AnnArbor.com endorses Mark Ouimet for 52nd District State House
Michigan’s 52nd District State House battle involves two experienced local politicians who are backed by their respective parties in a race that has gained prominence as Democrats seek to regain control of the House.
The district, which represents the communities west and north of Ann Arbor, was redrawn following 2010 when Republican Mark Ouimet won the seat by less than 2 percentage points over his challenger.
This year, he faces Saline Mayor Gretchen Driskell, a Democrat who seeks to unseat him during her first bid for higher office.
Driskell is running on a platform that emphasizes education, describing it as a core value in the community. She speaks passionately about it and its role in economic development, and also prioritizes transportation issues and raises the House passage of a women’s health bill regulating abortion as a concern.
Ouimet touts the legislature’s role in balancing Michigan’s budget and running a fiscally sound state as an accomplishment during his tenure and says it’s a continuing goal over the next two years. He says that changing the tax code and eliminating the Michigan Business Tax was a key step toward the gains the state is now seeing as its unemployment rate inches down and small business activity picks up.
We believe that Ouimet is the best choice for voters in the 52nd district.
Driskell served Saline well as mayor, guiding the city toward economic development opportunities and building the city’s reputation as desirable for business and residential investment. We appreciate that she achieved that success in nonpartisan elections, and believe that her experience on boards and committees would serve a legislator well.
However, we also see Ouimet concluding a first term that finds his district aligned with the goals set by the state: It’s in the early stages of economic rebound and already well represented by an elected leader possessing qualities similar to those Driskell holds.
After being among the legislators that fought with a $1.5 billion deficit in 2011, Ouimet points to continuing a path to job creation; stabilizing education funding, which already is seeing some gains in per-pupil allocations; and increasing government accountability in spending as goals for the next two years.
We agree with those priorities and believe they will serve residents in the 52nd District well.
AnnArbor.com endorsements are the results of AnnArbor.com interviews with candidates and reporting. The endorsement team includes Laurel Champion, executive vice president; Paula Gardner, community news director; and members of Gardner’s staff, including Bob Needham, entertainment director and former Ann Arbor News editorial page editor; and Cindy Heflin, managing producer.
Comments
Bob Zuruncol
Mon, Nov 5, 2012 : 1:33 p.m.
Ouimet is part of the Republican Steamroller in Lansing. We've had enough. More than enough.
TMC216
Mon, Oct 29, 2012 : 2:45 p.m.
I'm just so amused at AnnArbor.com. You're endorseing the guy with too many papermill degrees and tried to screw The County out of thousands of dollars? That he has been incredibly in the pocket of those "Engler Like Reds"? I'm also amused that the advertisements Ouimet broadcasts as "outragious pay increases" that took her salary from a $3,200 in 1998 to $4,000 in 2009, and she hasn't had a raise since. Yeah, what corruption and "big money"? Thank God I don't pay for this rag of a "newspaper".
SalineTeacher
Mon, Oct 29, 2012 : 6:57 p.m.
Once again, Ouimet has NOTHING to do with these ads. And I think the citation was a 25% increase, which is completely accurate.
bobslowson
Mon, Oct 29, 2012 : 12:49 p.m.
Mark Ouimet is a tea party hack that is in lock step with rethuglicans...no thanks Mark!!!
rushvillerocket
Mon, Oct 29, 2012 : 12:22 p.m.
Blah - blah - blah.... One is dishonest, misrepresents, and is an everyday politician... The other is honest, listens to HER people, and is a true representative of HER people... The decision is simple. This message has not been approved by either as I am not a staffer of either ... for the record.
FaithInYpsi
Mon, Oct 29, 2012 : 1:59 a.m.
Seems like a lot of endorsements by AA.com coming out all at once. Not real schooled in the process and just wondering who exactly makes to decision for AA.com to endorse or not.
FaithInYpsi
Mon, Oct 29, 2012 : 3:17 a.m.
Ed...thanks for the input. Thanks BB to you too...I have a nasty dog down the street so I guess I will wait for that endorsement and then I can make an informed decision.
Basic Bob
Mon, Oct 29, 2012 : 2:51 a.m.
@FaithInYpsi, Well, the election is in nine days. They could have pondered the decision for months and waited to announce until today. They didn't announce for drain commissioner, sheriff, county commissioner, constable, dog catcher, and a myriad of other local issues. So to make 4 endorsements seems a little light to me. I like to believe I make my own decisions, but certainly my opinion is formed based on information from various sources, all of which have their own unique points of view somewhat different or the same as my own. @Ed Jackson, This is an election. A candidate who does not attempt to influence voters will surely lose. Except maybe Dingell.
