments
(1997-2000): CEO; Ardesta
(2000-pres.): CEO.
Running mate: State Rep. Brian
N. Calley of Portland, Mich.
Website and phone number:
www.rickformichigan.com ,
(734) 994-4817.
The JAI Questionnaire
IN: Why should you be governor of
Michigan?
Snyder: Michigan has been in decline for
too long. We can't just fix it; we need to
reinvent it. Michigan doesn't need anoth-
er career politician. We need to create
more and better jobs and fix Michigan's
broken government.
The first thing the next governor
needs to provide is leadership and a
clear vision. I've outlined my vision and
put together a detailed plan to reinvent
Jewish Concerns
The Jewish community is especially concerned about how to plan and provide
for a population that is both advancing in years and declining in numbers — in
a state that doesn't have the jobs to employ our educated workers, particularly
recent college graduates, or the budget to provide for social services for the
unemployed and elderly.
Both Bernero and Snyder offer themselves as leaders, innovators, decision
makers and friends of the Jewish community. It is up to you to decide who
makes the best case.
To help you make this important decision the Jewish News, working with the
Jewish Community Relations Council of Metropolitan Detroit (JCRC), asked both
candidates to share why they should be our governor and to answer 10 questions
about what they would do if elected.
"This will be one of the most important gubernatorial elections in a long
time,' says Robert Sklar, editor of the Jewish News. "Not just because Michigan's
economy is in such a state of duress, but also because we'll require a strong,
coalition-building leader capable of crossing the aisle to enact policies and laws
that resonate in a political climate of change'
Allan Gale, associate director of the JCRC agrees. "The next governor will play
a crucial role in not just setting out constructive policies, but in working to make
them a reality to strengthen our state."
Other Candidates
These candidates for governor and lieutenant governor are also on the ballot:
• Harley Mikkelson and Lynn Meadows, Green Party: www.harleymikkelson.com .
• Stacey Mathia and Chris Levels, U.S. Taxpayers Party:
www.staceymathia2010.com .
• Ken Proctor and Erwin J. Haas, Libertarian Party: www.lpwm.org/KenProctor.
- Don Cohen, special writer
Michigan on my website, www.rickfor-
michigan.com .
My experience in the private sector has
given me the skills needed to create jobs
here in Michigan and understand the
needs of businesses in our state. I have
worked in a collaborative way throughout
my career in the private sector and in my
economic development work.
I am prepared to work with legislators
in a bipartisan manner to deliver results
to Michiganders and fix Michigan's bro-
ken government; political bickering does
not benefit our state.
Bernero: I believe my experience and
successful record as the mayor of the city
of Lansing qualifies me to tackle the his-
toric challenges facing our state.
As mayor, I balanced five straight
budgets, on time and without raising
taxes. By making the tough choices, we
reduced the size of government by nearly
20 percent, yet we didn't lay off a single
employee. I also secured a half-billion
dollars in new investments for Lansing,
leading to 6,000 jobs.
I'll roll back raises for legislators, audit
all state departments, put all government
spending online and end the revolving
VIRG BERNERO, Democrat
Age: 46.
Birthplace: Pontiac.
Residence: Lansing.
Education: Adrian College in 1986
with a bachelor's degree in political
science.
Family: Wife, Teri, and daughters
Kelly and Virginia.
Religion: Christian.
Career Highlights: I served as
a development officer for Alma
College and as executive direc-
tor of the Michigan Association
for Children with Emotional
Disorders (MACED). Lansing
mayor, 2006-present, Michigan
Senate, 2003-2006, Michigan House
of Representatives, 2000-2002.
Ingham County commissioner,
1991-1999.
Running mate: Southfield Mayor
Brenda Lawrence.
Website and phone number:
www.VoteVirg.com , (517) 999-8696.
door of legislators immediately becoming
lobbyists. I will also cut my own pay and
benefits.
My economic plan will create jobs by
focusing on small businesses, strength-
ening education and fighting outsourcing
while rewarding job creation in Michigan.
And I am our only hope of having a pro-
choice governor to stand up to an anti-
choice legislature.
IN: Southeastern Michigan has too
few adults in their 20s and they have
little background and skills in science,
math, engineering and technology.
The Race For Governor on page 18
October 28 • 2010
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