Any last words? Davis, DuMouchelle
hit the GOP primary homestretch

With the August primary next Tuesday and the hottest local race the Republican primary for the 1st District Michigan House seat, GrossePointeToday.com caught up with the two contenders, Charles Davis and Janice DuMouchelle, for some 11th-hour questions.

CHARLES DAVIS

What differentiates you most from your opponent?
 
My experience in both the business world (founded my own business and made a payroll for last 21 years in Grosse Pointe and am a former Ford executive) plus serving President Reagan for 8 years in Washington and on my City Council for the last 9 years gives me a breadth of knowledge with which to work with both parties to make changes happen in the Legislature. 

What piece of legislation will you support or sponsor?
 
Supporting legislation means simply voting for it; Sponsoring legislation means creating it, working it through the committees to get it onto the floor, and then rounding up votes to get it passed. I would "sponsor" legislation to exempt Michigan from national health care and other unfunded mandates; a 10% across the board reduction on discretionary spending (exempting law enforcement); privatization of our prisons (saving over $500 million per year); reductions in fringe benefits of state employees and teachers to private sector levels; a voucher program for Detroit schools; and approving a part-time legislature ballot initiative, among others.

The Free Press endorsed your opponent. Do you feel that hurts your chances?

The Free Press is the more liberal leaning of our two major newspapers, so it was no surprise to me that they endorsed a candidate more liberal than me. I received the endorsement from the Detroit News. The citizens of our community now have a clear choice.  

What committees do you hope to serve on?
 
Of the committees presently established, Appropriations is my first choice. New Economy and Quality of Life is my second. I would press for a special committee on Revenues and Taxation to reform our business and personal taxes and fee structure.

What legislation is important to Grosse Pointers?
 
All legislation that promotes job growth in this state and our area. Private-sector jobs come first, then incomes, then ability to buy homes, which is critical to spuring home sales and restoring our home equity. Everything else is secondary to the need for an improved business climate and the jobs it will bring. 

What are voters telling you are their concerns as you go door to door?

Jobs, home prices, and the arrogance of our present politicians. Recently I have heard concerns about the expansion in size of a political sign on Jefferson and the precedent it sets (in) despoiling our community during political seasons. 

How much time each week do you expect to spend on Statehouse work?

Three days each week in Lansing in the Legislature and the remainder on constituent service, research, personal business and time with my wife, kids and grandkids. I do not plan to spend time on committees or be on the floor for matters such as "which state highway should be named after what past politician" and "who the Michigan state poet should be" as does the present Legislature.
   
JANICE DUMOUCHELLE

What differentiates you most from your opponent?

My real-life experience outside of the public sector. I was a commercial insurance underwriter and risk manager for 30 years. I have rich management experience and successes and I own my own small business. Lansing needs to start running like a business as opposed to a hobby. Right now, they decide what they want to spend first and then figure out how to pay for it.

What piece of legislation will you support or sponsor?

I would like to see us steadily lower state expenditures as well as pursue policies to create sustainable, long-term economic growth. Specifically, I would support repeal of the Prevailing Wage Act of 1965, which mandates the state pay prevailing union wages to contractors – whether they are unionized or not. I would also sponsor legislation to eliminate the personal property tax, which stifles small business expansion.

The Free Press endorsed you, citing your interest in the environment and education. What is your reaction to that and the fact your opponent was endorsed by The Detroit News?

I’m extremely pleased with the Free Press endorsement and believe it will make a positive difference. Education and environmental issues are very important to me, and I’m happy the Free Press recognized this fact. I was also happy the Free Press endorsed Pete Hoekstra for governor; Pete and I have gotten to know one another and are of like mind on many issues. We need to get everyone in state government on the same page.

What committees do you hope to serve on?

We have expressed our interest in Appropriations, Commerce, Great Lakes and Environment, Regulatory Reform, and Education. Other areas of committee interest are Public Employee Health Care Reform, Energy and Technology, and Tax Policy.

What legislation is important to Grosse Pointers?

Most folks I speak to are principally concerned with two issues:
1. Reforming our business tax structure to create job growth and,
2. Keeping our communities united through the upcoming redistricting process.

What are voters telling you are their concerns as you go door to door?

People are tired of old-school politics. They’re fed up. They want fresh ideas and a fresh outlook. They want elected officials who bring a business perspective to the table, and that is what my candidacy offers them.

How much time do you expect to spend each week on Statehouse work?

Besides my family, this job would be my life. I put my business on hold in March and am devoting myself 24/7 to the job. We need dedicated legislators in Lansing who can pledge the attention, time and energy needed to actually make a difference.

• Login or register to post comments
• Printer-friendly version
• Send by email