Ed Jackson
Mon, Oct 29, 2012 : 2:32 a.m.
In this case, Mark Ouimet's personal influence on the editorial board made the decision. Truly disappointing such a great city has such embarrassing local political coverage.
A Voice in the Crowd
Sun, Oct 28, 2012 : 9:24 p.m.
Wow. It appears that the Driskell crowd is pissed with this endorsement. Just vote, people!
Elizabeth
Sun, Oct 28, 2012 : 8:18 p.m.
Congratulations, Mark. We are proud to have to represent us. Keep up the good work!
Robert Gordon
Sun, Oct 28, 2012 : 8:11 p.m.
The public delusion about Ouimet's role in Michigan's foundering economy, his caring about the community, and his expertise in issues has found a new voice in this ill considered endorsement. Mark supported balancing the budget by raising taxes on seniors, the working poor, and public employees. He has weakened public schools by supporting cutbacks and the increase of charters. He supported the unconscionable war on women, and efforts to suppress voting rights. I have found him to be uninformed, and little more than a shill for Republican dogma. Any claims of being independent or bipartisan are utter fantasies. Ann Arbor.com, and the people of western Washtenaw County, can do far better than stick with Ouimet. Gretchen Driskell has the background, the integrity, and values that better reflect the true nature of the citizens of our state. I urge people who are supporting Ouimet to look at not just his parades, but rather at his voting record before voting again for him.
SalineTeacher
Mon, Oct 29, 2012 : 7:02 p.m.
Right...she will be so lost in Lansing that she'll just follow Irwin's lead. The people of the 52nd need their own representative, not another Ann Arbor one; Mark Ouimet is that person.
tommy_t
Sun, Oct 28, 2012 : 7:06 p.m.
Dr. Ouimet's stellar credentials and truethiness: http://www.annarbor.com/news/questions-surround-republican-state-house-candidate-mark-ouimets-academic-credentials/
bobslowson
Mon, Oct 29, 2012 : 12:52 p.m.
Yep...he's a fraud, no doubts.
Youwhine
Sun, Oct 28, 2012 : 6:17 p.m.
As a constituent, I have met Mr. Ouimet once at a town-hall sit-down meeting. I found him to be condescending and unwilling to actually answer any questions. I also emailed him with a question and got NO response. I have no interest in somebody who isn't interested in their constituents.
Annika Doner
Sun, Oct 28, 2012 : 5:40 p.m.
An endorsement of Mark Ouimet is an endorsement of environmental harm and degradation in our state. I'm sorry to see that AnnArbor.com has approved Ouimet's poor choices on protecting the natural resources Michigan offers us. Ouimet has voted against protecting Michigan wetlands, in favor of forcing roads through state lands, and for removing shoreline protections. I'm not sure how any Michigander who has seen the natural beauty of this state can accept this. Gretchen Driskell, who started an environmental commission and recycling program as mayor of Saline, has my vote, and should have the vote of every Michigander who values what our state has to offer.
dsponini
Wed, Oct 31, 2012 : 2:01 p.m.
I think I will vote for mark because he has a really nice lawn. Yawn.
Michigan Man
Sun, Oct 28, 2012 : 7:08 p.m.
Mark and his beautiful Ann Arbor physician and community leader wife have a fine, environmental sensitive home and large piece of property. How can you claim he is not environmentally oriented? His landscaping is top notch and he attends to his property quite well. Really, in all honesty we need more like Mark.
Ellen Shafer
Sun, Oct 28, 2012 : 5:33 p.m.
As a woman and as someone who values our community's excellent public schools and parks, it's alarming to see Annarbor.com endorse a candidate who already has a track record of attempting to strip Michigan citizens of their rights and our cities of the resources that offer such a great quality of life.
Joe Sandman
Sun, Oct 28, 2012 : 5:26 p.m.
I could not be more disappointed to see this endorsement. Cutting $1 billon from K12 schools and another $1 billion from higher education will not put our state on a "path to job creation." Companies choose to locate in places where families have access to quality public education and where universities are building an educated workforce. Ouimet may have helped close a $1.5 billion shortfalll, but he did so in a way that compromises economic growth in our state and comes at the expense of children and teachers.
Nick Danger
Sun, Oct 28, 2012 : 5:11 p.m.
Wait a minute.You endorse this guy yet he declines to provide any information on the Ann Arbor.Com voter information guide. irresponsible journalism
Ed Jackson
Sun, Oct 28, 2012 : 4:59 p.m.
