Tag Archives: Erwin Haas

We the People 2018 General Election: State Senate Candidates

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State of Michigan 26th District State Senate

 

The 26th District of the State Senate includes the City of Kentwood along with all of Allegan and Van Buren counties. For a district map, click here.

 

Three candidates are running in the Nov. 6 General election to replace term-limited Republican Sen. Tonya Schuitmaker. They are, in alphabetical order, Libertarian candidate Erwin Haas, Democratic candidate Garnet Lewis and Republican candidate Aric Nesbitt.

 

Erwin Haas — Candidate (L) MI State Senate 26th District

 

Name: Erwin Haas

 

Party: Candidate, Libertarian

 

Occupation: Retired medical doctor and former Kentwood City Commissioner

 

Why did you decide to run for the 26th District State Senate seat?

 

I see a lot of disfunction, a lot of programs that are outdated, badly thought-through, badly administered, and operate contrary to the public interest.

 

If elected, what issues do you want to focus on?

Education, the roads, healthcare. The war on drugs, specifically. I think that the (recreational) marijuana thing is going to go through and the Republicans are going to try to block it, no matter what. They hate people doing what they want to do.

 

Garnet Lewis — Candidate (D) MI State Senate 26th District

 

Name: Garnet Lewis

 

Party: Candidate, Democrat

 

Occupation: Retired university administrator and real estate business administrator

 

Why did you decide to run for the 26th District State Senate seat?

 

We need a representative for the district who is going to represent everyone, and will actually listen to what all the constituents say.

 

If elected, what issues do you want to focus on?

 

My number one issue is education, school funding, then environmental protection, there are all the clean water issues alone. Then healthcare. Medicare, Medicaid expansion and, if possible, expansion so that everyone can can have access … we really need to do a better job of that.

 

Aric Nesbitt — Candidate (R) MI State Senate 26th District

 

Name: Aric Nesbitt

 

Party: Candidate, Republican

 

Occupation: Public Service. (Former cabinet member for Gov. Rick Snyder; former State Representative)

 

Why did you decide to run for the 26th District State Senate seat?

 

I want to fight to lower the cost of auto insurance, continue to pay down our longterm debt in the state, and rededicate ourselves to making sure we fix our roads and bridges. our infrastructure.

 

If elected, what issues do you want to focus on?

 

In the long term, I want to continue to pay down our debt. And what I hear most, when I knock on doors, is the cost of auto insurance and the condition of our roads.

 

State of Michigan 28th District State Senate

The 28th District of the State Senate includes the City of Wyoming as well as the cities of Walker, Rockford and Cedar Springs. For a district map, click here.

 

In the 28th District State Senate race, three candidates are running in the Nov. 6 General election. They are, in alphabetical order, Democratic candidate Craig Beach, Libertarian candidate Nathan Hewer, and Republican incumbent Peter MacGregor.

 

Craig Beach — Candidate (D) MI State Senate 28th District

 

Name: Craig Beech

 

Party: Candidate, Democrat

 

Occupation: Retired public-school teacher

 

Why did you decide to run for the 28th District State Senate seat?

 

As a public-school teacher, I have been frustrated with government in the treatment of public education, especially the lack of perspective. I want to bring an insight into education, which is what is needed. I believe education is the foundation that provides to our middle class. … America is a great country and the adults should be able to deal with this issue.

 

If elected, what issues do you want to focus on? 

 

I have four platforms: quality of public education, people before profits, protection of our national resources, and Michigan was recently rated by a non-partisan group as the last for government accountability and transparency and I want to change that.

 

Peter MacGregor — Candidate (R) MI State Senate 28th District

 

Name: Peter MacGregor

 

Party: Incumbent, Republican

 

Occupation: Michigan State Senator, previous small business owner

 

Why did you decide to run for the 26th District State Senate seat?

 

Running for reelection because we have moved the state from one of the worst states in the country (to do business) to one of the top 10, and I think there are still a few more things we can do to be the No. 1 state in the country.

 

If elected, what issues do you want to focus on?

