No New Tax Pledge

I am the only 47th District candidate to sign the No New Tax Pledge. I have a proven record of managing multi-million dollar county budgets amidst an economic downturn. I stayed within or under budget on all projects. As Commissioner, I am a member of the Finance Committee for Livingston County.

Second Amendment

Maintaining our constitutional right to keep and bear arms continues to be an issue of great importance to me personally.  I have been endorsed by Livingston 2A and am a lifetime member of the NRA and received their top rating of AQ. As Commissioner, I led the mission to approve Livingston County to be a Second Amendment sanctuary county in 2020.

Public Safety

I am currently the Chair of the Public Safety Committee for Livingston County.

I served in the Army during the Vietnam War (1970-1971) in addition to serving as a police officer and Sheriff of the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department for 33 years. It’s my great honor to have dedicated my life’s work to public safety and community service. As we’ve seen in recent weeks in communities around our country, ongoing training for police officers is essential. I can bring ideas that will be effective to Lansing with a unique real-world perspective on this topic.

As Sheriff, I started the Internet Crime Against Children division. In 10 years, we arrested and successfully prosecuted over 110 sexual predators who were stalking our children in Livingston County.

I have an extensive list of endorsements from Livingston County’s first responders as well as Livingston Law Enforcement Association. I was also endorsed by Michigan Association of Police Organizations which represents 60-plus percent of Michigan’s 18,000 certified police officers.

View the full endorsements list here.

Right to Life

I have received the Right to Life of Michigan PAC endorsement for far more years than all candidates running for the 47th District together. I was endorsed for 12 years as the Livingston County Sheriff and currently endorsed as a Livingston County Commissioner. I have been endorsed by Right to Life of Michigan PAC for this 47th District State Representative candidacy.

My wife Shelia and I have been married for 48 years. We have 3 daughters and 8 grandchildren. I will always speak up for those who don’t have a voice.

Reopening Michigan & COVID-19

This year has posed unprecedented challenges concerning public health and our local economy. I have been in continual discussions with the current Livingston legislators and staff regarding how to reopen Michigan efficiently and safely.

Livingston County’s COVID-19 numbers continue to be low compared to our neighboring counties. Governor Whitmer included Livingston County in the Detroit region. It is clear that we are more in line with the Lansing region as our numbers are substantially less than those counties within the Detroit region. I will continue the efforts to give Livingston County the opportunities to safely reopen for business.

It is imperative that nursing home residents are not housed with individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19. We must protect vulnerable seniors.

Education – Michigan’s Return to Learn Plan

I have had the opportunity to meet with local Superintendents to better understand what plans are being considered in re-opening Livingston area schools. Each district within the State of Michigan should be allowed to make decisions on how they’re going to protect and educate their students within the unique confines of their school system.

Small Businesses

Many of you have known me as a local business supporter from my time as Commissioner and Sheriff. Back in the early 1970’s, prior to my time with the Sheriff’s Department, I owned and operated a roofing company out of my home in Fowlerville. I can still remember the stresses of those early years as we worked week to week to build our business, much of which was subcontracting from Sears. It was never easy, but we were able to stick with it and build it into a good, profitable business.

Today, as I look at what we as a state and county are dealing with, it tears me apart to see what is happening to our local businesses. I know how lean the budgets are for many businesses, even without COVID-19 and the corresponding executive orders.

I want you to know I am on your side and always have been. Representing you and your business isn’t something I have ever taken lightly, nor will I when I get to Lansing. It’s time to make our local economy great again, and I’m the candidate with the proven experience to get it done.

Veteran’s Mental Health

As a Vietnam Veteran, this issue is very personal to me. I am currently Vice-Chair of the Livingston County Veterans Affairs and am well-versed on the mental health issues facing our veterans today. I am greatly concerned that we are losing 20 veterans per day to suicide. Being a voice for veterans has been a personal priority that I’ve discussed with constituents on the campaign trail. I’ll continue to seek solutions to help those who have unselfishly served our country.

The Opioid Crisis

I am currently the Chairman of the Opioid Abuse Advisory Committee for Livingston County. 

During my time as Sheriff, I partnered with Livingston County Community Alliance to launch the Big Red Barrel Project. The Livingston Sheriff’s Department became a necessary resource for handling pill collections and disposal. This was a necessity to get opioids out of the medicine cabinets and away from vulnerable kids and adults. Since its inception, over 2 TONS of medication have been collected in Livingston County alone.

As Commissioner, I voted to join the class-action lawsuit against the pharmaceutical companies who have abused and taken advantage of our citizens through opioids prescriptions.

Unfortunately, during recent years, the addiction to opioids has continued to rise. We know that the majority of these opioids are legally written prescriptions that are being abused. Recent legislation that has been signed into law has helped, but we need to continue to actively fight this epidemic.

Roads and Infrastructure

I am currently the Chairman of the Public Safety and Infrastructure and Development Committee for Livingston County.

For years, the roads and infrastructure were neglected. We need to continue prioritizing dedicated funds toward maintaining safe roads for our community.