This endorsement does nothing in acclaiming Mark Ouimet, and hopefully voters are smart enough to remain unaffected by it. It does, however, undermine the credibility of AnnArbor.com as a legitimate local news source. We all know Mark Ouimet voted to cut 1 billion dollars from K-12 education, which has hit Ann Arbor schools hard. But more notably, he voted to cut 1.8 billion dollars from the University of Michigan, voted to ban stem cell research (a research area rip for job growth in Ann Arbor), and voted against a woman's right to choose. It may have been excusable to endorse Mark Ouimet 2 years ago when they could've been fooled by Ouimet's false moderate rhetoric, but there's no way they could have credibly endorsed him after he undercut Ann Arbor at every chance he had. Someone behind the scenes must be going on and it's an absolute embarrassment to this news organization.
Jay Davenport
Sun, Oct 28, 2012 : 4:42 p.m.
Unbelievable! Mark Ouimet has turned his back on this district. He said he was a moderate and that he was probably pro-choice yet has voted LOCKSTEP with the right since getting into office. He has shown no leadership and has carried the water of corporations and Rick Snyder since day one. This is very disappointing and shows an immense lack of critical thinking by this site.
Nick Danger
Sun, Oct 28, 2012 : 4:30 p.m.
This guy has a anti-labor ,anti education and anti retiree position and you think he's a great political leader .He represents the wealthy with a utter disregard for working people and children.What were you thinking?
NicholeGilbert
Sun, Oct 28, 2012 : 4 p.m.
someone please get all of Mark's staffers out of the comments! I love of how the endorsement lists all the reasons why Gretchen should be elected! "However, we also see Ouimet concluding a first term that finds his district aligned with the goals set by the state: It's in the early stages of economic rebound and already well represented by an elected leader possessing qualities similar to those Driskell holds." I don't know about everyone else but this reads pretty well for the Mayor... We will see on Tuesday!
NicholeGilbert
Sun, Oct 28, 2012 : 8:20 p.m.
What box? There are no boxes on any ballots, have you seen one before? Thanks for the worthless comment by the way! Sorry we'll see on ELECTION day..
Michigan Man
Sun, Oct 28, 2012 : 4:33 p.m.
NG - You seem confused. The election is not this Tuesday - how about a week from Tuesday. Perhaps you will need assistance in the voting booth to make sure you mark the correct box?
52ndGirl
Sun, Oct 28, 2012 : 3:25 p.m.
I think it is unfortunate that susie, tommy_t, and skifina2 believe that going back to the Granholm years of tax and spend and leaving the mess for future generations to deal with is the way to vote in November. The current legislature had to make many tough decisions to turn the state around. I applaud Ouimet and the other state reps who stepped up to the plate to make the bold decisions. Driskell would have folded under this pessure to unions and left wing extremists; we don't need that representation in Lansing. Ouimet is the correct choice for this District
Ed Jackson
Mon, Oct 29, 2012 : 6:06 p.m.
Ouimet's staff needs to get a little more creative: 52ndGirl is way too obvious.
bobslowson
Mon, Oct 29, 2012 : 12:54 p.m.
52ndGirl is a Ouimet staffer....don't feed the trolls...
Robert Gordon
Mon, Oct 29, 2012 : 1:52 a.m.
52nd, if you are a woman, I am astonished you can abide by Ouimet's attitudes toward womens' health, reproductive rights, and education. As for your assertion that the Granholm years left debts to repay, thank Bush and company for sending the automobile companies into a downward spiral. There is no such thing as running a deficit as a state.
skfina2
Sun, Oct 28, 2012 : 2:41 p.m.
Are you kidding me? Mark Ouimet ran as a moderate but has consistently voted with the right wing extremists in his party. Some of his votes were even to the right of Gov. Snyder, like the restrictive voting rights that would disenfranchise legitimate voters. He also voted in favor of one of the most restrictive reproductive rights bills in the country. But then again, what do you expect from the people who endorsed George Bush? See how we'll that worked out for us? GO GRETCHEN!!!!
tommy_t
Sun, Oct 28, 2012 : 2:29 p.m.
He's still a zero with or without your superb judgmental skills .
DAN
Sun, Oct 28, 2012 : 2:25 p.m.
Did he ever pay back the county Board for his disallowed expenses when they audited all members?
Ed Jackson
Mon, Oct 29, 2012 : 6:10 p.m.
