lmr lir imr lir lor lor lir lAr Met r o lir 1P1' 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 17