Campaign Blog

March 5, 2008

I met with John Palen Tuesday morning. I value his advice and counsel very much. John has been at the forefront of city politics for quite some time with his independent newsletter, Midland Issues (www.midlandissues.com), that covers city politics and the local school board.

Also, last week I sat down with my friend Alex Clark (right) at Espresso Milano. Although we ran into each other frequently at the Michigan Republican Convention, it was nice to finally set some time aside to sit down for an actual conversation. A former campaign aide for newly elected Representative Jim Stamas, Alex has been doing some great things for Midland, including starting the new Midland Young Republicans, where he serves as president. We need more of Midland's youth stepping up to the plate like Alex to lead the city and the area into the future in these troubling times.

March 1, 2008

This past month has been very exciting, and I have enjoyed immensely getting to know and speak to so many Ward 1 residents looking for change. I am extremely humbled by all of the support my campaign has been receiving, from community leaders, to small business owners, to concerned tax-payers. All of the e-mails and phone calls are very encouraging.

After announcing my candidacy, I began setting up meetings with various community leaders with whom I have deep respect and admiration. Their thoughts and counsel have provided me with great insight. What I like most of all, however, is speaking to the citizens of Ward 1 about their important concerns, whether it be a potential tax increase or fixing Midland's budgetary mess. I've enjoyed traveling around the Ward and I can tell that so many Midlanders are ready for change in City Hall.

I've also been busy working for the Republican Party and conservatism. Last month, I was in Lansing for the Michigan Republican Convention helping my good friend Dennis Lennox, who is running for the Michigan legislature in 2010. This past weekend, Dennis and I travelled to Washington to attend CPAC, the largest annual gathering of conservative policy makers. While there, I had the chance to talk and meet with the College Republican chapter of SVSU as well as my friend Robbie Rankey, the newly appointed deputy youth vice chair of the Michigan GOP.

As my campaign continues, please be sure to keep visiting my Web site for more info, and as always, please keep sending me those encouraging letters! Together, we can fix our budget problems, attract small business owners, and improve the overall quality of life in Midland.