Unlike Mark, Gretchen hasn't been bringing up the negative. I wish her campaign would just print out these articles: http://www.annarbor.com/news/snyder-endorses-ouimet-in-52nd-district-state-house-race-as-dems-attack-ouimets-business-record/ http://www.annarbor.com/news/questions-surround-republican-state-house-candidate-mark-ouimets-academic-credentials/ http://www.annarbor.com/news/mark-ouimet-cuts-check-to-county-for-14386-after-audit-finds-commissioners-improperly-collected-pay/ I admire Gretchen sticking to the issues, and there's certainly a lot there to run on, given Ouimet's horrible voting record. But seriously, did people forget all this? Did aa.com not read its own paper?
Alex Kar
Sun, Oct 28, 2012 : 2:44 p.m.
Yes he did, and I'm sure you know that. Did Gretchen ask you to keep bringing that up as much as possible? If that's the best she's got, it seems pretty obvious why AA.com endorsed Mark.
Michigan Man
Sun, Oct 28, 2012 : 2:01 p.m.
Have been commenting for months that Mark will be re-elected with ease! No surprise here.
susie
Sun, Oct 28, 2012 : 1:43 p.m.
It's unfortunate that AA.com has endorsed Mr. Ouimet - it seems as if you too have been fooled by his "nice guy" approach to public service. He will never give a direct answer to policy questions, he believes that the state should be making health decisions for women, he has done nothing to elevate public education in our state, he has cut the per pupil foundation allowance (and not increased funding the k-12 public education) he has voted exclusively with his Republican caucus, and he continues to de-value public education by supporting unlimited charter schools and cyber-schools without the same accountability measures that public schools have. His policies continue to make villians out of educators and senior citizens, and his votesthe past two years stand for themselves. Gretchen Driskell is prepared to Represent the best interest of all members of the 52nd District
SalineTeacher
Sun, Oct 28, 2012 : 3:50 p.m.
Wow, you've really drank the Kool-Aid.
Alex Kar
Sun, Oct 28, 2012 : 1:40 p.m.
A solid assessment and the right conclusion! Vote for Mark!
sflower
Sun, Oct 28, 2012 : 1:08 p.m.
I just looked up state representative in the dictionary and found Mark Ouimet's picture. Mark is an open minded representative who votes based on what his right not party lines
Boo Radley
Sun, Nov 4, 2012 : 7:11 p.m.
I could not disagree with you more, sflower In taking a look at Mark's voting record, I don't think he put any thought into any of the issues at all. He has just gone along with anything Governor Snyder has endorsed. Mark has been a huge disappointment.
dsponini
Wed, Oct 31, 2012 : 2:04 p.m.
Open minded?!! I just LOL'd myself! Doesn't vote on party lines? WOW...you obviously don't know anything about him....
Jake Morano
Sun, Oct 28, 2012 : 1:04 p.m.
Way to go Mark you more than earned this endorsement. A much deserved reward for all of your hardwork
A2democrat
Sun, Oct 28, 2012 : 12:57 p.m.
Congrats on a job well done thus far Mark. Michigan has made so much progress over the past two years and we know you played a major role in that
Eat Local A2
Sun, Oct 28, 2012 : noon
Mr. Ouimet has earned the support of his district by what he has done over the past two years, visiting many events and forums and homes throughout the district and listening to his constituents.
BettyS
Sun, Oct 28, 2012 : 10:22 a.m.
This retired teacher living in Saline will be voting for Ouimet on November 6th! Your endorsement is right on the mark (no pun intended)! We need continued thoughfull legislative work in Lansing as well as great community service, both of which Ouimet provides. We are lucky to have someone like him representing us in Lansing.
ScioIndy
Sun, Oct 28, 2012 : 10:17 a.m.
You finally got this one right! Mark "will serve residents in the 52nd District well" - he already has! Good luck to Mark in November!
John T
Sat, Oct 27, 2012 : 8:05 p.m.
Thank you, AnnArbor.com, for taking the time to sift through all the muck out there (on both sides) and endorse the best candidate for the job. Mark has done great things and it is great to see it being recognized.
52ndGirl
Sat, Oct 27, 2012 : 8 p.m.
I couldn't agree with the editorial of board of AA.com more! Mark is the best person, without a doubt, to represent the 52nd district!! Keep up the good work, Mark! You have and will continue to serve us well!!
Mavrick08
Sat, Oct 27, 2012 : 7:59 p.m.
We truly do need to give elected officials at all levees and all parities. Their jobs are not easy, and not matter what they do people are going to be upset with them. While I do agree with Jeff Irwin I appreciate his hard work and know he is a dedicated public servant. Over the past two years many hard choices have been made in Lansing and many were asked to do more with less. However, positive charge is happening across the state due to the action of Mark and legislature. Thank you Mark for all of your hard work and I am sure I will see in the community or on my door step in the next few weeks.
samseaborn
Sat, Oct 27, 2012 : 7:52 p.m.
