Looks like at least two Republicans will be on the primary ballot in August, now that Bill Dwyer has moved on to East Side pastures. Whoever comes out on top on August 5 will likely face former Farmington Hills Mayor Vicki Barnett (http://electvickibarnett.com/), who is thus far the only Democrat running for the seat vacated by term-limited Democrat Aldo Vagnozzi.
Meet Richard Lerner, who plans to announce his candidacy later this month:
I have lived in Farmington Hills since 1998. I worked for 12 years for two Fortune 100 companies in New York, Connecticut and Michigan, and have spent the past 15 years working for myself. Some of my top platform issues include reductions in both taxes and spending, a 100-day Legislature, transparency in government spending, and tax abatement incentives for companies that create new jobs. I hold a degree in Economics from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Policy at Syracuse University, where I also attended graduate school in the MBA program. I came up through the sales side of the distribution logistics and business, and currently own some small businesses that provide outsourced technical training, consulting and interim management services for performance improvement and IT strategies.
He’s also got a start on a great Web site, http://lerner2008.com, which opens with one of my favorite quotes. You’ll find his contact information there and an invitation to return on March 21.
And we received this from Paul Welday, who announced his candidacy today:
A virtual life-long resident and activist in the Farmington area, Welday established an Exploratory Committee for the office in February. In making the announcement, Welday said: “The taxpayers of Farmington and Farmington Hills are demanding change in Lansing. As I have listened to residents of our community, the message is clear. Taxes are too high. Spending is out of control. State government is broken. And it’s time to get serious about fixing Michigan’s ailing economy and clean up the mess in Lansing.”
Welday, 49, is President of Renaissance Strategies, a marketing and communications firm based in Novi and Washington, DC. He is also a partner in the government affairs consulting firm of Strategic Public Affairs where he has represented Automation Alley, the Oakland County Board of Commissioners, Henry Ford Health System, Lawrence Technological University and the National Center of Manufacturing Sciences among others. Prior to launching his business career, Welday served as Chief of Staff to US Representative Joe Knollenberg (R-Bloomfield Twp.) and as Chief of Staff to the Mayor of Omaha, Nebraska.
“I am not running because I need a job. I am running for the state legislature because Michigan is in trouble and Farmington/Farmington Hills needs a strong voice for smaller, more efficient government in Lansing. I am running to make dramatic improvements to our economy. As someone who has created jobs, I understand why we must lower taxes and significantly improve the business climate. I will make the tough choices and prioritize the immediate streamlining of state government. And I will work everyday to restore trust and integrity to the legislative process. I intend to shake up Lansing and help turn Michigan around as we have no time to waste,” Welday continued.
Welday is a graduate of James Madison College of Michigan State University and the Farmington Public School system. He is the President of the Farmington Area Republicans and former Chairman of the Oakland County Republican Party. He is a member of the Friends of the Farmington Exchange Club and a former member of the Farmington Hills Planning Commission.
Four months, three weeks – and counting.
–Joni Hubred-Golden
Michigan Woman Blogger
