|
This past Saturday, the Roscommon Democratic Party hosted its “Spring Fling”, featuring a wild game dinner, at the Denton Township Hall. It was also an opportunity for the local party to hear from statewide and local candidates. Andy Dillon, Speaker of the House, who is a Democratic candidate for Governor addressed the group and answered questions. Also addressing the group were representatives of Jocelyn Benson, candidate for Secretary of State and Richard Bernstein, candidate for Attorney General. These two positions will be chosen by the State Democratic Party, at its Endorsement Convention in Detroit on April 17th.
Also addressing the group were two local candidates, Roger Dunigan and Van Sheltrown. Dunigan, a 36 year resident from Leelanau County, is a candidate for the 35th Senate District, replacing Michelle McManus. Dunigan for 30 years was the Community Mental Health Executive Director for Grand Traverses and Leelanau Counties. Van Sheltrown, a native of Ogemaw County, is a candidate for the 103rd House District, replacing his brother, Joel Sheltrown. Sheltrown has been a long time corrections officer in Ogemaw County.
Dunigan talked about the importance of protecting the environment, education and human services in these difficult economic times. All of these are being drastically affected by budget cuts. Our future is dependent on these items. He indicated that we need to do everything we can to assure that government services are efficient and effective. He said that with 10 straight years of deficits, our state government has been severely cut. We are now down to the level of state employees that we had in 1978.
Dunigan indicated that at some point we need to explore revenue enhancement. He cautioned, however, that this has to be done in such a way that it does not negatively impact the majority of people who are struggling in these tough economic times. He suggested that one possibility is to go from a flat rate income tax to a graduated income tax. He said: “It makes no sense that a person making $35,000 a year should pay the same tax rate as someone making $350,000”. Dunigan said: “With a graduated income tax, 90% of the people would receive a tax cut. Such a tax cut would be a great help for the large number of persons who are struggling. At the same time, the graduated income tax would produce more revenue to offset the 1.7 billion deficit that we have this year and which will likely be larger next year.”
Van Sheltrown, Candidate for the 103rd House District, talked about his being a native of the area and his years in law enforcement. He indicated that he is attuned to the issues that are of concern to the residents. Sheltrown indicated that he would carry on, in the fine tradition of his brothers in that position.
The Roscommon Dems at this meeting gave their whole hearted endorsements to: Andy Dillon, for Governor; Jocelyn Benson for Secretary of State; Richard Bernstein, for Attorney General; Roger Dunigan, for 35th Senate District; Van Sheltrown, for the 103rd House District.
In endorsing Roger Dunigan for the 35th Senate District, the local Democratic Party said:”The Roscommon County Democrats proudly endorse Roger Dunigan for the 35th District Senate seat for the Great State of Michigan.
Roger Dunigan has always fought against injustice as it relates to Mental Health. His 30 plus years in the industry of mental health and social work gives him quality insight to the needs of our schools and hospitals.
Roger Dunigan’s accomplishments show his high regard to protect the vulnerable and disabled citizens of our Great State. He has sat by and watched as funding to keep these people safe and healthy has been slowly stripped away, until now they are naked and without a voice. Roger wants to be that voice. Roger wants to devote his time and energy to right these wrongs.
Let’s make sure Roger goes to Lansing, where he will continue to stand up for people, who otherwise might not be heard.”
| 
Newsletters
Subscribe
Print
Share Page
