Local politics have an impact, too

Much focus after the election has been on the national level and on controversial statewide proposals, but there are other decisions that were made on a local level that will certainly impact people.

Just as the democrats dominated in most national polls, they followed suit in many local races. Carl Levin was re-elected to his six-year position as a U.S. senator but could not be successfully contacted for an interview.

Bart Stupak was re-elected yet again as the first district representative in Congress, which is a two-year appointment. Stupak said, “I appreciate the continued trust and support of northern Michigan voters, and I am very proud of the great turnout in this historic election. I am committed to continuing to stand up for you and fight to implement the change necessary to move America forward. I am honored to have the opportunity to continue providing leadership you can trust.” This election marks Stupak’s eighth time being re-elected, with his first term serving the district being in 1992. Michigan’s first district is the second largest in the country in term of landmass, encompassing the entire UP and the northern part of the Lower Peninsula. Stupak has fought for numerous issues, but he has predominantly served on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and he has made protecting the Great Lakes one of his top priorities.

Michael Lahti was re-elected as the 110th district state representative, which is also a two-year appointment. Lahti has served on the Board of Trustees at Finlandia University and on the Houghton County Board of Commissioners, which he has chaired for six years. “The most important issue to me is the economy and jobs. The state must do what it can to work with job providers and encourage them to stay in Michigan and work with others to encourage them to locate here,” said Lahti. In terms of higher education, which is clearly a priority for Lahti with his experience at Finlandia, Lahti said, “It was great to see the increase in enrollment at Michigan Tech, and that is proof that what Michigan Tech has to offer is valuable in today’s economy. Higher education is very important to me. I have been and will continue to be supportive of legislation that is beneficial to higher ed., because an educated and well-trained workforce is vital for Michigan’s economic recovery.”

Lastly, in terms of whom we successfully contacted, was newly elected Judge of the Court of Appeals, Michael Kelly. Kelly has 20 years of experience in courtrooms and has been involved with more than 100 trials and more than four dozen appeals in State and Federal Courts. Kelly said, “It is a great honor to be elected to the Michigan Court of Appeals. I also realize that it carries a large responsibility. Because the Court of Appeals hears cases by ‘right’ as opposed to the Supreme Court which hears cases by ‘leave’ (and consequently hears far fewer cases), it has been said that the Court of Appeals is the Supreme Court for most litigants.” Kelly added, “As far as what I hope to accomplish, it is my hope that at the end of my term it can be said that I fairly, impartially and diligently decided cases.”

While it is interesting to note that democratic nominations on the national level were made in terms of change, it is obvious by the re-election of many local democrats that local government is finding success through its democratic candidates.

For a complete list of winning candidates in Michigan, along with voting totals, visit Michigan’s Department of State site: http://miboecfr.nictusa.com/election/results/08GEN/.