 

I still think we need to focus on our skilled trade training, on that education part. It is something that I talk to a lot of business owners who are struggling to fill the positions. To make it from No. 9 or 10 to No. 1, we have got to fill that employee gap.

 

Note: Libertarian candidate Nathan Hewery was invited but did not participate in the We the People candidate profiles.

 

Libertarian candidate for State Senate, legal assistance advocate on latest WKTV Journal: In Focus

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WKTV Staff

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On the latest episode of WKTV Journal: In Focus, WKTV talks with Dr. Erwin Haas, a Kentwood resident and retired local medical internist. Haas is the Libertarian Party candidate for the Michigan State Senate’s 26th District seat. This November, Haas will face off with Republican primary winner Aric Nesbitt and Democrat Garnet Lewis. Haas ran campaigns for U.S. Congress in 2016 and 2014, as well as for Lieutenant Governor in 2010.

 

We will talk with him about what the Libertarian party is all about and why he continues to seek elected office.

 

Also on the episode, In Focus is Thomas Sinas, a partner in West Michigan’s Sinas Dramis Law Firm and an advocate for the Kent County Legal Assistance Center. Sinas has tried both civil and criminal cases, and has also lectured and authored numerous articles on trial practice and substantive law. We talk with him about the Legal Assistance Center, and misconceptions about legal services available in civil and criminal cases.

 

 

The entire episode of “WKTV Journal: In Focus” airs on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel.

 

The episode debuted on WKTV cable channels on Tuesday, Aug. 7, and aired again on Thursday, Aug. 7, also at 6:30 p.m., and will continue on the same days and times the week of Aug. 13. But all interviews included in episodes of WKTV Journal: In Focus are also available on YouTube at WKTVvideos.

 

We the People: U.S. and State House of Representatives

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We The People 2016

WKTV takes seriously its role as a communications provider. We want our community to be well-informed and more involved in local matters.

 

U.S. 2nd District

 

The Second Congressional District includes: Lake, Oceana, Newaygo, Muskegon, and Ottawa Counties in their entirety as well as portions of Allegan, Kent, and Mason Counties.

 

Bill Huizenga – Incumbent (R)

 

Dennis B. Murphy – Candidate (D)

Occupation: Supplier quality engineer
Residence: Grandville

 

Why did you decide to run as the representative for the US 2nd District?
“I am running because I do not think our current representative is looking out for the real interests of the vast majority of citizens in our district. The district is effectively ignored and I don’t think Republican policies actually help most of the people in terms of jobs, civic improvements, infrastructure, etc. We need positive action from our government to effect positive change.”

 

What issues are a high priority to you?
“Social Security is my number one issue in that I want to make sure it stays funded and is not privatized. I also believe there needs to be a nationwide standard for elections. I am against Pipeline 5, especially after what happened with the Kalamazoo River. We don’t need oil bubbling up in the Straits of Mackinaw.”

 

When the national spotlight is on Michigan, it usually focuses on Detroit and the east side. How would you make sure West Michigan isn’t forgotten?
“Well, if I continue to do well in the campaign that will naturally bring attention to the west since this area is safely Republican. Michigan overall is primarily Democrat, so here, I am hoping to make my voice heard. I hope by hammering the issues I will make people understand they’re voting for the wrong person.”

 

Erwin Haas – Candidate (L)

Occupation: City Commissioner for Kentwood and semi-retired physician
Residence: Kentwood

 

Why did you decide to run as the representative for the US 2nd District?

“I see the distorting influences of the Federal Government on small cities like Kentwood. I see taxpayer money going to small ‘free’ services we don’t need and our current representative not adhering to his conservative values.”

 

What issues are a high priority to you?

“I think there is a major problem with how we collect taxes. We should get ride of the IRS and instead institute a fair tax. I believe we should readdress our military to focus on our boarders here at home and not worry about what’s going on overseas.”

 

When the national spotlight is on Michigan, it usually focuses on Detroit and the east side. How would you make sure West Michigan isn’t forgotten?

