Both of the candidates running in the November 8, 2022, general election for Michigan House of Representatives District 61 — Denise Mentzer (D) and Mike Aiello (R) — completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey. These survey responses allow voters to hear directly from candidates about what motivates them to run for office.
Eighty-eight of the country’s 99 state legislative chambers will hold regularly scheduled elections in 2022. The Republican Party controls both chambers of Michigan’s state legislature. Michigan is one of 13 states with a divided government.
Here are excerpts from candidates’ responses to the question: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
Mentzer:
“If elected, I will stand up for everyday families in Michigan and the values that are important to them. I am passionate about securing the right to abortion in Michigan and ensuring that healthcare, especially reproductive healthcare, is more accessible to all. I also support legislation to reduce gun violence, including red flag laws, eliminating the sale of assault rifles and high capacity magazines, and mandatory safety training.”
Aiello:
“Education: Children are the future of our country. Ban all forms of Critical Race Theory (CRT) teachings in public classrooms and in employment trainings. No vaccine mandates or mask mandates in schools. Boost teachers earning potentials. Lower tax burdens on Michigan residence to grow are economy. Eliminate taxes on all retirees pensions and any subsidary incomes. I oppose defunding the Law Enforcement, it would put the men and women of Law Enforcement and cititizines lives at risk.”
Click on the candidates’ profile pages below to read their full responses to this and other questions.
We ask all federal, state, and local candidates with profiles on Ballotpedia to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. Ask the candidates in your area to fill out the survey.
Additional reading:
Michigan House of Representatives elections, 2022
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