The debate (Joe Hune v Paul Rogers)

Full Disclosure: Joe has my vote.

You can find the Argus article there and the debate.

I was at the Joe Hune v Paul Rogers debate last night. It was a different format than usual, and I thought it was a good format. Mike Mallot and Rich Perlberg asked a bunch of questions and then followed up on questions with opportunity for rebuttal or comments from the other candidate. It was a more loose format than usual debates.

It was generally peaceful with few attacks. Joe dug at Paul's conservatism at the end, and Paul dug at Joe being part of the legislature, but that's the only thing that some would consider negative. Both candidates mostly concentrated on the issues and what they said they were going to do, or what they have done.

The debate was a contrast of styles. One thing you can say about Joe Hune. You know where he stands. I've known Joe for years, and he has a very low tolerance of bullshit. He says what he means and means what he says. He'll also say where he screwed up, and he did on the film credit bill. Paul Rogers on the other hand was tougher to pin down on issues, especially fiscal issues. I've heard the tax answer of "last resort" one too many times. Jim Blanchard said that and raised them. Jennifer Granholm "did not want" to raise taxes. We know what happened. They went up. Paul supported the tax increase for Howell Cityscape.

Joe's big comment. Reign in Spending. Private sector creates jobs, not government. Government needs to get out of the way.

Paul campaigned heavily on his leadership and not being recently in Lansing.

On the governor's race, Joe is leaning towards Bouchard. Paul is deciding between Hoekstra or Snyder.

With the WALLY train, Paul supports the concepts (and did on City Council). Joe doesn't support the subsidies. Paul talked about concerns of subsidies.

Both oppose the big government smoking ban. Both oppose gay marriage.

Paul mentioned the 10th Amendment prominently referring to the health care bill which both Paul and Joe oppose.

Joe mentioned his support of the 2nd Amendment, referring to threats from the UN Small Arms treaty proposals. The previous version of the treaty had registration concerns as registration leads to confiscation. What Joe should have mentioned more is that it takes only one more judge and enough senators to ratify a bad treaty. That's the threat.

The biggest reason I support Joe is that I know where he stands, especially on fiscal issues. I don't have to worry about Joe caving on tax votes or fee increases if a Granholm or Rick Johnson pressures him.

Candidate Forum July 15th

For those like me in the 22nd District state senate district, there's a candidate forum at 7:30 pm, July 15th. The 22nd district covers all of Livingston and Shiawassee Counties, and parts of Southern Ingham County.

From the Argus

The forum will begin at 7:30 p.m. July 15 at the Community of Howell Theatre in the Howell High School Freshman Campus at the northeastern corner of West Grand River Avenue and Highlander Way in Howell.

The event is co-hosted by the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce, the Howell Area Chamber of Commerce and the Hartland Area Chamber of Commerce.
Doors will open at 7 p.m. There is no charge

Primary for 22nd State Senate seat

I'm not surprised that we're going to have a primary election here. State senate seats do not open up as much as state house seats, and there is never a coronation. Valde Garcia was primaried in most of his elections here, and always expected one when he ran.

Paul Rogers threw his name into the ring  for State Senate. From the Argus

A Howell City Council member is entering this year's race for the state Senate seat representing Livingston County.Paul Rogers, who served as the city's mayor from 1997-2000 and has spent more than a decade on the council, said Sunday in a news release he's entering the campaign to succeed term-limited Sen. Valde Garcia, R-Marion Township
"Over the past six months, I have had numerous local community and state leaders contact me about giving consideration to pursuing the state Senate seat," Rogers said. "I've given this decision much thought and feel that I have the qualifications, the time, and commitment to fill this important role."

Also vying for the seat is former state Rep. Joe Hune, who was term-limited out of office in 2008 after serving three two-year terms in the state House.

Paul's not related to Mike or Bill, but a lot of people think he is. He's also spent a lot of time in Howell city government and has some name recognition. That makes this an interesting race.  

