Free Press Endorses: Randy Young, Tim Melton, Vicki Barnett, Vince Gregory, Ellen Cogen Lipton, Marie Donigan

The Free Press endorsed the following Democrats for state House seats.

District 26 (Royal Oak and Madison Heights): Republican Michael Goodman, 55, of Royal Oak, is focusing on lowering taxes. But one issue isn't enough to discount the effective way Democratic incumbent MARIE DONIGAN, 54, of Royal Oak, has worked across partisan lines on issues such as increasing access to public transportation and promoting job growth through expanded public-private partnerships.

District 27 (Berkley, Ferndale, Hazel Park, Huntington Woods, Pleasant Ridge and part of Oak Park): Patent attorney ELLEN COGEN LIPTON, 41, of Huntington Woods, a Democrat, is the best choice to succeed term-limited Democrat Andy Meisner. Republican David Micola of Ferndale is running on a platform of lowering taxes. But Cogen Lipton stands out for her well-rounded grasp of issues such as health care reform and energy innovation, and for her extensive community involvement. She's a doer who understands her district's core concerns.

District 29 (Pontiac and Auburn Hills): Democrat TIM MELTON, 38, of Auburn Hills, is the incumbent and remains the district's best choice over Pontiac's Scott Sampeer, a 30-year-old Republican making his first run for office. Melton's leadership role on the House Education Committee and his energetic style should help bring more attention to his district, particularly resource-starved Pontiac.

DISTRICT 35 (Southfield, Lathrup Village, Royal Oak Township and part of Oak Park): The Democrat in this race, VINCENT GREGORY, 60, of Southfield, is a long-term, well-respected county commissioner who has championed causes such as the preservation of Catalpa Park. Republican Katie Koppin of Lathrup Village did not respond to Free Press requests for an interview.

DISTRICT 37 (Farmington, Farmington Hills): Both candidates vying to succeed Democrat Aldo Vagnozzi bring loads of name recognition and political experience. As the former executive director of the Oakland County Republican Party, Paul Welday, 50, of Farmington Hills, knows Lansing and many of the issues leaders wrestle with.

But Democrat and former Farmington Hills mayor VICKI BARNETT, 54, offers voters something more: fresh ideas and first-rate financial skills. She's an investment consultant who has trained local governments on municipal finance, skills that would be an asset in the ongoing debate about whether to overhaul the Michigan Business Tax. More notable are Barnett's ideas for job growth, particularly a plan to have Michigan partner with neighboring Great Lakes states in establishing a regional alliance to lobby as one voice for economic growth. Her ability to think big, along with her experience balancing budgets, makes her stand out.

DISTRICT 45 (Rochester, Rochester Hills and Oakland Township): Voters ought to give the seat being vacated by Republican John Garfield to Rochester Democrat RANDY YOUNG, a 48-year-old environmental science professor who owns a small financial planning business. He is involved with a range of issues, including serving as a member of the Clinton River Watershed Council. Young has an independent streak that indicates he'd break partisan ranks if need be, particularly on the Michigan Business Tax. Young is up against Republican Tom McMillin, 43, of Rochester Hills, a CPA and well-known social conservative who has held office at the local and county levels.

Young, McMillin focus on fix for business tax

I had the opportunity to speak to Tom McMillin briefly at the OPC candidate luncheon last week. McMcillin is a radical on social issues like gay marriage and abortion. Those issues haven't come up in debates or articles, but there is an incident that got some attention when L. Brooks Patterson kissed McMillin mocking McMillin's extreme homphobia. When I asked McMillin about the incident, he said, "He missed." meaning Patterson missed McMillin's lips when he tried to kiss him.

Patterson sat at my table during the luncheon for a few minutes and I got to ask him about his endorsing McMilling and his reply, "He's the party candidate," meaning, I have to endorse him, we're both Republicans. Hardly a ringing endorsement. McMillin also has had trouble playing with others while on the County Commission.

House candidates focus on fix for business tax
By ANNETTE KINGSBURY • ECCENTRIC Staff Writer • October 12, 2008

This is the first in a series of stories on issues in the race to represent the 45th state House District, which includes Oakland Township, Rochester and Rochester Hills Republican Tom McMillin of Rochester Hills and Democrat Randy Young of Rochester are running for the open seat.