Keep up the good work Mark only a few more days. So proud to have you as my Representative
A2sparty
Sat, Oct 27, 2012 : 7:50 p.m.
Best news of the week and possibly of this entire month. Mark truly cares about Washtenaw County and the people of the state of Michigan. Mark is what a state rep should be: he will listen to anyone on any subject when making a decision he always gets as much information as possible. He makes informed votes and understands the consequences. From someone who contacts him and his office frequently, I promise this is not a position he takes lightly. Way to go Mark and thank you for all you have done. However, we may need to work on you rooting for Michigan State or Notre Dame instead of UofM
Susie Q
Sun, Oct 28, 2012 : 9:46 p.m.
I think Mr Ouimet probably cheers for the Northwood University Timberwolves, his alma mater or LaSalle University in Mandeville, Louisiana.
Paul Fisher
Sat, Oct 27, 2012 : 7:49 p.m.
Well put, AA.com! Go Mark!
Ed Jackson
Mon, Oct 29, 2012 : 8:30 p.m.
Ouimet niether represents the interests of Ann Arbor nor the interests of the 52nd. Ouimet supported fracking, an issue a majority of people in the 52nd vehemently oppose as it would threaten their water safety and general environment; Ouimet's cuts to schools have caused layoffs to local schools across the district; Ouimet's ban of stem cell research left a lot of people in the district with fewer job opportunities. Many people in Saline, Chelsea, and Dexter work for the University of Michigan in some capacity, so they too felt the hit of the 1.8 billion dollars he took from the UofM. In the rural parts of the district people in the 52nd district tend to value their environment, yet Ouimet's environmental record according to the League of Conservation Voters is atrocious. Ouimet represents one thing: the far right conservative agenda, as he voted over 98 percent in lockstep with the far right majority. The 52nd district is much more moderate and deserves a representative who pays at least some attention to his/her constituents, not one who shoves the far right agenda from Lansing down the district's throats.
SalineTeacher
Mon, Oct 29, 2012 : 6:52 p.m.
@Ed: as Alex said, it is (no longer) Mark's job to "represent the interest of Ann Arbor." He has done, and will continue to do, an excellent job representing those north and west of Ann Arbor. His opponent on the other hand will be another Ann Arbor representative, which I'm sure voters in the 52nd don't want.
Ed Jackson
Mon, Oct 29, 2012 : 6:02 p.m.
Alex, no where did I say Ouimet represents Ann Arbor. I did, however, point out policies Ouimet has supported that have had extremely damaging effects on Ann Arbor. As a state legislator, Ouimet has passed several policies (cuts to K-12 education, cuts to the University of Michigan, bans on stem cell research, etc.) that directly and negatively affect Ann Arbor, despite him respresenting the 52nd district, which, as you pointed out no longer includes Ann Arbor. It's curious why AA.com would endorse a candidate in the 52nd to begin with, but if they were to do so, as they did here, you would think they'd consider how Ouimet's policies have so painfully impacted the community aa.com covers. A discussion about how devastating Ouimet's policies are for the district he represents would require several pages, not merely a comment on a web article.
Alex Kar
Mon, Oct 29, 2012 : 5:32 p.m.
Well, Ed, to start off, Ouimet does not represent Ann Arbor. There are small parts of the district with Ann Arbor mailing addresses, but for the most part, Ann Arbor is represented by Jeff Irwin. When you make uninformed statements like that, it discredits everything you say and, I would think, embarrasses you.
Ed Jackson
Sun, Oct 28, 2012 : 5:06 p.m.
Susie Q. You really couldn't have said it better; I'm glad you brought attention to this comically transparent campaign tactic. Just read the regular commenters who are real people and not aliases set up by Ouimet's campaign team, and you'll see what the community really thinks of Ouimet and his destructive voting record. No one who votes to cut 1.8 billion dollars from the University of Michigan and kicks out billions of dollars of research industry by opposing stem cell research can possibly represent the interest of Ann Arbor.
Susie Q
Sun, Oct 28, 2012 : 2:18 p.m.
Oddly, five of the first six glowing comments come from posters who have joined A2.com in the past 10 days or so. They have ONLY commented positively on Mr Ouimet or negatively on Democrats and his opponent. I suspect this is an orchestrated chorus of accolades rather than a true grassroots appreciation of Mr Ouimet and his accomplishments. I have found that Mr Ouimet will listen and answer questions in a vague, polite way and then vote the way his caucus tells him. I seem to remember his only contrary vote was the helmet law, but I could be mistaken. I will vote for his opponent.