I already endorsed Joe Hune when he decided to run. That hasn't changed. Joe still has my vote. I don't know Paul Rogers and met him once or twice. I did vote for him on council when I lived in Howell, but I'd have trouble supporting him over a more fiscal conservative candidate for state senate after this. Nothing personal, but this decision is troubling to say the least.

From the Livingston Community News archives

Howell residents will see their summer taxes increase by 1 mill when bills go out July 1. The increase, which brings the city's tax rate to 15.9443 mills, was approved by City Council members 6-1 on Monday after a brief public hearing.
The increase will amount to $1 for every $1,000 of a home's state equalized value, or half of a home's worth. It will generate $211,109 in revenue.
Taxes can be raised without voter approval because the city collects just 14.9443 mills of the full 16.017 mills it's allowed.
But Councilman Tom Malloy told colleagues the time wasn't right for a millage hike given the state's depressed economy, rising foreclosure rates and mounting job losses. But a majority of board members agreed the grant and federal stimulus money now available necessitated a summer start for Phase I of a planned $22 million three-year citywide street, sewer and water improvement project.
"The numbers are just too good," City Manager Shea Charles said. "We have not seen this amount of money available (for local infrastructure improvement projects) in a long time, and I don't know if we'd see it again."
The low cost of labor, combined with the state's low-interest loan programs and federal grant money made available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, weighed in Councilman Paul Rogers' decision to support the millage increase.
"It's going to be painful," Rogers said, "but it makes sense for us to get ready for when the economy does pick up." He said foresight now will help city leaders draw investors in the future.
Michael Bartkowiak, who is challenging incumbents Rogers, Dawn Cooper and Scott Niblock for a city council seat in November, asked board members to wait until the economy turned around before imposing a tax increase. He was the only resident to attend the public hearing.
"Other than him, I have not heard from anyone in opposition to the 1 mill this year," Rogers said.
The city's ongoing street improvement plan to improve 34 miles or roads was initiated 15 years ago and funded mainly through grants. Most of the repairs left in the 11 miles left to fix don't qualify for federal and state funds because they are local roads.
Phase I will improve 4.3 miles of road at a cost of $7.6 million. Construction should begin in mid-July.
"It'll be a nightmare getting around the city, but when it's all said and done, it will be a big boost for the city," said Rogers, noting that other road improvements have resulted in neighborhood improvements along affected streets.

My question for Paul is this. If by raising taxes at the state level, opens up money from the federal swine trough, are you going to vote for that? Are you going to vote for the gas tax increase if it comes up in Lansing? How much does that revamping proposal of Howell's downtown (with the Grand River/MI ave roundabout)  cost? My guard is up here, and it is due to taxes and spending.

When it comes to taxes and spending, I can count on Joe Hune making the right decision. Joe opposed the MBT, taxes on insurance premiums, gimmick budgets that later failed, as well as increases to the services and income taxes. Joe's proven himself as a fiscal conservative, and will have my vote.

Joe Hune for State Senate

The worst kept political secret in Livingston County is out. It is official. Former state Rep Joe Hune is now running for State Senate in 2010. The 22nd District covers all of Livingston and Shiawassee Counties, as well as a small portion of Ingham County. Valde Garcia, the incumbent is termed out in 2010.

Barring a major shock (such as Hune turning into an Obama clone in the next two years), I will be voting for Joe in the primary. The major reason is that when it comes to fiscal responsibility, Joe can be counted on.

The idiotic MBT "Surcharge" that replaced the "Services tax" - Joe opposed.
The tax on insurance premiums - Joe opposed.
The bad gimmick budget - Joe opposed
The MBT, Services Tax, and Income Tax - Joe Opposed.

Joe has a history of opposing tax increases and poor budgets. This goes back to when even his party ran the house. When Speaker Johnson wanted the fee increases, Joe voted against them. We talk about government having to live within our means. Joe is consistent on those issues, and is also solid on the other issues as well.

This is an easy vote for me.