If there's anything the two candidates for the 45th state House District agree on, it's that the Michigan Business Tax has problems.

Republican Tom McMillin is a certified public accountant; Democrat Randy Young is a college professor and vice president of a financial services firm. Both men place criticism of the MBT front and center in their campaigns.

The unpopular MBT was enacted in 2007 in the midst of a state budget crisis to replace the unpopular Single Business Tax. A 22-percent surcharge was later added to replace a tax on services.

In a televised debate and in interviews with the Eccentric, both candidates said reforming the MBT is a top priority. McMillin says Democrats, led by Gov. Jennifer Granholm, raised taxes at the worst possible time.

"We just increased taxes last year in the midst of the worst economy," McMillin said. He wants to repeal the surcharge and cut state spending. "If we freeze spending for two years, we'd be able to roll back personal taxes."

Young says finger-pointing is counterproductive and the MBT is just too complicated.

"The starting point has to be getting everyone on board with the idea that we need a tax that is less complex," he said. "This tax was put together so quickly and with a gun to everybody's head. It's really no way to legislate, especially something this important."

SLAY SURCHARGE

Both candidates point out that the MBT, as currently written, forces businesses to pay tax on sales taxes they collect for the state, which are counted as part of their gross receipts. They agree that provision should be repealed, and the state Senate has approved a bill to do just that. The Senate has also approved a bill that would phase out the surcharge over three years. Both bills would significantly reduce state revenue.

McMillin says spending cuts can be achieved by opening up the books so the budget can truly be scrutinized.

"I think we need that in Michigan," he said. "I've always had suspicion in government, and the more light we can shine on that, the better. ... Transparency in how we spend our money is critical."

McMillin said he won't budge when it comes to raising taxes.

"He says that because he knows that's what voters want to hear," Young counters. "From a philosophical perspective, I will come short of pledging not to raise taxes. That's political pandering at its worst. ... I think it's irresponsible actually for a legislator to make that pledge." Click here for the rest of the article

Michigan Progress Interview with Randy Young, Candidate for the 45th District of Michigan

Here is my interview with Randy Young, candidate for the 45th District of Michigan.

Vote for Randy Young August 5

Randy Young is a great choice for the Michigan House seat for the 45th District. Remember to vote August 5th and make sure to vote for Mary Ellen Brennan and Rebecca Walsh on the non-partisan ballot. Even if you vote a straight Democratic ticket, you need to vote for the non-partisan portion of the ballot.

Free Press Endorses Randy Young for District 45, other Democrats

DISTRICT 45 (Rochester, Rochester Hills and Oakland Township): On the Democratic side, dermatologist Theodore Golden, 65, of Rochester Hills, is running against Randy Young, a 48-year-old environmental science professor who owns a small financial planning business. Golden's main issue is amending the state Constitution to tighten oversight of lawyers, particularly divorce attorneys. RANDY YOUNG, of Rochester, in contrast, offers a wide range of interests and experience. As a member of the Clinton River Watershed Council, Young has credibility on environmental issues and an independent streak that indicates he will break partisan ranks if need be, particularly on the Michigan Business Tax. Click here for the full article.

Eccentric Endorses Randy Young for 45th District

Young, Beaton for District 45

July 20, 2008

For the first time in six years, residents in greater Rochester will have a new state representative following November's election.

Due to term limits, incumbent John Garfield is leaving office, and six candidates are vying to take his place in Michigan's 45th District, which covers Rochester, Rochester Hills and Oakland Township.

Next month's primary election sets the stage for the race by trimming the field of four Republicans and two Democrats. The top vote-getters from each party will go head-to-head in the fall.

For Democrats, the choice is easy. Randy Young is a well-rounded candidate with an interesting background and relevant thoughts about matters like the economy, education and the environment. He wants to see less partisan bickering among lawmakers and his willingness to part ways with his political party are a sign that he could be effective in Lansing, where the ability to build consensus and foster compromise are key traits.