“I would focus on keeping the government out of situations it doesn’t need to be in. People in West Michigan tend to be self starters. They aren’t as dependent on the government and its services.”

 

U.S. 3rd District

 

The 3rd District includes the counties of Barry, Ionia, and all but the southwest portion of Kent.

 

Doug Smith – Candidate (D)

Occupation: Sheet Metal Workers Local 7
Residence: Belmont

 

Why did you decide to run as the representative for the US 3rd District?
“I’ve protested in the past against unfair legislation and didn’t see results. To have a chance at changing politics, you need to do it from within. I wanted to give the people a politician who wasn’t corrupted.

 

What issues are a high priority to you?
“Overturning Citizens United and getting big money out of politics. I also want to get as many people as possible into the voting process by having open primaries and automatic voter registration when someone turns 18.”

 

When the national spotlight is on Michigan, it usually focuses on Detroit and the east side. How would you make sure West Michigan isn’t forgotten?
“Michigan as a whole needs reps who can focus on the state as a whole. Investments in infrastructure everywhere are important so that Flint doesn’t happen anywhere else. My construction background can help with infrastructure upgrades and better transportation.”

 

Justin Amash – Incumbent (R)

 

Justin Amash is the Incumbent and Republican nominee for the 3rd District. He will be running against Doug Smith in the November 8 election.

 

72nd District

 

The 72nd District includes the City of Kentwood and Gaines Township in Kent County and Leighton Township, Wayland Township, Dorr Township and the City of Wayland in Allegan County. The seat is currently held by Ken Yonker, who is vacating due to term limits.

 

Steven Johnson – Candidate (R)

Occupation: Four years in the Air Force and now campaigning as a full-time candidate
Residence: Wayland Township

 

Why did you decide to run for the 72nd District Representative?


“I didn’t initially plan on running, but after seeing videos of Planned Parenthood selling baby parts while the government still chose to fund them, I decided to get involved. I called some local candidates to hear their stance and concerns with specific issues and didn’t receive a straight answer. I then chose to run myself.”

 

What issues would you address if elected?

“We need to repeal Common Core. It’s a one-size method that doesn’t fit everyone. I’m Pro-Life and support a life at conception act. I would also stop corporate welfare. Too often big companies, like Switch coming into Gaines Township, are given big tax breaks.”

 

Steve Shoemaker – Candidate (D)

Occupation: Worked for Steelcase for 25 years as a Skilled Trades Journeyman. Retired in 2005.
Residence: Caledonia

 

Why did you decide to run for the 72nd District Representative?


“I saw some decisions that came out of Lansing that I didn’t agree with. The current 72nd district representative made some votes that I felt went against what he believed. As a leader its important to make tough decisions even if they’re not popular. I want to ensure the opportunities I had in the 72nd District – jobs, income, lifestyle, etc. – are available to every citizen.”

 

What issue would you address if elected?


“The government needs to be made more transparent. Right now, Michigan ranks dead last in transparency. I would draft a bill to repeal exemption for Freedom of Information Act blockage for government representatives. I want to keep government transparency at the forefront.”

 

77th District

 

The 77th District includes Byron Township and the City of Wyoming. The seat is currently held by Thomas Hooker of Byron Township, who is vacating due to term limits.

 

Tommy Brann – Candidate (R)

Occupation: Owner of Brann’s Steakhouse since he was 19-years-old.

Residence: Wyoming

 

Why did you decide to run for the 77th District Representative?
“I’ve always been interested in politics and admired the people who do it. I believe in free enterprise. There’s a lot of stories of entrepreneurs that I want to share not only with the government, but with children as well. I can help influence education.”

 

What issues would you address if elected?
“I would like to keep government simple. I believe the simpler, the better. Right now the state has $27.2 billion for teachers pension that is unfunded. The budget needs to be balanced, and that means no debt.”

 

Dana Knight – Candidate (D)

 

Dana Knight is the Democratic nominee for the 77th District. She will be running against Tommy Brann in the November 8 election.

 

All candidates were contacted and invited to participate in sharing their message to the voters.