Rochester Eccentric Endorsement for Randy Young for Michigan Representative

The following letter appeared in this week's Rochester Eccentric. You can find out more about Randy Young and please do send him a campaign contribution at www.youngformichigan.com

Fresh perspective needed

I am pleased to see Randy Young is running for the Michigan House of Representatives in our district (45th). I enthusiastically support his candidacy.

I have known Randy for six years, and have worked with him closely on a number of community and organizational issues. I have found that he is always willing to listen, is open to ideas, and puts reason above personalities. Randy's can-do spirit is very clear in the initiatives he undertakes.

Randy was born and raised in this part of Oakland County. He returned here to raise a family and build his career. I know no other person who is more passionate about working to make Michigan's future a bright one. The years he spent living outside of Michigan gives him a fresh perspective of what our state needs to do in order to measure up.

And, fresh perspective is sorely needed in the Lansing legislature. As everyone knows who pays attention to state government these days, Michigan was served badly by last year's gridlock and party divisiveness. Neither side of that standoff did us any good.

Randy answers to no one other than himself. He is a very independent-minded person with a single-minded conviction to fix Michigan and to pull it from the stalemate that locks us between the political parties and self-interested special interests.

I believe that Randy has a vision for Michigan's tomorrow, one that can respond to the changing economics. He understands finance. He understands taxes. He understands what makes Michigan unique among all states, and that includes the woods and water of our great outdoors.

Randy has shown me his willingness to work hard, find solutions, and try new things. Though his is a fairly new name in the public circle, I encourage you to get to know this candidate. He deserves your full consideration.

Dan Keifer

Rochester Hills

Randy Young, Candidate for the 45th District of Michigan Fundraiser

Randy Young, Democratic candidate for the 45th district of Michigan is having a fundraiser. This is the seat being vacated by John Garfield.

Meet the Democratic Candidate

Randy Young

for

Michigan State Representative

45th District

Rochester, Rochester Hills,

and Oakland Township

May 3, 2008

7:00-9:00 p.m.

(Monetary Donations to Randy’s campaign are encouraged

but not required to attend!)

Michael and Naomi Behrmann

1080 Great Oaks Blvd.

Rochester MI 48307

Call 248-608-2480 to RSVP

www.youngformichigan.com

Email info@youngformichigan.com

Randy Young announces for John Garfield's Seat

House race to replace Garfield is under way
By Annette Kingsbury
ECCENTRIC STAFF WRITER

The contest to succeed term-limited John Garfield as state representative for the 45th District is shaping up.

So far, one Republican and one Democrat have announced they are running for the seat. Both live in the city of Rochester. The election is in November.

Copper Rizzo, 23, a district coordinator for Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop, R-Rochester, formed his candidate committee last year and has already raised nearly $8,000. He plans to make a formal announcement Wednesday and will take a leave of absence from Bishop's staff to campaign.

Democrat Randy Young announced last week that he will also run for the seat. A teacher at Macomb Community College, Young, 48, is also a partner with his wife, Diane, in The Athena Group, a Rochester-based financial business.

The House district covers Rochester, Rochester Hills and Oakland Township. Young said he thinks a Democrat can win the seat, although the territory is considered largely Republican.

"I don't think a Democratic candidate has really put forth an effort to any large degree to run a winning campaign," he said. "I think it's wide open."

He also said he thinks voters are ready for a change.

"Like a lot of voters, I have not been happy with some of what's been going on in Lansing, especially, for example, the budget fiasco last year."

Rizzo is a 2003 Adams High School graduate who attended Michigan State University. He was recently appointed to the Rochester Historical Commission and served as campaign treasurer in the successful Hills City Council campaign of Vern Pixley. Rizzo's own campaign treasurer is Rochester Councilman Jeff Cuthbertson. Young grew up in Sterling Heights. He earned a bachelor's degree at Oakland University and two master's degrees in coastal oceanography at Stony Brook University in New York. He is a longtime board member of the Clinton River Watershed Council and serves on the Oakland County Solid Waste Planning Commission.

akingsbury@hometownlife.com (248) 651-7575, Ext. 17